Recreate the feel of a diner jukebox with the 1950s playlist on your music player.
A 1950s diner theme for a dinner party may seem like an informal approach. However, you can have a sophisticated meal and still capture the essence of the decade that put Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe on the map. Depending on how far you want to take the theme, recreate the feel of a 1950s sock hop or soda shop in your dining room in a variety of ways. Host an evening that your guests aren't likely to forget.
Menu
When planning the menu for a 1950s diner dinner party, focus on classic comfort foods. Meat loaf is a diner staple and easy to prepare ahead of time so you only have to put it in the oven just before the party. If you prefer a slightly more elegant main course option, consider making pot roast, Tofurky roast or roast turkey breast instead. Mashed potatoes, green bean casserole or rice pilaf all work as side dish options.
For beverages, serve soft drinks in glass bottles. While martinis weren't served in 1950s diners, they are era-appropriate. For a simple and fun desert, make milkshakes, ice cream sodas or sundaes. For a more formal desert option, try the 1950s diner classic: apple pie alamode.
Costumes
Depending on how formal you want your dinner party to be, it may be fun to ask your guests to dress in 1950s garb for the evening. Male guests can wear bowling shirts and leather jackets; female guests can wear poodle skirts, saddle shoes and pull their hair back in swinging ponytails. For a more elegant party, women can dress in 1950s inspired cocktail dresses with the traditional full skirt. Men can wear dark suits and ties with spiffy fedoras.
Table Setting
A 1950s diner was usually decorated in shades of black, white, red and aqua; use those shades as inspiration for your dinner party's table design. Cover the table with a black and white checkered tablecloth. Add bright red plates. Small touches of aqua, such as in the chargers or napkins, can help brighten the table. Flowers are a traditional centerpiece, but give your floral arrangement a 1950s twist by adding several vintage 45s to the display. Use the small records under candle holders for a fun touch.
Music
Your home may not have a jukebox like most 50s diners, but your dinner party should still have the right soundtrack. Load up your music player with 1950s classics from Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry and Ricky Nelson; connect it to speakers in your dining room. Give your guests a couple of tokens, so they can each request songs as they would with a genuine jukebox.
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