Get Groovy With These Fantastic 70’s Themed party Ideas
In 1970 alone, over 3.8 million people were born in the US. Few can resist the allure of 70’s themed party vibes, including people who aren’t even from that decade.
With this in mind, you can throw a party that can bring this unique era to life. From disco dancing and groovy music to iconic movies, there’s so much to draw inspiration from.
Are you wondering how to make it happen? Read on to learn about tried-and-true 70s-themed party ideas, planning tips, and more.
How to Do a 70’s Themed Party Justice
To plan a 70’s themed party, everything starts with defining your psychedelic vision. The best way to embody this decade is by learning about what made it stand out in the first place. The 1970s offered a wide range of pop culture movements to consider, including the following:
- Disco
- Hippie counterculture
- Glam rock
- Funk
Decide whether you want to focus on one of these, such as a Studio 54-style disco party, or mesh together multiple themes for a more eclectic vibe.
Begin by scoping out your venue. A living room can easily be transformed into a full-on disco den with the right lighting. However, an outdoor space suits a more laid-back, boho-inspired theme.
Once you’ve homed in on your location, decorate with iconic 70s touches. Examples include lava lamps, beaded curtains, shag rugs, neon signage, and big floral patterns. Lighting is crucial, so consider using multicolored strobe lights or a rotating mirror ball to create the perfect mood.
Energize the party’s atmosphere with a playlist packed with 70s classics. Artists like the Bee Gees, Donna Summer, ABBA, and Earth, Wind & Fire will keep your dance floor wild. For added flair, consider hiring a DJ to sling vinyl records or curate a 70’s themed Spotify playlist that transitions from funk to disco to rock as the night chugs along.
Don’t forget about setting up themed areas like a photo booth with oversized sunglasses, afro wigs, and peace sign props. You can even have a chill lounge space with bean bags and incense for a bona fide throwback feel.
Gettin’ Down With Disco Party Ideas
As mentioned, no 70’s themed party guide would be quite complete without a nod to the disco craze that swept the nation and defined the second half of the decade. A disco-themed party is arguably the most emblematic 70’s concept you can have. It should be inspired by legendary clubs like forever-remembered Studio 54 in New York City.
The best way to capture this vibe is to turn your space into a glitzy disco club. Make full use of metallic streamers, mirrored surfaces, and LED dance floors or snazzy light-up tiles to recreate the look.
The groovy cherry on top would involve hanging a disco ball in the center of the room. Take advantage of uplighting in purples, pinks, and blues to bathe your space in that nostalgic nightclub glow.
Be sure to let your guests know to arrive decked out in disco attire. If you’re unsure of what fits the bill, think of the following:
- Sequin jumpsuits
- Satin shirts
- Flared pants
- Bold, sparkly accessories
Also, bodacious platform shoes are a must. To bring the disco energy alive, host a dance-off or organize a “Best Dressed Disco King and Queen” contest. A roller rink-inspired dance floor, even if improvised, will be the thing that makes your party unforgettable.
Don’t forget to carefully curate the celebration’s swingin’ soundtrack. Disco music is the foundation of this whole theme, so queue up tracks like “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees, “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor, “Daddy Cool” by Boney M., and “Le Freak” by Nile Rodgers & Chic. A mix of head-bopping basslines and soulful singers will transport your guests right to the heart of the disco era.
What to Rock At a 70’s Themed Party
Dressing the part makes up half the fun when it comes to a lively 70’s party. The fashion of that standout decade was as diverse as it was colorful. You can channel your inner disco diva, hippie slacker, or glam star with a few choice wardrobe pieces.
Disco-themed outfits often include shimmery fabrics, sequins, jumpsuits, halter tops, and high-waisted flared pants. Men can go for open-collared shirts, bright vests, grease-slicked hair, and other 70’s cocktail attire.
For a more carefree 70’s hippie look, consider maxi dresses, fringe vests, tie-dye shirts, and floral prints. You can easily find these in thrift shops and other secondhand stores. Accessories like round sunglasses, peace sign necklace pendants, and polka-dot headbands are great finishing touches.
Platform shoes or a pair of go-go boots are peak 70’s footwear options. Big hair is also very on-theme. This is true whether you make it teased, afro’d, or feathered.
Put Together a Far-Out Costume Competition
Add some extra flair to your 70’s themed celebration by organizing a costume competition. Tell people on your roster to arrive in a 70’s themed party outfit that mimics their favorite style icons from the decade.
Examples include Cher’s glitzy glam, John Travolta’s disco swagger, Donna Summer’s dazzling stage outfits, and Jimi Hendrix’s signature boho-rock style. The nostalgic fashion will add tons of color and character to your party while also giving everyone a fun way to get into the spirit of things.
Set aside a time during the evening for a short “fashion show” where participants can strut their stuff for all they’re worth. Decide on a panel of judges, or allow everyone to vote anonymously, and have categories like “Best Disco Look,” “Most Authentic Outfit,” or “Grooviest Couple.” Hand out small prizes for participation and bigger ones for winners to electrify the excitement.
Don’t be shy about taking plenty of photos because this part of the night will definitely be a celebration highlight.
Getty Jiggy With Themes From the 1970’s
The 1970’s were packed to the gills with distinct subcultures and trends. This variety will give you no end of creative directions for your upcoming party.
