The 1930s was the era of the great depression and a time of austerity for many. However, the glitz and glamour of the preceding decade still left a mark. New styles of jazz music were invented, talking movies replaced silent ones and the golden age of Hollywood was born.
Whether you want to host a small dinner party or a lavish jazz-inspired speakeasy bash, you’re sure to find something here to inspire you.
1. Bring on the glamour with a golden-age Hollywood theme
New advances in technology brought Hollywood movies out of the silent era and into the era of the talkies. With it came the idea of the Hollywood movie star and all the glitz and glamour that goes with it.
Invite your guests to dress up in the style of the movie stars of the day. For costume inspiration they can look to stars like Humphrey Bogart, Katherine Hepburn, John Wayne, Bette Davis and Judie Garland. Think elegant ball gowns, sharp, pinstriped suits, and why not even a cowboy outfit for John Wayne’s famous roles? You don’t have to be too formulaic with costumes, just as long as they keep in line with the theme.
No Hollywood theme would be complete without a red carpet to welcome your guests at the entrance. For the decor, hang red or gold drapes and decorate tables with napkins, centerpieces and tablecloths to match the colour scheme.
2. Play Jazz, Blues & Electro Swing Music
The 1930s saw jazz music become more commercially successful with bands like Glenn Miller’s orchestra, but it also saw the proliferation of other styles, particularly blues with Robert Johnson’s landmark recordings and of female harmony groups like The Andrews Sisters.
A playlist that incorporates all of these styles would be the perfect accompaniment to your party. You could of course make things more authentic by hiring a band to play classics from the era or hire a DJ to play the songs on vinyl, as the 1930s saw the commercialisation of records due to the manufacture of affordable turntables for home use.
I am a great believer in not being too formulaic when it comes to theme parties, so why not give your 1930s theme a modern twist and have elctro swing as your music choice? Or play some modern versions of Robert Johnson songs?
In case you don’t know, electro swing incorporates recordings from the era into music that has a more contemporary sounding beat and bassline. Again, you can have a playlist playing or hire a DJ to spin some tunes. Even better, if they are able to mix traditional songs with modern ones that pay homage to the era.
Here’s a couple playlists to get you started:
- 1930s hits – A playlist containing over four hours worth of songs
- Robert Johnson Covers – Versions performed by various artists
- Electro Swing – A four hour mix
- 1930s Swing – A big playlist to keep you dancing all night
3. Host a riotous speakeasy party
Speakeasy parties are usually a classic theme for a 1920s party, but prohibition didn’t end until 1933, so they were still popular in the early part of the decade.
Set the scene with dim lighting and classic wooden bar tables and stools. Make it more authentic by having your guests do a secret knock on the door or a have a secret password to enter the party.
Have your guests wear traditional speak easy attire such as suits and flapper dresses, still popular in the 1930s. You can of course mix things up with different styles from the decade, as people from all walks of life attended speakeasies.
For music, you’re going to want to just play swing jazz as this was the main music of choice in speakeasies or, of course, electro swing for a more modern flavour. Use the playlists from number two on this list for inspiration.
4. Recreate the past with fabulous Art Deco
Art deco is my absolute favourite art movement. I just love the geometric shapes, the ancient Egyptian influence and colours. It rose to prominence in the 1920s, but was still extremely popular well into the 1930s. No matter what theme you pick for a 1930s party, you can’t go wrong with art deco as the backdrop.
For crockery, check out eBay for art deco pieces, as you can find plenty on there that won’t break the bank. To really go all out, get some art deco style lamps to set the mood and get some art deco posters that advertise movies, travel, transport and so on. Plenty of these can be found for cheap online. Don’t forget to send your invites out with a classic design like this.
5. Have a Lindy Hop dance off
Lindy hop was the dance craze of the decade. It fused together elements of jazz, tap and Charleston dance to form its own energetic and impressive looking moves.
This idea will work well at speakeasy and rent theme parties. Hire a lindy hop teacher for your party to teach some basic moves to your guests, then have a dance off later in the evening with prizes for the winners.
6. A civilized evening of Monopoly & Scrabble
These two games came to prominence in the 1930s and are still extremely popular today. If you want a more sedate themed evening, consider this option.
Friends can still dress up for the occasion, and you can have some quieter music from the era playing in the background. Serve some 1930s finger food and snacks to complete a more relaxed gathering of friends.
7. Celebrate the birth of the talkies with a movie marathon
Another idea for a calmer evening would be to have a movie marathon. The 1930s saw the transition from silent movies to where sound was produced, and the audience could hear the actors dialogues, movies known affectionately as the talkies.
Lay on some junk food like Krispy Kreme doughnuts and Tollhouse cookies (both invented in the 1930s), pick a movie or two from this copyright free playlist and sit back and relax with your friends.
8. Host an authentic 1930s dinner party
Serve 1930s classics like meatloaf, Chicken casserole and bunny salad or, if you’re feeling lazy and don’t want to cook, just get a KFC! After all, the Colonel’s secret recipe was invented in the 1930s. Eating KFC whilst wearing fine ballgowns and pinstripe suits will make some very funny photos!
9. Have a singsong around a piano
One of the main forms of entertainment in the 1930s was exactly this. A pianist would lead the proceedings and the whole family would sing along. If you don’t know someone who can’t play the piano, you can hire a pianist for the evening.
Of course, it would be better if traditional 1930s songs, but not everyone is going to know them well, so it doesn’t matter if you sing more well known songs outside the decade.
This combined with either the movie marathon, board games or dinner party would make for a very fun evening with your friends.
10. Dress up as 1930s cultural icons
The 1930s saw the advent and continuation of cultural icons that are still well known today. So, why not have a costume party celebrating these icons. Some great ideas for these are:
- Betty Boop
- Characters from the Wizard of Oz
- Dracula & Frankenstein
- Laurel & Hardy
- Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse & Goofy
- Louis Armstrong
- Alfred Hitchcock
- The Marx Brothers
- Snow White & The seven dwarfs
- Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck & Porky Pig
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