It’s official. The decade is ending. 2019 is soon to be 2020, and we will be thrust into another century’s Roaring ‘20s. As we near the end of the decade, it’s time to begin arguably the most important part of preparing for the New Year: New Year’s Eve party planning. Below are some tips for throwing a party for ringing in the new Roaring ‘20s.
In my opinion, the most important part of a party of any type is the music. I would suggest making a playlist of the top songs from the 1920’s, but I don’t know if I would show up to a party that was playing Louis Armstrong, Bing Crosby and Fanny Brice on repeat. I suggest instead emulating Baz Luhrmann’s “The Great Gatsby” and playing modern music over ‘20s themes. I have made a Spotify playlist of songs from the past decade that focus on the stereotypical themes of the Roaring ‘20s: partying, alcohol, extravagance, dancing and any song that has the name “Gatsby” in it.
This playlist has a variety of tempos and genres, even including one country song with Toby Keith’s “Red Solo Cup.” The playlist can be used as is or can be used as a starting point to make your own playlist. If you’re throwing a classy, black-tie party, I would suggest sticking to some of the slower songs, like Rihanna’s “Cheers (Drink to That)” or Ariana Grande’s “successful.” If you’re throwing a more casual, dancing-encouraged party, I would suggest sticking to some of the faster songs, like Icona Pop’s “I Love It” or Usher’s “DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love.” Either way, the playlist is filled with nostalgia and can be enjoyed by all attendees.
Another requirement for a New Year’s Eve Roaring ‘20s party is champagne and champagne flutes. Any other cups can be used for the rest of the party, but as soon as champagne comes out, there has to be champagne flutes. For a classy party, I would suggest splurging on a few glass champagne flutes. Sometimes you can find glassware at thrift shops, but make sure you have enough for everyone attending and a few extra for unexpected guest. I personally think the more economic choice for any party is plastic flutes. This pack of 100 plastic champagne flutes only costs $17.99 before shipping and handling, but it does require some assembly. If you want to look even fancier, this pack only comes with gold detail, but does cost $14.99 and only has 30 in a pack.
I would definitely stick to cheap champagne if other drinks are going to be provided or everyone is told to bring their own drinks. More than likely the champagne is only going to be brought out for one toast, and people aren’t going to remember if you gave them cheap champagne. If champagne is the only drink being provided, definitely spring for a higher-priced champagne, keep the guest list small and ask everyone to pitch in.
The dress code is also important. This decision is entirely up to you. You could require attendees to come in tuxedos and gowns to emulate the extravagance of the ‘20s, but you risk alienating a large pool of people who can’t afford or don’t have these items. Another option is to require everyone to come in stereotypical ‘20s costumes, but this still alienates a large pool of people. I think “dress casual” is the standard New Year’s Eve party attire and would suggest sticking with that. Gold decoration emphasizes the extravagance and elegance of the ‘20s and may be the go-to for decorating, but keep in mind that gold can look dated and played out.
The most important thing is that you have fun in both the planning and the execution. No one wants to go to a party where no one is having fun, so throw your party however it makes you happy. Being happy seems like the perfect way to start a new decade together.
