Purchase 1950s clothes at vintage stores and flea markets for kids to use while playing dress-up.
Richard Cunningham found his thrill in the 1950s on the hit sitcom "Happy Days" and kids can too at a '50s-themed celebrations. Parties inspired by the period are relatively simple to plan with party stores and prop rental companies chock full of jukeboxes, soda fountains, and pink Cadillacs; however, the best '50s-era events delve deeper into the decade to pay homage to the culture, traditions, foods and fashions that were popular during the decade.
Pearls and Parfaits
Back in the day, television depicted mothers, such as June Cleaver, Harriet Nelson, and Donna Reed, wearing pearls, pumps and crinoline-lined dresses to clean and cook dinner. Do the perky, optimistic TV moms proud by hosting a party for little homemakers that combines dress-up play with baking fun. Pick up 50s-inspired clothing, aprons and fake pearls from a local thrift store for kids to create their own costume for the party. Serve a classic meal, such as pot roast or a casserole, and bring the kids into the kitchen to make their own parfaits with fruit, berries, gelatin and whipped cream.
Spacemen and Cowboys
Give kids a taste of the inspiration for the "Toy Story" film franchise with a party inspired by classic 1950s programs, such as "The Lone Ranger," "Howdy Doody," and "Space Patrol." Pick up classic memorabilia from the shows, such as vintage posters or toys, to use as decorations. Lead children in imagination games played during the decade by building a blanket fort to play cowboys and a cardboard spacecraft to play spaceman. For additional entertainment, play a few classic episodes for the kids followed by a showing of a "Toy Story" film.
1950s Characters
Get kids excited about researching 1950s U.S. pop culture with a costume party that requires them to come dressed as a famous character from the decade. Encourage kids to appear as specific characters, such as Marilyn Monroe or James Dean, rather than generic bobby-soxers or a leather jacket-clad rebel. Remind kids they can also select characters from programs or films about the decade as well, such as "Happy Days" or "Grease." Challenge young guests to do more than don the clothes by asking them to come in character as well. Immerse kids in the era's pop culture by sending an invitation that includes a list of slang from the period, such as "split," "bread," "go ape," and "real gone."
Sock Hop
During the decade when dances were popular, the events were typically the formal affairs to which boys wore suits and bought corsages for girls in frilly dresses. Sock hops, on the other hand, were casual get-togethers where kids danced in their socks to prevent from scuffing the gymnasium floors where the parties were typically held. Recreate the sock hop experience by playing classic vinyl of Chuck Berry or Buddy Holly tunes on a vintage record player or jukebox. Encourage kids to come wearing '50s-style clothing, such as poodle skirts and lettermen sweaters. Serve hamburgers and milkshakes in keeping with the classic, yet casual style.
Related posts
Kids will be more interested in eating a meal that they helped to prepare.Kids can be picky when it comes to food, making it difficult to cook for them. Some will only eat certain foods or complai...
A 50th birthday is a milestone. Friends and family members of those who are turning 50 often want to celebrate in a big way. Such a party requires much planning. If you're putting together a 50th...
Go back to the swinging '60s with a martini party.Cocktail parties are great fun, and 1960s martini-themed parties are great to take the idea further and try to evoke the at...
The big purple dinosaur known as Barney is a beloved children's character. "Barney and Friends" is a long-running, often educational PBS children's series that has spawned an entire indu...
Each year, Indiana draws tourists from around the world for its attractions and events. Parents visiting the state and those who live there year-round can find fun activities for kids located acro...
