Entertainment

How to Throw a Stylish 70s-Inspired Summer Party

June 1, 2024 by Erica Hughes Leave a Comment

Vintage style has been extremely popular throughout the last few years, especially when it comes to fashion and interior design. The 70s were an era of liberation, hippies and outrageous flares, and this vibrancy makes for a great party setting.

If you and your friends are looking to reminisce this summer, why not throw a 70s theme party? Read on to discover our top tips on how to create a perfectly retro bash that will wow all your guests.

Décor

Enhancing your home, venue or garden for a party with unique garlands is perhaps the most important part of curating your desired vibe.

Depending on the niche you want to explore, there are plenty of decoration options for your shindig. For example, if you are leaning more towards a hippie theme, you could incorporate peace signs, flowers and lava lamps.

Or, to showcase your rock & roll side, you could string vinyl records and neon colours. If this is the atmosphere you are looking to generate, you will also definitely need the right music to match!

Playlist

Transport your guests back in time by playing some amazing 70s tunes. This era is potentially one of the most iconic times for music ever, with groundbreaking artists such as Saturday Night Fever, Fleetwood Mac and Queen.

You could further enhance these iconic vibes by matching your music and decorations, as this will hone in on your specific niche, making it more unique. If you have enough room, why not include a dance floor and disco ball for a groovy time? Make sure you also use a turntable and record player for that authentic sound too.

Dress code

This is the fun part! It wouldn’t be a retro get-together without dressing up in fun, nostalgic costumes. When sending out your invites, make sure to mention your theme.

You could dress as 70s celebrities such as Elton John or Diana Ross, devise a group costume idea, or even just dress up in general groovy attire. We are certain that bell bottoms and tie-dye patterns will be your best friend here.

If you and your friends are looking to reminisce this summer, why not throw a 70s theme party? Read on to discover our top tips on how to create a perfectly retro bash that will wow all your guests.

Nostalgic activities

To emphasise your 70s theme, you should host some fun party activities that will remind your guests of the good old days.

You could organise your own retro game show for everyone to join in with. Retro trivia questions or puzzles work especially well in groups.

Setting up a tie-dye station is also a fantastic way for your guests to get creative. This means they will also have something to remember the occasion by.

Make sure you also serve some delicious treats! It wouldn’t be a 70s bash without a cheese fondue, and this is the perfect centrepiece for your party which everyone can enjoy. Accompany with pineapple skewers and pina coladas to really boost that nostalgia.

Four games suitable for large groups

May 17, 2024 by Erica Hughes Leave a Comment

Whether you’re hosting a party with colleagues, a dinner with friends or another special occasion, you’ll probably want to come up with some games to keep your guests entertained. There are plenty of other benefits to playing games in a big group like friendly competition and helping people get to know one another.

However, not all games are suitable for large groups, so you’ll want to choose the ones that can be easily incorporated into a big group of friends. To help, we’ve put together this handy guide on some of the best games to try next time you host a party with a large guest list. Continue reading to find out more.

Murder mystery

Ask your guests to get kitted out in their best detective gear to solve a murder plot crafted by you. Make the story as complex or as simple as you wish – remember, the aim is to have fun. If it’s your first time hosting one of these, you’ll find plenty of beginner guides online, which make it straightforward to plan an epic murder mystery.

Bingo

The game of bingo has long been played in large groups. In the UK, there are approximately 3.5 million Bingo players, proving just how popular it can be. The rules are simple, numbers are called at random and you must mark them down on a sheet. A line or full house determines a win.

Bingo can also be played online, allowing your large group to participate whether you’re all together or spread out across the country. This makes a game of bingo readily accessible for friends who may not be able to make it in person to your gathering.

Charades

Split your group into teams of two to three players. Have each team write down a word or phrase on paper and what category it’s a part of, such as a movie, TV show or song. These should be references that all players will know.

Pick out a piece of paper from a bowl at random, then act out whatever word or phrase is written down. Use a sand timer to ensure players don’t go over the time limit.

Icebreakers

Playing an icebreaker game is great for big groups who want to learn more about each other – especially if people are meeting for the first time.

Examples of games to try include two truths and one lie, matching facts up with the right person or quick-fire improvisation.

Hosting an Elegant Spring Dinner Party

May 9, 2024 by Erica Hughes Leave a Comment

Spring is the perfect season for hosting an elegant dinner party. As nature wakes up after the winter, it offers a stunning backdrop and an abundance of fresh colours and produce to inspire your décor and menu.

The mild weather and longer days mean you can host your event outside, making it an ideal setting for an evening of relaxation and celebration with friends. It might all seem overwhelming at first, but with the right plan in place, it doesn’t have to be. Here is a guide on what you need to focus on if you want to impress your guests with good food and atmosphere.

Décor

Spring-themed décor is all about celebrating the vibrancy of the season. Fresh spring flowers like daffodils and tulips can add bright splashes of colour to your table setting, whether in vases or arrangements along the middle of the table.

To amplify the luxury vibe, festoon lighting can create a fairy-tale ambiance during evening gatherings by draping softly above your dining area. Incorporate pastel table linens and nature-inspired elements to enhance the spring feel.

Menu

You can highlight the season’s vibrant flavours by using fresh ingredients in your menu. Spring dinner party dishes should be colourful, elegant and filling. Start with light appetisers featuring seasonal vegetables such as asparagus, leeks and spring greens, and a rich dressing. Spring cocktails or alcohol-free options also pair nicely here.

For the main course, offer a zesty taste with a lemon herb roasted chicken, accompanied by a spring root vegetable salad for a touch of earthy sweetness. Dessert calls for something fruity so why not consider a honey apricot tart or rhubarb cake for a touch of colour and choices that are both sweet and tangy.

Entertainment

To set the mood and entertain your guests throughout the evening, a carefully curated dinner party playlist is essential. To really up the ante and add a touch of luxury, you could hire a live band or musician. A simple speaker and Spotify playlist also do the job perfectly and provide a cosy, relaxed backdrop that complements the informal, intimate setting of a spring dinner party.

Depending on your guests’ interests, you might also include some light games or a viewing of a spring-themed movie to keep the conversation lively. However, the atmosphere remains more sophisticated without games, so it just depends on what you’re hoping for.

Finishing Touches

Personal touches will make your spring dinner party memorable. Design a seating plan with their names or offer drinks upon the arrival of your guests. Gifts such as flowers or nibbles that they can take home make the experience more personalised and leave a lasting expression.