Looking through my parents’ old photo albums always makes me laugh.
The fashion choices were questionable, but everyone looked like they were having the best time.
Retro parties are a great excuse to bring back that loose, fun energy.
You do not need a time machine to recreate the vibe, just the right music and maybe some hairspray.
1. Saturday Night Disco
Clear the living room furniture to make a dance floor. A mirror ball is absolutely non-negotiable for this theme.
Play the Bee Gees on repeat and teach everyone the basic steps to The Hustle. It is impossible to be in a bad mood while pointing your finger at the ceiling.
2. The 80s Prom
Ask guests to raid thrift stores for puffy sleeves and taffeta dresses. The colors should be loud and the fabric should be shiny.
Someone usually ends up crying in the bathroom just to stay in character.
3. Grunge Garage Party
Keep the lighting dim and the mood moody. Everyone wears flannel shirts tied around their waists and ripped denim.
4. Studio 54 Glamour
I went to a party like this where the host actually put red velvet ropes outside the front door. He made us wait ten minutes before letting us in just to create that exclusive club feeling. Inside, there was glitter everywhere and people were dancing on the couches by midnight. It felt chaotic and luxurious.
5. 80s Aerobics Class
Tell everyone to wear spandex and neon leg warmers. You will look ridiculous, but that is the point.
Create a playlist with high-energy tracks like:
- Physical by Olivia Newton-John
- Call Me by Blondie
- Eye of the Tiger
6. The 90s Sitcom
Decorate your space to look like a famous coffee shop. Serve giant mugs of cappuccino and play a trivia game based on classic TV show quotes.
7. Classic Fondue Night
It is dangerous but delicious.
8. Miami Vice
Think pastel suits and white loafers. Serve tropical drinks with little umbrellas and keep the vibe cool and breezy.
Tip: play a synthesizer soundtrack in the background to really sell the atmosphere.
9. Boy Band vs Girl Group
Divide the party into two teams. One side dresses like the Backstreet Boys and the other dresses like the Spice Girls.
The quiet friend often surprises everyone by knowing every single step of the choreography.
10. The Roller Rink
You do not need an actual rink to do this. Just clear a garage or patio and rent skates.
Tip: Have plenty of ice packs ready for knees because balance gets harder as you get older.
11. Woodstock Revival
Flower crowns and tie-dye shirts are the uniform here. Sit on the grass and play acoustic guitar songs.
12. 90s Slumber Party
Order pepperoni pizzas and play games like MASH or Truth or Dare.
There is always one person who falls asleep first and gets pranked.
13. Retro Arcade
Set up a few gaming consoles with classic 8-bit games.
Pac-Man and Space Invaders are easy for anyone to pick up and play. You can even print out high-score sheets to tape to the wall.
14. Neon Glow
Buy a few blacklights to replace your normal bulbs.
Ask guests to wear:
- White t-shirts
- Fluorescent accessories
- Glow stick bracelets
15. Saved by the Bell
Giant brick cell phones are a funny prop.
16. Y2K Countdown
Party like it is 1999. Wear metallic silver outfits and clear plastic accessories. It celebrates that weird futuristic aesthetic we all loved at the turn of the millennium.
17. 70s Rock and Roll
Band t-shirts and shaggy hair.
18. Golden Girls Brunch
Dress up as elderly women in comfortable floral kaftans. Serve cheesecake and complain about your hips.
19. The Mixtape Swap
Ask everyone to make a playlist of 10 songs from their childhood.
20. 80s Movie Marathon
Screen classics like The Breakfast Club or Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.
Tip: Serve popcorn in big geometric bowls.
21. 90s Hip Hop
Wear oversized jerseys and gold chains. Break out the boombox and clear some space for dancing.
Someone usually ends up trying to breakdance and hurting their back.
22. Tupperware Party
Put a modern twist on this classic suburban gathering. Instead of selling plastic bowls, just have everyone bring leftovers to swap.
23. Beanie Baby Brunch
Ask guests to bring their favorite nostalgic toy. It sparks great conversations about what we collected as kids.
24. 70s Game Show
Create a set that looks like The Price is Right. Make nametags for everyone shaped like those classic yellow stickers.
25. Blockbuster Night
Set up shelves with candy boxes and let people “rent” their movie choice for the night. It brings back the specific joy of walking down the aisles on a Friday night.
Nostalgia brings people together in a really special way. We all share those memories of bad haircuts and great music. Pick the decade that speaks to you and just have fun with it.
