Setting the Stage for a Vintage Party

Make an Entrance

The moment that your guests walk in, they should feel like they've gone back in time. To set the mood right away, create a photo-worthy entrance. This can be as simple as hanging a banner on a blank wall and decorating with some flowers. Don't forget to offer a welcome tray with themed cocktails and mocktails to get everyone in the party spirit.

Snap Some Photos—the Old School Way

Make sure guests are present in the moment, and enhance the vintage vibe by asking them to put away their cell phones. Instead, provide Polaroids or disposable cameras for taking pictures. The photos from these cameras are perfect remembrances from the evening and add an interactive element to the festivities.

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Set a Dress Code

To get party photos with a vintage feel, ask your guests to dress the part. Whether fancy or fun, a dress code enhances the atmosphere. Hank Stampfl, CEO and founder of Revel Rouge, highlights how clothing transforms the mood and helps guests break away from daily routines.

"If you really want to take the energy to the new levels, have your invited guests dress in vintage style," he says. "A wig can add a personality you never knew you had."

Get Glam with the Decor

New Year's Eve is a naturally lively holiday, so feel free to go all out, especially with your table setting.

"More is considered not enough in this case when it comes to tablescape—tall, lush flower arrangements adorned with velvet bows, taper candlesticks, and textured glassware help set the tone," Stampfl says.

These days, there are endless options for finding event decor, but for a vintage party, consider shopping secondhand. This approach lets you create an aesthetic that fits your style while keeping things fun and creative.

"Check out your local Goodwill store for silver-plated platters, bowls, and cutlery," suggests Andy King, founder of Andy King Events and sustainable event expert. "If you're lucky, you may find a linen tablecloth and napkins as well."

Stampfl agrees but notes that finding treasures in antique shops can require effort. If shopping for vintage items isn't for you, don't worry. You can find vintage-inspired pieces in many stores.

"Local markets add a change to available inventory," he says. "That's why we love CB2 for its vast selection of etched and ribbed glassware."

Jason Donnelly

Even though Christmas is over, don't let the holiday magic slip away. Balsam Hill offers a Roaring Twenties ornament collection that carries you through the New Year.

"The intricate designs will transport your guests to another era," says Mercedes Feller, Balsam Hill's vice president of merchandising. "Extend the look with sparkling fairy light curtains and Champagne Glitter Trees. Accent the mantle with our Champagne and Crystal Wreath with matching garland."

If you're not ready for a full decorating scheme, remember it's often the small touches that elevate your decor. Feller suggests sprinkling old-fashioned tinsel on the tree—a seldom-seen touch that adds unexpected glitz and glam.

Another small but eye-catching idea is balloons. King uses LED light-up balloons as a key element in his festive decor. A dozen or so can really make a dining room shine. Add a champagne bucket at the center of the table, and tie a balloon or two to the handles for an opulent feel.

Make it Multi-Sensory

To make guests truly feel like they've entered another era, involve all their senses, starting with sound.

"The music is everything," Stampfl says. "[It's] so much fun to play with—from live, vintage-style jazz bands to a sultry dancer. In this theme, you have full carte blanche to dive into discovering exciting talent that elevates your next event."

And of course, no party would be complete without food and drinks. For a vintage-inspired party, old-fashioned cocktails (and mocktails) are the main event. Being based in New York, Stampfl likes a Manhattan and guarantees it will excite and warm up all your guests. The cocktail was invented in 1870 at the Manhattan Club and still holds up to this day. Serve it in a stunning etched martini glass, garnish with Woodford Reserves Bourbon Cherries, and to really wow your guests, top with a flavor blast smoke bubble.

King recommends keeping the food simple: Stick with tried-and-true recipes, especially if you have a big crowd, and pair favorite appetizers like deviled eggs with classic entrees. When it comes to presentation, your serving vessel is as important to a party as the food itself. Who doesn't love a yummy chocolate mousse served in a wine glass?

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Asking for Help

Remember, you don't have to do everything yourself. If you're not a great cook, order food or hire a caterer. And even if you do all the prep yourself, think of ways that you can get a little extra assistance during the party so that you can enjoy yourself, too. Hiring a professional bartender and a server can elevate the evening and take away a lot of stress.

At the end of the day, while it's easy to fixate on the decorations and drinks and details, that's not what makes your party a good time.

"I will always remember a quote that Julia Childs shared with me: 'It's not what you put on the plate that makes for a successful dinner party, it's what you put on the chair,'" King says. "So make sure to invite a fun group of guests."