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HOW TO HOST THE PERFECT 1920's THEMED PARTY

23/6/2022

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Downton Abbey Themed Party
Written By: Bec  |  Last Updated: 07.11.2024

Fuelled by mystery and vintage charm; this 1920's themed party is sure to make you many memories! From lavish multi-course meals to dramatic escape room experiences; all the ideas you’ll need to host a party for the history books can be found below.

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Related: 90+ Impressive Hen Do Theme Ideas
Related: Tea Party Favor Ideas
1902's INSPIRED PARTY (QUICK OVERVIEW)

Bring your event to life with vintage ambiance aplenty! Venues inspired by the roaring 20s, period homes, stunning gardens, actual castles or even some creative decorating will create the ideal setting. An exquisite high tea, luxe dinner party or elegant cocktail soiree will pair perfectly with this theme. As will activities such as card games, vintage dance classes, costume sketches, mysterious escape room experiences, a retro photo booth, or a screening of a vintage series/film. And finally, what would this theme be without some fabulous outfits? Immerse yourselves in this wonderful era with 1920's inspired outfits. Overall, this celebration is sure to be one for the history books!
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Check out our favourite '1920's Party' ideas on Etsy!
★ Click here to view our hand-picked collection ★
Image of a castle. Text overlay: How to host a Downton Abbey party (tips, tricks and fun ideas)


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​Where to Host Your 1920's Themed Party

Old world charm can be brought to any venue, so don't stress too much about where you're hosting the event (we'll share lots of tips and tricks for setting the scene throughout this article).

However, if you want your party to be as realistic as possible, here are some venue ideas with vintage ambiance aplenty:
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PERIOD HOUSES
Homes of friends or family that reflect this period in time. If the owners are associated with the party and happy to host, this could be an amazing and low cost option.

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VINTAGE VENUES
Restaurants, pubs, function venues or halls that are inspired by the Roaring 20s.


RETRO STAYS
Accommodation with vintage vibes (majestic dining rooms, art-deco inspired furniture, beautiful gardens).


THE GREAT OUTDOORS
A park or garden that allows celebrations (perfect for an outdoor high tea - just check for restrictions... and toilets!)


A CASTLE
​An actual castle that allows events and celebrations.
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Impress Party-Goers with your Setup

Time to transform your venue into a lavish 1920s wonderland. The following tips will add old-fashioned charm to even the newest of builds.
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​AFTERNOON OR HIGH TEA PARTY
Tiered serving stands, tea cups, tea pots and fresh flowers will instantly bring your Downton Abbey tea party to life. Click here for a step-by-step table setup guide.

Should the weather permit, you may prefer to take the party outside, where the beauty of your surrounds can be enjoyed. If doing so, place a few smaller tables around the garden, each with their own cloth and setting.
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To top it all off, decorate with fabric bunting or floral garlands, and place woven baskets (overflowing with flowers) where a little extra 'pizazz' is needed.

Now for the best part - a delectable range of sweet and savoury treats, paired with a variety of teas.

Fill those serving trays and tiered stands with scones, jams, cream, egg salad tea sandwiches, cakes, and other delightful nibbles.

​Then sip, eat and gossip the afternoon away!
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FORMAL DINNER PARTY
Hosting a multi-course meal? Be sure to meet expectations when it comes to setting the table! Click here to learn where each fork, knife and plate goes.
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Then, to evoke a mood that would impress even the most prestigious of guests, add some greenery, flickering candles on tiered stands, and fresh blooms in antique vases.
TABLE DECOR IDEAS INSPIRED BY THE 1920s:
  • Long, majestic dining table. Create the 'look' by sliding a couple of trestles (or other long tables) together and covering in a beautiful white cloth.
  • White table cloths
  • Napkins​
  • Coupe glasses (if you don't have these, champagne flutes/wine glasses are perfectly fine)
  • Tiered candle holders
  • Long, flickering candles
  • Greenery
  • Fresh flowers (such as roses)
  • Vintage themed menus
  • Vintage themed place cards (go one step further by writing 'Lady' before each name – e.g. ‘Lady Chloe’, as pictured below)

And finally, finish off your 20th century style table with a delicious assortment of food.

Traditional mjulti-course meals (such as roast beef, oysters and Yorkshire pudding) are fitting of this theme. Alternatively, create your own combination of dishes (such as a mix of the bride-to-be's favourites - adding a sweet and personalised touch to her day).

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Handy Tip:
Serving various courses at your party will mean a great deal of cooking for the host. So it's important to think about the night and how involved you want to be in this part of it.

Would you like to take it all on yourself? Ask for help from the bridesmaids? Book a catering company? Organise a private chef? Or even coordinate a pot luck dinner?

You could also hire a (topless) waiter to help with serving! A bit of cheek for your royal affair.
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​ELEGANT COCKTAIL SOIREE
Set a glamorous scene indoors with candles (both in mason jars and on tiered stands), flowers, pearl draped centrepieces, and fabric bunting. You might also like to add some vintage mirrors, large rugs, peacock feathers and cocktail stations.

