How Do I Decorate for a 50s Theme Party?

Musicians from of the 1950s such as Elvis Presley and Buddy Holly can provide decorating inspiration. Purchase posters of popular musical groups and use them to decorate the walls. If you have old record albums from this era, hang them from the ceiling to provide a festive atmosphere. If you don't have them, cut black card stock into 7-inch circles, the same size as the old 45-r.p.m. vinyl records. Create round labels for the records on your computer, or simply draw the labels with colored gel pens, which show up well on black surfaces. If your budget allows for it, rent an authentic 1950s jukebox. This will add to your decor and provide musical entertainment at the same time. The drive-in diner is another popular image of the 1950s. Find old poster images of advertisements for sodas, burgers, diners and cars from the period. Cover the tables with checkered table cloths. Go to a restaurant supply house to buy inexpensive old-fashioned soda glasses, diner-style sugar bowls, salt and pepper shakers and condiment bottles. Serve Coca-Cola in glass bottles. Find toy models of 1950s cars and place these on the tables, or give them as party favors. If you're feeling artistic, buy a piece of poster board from an art supply shop and turn it into a diner-style menu, complete with 1950s-era prices. Other popular culture icons of the 1950s, such as toys, movies and television shows, present even more decorating ideas. Toys that were popular in the 1950s such as the hula hoop, the Slinky, the yo-yo, Silly Putty and Etch A Sketch are still manufactured. Purchase some of these toys and use them as props to create a playful party mood. Images of iconic 1950s movies stars such as Marilyn Monroe and James Dean are available in stores and on the Internet. Buy or print their images to use as decor. Popular TV shows from the period such as "The Mickey Mouse Club", "I Love Lucy" and "The Honeymooners" provide additional visual inspiration for your party.