It’s true that disco is the most famous theme and offers endless inspiration in terms of music, fashion, and more. However, you can also lean into the hippie movement, which carried over from the late 60s. It features the following iconography:
- Flower power
- Peace signs
- Incense
- Acoustic music
Another theme to consider is a glam rock or punk party inspired by artists like David Bowie and the Sex Pistols. This gives you and your guests the opportunity to dive headlong into edgy fashion, makeup, and daring statement pieces.
Remember, funk and soul music also shaped the look and feel of the decade. They provide a great backdrop for a 70’s block party vibe. Think wide-tooth combs, addictive beats, and popping colors.
Another thing you can do is go all-out kitschy and host a 70’s game night with classic board games, throwback snacks, and vintage TV shows like M*A*S*H playing in the background. Whether you pick one theme or mash up several, what matters most is that your guests feel the spirit of the decade.
How to Throw a 70’s Dinner Party That Everyone Will Love
Do you prefer something more low-key than a dance party? A 70s dinner party is a classy yet nostalgic option. The concept is perfect for smaller groups and makes for a groovy twist on a traditional gathering.
Start it off by setting the table with retro dishes and vintage glassware. Use bolder patterns in your tablecloths and napkins, and light the room with candles or low-hanging pendant lamps for absolute ambiance.
Background music should be mellow 70’s soft rock or soul. Anything like Fleetwood Mac, Marvin Gaye, or Carole King should be a head-bobbing hit.
The menu can feature a fantastic fusion of classic 70’s cuisine and modern takes. Popular dishes from the era include fondue, deviled eggs, meatballs in grape jelly sauce, quiche, and cool Jell-O molds. For your 70’s dessert, consider serving almond tea cakes, Swedish apple pie, or a vintage chocolate fondue fountain with fruit and marshmallows for delightful dipping.
Cocktails should be straight from the era. Offer up drinks like Harvey Wallbangers, Tequila Sunrises, Grasshoppers, or classic martinis. You’ll want to serve them in proper vintage glassware to complete the sensory experience.
For added entertainment, include a 70s-themed would-you-rather game or play episodes from retro game shows or sitcoms in the background. They can kickstart conversation throughout the party.
Hosting a 70’s Themed Birthday Party Bash
A 70’s themed birthday party is a funkadelic way to celebrate someone’s special day in a style like no other. Start by sending out the grooviest 70’s themed party invitations. They should reflect the era’s hypnotizing colors and mind-bending fonts. Include details about the dress code and ask your guests not to hold back with their 70’s looks.
It always helps to have a themed cake that ties everything together. Perhaps you can order or bake one shaped like a tall vinyl record or decked out with little edible disco balls.
Personalized aspects make all the difference, like a quirky slideshow of the birthday person with pumpin’ 70’s music. By taking advantage of simple editing tools, you can recreate a famous 70’s movie poster featuring their face in place of the protagonist’s, such as Roberto De Niro’s character in the film Taxi Driver.
If the birthday person was actually born in that amazing decade, you can highlight milestones from their birth year using 70’s themed party decorations or centerpieces. Use pop culture references, famous movies, or noteworthy news headlines from that time as more specific inspiration.
Things to Do for a 70’s Themed Birthday
Games and activities can include trivia about 70’s pop culture, a karaoke competition with 70’s hits, or even a retro dance class to teach guests popular moves like The Hustle or The Bump. From there, you can dance it out. It’d be neat to have an applause meter that helps decide who the winner is.
Are you wondering what else you can do? Don’t forget a photo booth stocked with funky 70’s props to help guests capture memories in full vintage style. Throw in everything from puffy peace signs to hilariously big sunglasses.
Finger-Lickin’ Food and Drink Ideas for a 70’s Themed Party
The food and drinks at your 70’s themed party should reflect the fun and funky trends of the time. One way to taste the decade is with the power of fondue. Both cheese and chocolate versions were super popular at that time, so set up a fondue station with nifty skewers, as well as fresh bread cubes, veggies, and fruits.
Other not-to-be-missed 70’s party food includes the following appetizers:
- Pigs in a blanket
- Deviled eggs seasoned with paprika
- Cheese balls
- Cocktail meatballs
For the main course, you might serve casseroles, TV dinners as a joke, or DIY sandwich platters. You could even bake a literal “jive turkey,” which was a popular slang term from the decade, and decorate it with groovy yet edible garnishes. For even more whimsy, put together a snack bar with throwback treats like Pop Rocks, Jell-O shots, and Twinkies.
Wetting Your Guests’ Whistles With the Right Drinks
A focus on classic cocktails can result in a drink menu that everyone will love. Serve punch in vintage bowls or go all-out with a tiki bar featuring ever-flowing Mai Tais and piña coladas. Your guests will appreciate retro cocktails like the Harvey Wallbanger, Tom Collins, or Old Fashioned.
For instance, to make a Harvey Wallbanger, fill a highball glass with ice. Pour in the vodka, followed by the fresh orange juice, then give the liquid a little stir. Gently float Galliano on top by pouring it, bit by bit, over the back of a spoon. Top it off with an orange slice and a cherry.
Drinks like these will have everyone RSVPing to your cocktail parties.
Unique 70’s Themed Party Ideas Will Elevate Any Celebration
By using one or more of the 70’s themed party ideas above, you can be sure to have a shindig that every guest will remember and talk about long afterward.The best way to create anticipation and ensure everyone arrives on time is by promptly sending out invitations. Greetings Islands specializes in offering an impressive variety of invitations for all of life’s occasions, from birthdays to retirements and beyond. Be sure to browse our invitation collection today and lock in the guest list for your next party.
Photo by: Matthew LeJune, Cj, Alim, Daniel Wirtz on UnSplash