Hosting outside? Keep it light, bright and fun with floral garlands, fabric bunting and twinkle lights. If your budget allows, large, white tents were oftentimes found at these wonderous occasions.


Handy Tip:
For those setting up cocktail stations, make sure they are overflowing with martini glasses, champagne coupes, shakers, gin, champagne and an assortment of mixers.
Downton Abbey Cocktail Party Setup

After More Décor Ideas?

★Click here to view decoration inspiration★
The following items draw inspiration from the early 1920s:
  • Family portraits (e.g. of the bride and groom!). Print large and display on the wall, or print small and display on tables
  • Pearl necklaces in bowls or draped strategically around your venue
  • Any vintage items you (or friends/family) have around the home. Typewriters, telephones, clocks, lamps, desks, vases, serving trays, mirrors, etc.
  • Large floor rugs
  • Draped windows (this could be a fun DIY project using op shop fabric)
  • Twinkle lights (to give your celebration a beautiful, relaxed ambiance).
  • Tealight candles flickering inside mason jars, martini glasses or champagne coupes
​Once you’ve transformed the space, guests will be forgiven for thinking they’ve stepped back in time.
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Handy Tip:
When it comes to sourcing decorations, we recommend asking before purchasing. You never know what treasures your friends and family have hiding in their homes. No luck with this? Many of the items mentioned above can also be found at op shops, garage sales and in antique stores.
Downton Abbey Party Decoration Ideas


​Add a Touch of Drama

★Click here to view or download a 1920s themed Murder Mystery kit★
​This era is all about romance, style and drama. We’ve got the romance and style covered – but what about the dramatic twists?

This is where a DIY escape room activity comes in.
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Based on the roaring 20s, Lock Paper Scissors' 'Envy' kit makes the perfect addition to this theme.
Not only is it fun and exciting, but it also adds some fabricated mystery and drama to the day (which, I’m sure you’ll agree, is much better than any real scandals).

See the images below for some of the ways we included this kit in our party (no clue spoilers, we promise!).


Fun Tip:
We hand delivered 'telegrams' to each team to get the escape room started (the perfect way to surprise guests if they didn't know about the activity beforehand).
Picture
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Other Activity Ideas

The murder mystery escape room was a hit, but you still want more? This list of themed games and activities has got you covered:
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SKETCHING
Costume or wedding dress sketches (vintage style, of course!). You may like to print off a sketch of a person/face to get everyone started (guest's can then add the outfits). Hand out prizes for funniest design, most creative design, and the design most likely to be worn by the bride.


CARD GAMES
Popular in the 1920s, your bride-to-be's favourite card games would make the perfect addition to her special night

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MOVIE NIGHT
Host your own movie or TV show viewing party where an assortment of vintage films are on offer (alternatively, have the bride's favourite 1920's inspired movie on low volume in the background at your event).


DANCING
Vintage dance class (such as the Charleston)
Edwardian Era Sketches

And Finally... The Outfits

The final touch to your sophisticated soiree. Are you ready to don your favourite vintage attire?!

​For guests who aren’t quite sure what to wear, we suggest the following:

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FABULOUS 1920'S FASHION:
Formal gowns, drop earrings, evening shawls, stockings, bejewelled head pieces, tiaras, drop waist dresses or skirts, and strands of pearls are just some of the glamorous outfits and accessories worn proudly in this era. For a full outfit guide, click here.
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Related to These 1920's Themed Party Ideas

Retro Hens Party Ideas
​RETRO HEN DO IDEAS:
Has your best friend requested a retro themed hens party? Or perhaps you know she will adore such a theme, but aren’t quite sure where to start your planning? From cheeky soirees to relaxed afternoons, here are some fun vintage inspired party options to inspire you!

Click here to read the article now.
Hens Night Themes
EPIC HEN PARTY THEME IDEAS:
From outrageous fancy dress to beautiful bold colours, there are bound to be hen themes that suit your bride-to-be’s personality perfectly! Check out the options in this article for instant inspiration.


Click here to read the article now.

Stepping Back in Time

It's time to whip up some finger sandwiches and a delicious cup of tea (or perhaps something a little stronger); you're about to pick your favourite ideas from above and turn them into one sophisticated, stylish, and dramatic plan.

The result?

A themed party that takes guests straight back to the Jazz Age itself.

Whether it be held at an old-world castle or at your kitchen table, evoke the right mood and you're guaranteed to have a great time!

Much love, keep smiling - Bec x
( Click here to find us on Pinterest! )
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​P.S. 
There is a lot of inspiration above, and not all of it needs to be followed. Work with your budget, venue and the items you have on hand. If you think outside the box and, at times, get a little crafty, the result will be a celebration that's unique and fabulous in its own right!
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P.S. The image below is perfect for Pinterest... Go on and share this fabulous 1920s themed event inspiration with fellow fans - you know you want to! :)
Downton Abbey Themed Party Pinterest
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