The holiday season is the perfect time to gather friends and family for a festive celebration. While modern Christmas parties are fun, there’s something magical about stepping back in time and hosting a retro Christmas party. Whether you’re inspired by the 1950s, 60s, 70s, or 80s, a retro-themed party is a fantastic way to infuse your holiday gathering with nostalgia, charm, and a touch of vintage flair. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to host the ultimate retro Christmas party, from decorations and music to food and activities.
Step 1: Choose Your Retro Era
The first step in planning your retro Christmas party is deciding which decade you want to channel. Each era has its own unique style, music, and traditions, so choose one that resonates with you or mix and match elements from different decades for a fun, eclectic vibe.
- 1950s: Think classic Hollywood glamour, pastel colors, and traditional holiday charm. This era is all about cozy family gatherings, Bing Crosby tunes, and vintage ornaments.
- 1960s: Go bold with mod patterns, psychedelic colors, and a groovy vibe. The 60s were all about breaking traditions, so expect a mix of classic and experimental holiday decor.
- 1970s: Embrace disco balls, shag carpets, and earthy tones. The 70s were all about funky fashion, retro cocktails, and a laid-back holiday spirit.
- 1980s: Bring on the neon colors, leg warmers, and synth-pop music. The 80s were a time of excess, so think big hair, bold decorations, and over-the-top holiday cheer.
Once you’ve chosen your era, let it guide every aspect of your party planning.
Step 2: Send Out Retro Invitations
Set the tone for your party with vintage-style invitations. You can create digital invites with retro fonts and graphics or go old-school with physical cards. Here are some ideas:
- 1950s: Use pastel colors, classic Christmas imagery (like Santa, reindeer, or snowmen), and cursive fonts.
- 1960s: Opt for bold, geometric designs and psychedelic patterns.
- 1970s: Use earthy tones, disco balls, and funky fonts.
- 1980s: Go neon with bright colors, pixelated graphics, and retro video game-inspired designs.
Include a note encouraging guests to dress in period-appropriate attire to really get into the spirit!
Step 3: Decorate with Vintage Flair
Decorations are key to creating a retro Christmas atmosphere. Here’s how to deck the halls in style:
Christmas Tree
- 1950s: Use tinsel, glass ornaments, and bubble lights. Top the tree with a vintage angel or star.
- 1960s: Add mod-inspired ornaments, like colorful balls, geometric shapes, and handmade crafts.
- 1970s: Go for a natural look with wooden ornaments, macramé decorations, and popcorn garlands.
- 1980s: Load up on flashy tinsel, neon ornaments, and quirky decorations like plastic Santas and reindeer.
Table Settings
- Use vintage tablecloths, mismatched china, and retro glassware. Add centerpieces like old-fashioned candles, holly, or mini disco balls.
- For a 1950s touch, use pastel-colored plates and napkins. For the 70s, opt for earthy tones and woven placemats.
Lighting
- String up vintage-style Christmas lights, like large-bulb C7 or C9 lights.
- Add a disco ball or lava lamp for a 70s vibe, or neon lights for an 80s feel.
Miscellaneous Decor
- Hang retro Christmas posters, vintage ads, or old holiday cards on the walls.
- Set up a record player or cassette deck as a decorative piece (and for playing music!).
- Use vintage stockings, nutcrackers, and figurines to add charm.
Step 4: Create a Retro Playlist
Music is essential for setting the mood. Create a playlist of holiday classics and popular hits from your chosen era. Here are some suggestions:
1950s
- “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby
- “Jingle Bell Rock” by Bobby Helms
- “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” by Brenda Lee
- “The Christmas Song” by Nat King Cole
1960s
- “Wonderful Christmastime” by The Beatles
- “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” by Darlene Love
- “Sleigh Ride” by The Ronettes
- “Do You Hear What I Hear?” by Bing Crosby
1970s
- “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” by John Lennon
- “Feliz Navidad” by José Feliciano
- “Merry Christmas Darling” by The Carpenters
- “Step Into Christmas” by Elton John
1980s
- “Last Christmas” by Wham!
