Ring in the Roaring 2020s With Our Great Gatsby Worthy Party Hosting Tips

A brand new decade is nearly upon us so it’s time to plan how you’re going to ring in the 2020s. Last century’s ‘20s went down in history as an era of excess and frivolity and what better way to celebrate the new ‘20s than by taking a few leaves out of one of the most enduring icons of the 1920s, Jay Gatsby. The fictional party host knew a thing or two about what makes for a sparkling celebration so here’s our top tips on throwing your own Great Gatsby party worthy of the man himself…

If there’s one thing a Great Gatsby worthy party should be it’s decadent. One of the main benefits of hosting a New Year’s party is chances are you will still have lots of festive sparkle still around the home. Make the most of these decorations and build on them for your party theme. If you’re going for decadence, you can’t get more glamorous than gold decorations, from golden garlands draped across tables and walls to gleaming serveware, it’s the indulgence any roaring '20s party needs.

No Great Gatsby worthy party is complete without a drinks station. Whether you hire a bar tender for the evening to whip up some mixology magic or get your guests involved in creating their own, make sure there’s somewhere fabulous to prepare them. If you aren’t lucky enough to have your own bar at home (us too), it couldn’t be easier to create one. Drinks trolleys are rising in popularity thanks to their compact size and easy manoeuvrability making them a stylish home bar option with none of the commitment of a built-in version. Alternatively side tables or sideboards can be given a mini makeover to create a bar just for the party.

Aesthetics are everything for a Gatsby party which means making sure each element matches the roaring ‘20s feel you’re going for. One of the main elements is of course what you and your guests will be drinking and what they’ll be drinking from. A simple champagne flute or highball just won’t cut it. Invest in traditional cocktail glasses with glamorous Art Deco detailing and champagne saucers for the fizz. With every tipple you’ll all be transported to the mansions of West Egg.

For New Year’s Eve party food keep it light so your guests can mingle. Canapés and finger food are perfect for everyone to dip in and out of and you can set up a spread at the start of the evening instead of being stuck in the kitchen whipping up a multi-course meal all night. Things like cheese and charcuterie boards are fabulous for picking at and can be left out for whenever guests get peckish. Consider matching your serveware to the theme of your party with sparkling serving plates and platters dotted with gleaming tealight holders and other table decorations.

It wouldn’t be New Year’s or a Great Gatsby party without a few festive cocktails. With classics like a Gin Rickey (mentioned in the book), Manhattans, Mint Juleps or Long Island Iced Teas you can’t go wrong but as it’s still the festive season you could slip a few Christmas cocktails onto the list too. Whatever you choose to serve, make sure they’re prepared to perfection and served in the vintage-style cocktail glasses mentioned above.