This week we did a Great Gatsby theme of Pink, Black & Gold. This color scheme wasn't planned at all. The venue we booked had old-fashioned dull pink curtains and pale, old rose colored walls... But it was for the low cost. This made me think of just going with pink. And since it was going to be a "Great Gatsby" party, why not add some black & gold? These colors on the overall decor would eventually make the drab curtains and walls blend in nicely.
One easy way to transform a small/low-ceiling room (as in our case) is to use free-floating balloons with ribbons. This helps to visually elongate the space as well as add interest to a plain and boring old room.
I also put up some party tassels for that elongating effect... And to cover the old curtains, tinted windows, and dirty window frames. I bought matte gold and silver gift wrappers, then cut them in approximately 1" wide strips. Just eyeball the width - the strips don't have to be cut perfectly as they will look good together once you make lots of them. Finally, I just folded and stapled the ends of the strips to a string, alternating the different colors of gift wrapper. Not only did the silver and gold have a camouflaging effect, they were awesome as a photo backdrop.
Setting the tables was easy. I happen to have found a stash of Dollar tissue paper being sold at the Peso store. Yep, dollars at a peso store - I thought those dollars were pretty darn cute as tissues AND perfect for a Great Gatsby themed party.
To my excitement, I also found some chocolate gold coins to add to the dollar notes. I stacked some "coins" over the dollar tissues so they would act as a weight.
The placemats are simply made out of paper. I used a frame template online and a collage software (lots of free ones online). I added a "thank you" note from the celebrants on the placemats - why not hit two birds with one stone?
Next, I always love making parties a little more interactive by using accessories and props. A 20s party isn't complete without those slender "cigarette holders" as they were officially called. Here I once again used the ol' trusty straws, this time black ones. I covered the ends with foil (matte side for the exterior) so they look like cigarettes. These faux cigarette holders are great for DIY photo booths.
The party favors were fashion jewelry I found at a supplier at a very cheap price. You can buy assorted jewelry as favors from flea markets and online shops selling pre-loved items. Here I used the plastic covering they were in and just tied the ends with pink elastic bands (which I already had lying around, so I didn't need to spend any more).
Of course, the cake is usually the highlight of birthday parties. This is a customized cake, with a beautiful lace design to go with the 20s theme.
I hope you enjoyed some of these ideas. 'Til then... See you at the next party!
Photo credits: www.jpconsunji.com