- “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” by Band Aid
- “Christmas Wrapping” by The Waitresses
- “All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Vince Vance & The Valiants
Don’t forget to include non-holiday hits from the era to keep the party lively!
Step 5: Serve Retro Food and Drinks
Food is a huge part of any party, and a retro Christmas celebration is no exception. Serve dishes and drinks that were popular in your chosen decade.
Appetizers
- 1950s: Deviled eggs, cheese balls, and shrimp cocktail.
- 1960s: Fondue, stuffed mushrooms, and cocktail weenies.
- 1970s: Swedish meatballs, spinach dip, and cheese fondue.
- 1980s: Nachos, mini quiches, and pigs in a blanket.
Main Dishes
- 1950s: Roast turkey with all the trimmings, glazed ham, or beef Wellington.
- 1960s: Chicken à la king, tuna casserole, or beef stroganoff.
- 1970s: Fondue bourguignonne, coq au vin, or lasagna.
- 1980s: Turkey with cranberry sauce, baked ziti, or honey-glazed ham.
Desserts
- 1950s: Jell-O molds, fruitcake, and peppermint bark.
- 1960s: Baked Alaska, ambrosia salad, and chocolate fondue.
- 1970s: Pineapple upside-down cake, cheesecake, and trifle.
- 1980s: Yule log, Christmas cookies, and chocolate mousse.
Drinks
- 1950s: Eggnog, Tom and Jerry, and classic cocktails like Manhattans or martinis.
- 1960s: Harvey Wallbangers, grasshoppers, and Singapore slings.
- 1970s: Piña coladas, whiskey sours, and white Russians.
- 1980s: Sex on the beach, Long Island iced tea, and wine coolers.
Set up a retro-style bar with vintage glassware and cocktail shakers for added authenticity.
Step 6: Plan Retro Activities and Games
Keep your guests entertained with activities and games that reflect the spirit of your chosen era.
1950s
- Host a Christmas carol sing-along.
- Play charades or board games like Scrabble or Monopoly.
- Set up a photo booth with vintage props like Santa hats, reindeer antlers, and fake snow.
1960s
- Have a twist or limbo contest.
- Play records on a turntable and let guests dance the night away.
- Set up a DIY ornament-making station with mod-inspired materials.
1970s
- Host a disco dance-off with a glittery dance floor.
- Play retro games like Twister or Pong.
- Set up a Polaroid camera for instant vintage photos.
1980s
- Organize a karaoke session with 80s hits.
- Play classic video games like Pac-Man or Super Mario Bros.
- Have a “best-dressed” contest with prizes for the most authentic 80s outfits.
Step 7: Encourage Retro Fashion
Ask your guests to dress in period-appropriate attire to fully embrace the theme. Here are some ideas:
- 1950s: Poodle skirts, cardigans, and pearls for women; suits and fedoras for men.
- 1960s: Mod dresses, go-go boots, and headbands for women; turtlenecks and blazers for men.
- 1970s: Bell-bottoms, fringe, and platform shoes for everyone.
- 1980s: Neon colors, leg warmers, and shoulder pads for women; Members Only jackets and acid-wash jeans for men.
Step 8: Capture the Memories
Set up a photo booth with props and backdrops that match your theme. Use a Polaroid camera for instant vintage photos or a digital camera with retro filters. Encourage guests to take home their photos as keepsakes.
Step 9: Send Guests Home with Retro Favors
Thank your guests for coming with small, era-appropriate party favors. Ideas include:
- 1950s: Mini bottles of Coca-Cola, candy canes, or vintage-style ornaments.
- 1960s: Peace sign keychains, mini lava lamps, or tie-dye socks.
- 1970s: Disco ball keychains, retro candy, or mini records.
- 1980s: Rubik’s cubes, slap bracelets, or cassette tape-shaped chocolates.
Conclusion
Hosting a retro Christmas party is a fun and creative way to celebrate the holiday season. By choosing a specific era, incorporating vintage decorations, music, food, and activities, you can create a memorable experience that transports your guests back in time. Whether you’re channeling the cozy charm of the 1950s or the bold energy of the 1980s, your retro Christmas party is sure to be a hit. So put on your favorite holiday tunes, dust off your vintage decor, and get ready to celebrate in style!