Everything You Need for a 50s Theme Party
Brittany Anderson
Editor
Put on your poodle skirt, tie your saddle shoes, and get ready to rock around the clock because we have everything you need to plan a keen 50s theme party! This vibrant decade was filled with jukebox jams, rebellious fashion, and classic cars, all of the perfect details to use for a 50s party theme.
Bring the sock hop vibes to your 50s theme party for an upcoming birthday celebration, anniversary, or other special occasion. From diner inspired 50s theme party decorations and food, to rockin’ 50s theme party outfits and live entertainment, we have tons of throwback ideas that are the bee’s knees.
1. Dance Band
This era was booming with new dance moves like the Jitterbug, the Jive, and the Bunny Hop. Book a dance band to cover popular tunes from the 50s and put your moves to the test. If you dig the edgier sound of the decade, you could also book a rock band to get everyone on the dance floor.
2. Burgers and Fries
Channel the 1950s diner vibes by serving the classic combination of a burger and fries. To make this meal more party friendly, opt for sliders and cups of fries that will be just as delicious with less of the mess. Allow guests to enjoy biting into a juicy burger, and make sure to include all of the toppings like ketchup, lettuce, and tomato.
Pro Tip: Book a caterer or food truck to bring the ultimate diner vibes.
3. 50s Theme Party Outfits
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If you’re wondering what to wear to a 50s theme party, take inspiration from the classic TV shows like “I Love Lucy,” “The Honeymooners,” and “Leave It to Beaver.” You’ll want to incorporate iconic 50s theme party clothes like leather jackets, cat eye glasses, and fedoras. You could opt to go full greaser styler, take inspiration from sock hop looks, or keep it casual with classic Levi’s and a white shirt, just like James Dean.
4. Milkshakes and Malts
No diner meal is complete without a milkshake to wash it down. Have a milkshake bar as one of your 1950s party ideas that features different flavors and add-ins. Include chocolate syrup, crushed cookies, or turn this sweet drink into a mudslide with a shot of your favorite liquor. Don’t forget the cherries on top!
5. Celebrity Impersonators and Tributes
Travel back in time by inviting special characters straight from the 1950s to mingle with guests during your celebration! Browse The Bash to find local impersonators including Lucille Ball from “I Love Lucy,” Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, or tribute acts like Frank Sinatra and Patsy Cline. These icons will be the finishing touches to the 50s party theme.
6. Hula Hoop Contest
Photo: Liliana Kinomoto/shutterstock.com
The 50s were all about hula hoops! Encourage a little friendly competition at your 50s theme party by seeing who can hula hoop the longest, perform the coolest trick, or take inspiration from a sock hop by playing hoop freeze dance.
7. Checkered Decor
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Step back in time with checkered decor at your 50s theme party! Whether you opt for black and white checkered tablecloths or create a retro diner inspired dance floor, this classic pattern instantly brings the rockin' vibe of the decade to help complete your 50s theme party decorations.
8. Classic Car Rental
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Do you know what will completely transform your event into a 50s theme party? A classic car. Browse local car rentals on The Bash to find Thunderbirds, Bel Airs, or Corvettes so you can arrive at your party in style. The best part about a car rental is that it will also double as a photo backdrop and your 50s theme party decorations.
9. Vinyl Record Decor
One of the best (and few) ways to listen to music in the 1950s was on a record player. Take inspiration from the decade by using vinyl records as part of your 50s theme party decorations. If you don’t want to use your vintage records, you can get decorative ones on Amazon that will work just as well.
Simply tape them to a wall to create an aesthetic 50s record backdrop or scatter them across tables to create the perfect detailed accent to your decor. You can also use replicas or placemats or coasters, too!
10. Drive In Movie
The best way to spend a Friday night in the 50s was at the drive in. Turn your backyard into your very own outdoor theater for your 50s party theme by booking an outdoor movie screen. Guests can park their cars or sit on blankets and lawn chairs to watch their favorite 50s films or movies inspired by the decade. Don’t forget to have fresh popcorn and plenty of candy!
11. Deviled Eggs
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There’s a reason why people still make deviled eggs for parties, they’re a classic. Put a trendy spin on this 50s party dish by adding ingredients like avocado, sriracha, or smoked salmon.
12. DJ Jukebox
If you don’t have a real jukebox, book a DJ to play all of your favorite 50s tunes. Work with them to curate a decade inspired playlist or let guests submit requests to get everyone Jitterbugging in no time.
13. Root Beer Floats
You’ll have plenty of soda pop already, so pick up a few carts of ice cream to make root beer floats, one of the best drinks of the 1950s. If you’re not a fan of root beer, you can turn any type of soda into a float with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
14. Jello
The most popular dessert at the time was good old Jello. Whether you opt for nostalgia by serving Jello salad, or you want to put a modern twist with Jello shots, this jiggly food needs to make an appearance for an authentic 50s theme party.
15. Name That Tune
Test your guests’ knowledge of 50s music by playing throwback tunes for everyone to guess. Some of the top hits included “Jailhouse Rock,” “Great Balls of Fire,” and “Lollipop that are still popular today.” Create a decade inspired playlist so you can host this fun 50s themed party activity.
16. Time Machine Photo Booth
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Capture the memories of your 50s party theme and travel back in time with the help of a photo booth. Guests can hold 50s themed props like fedoras, sunglasses, and inflatable guitars in front of a diner backdrop that will make it look like they are right out of the decade. Plus, this allows everyone to take a little piece of the party home with printed versions or digital copies.
17. Soda Pop
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You’ll want to have plenty of party beverages to keep guests hydrated while they’re cutting a rug on the dance floor, and what’s a better 50s drink than soda? Serve pop in classic glass bottles like Coca Cola, Fanta, and root beer to help capture the decade.
18. Hot Dogs
When you’re serving hamburgers, you’ll obviously need hot dogs too. Allow guests to dress their dog with the classic toppings like chili, relish, ketchup, and mustard.
19. Jukebox
If you’re able to, get your hands on a jukebox to play 50s hits during your party. The mesmerizing glowing light will act as an accent in your event space to help capture the atmosphere of the decade. An inflatable jukebox or a cardboard cut out will be just as good though.
20. Martinis
Add a touch of sophistication to your 1950s party ideas by serving classic martinis. This quintessential cocktail is elegant, simple to make, and easy to customize. With vodka or gin and vermouth, include the classic garnishes like cocktail onions, lemon twists, or olives.
Pro Tip: Book a bartender to whip up classing 50s inspired cocktails like Old Fashioneds, Manhattans, and Daiquiris.
21. Retro Games
Add entertainment to the list 1950s party ideas by booking old school games like pinball machines and other retro video games. Guests will have a blast with a little friendly competition as they try to beat their high scores
22. Neon Sign
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1950s diners and bars were filled with neon signs, so incorporate this ambient lighting into your 50s theme party decorations. Find signs with sayings like “diner” or “rock and roll” that will help set the scene.
23. Shirley Temples
This non-alcoholic drink was popular in the 1950s and never went out of style. Mix up Shirley Temples at your 50s theme party by combining lemon-lime soda or ginger ale with grenadine and maraschino cherries.
24. Candy Buffett
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Set up a candy buffet for guests to satisfy their sweet tooth. Include classic 50s candy like bubble gum, Tootsie Rolls, and candy cigarettes to stick with the theme.
Find more party theme ideas here on The Bash.
