Hosting a Roaring 20's party
Step back in time to the glitz and glamour of the Jazz Age! Hosting a Roaring 20’s party is a chance to recreate the sparkle of Gatsby’s era — filled with flapper dresses, champagne towers, and jazz tunes that never stop swinging.
Whether you’re planning a birthday bash, New Year’s Eve celebration, or themed get-together, this guide has everything you need: 1920s party décor, costume ideas, cocktails, music, and games to make your night unforgettable.
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Roaring Twenties Party Invitations
Start your event in style with Art Deco invitations that capture the spirit of the 1920s. Think gold foil, geometric designs, and fonts that ooze glamour.
1920s Party Decorations
Set the scene with a mix of gold, black, and feathers. Use fringe garlands, pearl strings, and vintage props to create instant Jazz Age magic.
This gold and black fringe garland will add instant glamour to your party.
Golden goose feathers, maybe from a Golden goose? — perfect table accents for a Roaring Twenties theme.
Don’t forget the toilets, these are printable so you can download from here.
1920s Costumes and Accessories for a Roaring 20’s Party
No 1920s party is complete without dazzling outfits and vintage flair! Encourage guests to dress the part — think sequins, pearls, and feathers. These Roaring Twenties costume ideas and accessories will help everyone step straight into the Gatsby era.
Flapper Dresses for Women
Flapper dresses were the fashion statement of the Jazz Age — all fringe, sparkle, and movement. Choose shimmering black, gold, or red for that authentic 1920s look.
Dapper Fedora Hats for Men
For the gents, 1920s style means sharp suits, suspenders, and fedoras. Add a pocket watch or bow tie for an extra touch of speakeasy sophistication.
Party Accessories & Finishing Touches
Accessories make the outfit! Stock up on feather boas, pearl necklaces, long gloves, and sequined headbands so everyone can glam up on the night. Keep a few extras on hand for guests who forget to dress up.
Vintage-Inspired Outerwear
Complete the look with a faux fur stole or shawl for chilly evenings — it’s elegant, vintage, and very 1920s.
These 1920s costume ideas for a Roaring 20s party capture all the glitz and glamour of the Jazz Age. From sparkly flapper dresses to sharp fedoras, the right outfit transforms your night from fun to unforgettable.
1920s Party Activities & Games for a Roaring 20’s Night
Once your guests are dressed to the nines, keep the Jazz Age energy flowing with fun 1920s party games and themed entertainment. These activities will turn your night from stylish to sensational — perfect for Gatsby lovers, flappers, and gangsters alike.
Charleston Dance Lessons
Kick off the evening with a Charleston dance-off! Hire a dance instructor, follow a YouTube tutorial, or simply play a 1920s jazz playlist and let everyone try those iconic moves. It’s fun, energetic, and instantly gets guests laughing.
20's style games
This printable roaring 20’s bingo game would be great fun at a party.
Murder Mystery Dinner Party
There must have been a lot of murders in the 1920’s as there are a lot of 1920’s themed Murder Mystery games, all ready and organised for you to use at a party.
Nothing screams 1920s glamour like a Murder Mystery Game set in a speakeasy or Gatsby mansion. You can download printable kits or buy complete boxed sets for easy hosting.
Costume Contest: Flappers & Dappers
Host a “Best Dressed Flapper & Dapper” contest. Hand out prizes for categories like “Most Authentic Outfit” or “Best Gatsby Glam.” You can use small trophies, feathers, or mini champagne bottles as prizes.
Speakeasy Casino & Card Games
Add a hint of mischief with a poker or blackjack table — just for fun or small prizes. This nods to the prohibition-era speakeasies and keeps guests entertained between dancing and dining.
From dancing to detective work, these Roaring 20s party activities bring the Jazz Age to life. Mix a few high-energy games with elegant entertainment to create a glamorous night your guests will rave about for years.
