Why 1920s Parties Are Back in Style
There’s something irresistible about the Roaring Twenties. The glamour. The jazz. The champagne towers. The sense of rebellion wrapped in elegance. Whether you’re planning a Gatsby‑inspired soirée, a speakeasy cocktail night, or a Clue‑style 1920s murder mystery, this theme delivers drama, nostalgia, and pure fun.
And in 2026, the 1920s aesthetic is trending again—thanks to vintage fashion revivals, Art Deco décor, and the rise of immersive themed events. It could also be the need to escape for just a night into a different world than the one around us.
A 1920s party is a great way to design your kaleidoscope as this can get your creative juices flowing. Not to mention this could be a party that your guests will talk about for years to come.
Choose Your 1920s Party Style
Classic Roaring Twenties
Are you thinking of a Classic Roaring Twenties Party. The glittering gold, black velvet, feathers, pears and champagne. Tables with centerpieces of lilies with big feathers in clear vases. Or the large flowers in black art deco vases. Or no centerpieces at all – just the night club glamor of gold. This version is all about glamour and dancing.
Speakeasy Night
Or the Speakeasy Night. Just as spectacular. Low Lighting, jazz music, secret passwords and prohibition-era drinks with easy snacks. Perfect for intimate gatherings or even the 1920s Murder Mystery.
1920s Murder Mystery Party
A Clue‑style evening with characters, clues, and dramatic reveals. I love a good Sherlock Holmes who done it. The classic came of clue is great way to introduce a murder mystery party. This is ideal to really dive in to the storytelling of the 1920s and interactive fun.
I am sure AI can put together a great storyline and even characters. With the assistance you can create characters that fall more in line with your guests’ real life characters. Or go for just the opposite. This night will be fun and memorable no matter what you choose.
Gatsby Garden Party
Who wants a Great Gatsby Garden or outdoor party. Day or night this would be a fun party. Day party could have croquet or pretend that corn hole was the rage then. People dressed up in their 1920s outfits would make for some picture perfect moments.
Or night with the string lights, champagne glasses and long smokes. Perfect for all to join in the fun. A softer, more romantic take on the theme.
OR a combination of any one of these themes. Design your own.
Set the Scene: Décor That Transports Guests to 1926
Art Deco Everything. Thrifting is a great way to to look for items for the party. Estate sales – it is close to that season again. Vintage fairs. There is one coming to my area soon.
Look for Geometric gold patterns, mirrored trays, sunbursts, fan-shaped motifs. Vintage shine. Large feathers, big flowers, art deco vases. Old makeup trinkets or vintage frames.
Bar carts. We all know they are back and make for a transportation to the 1920s easily. Bronze or gold candlesticks. Even if you have dark iron candlesticks they would be easy to transform to the era. Etsy has loads of signs to download for a small about of money from the 1920s. Old books, typewriters, luggage and crime scene vintage (if that is your theme).
Old derby or older looking at with a paper stated reporter from the 1920s. Print old looking newspapers. So many ideas.
Serve Authentic 1920s Food & Cocktails
1920’s Cocktails or beverages
Signature Cocktails are always a bit hit. French 75, Sidecar, Prohibition punch, Whiskey fizz, Bee’s Knees or even an Old Fashioned. Not drinking alcohol. No worries. There are plenty of beverages for that as well.
Lemonade, ginger ale, root beer. Mocktails such as Horse’s Neck (ginger ale/lemon twist). Shirley Temple or other fruit drinks with lemon/lime drink.
Easy 1920s‑Inspired Bites
Shrimp cocktail, deviled eggs, tea sandwiches, cheese boards or mini guiches. Even simple cakes would be excellent.
If you really want to give the “whole” experience for a murder mystery dinner, serve courses between clue reveals to keep the pacing lively.
1920s was not an over eating era. So keep it simple. Small plates. White with gold trim and gold plastic eating utensils would be perfect. Oh, so, 1920s.
Dress Code: Flappers, Gangsters & Glamour
Encourage guests to go all‑in. The 1920s aesthetic is flattering for all ages and body types.
Women had flapper dresses with fringe and beading. Long gloves, feather headbands, long beaded necklaces. T-strap kitten heels. Many also had the 1920s wool hats with flowers on the side. As well as 1920s nurses style shoes. Not everyone was a flapper. But it is more fun to be.
Long back over coats with a flower on the lable. If guests don’t have the money to spend on an outfit, encourage mix and match from the era. As well as most of these things can be purchased at the goodwill or thrift store for a low investment.
Recently, I walked into a Michaels Store and they had a row of feather boa(s) and beaded necklaces. If you have a beaded necklace that is short combine it with another one for the long knotted look.
Men loved their pinstripe suits, suspenders and bow ties. Fedoras, pocket watches and wingtip shoes. How about a detective outfit? Awh….. the facial hair.
Men really can get into character with the slicked back hair, the straight gel(ed) hair. Many styles of mustache(s) or even a full beard. Think the captain of the titanic. Be a ship captain, an avaitor (flap down hair with goggles). All so fun. Mens dress doesn’t have to be boring.
As well as Drag queens, women can dress as “Men”. It could be so much fun. This even may add to the murder mystery.
All ages can be welcome
All ages can be welcome. It actually adds more interest to your party. As well, as you never too old for a murder mystery.
Can afford all of the props – made some or all
Got an old makeup brush that the bristles have seen better days? Use the handle. Or a cheap paint brush? Dollar tree has some art supplies. One of these were made with such a handle and a rolled piece of paper. I did have aluminum tape (but you can use anything that is silver or paint it). I painted the ends of both with fake snow (left over from a Christmas craft), painted it will glow in the dark orange paint (dollar tree) and some black craft paint (could also be found at dollar tree). There you have it fake cigarettes that resemble real.
Makeup of the era
I love their makeup. However, this took time and preplanning. Pin curls? Those should be in the night before the party. They aren’t that comfortable as well. Easier to go for the “Jessica rabbit” look and put on a head band. Or the low bun.
These ladies had dedication for the makeup to the hair. Not to mention the products they used were not as user friendly as the cosmetics today.
Nyx’s line of lip products is a great product to use here. So many colors and long -wearing. As well as Physician Formula eyeliner or a great kohl pencil. (nothing is sponsor). All merely suggestions.
I would write more on putting together a 1920s murder mystery but I think you have seen enough CSI, True Crime stores or snobby doo to put it together yourself.
Happy party! and be sure to hashtag your pictures so we can all search and see your party.
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