How to host a fabulous great gatsby themed party
Ready to throw a party as glamorous as one of Jay Gatsby’s? With The Great Gatsby now a hit stage show on Broadway – and set to open in London’s West End in 2025 – celebrating in true 1920s style is a totally on-trend party theme.
If you get it right, a Gatsby theme, inspired by F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic story, will turn your 2020s party into the Roaring 20s for the night.
Take a little art deco glamour from the classic 1974 movie starring Robert Redford as Gatsby and Mia Farrow as Daisy Buchanan, then add a dash of Jazz Age glitz from the 2013 version with Leonardo DiCaprio and Carey Mulligan taking the central roles and you’ll have yourselves a roaringly good time.
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I’m thinking champagne coupé towers, a jazz music playlist, and vintage inspired decor to transport your guests straight back to the days of speakeasies and grand parties.
Whether you’re planning a milestone birthday, a stylish New Year’s Eve celebration, or just want to amp up the glamour for a fabulous night with friends, a Gatsby-themed party is your chance to indulge in a world of 1920s glamour and sophistication.
How To Get Your Gatsy On In Style
Ready to step into the world of West Egg? Here’s your guide to hosting a Gatsby-inspired party that will have everyone revelling in style.
Invitations
Whilst paper invitations (or stiffies as they are known in some upscale circles) aren’t so much of a thing these days, a Gatsby themed party seems to call out for them.
So, set the stage from the outset with sophisticated black and gold invitations. Go for Art Deco patterns and vintage fonts to bring the 1920s vibe to life.
Canva has some fabulous designs, including this Great Gatsby square inviation that you can customise and then have Canva print for you.
2. Party Decor Essentials
If you’re going full-Gatsby, you’ll want your party to feel lavish and elegant.
Stick to a colour scheme of black, gold and white with Art Deco accents throughout.
Think luxurious textures like velvet, satin, and metallics, alongside eye-catching vintage details.
Here are a few ideas to get you started…
I love this party table by @Sweetdreamsbydana/Instagram
Tablescape ideas:
Dress tables with black and gold tablecloths, 20s style centrepieces and crystal glassware for a touch of sophistication.
Go one step further and drape faux pearls over table edges for a little extra 1920s zshush.
- Black and gold art deco table cloth
- Feathery 20s style centrepieces
- Crystal champagne coupès
- LED faux pearl string lights
This is a wonderful Gatsbyesque setup by @Audreytoultremont/Instagram
Party backdrop:
Create an Insta-worthy party backdrop with a black and gold Art Deco design or a balloon arch in metallic shades for that “wow” factor.
There are plenty of art deco style black and gold backdrops. I really like this cityscape of New York City.
Lighting:
Lighting is a great way to set the mood, especially for a sophisticated upscale party.
Go for dim lighting and vintage-style lamps to bring the opulent feel of Gatsby’s parties to life.
DIY Tips:
Use gold spray paint to upcycle thrifted vases, lamps and candleholders.
Another really budget-friendly decor hack is to print out Art Deco-style signs and put them in black or gold frames.
You could even design your own on Canva, print it out and pop it in a frame.
3. Dress Code
Now this is one party where you NEED all your guests to get on board with the theme by way of their outfits.
Suggest your guests wear flapper dresses with fringing, sequins, or lace, paired with long strands of pearls and feathered headbands.
For men, the look is classic suits, bow ties, and suspenders (braces if you’re in the UK) to channel 1920s elegance.
I love the style of this outfit by @fallcosplay/Instagram.
Food And Drink Ideas
A Gatsbyesque party lends itself more to canapes and appetisers than a big sit down meal.
Aim for elegant yet easy-to-eat (single-bite) finger food to keep things light and sophisticated.
Upscale Single-Bite Appetisers
- Smoked Salmon and Caviar Blinis
Mini blinis topped with a smear of crème fraîche, smoked salmon, and a touch of caviar - Cucumber Rounds with Steak Tartare
Thin cucumber rounds topped with a small portion of steak tartare and a sprinkle of chives. - Devilled Quail Eggs with Truffle Salt
Smaller and more elegant than regular devilled eggs, quail eggs are perfect for a single, sophisticated bite with a hint of truffle salt. - Mini Shrimp Cocktails
One large prawn with a dab of cocktail sauce served in a mini cup or on a tasting spoon. - Goat Cheese and Fig Crostini
Bite-sized crostini with a dollop of goat cheese, a sliver of fresh fig, and a drizzle of honey. - Prawn and Avocado on Endive Leaves
A single prawn with diced avocado served on a small endive leaf with a touch of lemon zest. - Beetroot and Goat Cheese Bites
Small rounds of roasted beetroot topped with whipped goat cheese and a microgreen garnish. - Seared Scallop Spoons with Lemon Aioli
Mini scallops served on tasting spoons with a dab of lemon aioli. - Truffled Mushroom Canapés
Small rounds of toasted baguette topped with truffled mushroom purée and a sprinkle of chives.
Signature Cocktails And Mocktails:
- Champagne Tower: A champagne tower is the ultimate nod to Gatsbyesque excess… and it will totally wow your guests. Stack glasses in a pyramid shape and pour champagne (or sparkling wine!) from the top for a show-stopping insta-moment.
- Cocktails: Offer classic cocktails like gin fizzes, martinis, or sidecars.
- Mocktails: Try a sparkling mocktail with a splash of pomegranate juice and fresh mint for a touch of elegance.
Entertainment And Activities
The main event simply has to be jazz music and dancing. Set up a dance floor area (a wooden or hard floor is ideal).
Jazz music aside, I’ve found this The Great Gatsby playlist on Spotify, from the Baz Luhrmann movie.
You could even hire a dance teacher to give everyone a quick 1920s dance class, where they could learn to Charleston.
You could also set up a poker table and other casino-style games for a Gatsby twist.
Oh and don’t forget a photo booth so everyone can show off their feather boas and pearls in style.
Keep guests entertained with a few 1920s-inspired activities and games.
Party Favours
Send your guests home with a small 1920s-inspired keepsake.
- Mini bottles of champagne
- Gold-wrapped chocolates
- Custom coasters with Gatsby-inspired designs
- A copy of The Great Gatsby book, like this beautiful black and gold art deco style book.
Hello, I’m Luci, founder of Mums Make Lists. The site is full of useful and fun ideas for life and seasonal celebrations. Plus a growing selection of instantly downloadable fun printables and party planners. Read more.