Food and Drink Ideas for a Roaring 20’s Party
No Roaring Twenties bash is complete without decadent food and dazzling cocktails. In true Gatsby style, aim for elegant finger foods, art deco-inspired presentation, and a few jazz-age classics. These 1920s food and drink ideas will transport your guests straight back to the Jazz Age.
Classic 1920s Cocktails
Recreate the excitement of a speakeasy bar with cocktails that defined the era. Serve up timeless favourites like:
The Sidecar – Cognac, orange liqueur, lemon juice
The Bee’s Knees – Gin, lemon, and honey syrup
The French 75 – Champagne, gin, and lemon
Add a few mocktail versions so everyone can toast in style.
1920s Party Hors D’oeuvres
Keep food elegant and bite-sized. Think devilled eggs, shrimp cocktails, canapés, and mini sandwiches. These easy-to-eat snacks fit perfectly with a standing cocktail party or buffet table.
Speakeasy-Style Bar Setup
Transform a corner of your room into a hidden speakeasy bar. Add a velvet tablecloth, candlelight, and an Art Deco sign saying “Shhh… It’s a Speakeasy.” Offer jazz tunes in the background and serve cocktails in coupe glasses.
Sweet Treats & Dessert Ideas
For dessert, go glamorous! Serve mini cheesecakes, chocolate-dipped strawberries, macarons, or champagne cupcakes. Add a gold sparkle dust or edible pearls for that vintage wow factor.
Themed Tableware & Serving Pieces
Tie it all together with matching gold-and-black tableware, plates, and cocktail napkins for that Gatsby glamour.
These 1920s party food and cocktail ideas blend elegance, nostalgia, and fun. Whether you’re hosting a full dinner or a cocktail soirée, these dishes and drinks will have your guests saying, “That party was the bee’s knees!
1920s Photo Booth & Party Favours for a Roaring 20’s Party
Give your guests something to remember — and to post! A 1920s photo booth adds instant fun to your event, while themed party favours send them home with a little piece of the Jazz Age. These ideas are perfect for adding glamour and shareability to your Gatsby-inspired night.
1920s Photo Booth Setup
Set the stage with a simple backdrop — gold and black fringe curtains, balloons, and feather boas create instant Gatsby glamour. Add a few Art Deco signs that say “Cheers, Darling!” or “A Little Party Never Killed Nobody.”
Art Deco Selfie Frame & Printable Props
Make your booth extra fun with a selfie frame and printable props — think feather fans, champagne glasses, cigars, and pearls. These props make amazing social media shots!
Gatsby Balloons & Finishing Touches
Add sparkle with Retro Gatsby Balloons and gold confetti. A few well-placed props make your party photos Pinterest-perfect!
1920s Party Favours for Guests
End the evening with vintage-style party favours — small, classy, and full of character. A few ideas:
Mini chocolate cigars wrapped in custom 1920s labels
Personalised matchboxes or tins.
Cloche hat–shaped cookies as edible keepsakes
From sparkling photo booths to stylish favours, these Roaring 20s photo booth and party favour ideas are guaranteed to delight guests. They’re the perfect finishing touches for your glamorous Gatsby event — fun, affordable, and totally Instagram-worthy.
Free Printable Roaring 20s Party Signs
End your Gatsby night with a glamorous finishing touch — free printable Art Deco signs for your party. Perfect for dressing your loo door, bar, or photo booth, these printables tie your 1920s theme together beautifully and save you time on décor.
FREEBIE ALERT! From me to you, here are some signs for your loo door. Just download the PDF and you will get an A4 size 3 page prints.
Download includes:
“Guys & Gals” Art Deco restroom signs
“Flappers & Fellas” door print
Bonus Speakeasy Entrance sign
Your use only, not to sell.
Hosting a Roaring 20s party is all about sparkle, laughter, and attention to detail. From flapper fashion to cocktails and music, your guests will love stepping back into the glitz and glamour of the Jazz Age.
Before you go, don’t forget to pin this post or share it with your fellow party planners — and check out these next guides:
👉 How to Plan a 1920’s MURDER MYSTERY-Themed Party on a Budget
