Decade Party Ideas

Decade parties spotlight particular moments in time, allowing some people to relive their childhoods. Decade parties can also give others insight on fashions, music and popular cultures of years that have past. Use decade party ideas that will take your guests back in time.

Games

Test your guests' knowledge at your decade party. Create a trivia game that consists of questions about decades-old historical events, popular culture, movies, television shows and other things that are identifiable with a specific decade. For example, for a 1980s theme party, one of the questions you can ask is, "Name the popular television show that premiered in 1984 starring a famous comedian playing a doctor and his wife as a lawyer living in New York City." Those who answer "The Cosby Show" will be correct.

Music

Hire a cover band to play music at your decade party. If your party is inspired by the 1960s, hire a Motown cover band to perform. Have the band play some of the record company's hits, including The Supremes' "Stop! In the Name of Love," the Temptations' "My Girl" and Smokey Robinson and the Miracles' "You Really Got A Hold On Me." A disco cover band would fit a 1970s theme party. The band can play the Bee Gees' "Stayin Alive," Donna Summer's "Last Dance" and Hues Corporation's "Rock the Boat."

Costumes

Turn your decade party into a costume party. Ask your guests to dress up in costumes that are inspired by fashions from a specific decade. For a 1950s theme party, women can wear poodle skirts and bobby socks that are inspired by sock hops, which were popular during the decade. Men at your 1950s party can wear T-shirts, blue jeans and leather jackets for a 1950s James Dean look. If you're having a party that's inspired by the 1980s, women can wear spandex, leg warmers, dresses or blouses with shoulder pads and jellies. Men can wear acid-wash jeans and Members Only jackets.

Invitations

The invitations for your party should also follow your decade-inspired theme. Use catch phrases that were popular during a particular decade to announce the party. For a 1990s decade party, use the catch phrase "Whoomp (There The Party Is)" on the front of the invitations, a reference to the popular song released by Tag Team in 1993. Another popular 1990s catch phrase is "Show Me the Party," a reference to the movie "Jerry McGuire."