Everything You Need for an Old Hollywood Theme Party
Marcella Breglia
Contributor
Cue the jazz music and get your cameras ready because this star studded affair will be one to remember! Embody the spirit of the golden age in Hollywood by adding plenty of glamor, glitz, and jazz to a birthday celebration, a New Year's Eve bash, or even an awards season viewing party for the Oscars or Grammys. From finding inspiration for Old Hollywood theme party outfits to tips on constructing a champagne tower, we have the ultimate guide filled with ideas for an Old Hollywood theme party.
Practice your walk down the red carpet and get ready to embrace the alluring vintage charm of the era with an Old Hollywood themed party. For this celebration, entertainment and decor are crucial to capture that old time sparkle, and we’re here to help you plan. From the red velvet accents to the live music, these Old Hollywood theme party ideas will ensure you host an unforgettable soiree.
1. Jazz Band
Lavish, loud, and entertaining are just some ways to describe the lifestyle of the golden age in Hollywood. Bring the rhythm to the Old Hollywood theme party with an energetic jazz band. With the ability to touch upon all the genres, they can blend the allure of swing, the smoothness of blues, and the sophistication of early jazz. As the saxophones wail and the upright bass thumps, your guests will be transported to the smoky jazz clubs that once lined Sunset Boulevard.
2. Marilyn Monroe Impersonator
Add a touch of Hollywood magic with a Marilyn Monroe impersonator. Picture her in the iconic white dress, classic blonde hair, and distinct voice; it’ll be a moment your guests will not forget! A Marilyn lookalike will be able to mingle with guests and even perform a special song if you’d like.
Find a Marilyn Monroe Impersonator
3. A Glam Photo Booth
By renting a photo booth, you can offer a portal into the golden age of cinema. Guests can show off their Old Hollywood theme party outfits with different props like vintage hats, feather boas, and old movie cameras so they can strike paparazzi worthy poses. Personalize your prints to offer a keepsake to guests to remember the iconic soiree.
4. Bartender
The allure of Old Hollywood can be intoxicating, so booking a bartender will be the perfect way to add that extra special element to your celebration. Leave mixing the Cosmopolitans and Old Fashioneds to the master professionals! If booking a bartender, you can even decorate the station as a classic cocktail bar to resemble an Old Hollywood lounge party scene.
5. Pianist
Nothing says “glamor” like the smooth sound of the piano. Imagine, as your guests mingle, dance, or simply bask in the nostalgia of the evening, the pianist will become the heartbeat of the party. With an added layer of elegance, your event will turn into an unforgettable symphony of vintage charm.
6. Shrimp Cocktail
No need to overcomplicate the menu, Old Hollywood style is simply classic and refined cuisine. Shrimp cocktail will act as the best classic appetizer, especially if you serve it in a crystal-clear martini glass. A delicious cocktail sauce paired with jumbo shrimp are as delicious as they look, making them perfect for an Old Hollywood themed party.
7. Charcuterie
A spread of cured meats, artisanal cheeses, and an assortment of delectable fruit, nuts, and crackers accompanies the lavish Old Hollywood era. These pair perfectly with cocktails, assuring this delicious appetizer will be a crowd favorite.
8. Oysters Rockefeller
Including oysters Rockefeller on the menu will add the perfect taste of timeless luxury. This culinary masterpiece is made by topping oysters with creamy greens, breadcrumbs, and boiling until golden brown. This appetizer is a nod to the extravagant tastes that defined Hollywood's golden era and will make a delicious Old Hollywood theme food option.
9. Cheesecake
Stick to the classics for an Old Hollywood themed dessert, like cheesecake. Serve a traditional NY style cheesecake topped with a cherry, or get creative by incorporating different flavors. Some flavors that will fit the Old Hollywood theme are chocolate swirl, raspberry white chocolate, or strawberry champagne.
10. Champagne
For a theme as iconic as Old Hollywood, you’ll need drinks just as glamorous. The obvious drink choice for any celebration, but especially when the theme is Old Hollywood is champagne! Imagine the pop of the cork and the spritz of the bubbles as you pour champagne into crystal glasses arranged in the tower formation; that’s glamor at its finest.
11. Classic Martinis
A timeless classic, like a martini, will be a perfectly delicious drink for your guests as they infuse themselves in the high class lifestyle of Hollywood. Whether they’re served with an elegant lemon twist or the subtle addition of briny olives, these classic cocktails will add the perfect touch of class to your event.
12. Old Fashioneds
An Old Fashioned will be the perfect signature cocktail to an Old Hollywood theme party. With its vintage charm featuring whiskey and bitters, your guests will feel like a powerful celebrity ordering this cocktail on the rocks.
13. Sparkling Cider
For a delicious non-alcoholic drink option, sparkling cider is just as fun and sophisticated as any cocktail. Serve in champagne flutes and mix with other fruit juices like grape, raspberry, or orange to create a refreshing mocktail.
14. Red Carpet Entrance
For everything Hollywood and glamor, think extravagant and luxurious. Embody the golden age of cinema with captivating Old Hollywood themed decorations like these. Roll out the red carpet so guests can enter the venue in style and get their pictures taken by paparazzi, like true Hollywood stars. Set the stage for a night filled with glitz and glam with a classic Hollywood entrance.
Pro Tip: Book professional photographers to act as the paparazzi for your Old Hollywood theme party.
15. Make a Hollywood Sign
It wouldn't be Hollywood without something bold! Incorporate a replica of the famous Hollywood sign to truly make your guests feel like stars. This touch can also make for a great backdrop for some Instagram worthy moments!
16. Oscar Statue Party Favors
A party where everyone’s a winner! Present each guest with the iconic Academy Award statuette as a lasting reminder of a night filled with star-studded memories. You can present awards for best dressed, most funny, or any type of superlative.
17. Velvet Ropes
Picture plush, velvety soft ropes elegantly lining the path to your venue, creating an exclusive runway for guests to make their grand entrance. A sign of prestige and luxury is this simple decoration that will take your Old Hollywood themed party to the next level.
18. White Feather Centerpieces
Nothing pays homage to the glamor of the golden era like feathers. These lavish decorations can be a focal point as centerpieces or even props at the photo booth! Stick these feathers into vases with gems, rhinestones, or even floral arrangements.
19. Awards Ceremony
Katharine Hepburn once said "If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun." So, break the rules with these party games and activities at your Old Hollywood theme party. Award guests for "Best Dressed," "Most Glamorous Couple," or "Classic Style Icon." Your friends and family will be honored, and it's even a fun opportunity to let them make iconic acceptance speeches that will surely be the highlight of the night.
20. Old Hollywood Karaoke
Take center stage with vintage microphones and classic tunes so you can belt your heart out like a Hollywood superstar. With an Old Hollywood karaoke station, your guests will get their moment of fame, and you will have fun entertainment for your Old Hollywood theme party!
Pro Tip: Book a karaoke DJ to make your Old Hollywood theme party star-approved.
21. Vintage Board Games
Elevate the nostalgic charm of your Old Hollywood themed event by incorporating vintage board games. Set up a designated area with classic games such as Monopoly, Scrabble, or Clue, and don’t be afraid to break the rules and create conversation, just like Hepburn would have wanted.
22. Old Hollywood Movie Trivia
Quiz your guest’s knowledge on classic films, iconic actors, and memorable moments from the golden age of Hollywood! This is the perfect way to pay homage to the rich history of cinema and the golden age of Hollywood. Take inspiration from The Wizard of Oz, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and Casablanca.
Find more party ideas and inspiration here on The Bash.
