Recreate the classic sound of a 1950s jukebox with a record player.
As the prosperous, optimistic decade that served as the setting for the sweet television series, "Happy Days," it's no wonder so many celebrations opt for a 1950s theme. While typical '50s parties rely on expected decorations like jukeboxes, poodle skirts and pink Cadillacs, the decade has more to offer than classic icons. Mix elements of classic 50s cuisine, Korean War USO shows and popular traditions from the decade for an event that truly pays homage to the era.
Instructions
1. Design an image with classic 1950s images or clip art patterns. Inform guests that the event will include an era-inspired potluck buffet. Include images and suggested recipes for kitschy Jello salads, parfaits and casseroles taken from the classic '50s-era cookbooks.
2. Decorate buffet tables with the red, white and blue bunting. Create guest table centerpieces with the 1950s-style microphones and tea candles.
3. Set up a make-your-own-milkshake dessert bar with an assortment of milkshake glasses, straws, milkshake ingredients and toppings, such as ice cream, milk, malted milk powder, flavored syrups, whipped cream and maraschino cherries.
4. Recreate the classic '50s cocktail hour with vintage 1950s barware, liquor and drink mixers. Provide vintage recipes for cocktails such as Manhattans, Tom Collins and vodka highballs to a hired bartender or let guests concoct their own cocktails from the recipes.
5. Play vintage 1950s vinyl records on a retro record player or a modern turntable sound system set up near the dance floor. Use actual records rather than CD or MP3 recordings to recapture the raw sound of music from a jukebox without the expense of a jukebox rental.
6. Incorporate customs from the decade on the dance floor, such as setting aside specific numbers as Sadie Hawkins dances during which the women ask the men to dance. Honor other traditional dances by staging a mini dance marathon, holding a competition for the best '50s-inspired dance move and recreating the sock hop with a few socks-only dances.
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