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If you're reasoning of throwing a party with a "retro" theme (pre-1950s), then you're probably seeing for ideas to get you off to a great start! Each decade is so certain that it can be hard to know where to begin, so here are a few ways to get started:

1. Pick the decade for your theme

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1920s - Think flappers, chin-length bob hairdos, headbands with feathers, cigarette holders, and low waisted, knee-length dresses for women; flannel trousers, tweed jackets, baggy knickers, and pipes for men. Your room theme could be a good ol' prohibition-style speakeasy. Jazz and ragtime music will unblemished the theme.

1930s - Think close-fitting, below the knee dresses, matching tweed jackets and skirts, shirt-waist style dresses in linens and florals, and hats and gloves for daytime; long dresses in silk crepe, chiffon, taffeta or velvet, along with hats and gloves for evening. Short, finger-waved hair. For men: Suits, ties, and hats for daytime; full dress with a tail coat or supper jacket and hat for evening. For music, from jazz-age dance bands to the early sound of swing.

1940s - during wartime: Suits consisting of a jacket, blouse, and below-the-knee skirt; wide-legged slacks (think Katharine Hepburn and Rosie the Riveter); and lower-heeled, comfortable shoes. Hair worn curled high on the head in front and worn to the shoulders in the back. After wartime: Feminine dresses with long, full skirts, tight waists, and high heels. Zoot suits were all the rage for men. Big band swing music from names like Jimmy Dorsey, Glenn Miller, and Arte Shaw, just to name a few, was the beloved music of the day.

2. Make a guest list, then Pick a location based on the amount of guests

If you have a small budget, reconsider intriguing fewer citizen and hosting it in your home (if this is appropriate). You can originate a great "retro" atmosphere in your own home just by playing the music of the decade and having every person wear the fashion of the day.

If you have a larger budget, reconsider spots such as hotels and museums, historic venues, or restaurants that reflect your chosen era. You can most often hire a band or Dj to play the music of the time, and many places have dance floors to heighten the fun.

3. Pick the perfect invitation

The invitation you send to your guests is the first impression they will have of your party. Make it a great one!

Be sure that the style and quality of the invitation is accepted for your event - "flyer-type" paper invitations may be fine for a very informal gathering, but the classier your party, the classier your invitation should be. Keep the level of formality in mind when deciding on paper stock, fonts, and embellishments. All of these elements are prominent factors in the party-planning process as the invitation sets the stage for the entire party.

Visit your local card and/or stationery stores. Depending on the store, they will have boxed invitations to Pick from, books to search straight through and order from (usually for quantities of 25-50 and up),and/or theme laser paper (for a more informal look). You can format and print most store-bought invitations on your home computer in any word processing program, but many market also offer in-store printing services for a uncostly cost. If you are not so computer-savvy, this service will save you time and possible dissatisfaction in formatting and printing.

If you don't find a suitable invitation for your chosen theme (this may be difficult, depending on your decade of choice), then reconsider going online for an array of perfect choices. There are many websites that offer practice printing services, and you are sure to find an invitation that will wow your party-goers. If you don't see just what you want from a website you like, email the business and ask if they will originate something practice for your event - They just might be willing to originate the perfect invitation for you (for a fee, of course). It never hurts to ask...

Planning a Retro-Theme Party, 1920s - 1940s