Dance in blue suede shoes for Elvis Week

August 04, 2009 Written by:

Believe it or not, the second week in August is Elvis Week celebrates the life and music of the King himself. Observe this week yourself by hosting a Blue Suede Shoes costume dance party.

First of all, set aside a Friday night for the event so guests don't have to leave early and be up for work. Encourage each guest to pick one of Elvis' hits and dress to fit the song. For example, someone portraying Jailhouse Rock could wear an old-fashioned prisioner's costume, while Mean Woman Blues could be a witch or angry housewife.

While the party's called a Blue Suede Shoes dance party, you don't have to require guests to wear shoes of that fabric and color, unless they choose that song as a costume. They should, however expect to dance!

Serve 1950s and 1960s snacks, such as salted almonds and plenty of dips such as devilled ham with chips, and marinated mushrooms and chicken fingers. Just search the web for ideas.

For drinks, try to get Coke in old-style bottles, tang and serve vintage cocktails like martinis, gimlets or Tom Collins'.

Finally, decorate the room with music-themed memorabilia, such as a vinyl records here and there, Elvis cutouts and vintage paper lanterns for a retro feel.