As the holiday season approaches, it's the perfect time to infuse some vintage flair into your festivities. The 1920s, a decade marked by glamour, jazz, and roaring parties, offers a treasure trove of inspiration for a themed Christmas celebration. From extravagant decorations to festive cocktails, we've cut though the applesauce with these fabulous ideas to transport you and your guests back to this iconic era. With some spiffy decoration ideas and giggle water suggestions, they'll be surely impressed that you know your onions!
1. Glamorous Decorations
To create the dazzling atmosphere reminiscent of a 1920s Christmas, start with opulent decorations. Think metallics and rich colors such as gold, silver, and deep green. Hang shimmering tinsel, and adorn your Christmas tree with art deco ornaments. Use feather boas and pearls to embellish centerpieces and tables. Don't forget to include vintage-style candles and candelabras to add warmth and elegance to your celebration.
Decorative Styles of the 1920s
The 1920s were all about opulence and sophistication, and this was reflected in the Christmas decorations of the time. Trees were often adorned with tinsel, glass ornaments, and electric lights, which were a relatively new innovation. Popular motifs included stars, angels, and geometric shapes, all reflecting the Art Deco style that was prevalent during the era.
Replicating 1920s Decorations on a Budget
You don't need to spend a fortune on genuine antiques to achieve an authentic 1920s look. Here are some budget-friendly ideas:
- DIY Ornaments: Create your own Art Deco-inspired ornaments using metallic spray paint and simple geometric shapes cut from cardboard or lightweight wood. Add glitter for extra sparkle.
- Feather Garlands: Use inexpensive feather boas as garlands for your tree or to drape over mantels and doorways. They add a touch of vintage glamour without breaking the bank.
- Vintage Prints: Print out vintage Christmas card images or Art Deco patterns and frame them to create festive wall art. You can find many free printable images online.
- Homemade Candles: Make your own candles using vintage-style moulds or containers. Add a touch of gold or silver leaf to the outside for a luxurious look.
- Repurposed Items: Look for items you already have that can be repurposed. Old jewellery, brooches, and even costume pieces can be used to decorate your tree or table settings.
2. Prohibition-Era Cocktails
No 1920s-themed party would be complete without cocktails that pay homage to the Prohibition era. Consider serving classic drinks like gin fizzes, sidecars, and martinis. Set up a DIY cocktail bar where guests can mix their own drinks with recipe cards featuring popular drinks from the Roaring Twenties. For a festive touch, serve a signature holiday punch, garnished with cranberries and rosemary sprigs, for a fresh twist on these classic libations.
Wait, Prohibition Era Cocktails? But Wasn't Alcohol Banned in the US? And How Did That Affect the UK?
Well, yes, technically alcohol was banned stateside. But as we well know, prohibition wasn't exactly a roaring success. Whilst it closed many legitimate American distillers and liquor producers, it opened up a thriving black market. Imported spirits became the order of the day.
The Prohibition era in the United States (1920-1933) also had a significant impact on the types of cocktails that became popular in the UK. With the ban on alcohol in the US, some American bartenders moved to Europe, bringing their cocktail expertise with them. Additionally, the illicit importation of alcohol during this period introduced new spirits and cocktail recipes to the UK. This led to the rise of sophisticated cocktails such as the gin fizz, sidecar, and martini, which became staples in British bars and homes. These drinks often featured strong flavors and high-proof spirits, designed to mask the taste of inferior or homemade alcohol, a necessity during Prohibition. Today, these classic cocktails remain popular, offering a taste of the Roaring Twenties' ingenuity and style.
1920s Christmas Cocktail Menu
1. French 75
- Ingredients: Gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, Champagne
- Description: A sparkling and refreshing cocktail with a citrusy kick, perfect for toasting the holiday season.
2. Bee's Knees
- Ingredients: Gin, lemon juice, honey syrup
- Description: A sweet and tangy cocktail that’s as delightful as its name suggests, ideal for warming up on a cold winter night.
3. Sidecar
- Ingredients: Cognac, Cointreau, lemon juice
- Description: A sophisticated and balanced drink with a zesty citrus flavor, great for sipping by the fire.
4. Mary Pickford
- Ingredients: White rum, pineapple juice, grenadine, Maraschino liqueur
- Description: A fruity and festive cocktail named after the famous silent film star, bringing a touch of Hollywood glamour to your party.
5. Southside
- Ingredients: Gin, lime juice, simple syrup, mint leaves
- Description: A refreshing and minty cocktail that’s both elegant and invigorating, perfect for a holiday gathering.
6. Old Fashioned
- Ingredients: Bourbon or rye whiskey, sugar, Angostura bitters, orange twist
- Description: A timeless classic with a rich and robust flavor, ideal for those who appreciate a strong, well-balanced drink.
7. Mint Julep
- Ingredients: Bourbon, mint leaves, simple syrup, crushed ice
- Description: A cool and refreshing cocktail with a hint of mint, perfect for adding a touch of Southern charm to your Christmas party.
8. Aviation
- Ingredients: Gin, Maraschino liqueur, crème de violette, lemon juice
- Description: A beautifully colored and floral cocktail that’s as delightful to look at as it is to drink.
9. Hanky Panky
- Ingredients: Gin, sweet vermouth, Fernet-Branca
- Description: A complex and intriguing cocktail with a hint of bitterness, perfect for those who enjoy a more adventurous drink.
10. Champagne Cocktail
- Ingredients: Champagne, sugar cube, Angostura bitters, brandy, lemon twist
- Description: A festive and bubbly cocktail that’s perfect for celebrating the holiday season in style.
These cocktails will not only transport your guests back to the glamorous 1920s but also add a festive and sophisticated touch to your Christmas party. Cheers!
3. Swinging Entertainment
Set the mood with lively entertainment that captures the spirit of the 1920s. Create a playlist filled with jazz and swing music to keep the energy high. If you're planning a large party, hire a live jazz band or a swing dance instructor for a fun lesson. Encourage guests to hire authentic flapper dresses and dapper suits for a night that allows them to fully immerse themselves in the era's vibe. Don’t forget to provide some fun props for a selfie booth to capture all those darling moments!
For a smaller gathering, check out apps like Spotify for 1920s style playlists - a phone and a bluetooth speaker (discreetly placed of course so as not to spoil the twenties vibe!) is all you need for a playlist that's the cat's pyjamas!
4. More Decoration Ideas
For lots of great well-researched ideas, TheLongHairedFlapper has put together a fantastic video of ideas and inspo to make your 20's themed gathering the bees knees!
Conclusion
A 1920s themed Christmas party is a unique way to celebrate the holidays, blending nostalgia with festive cheer. With glamorous decorations, delicious drinks, and lively entertainment, your guests are sure to enjoy an unforgettable evening. So, don your flapper dress or bowler hat, and let the festivities begin! Ready to jazz up your holiday season? Start planning today!
