Have a sensational night with a decade party

June 04, 2010

Imagine this - you're at an incredible shindig surrounded by some of your favorite people. An old jukebox is blaring the song Johnny B. Goode, and partygoers dressed in poodle skirts and saddle shoes are doing the mashed potato all around you.

No, you didn't just land smack dab in the middle of a scene from Back to the Future - you're at a decade party! Believe it or not, you don't need a magic DeLorean to help you jetset to the past. All you have to do is clear your schedule, take the phone off the hook and start planning the most incredible decade party your friends and family have ever attended.

But where does one begin to tackle such a task? Believe it or not, decade party themes are as easy to come by as hula hoops were in the 50s.

For starters, try turning each room in your house into a different time period. When guests enter the living room, why not make them think they're at a 50s rock and roll party?

When it comes to this decade, there was one person who reigned supreme - Elvis Pressley. The King of Rock and Roll was a legend back in the day, and his image elicited squeals from girls and admiration from guys. Try to find life-sized posters of the icon and place them around the room.

Next, use inspiration from a 60s peace party while decorating the kitchen. Images such as peace signs, tie-dyed colors and phrases such as "Hey, man!" and "Groovy" should be found on paper napkins, plates and utensils.

Also, don't forget about one of the greatest events in U.S. history - Woodstock. Try to find photos of Janice Joplin and Jimmy Hendrix and scatter them all about the event space. Wouldn't it be hysterical if a life-sized image of Joan Baez was standing right by the fridge?

Finally, for the dance area, try to decorate the space like a 70s disco party. You don't know it now, but your friends are going to love you for this.

For starters, make sure you purchase one absolutely necessary item - a disco ball. This is something you cannot skip on. Once you hang it up and turn the lights down low, your guests are going to want to boogie.

Also, try to hand out a bunch of party extras, such as cool shades or YMCA hats. Pass them out and watch everyone go from casual to crazy.

It's not a hassle to throw a decade party, but it does take some time. However, once you purchase all the party goods, decorations and extra special trinkets you'll need for your shindig, you'll be ready to go. Buy some chips and dip, watch the people file in and be prepared for an evening to remember. Who knows? In 20 to 30 years from now you may be reminicing about one of the best nights of your life.