Gatsby's knack for the extravagant made him one of the most iconic party-throwers of all time. Taking full advantage of the glitz and glamour of the Roaring '20s, he put champagne towers, sequins, and chic graphic motifs on the map. Decades later, we're still pulling inspiration from the splashy era by championing lustrous metallics, geometric accents, and all the frills and feathers that come with.
The key to pulling off a successful art deco-themed party idea is not about spending a fortune on decor and accessories but about employing a handful of niche elements that can recreate the celebrated vibe with effortless ease. Read on for the staples your party can't be without and the foolproof ways you can channel the best of the Golden Age for your next fête.
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Video of the Day
1. Think light as a feather.
The effect feathers can have on a room is essentially unrivaled, and even the most modest bunch can transform an empty corner with dramatic flair. Just ask Jenn from Haute Off the Rack, who used the trendy accent in this art deco-themed birthday party. Coupled with a matching gold tablescape, the finished centerpiece was pure perfection.
Get the look: Moonlight FeatherInc Ostrich Feathers (10 pieces), $6.43
2. Tower up.
Champagne is an undisputed essential for an art deco-themed party, and presentation is everything. Swap elongated flutes in favor of compact coupes and take things to the next level by displaying it all in the form of a glass pyramid tower, like this setup captured by Jessica Gabeler.
Get the look: LSA Champagne Tower (set of 10), $98
3. Go vintage.
Vintage accents reminiscent of the era are a must-have for a thematic focal point. Use a stylish yet functional object like this antique phonograph, spotted at a wedding featured on Style Me Pretty, to double as the anchor for a tablescape. Weave in fresh blooms along the sides for a fragrant touch. Complete the scene with secondhand glassware and linens for a look that's bursting with art deco flair.
4. Set a backdrop.
Make your bash as memorable as ever with a photo booth background that's glam to the max. Line a blank wall with strips of gold tinsel — tassel and fringe garlands work as well — and supply guests with cheeky accessories and props. This oversize backdrop, spotted on Inspired By This, ups the ante with spray-painted palms and fronds.
Get the look: Spritz Fringe Backdrop in Silver, $6
5. Keep spirits up.
When entertaining, a fully-stocked bar cart goes without saying, and adding on some frills is always appreciated. Take a design cue from this art deco themed party idea by Sugar and Charm, and style your festive drink trolley with vintage champagne coupes and plenty of florals to boot.
Get the look: Williams-Sonoma Beckett Bar Cart, $1,095
6. Mix and match.
Art deco is all about channeling the best, with opulence at its forefront. Something as simple as outfitting your venue with dozens of gold-mercury votives is a quick and easy way to embrace the grand nature of the era as well as create an old-school ambiance.
7. Sweeten the deal.
A party isn't complete without a cake. We're all for taking a page out of Club Crafted's book and DIY-ing our very own art deco-themed confection. The secret here? Holly, the creative behind this pink beauty, used thin slices of edible sugar sheets to mimic an iconic '20s motif.
Get the look: DIY Art Deco Cake
8. Pick a palette.
Black and gold are as classic a pairing as any but when it comes to art deco themed party ideas, they're at the top of the list. Go all out with the duo, designating it for everything from the dress code to the decor, or employ subtle hints of it — as seen here on Kara's Party Ideas — by way of a decked out tablescape. Complete the opulent look by draping black feather boas and faux pearls over chair backs.
Get the look: Party City Black Feather Boa, $9.99