There’s no word cooler than RETRO right now. From pop-up roller discos to the return of 90s music and fashion (we see you Sugarbabes and Liam Gallagher). And the numerous references to 1980s culture in hit TV shows like Cobra Kai and Stranger Things. Stepping back in time has never been more current. On our blog in the next few months, we’ll be adding to the archives by delving into all things retro. With guides on how to plan parties throughout the decades. We’ll take a look at what party design was like in that era, and how to shake them up with a nuevo-retro vibe.1950s, 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, here we come. First up, it’s time to share our tips on how to throw a retro 70s disco party. From shimmering décor to a dance floor full of energy, this theme promises a night your guests won’t forget.
BACK IN THE DAY….
We think we know how to throw a party these days, but the seventies were truly another level of glitz and hedonism. A disco party in the 1970s was a dazzling spectacle of light, music, and energy.
If you want to learn about how to throw a retro 70s disco party with original disco glamour, then the iconic Studio 54 was the celebrity hot spot of the day. You can read all about the legendary nightlife spot here: https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2020/mar/13/studio-54-exhibition-brooklyn-museum
Every disco party would have had a glittering disco ball at its centre, with colourful strobe lights creating a mesmerising display. People dressed to impress in bell-bottom pants, sequined tops and platform shoes. The style was bold and vibrant!
Loud infectious music with that distinct disco groove played until dawn. Joy and a love of dancing were the overarching emotions.
Drinks? Del Boy would have been in his element! Think over-the-top, sweet garish cocktails garnished with glacier cherries and umbrellas. Snowballs, Pina Coladas and Tequila Sunrise all served without the irony. Babycham in branded coupes was the fizz of the day.
If you ask how to throw a retro 70s disco party at home, there are a couple of retro gems that need to be featured. If you were truly en-vogue in the1970s, a house party would have had a hostess trolley – your pride and joy! Or (gasp) – a fondue set.
The 1970s table scape was a sight to behold. Everything was arranged meticulously on serving plates and platters. Moulded and layered into edible artistry. Sculptured into impressive, towering displays. Devilled eggs, pineapple, artichokes and of course, the classic vol-au-vent are all featured.
We love this article on House & Garden which perfectly describes seventies entertainment with some amazing original photos thrown in for good measure: https://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/article/1970s-entertaining
BANG UP TO DATE…
Disco-Inspired Décor
When we look at how to throw a retro 70s disco party, colour is important. Nailing the disco vibe is a combination of bold colours, metallic accents, and plenty of sparkle. For Christmas. your colour scheme should include silvers, golds, deep reds, and emerald greens to tie in the festive spirit with disco glamour. Add in some neon and brighter (more current shades) to bring it up to date.
No disco party is complete without a glittering disco ball. In one recent event, we took the essence of disco glamour but teamed it with an abundance of flowers. Creating a magnificent canopy of glitterballs and colour. Alternatively, pair a glitterball with LED strobe lights to create the perfect retro dance atmosphere.
Once twee, now back in fashion. Use shimmering foil curtains, funky patterned wallpapers, or large retro-style posters to set the tone for your space. Silhouettes of 70s men and women giving their best disco pose are great to line corridors.
Tables should incorporate metallic tablecloths, neon accents, and centrepieces adorned with mini disco balls and lava lamps.
Glam Disco Fever – the on-trend theme for Christmas 2024
Home interiors magazines are a great resource when looking for the latest trends in Christmas décor and parties, and this year House Beautiful is tipping the disco theme as one of the best.
An article on its website says: “Amp up the glitz and glamour because Christmas is taking a retro twist this year: think disco balls, glitter, sequins, tassels and iridescent décor. Whether you want to bedazzle a whole room or add a few subtle touches that sparkle, this trend will put you in a feel-good mood and see you well into the New Year.
https://www.housebeautiful.com/uk/decorate/looks/a37465953/christmas-trends/#r3z-addoor
And there’s no shortage of disco-themed decorations to help you set the scene.
Here are just a few:
- Disco Cherry Wall Decoration, £12 from Rockett St George https://www.rockettstgeorge.co.uk/collections/disco-party-christmas-tree-decorations/products/disco-cherries-christmas-tree-decoration
- Disco Silver LED Light, £35 from Oliver Bonas – https://www.oliverbonas.com/homeware/disco-ball-silver-led-light-bulb-354435
- Large Bauble Christmas Tree Decoration, £25 from John Lewis – https://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-large-bauble-christmas-tree-table-decoration-silver/p111826276
1970s Party Catering Ideas
Creating an impressive table scape is the key to seventies catering. It’s as much about how you present it, as it is about what you are serving. With a flourish of TLC-inspired seventies style.
You’ll need to invest in serving platters, and plenty of them. Nothing should hit the table without considering where and how it is being shown at its best. Create miniature finger foods for your guests. Mini cheese balls. Pigs in blankets. Prawn cocktail served in shot glasses. Bite-sized Quiche Lorraine. You could even try your hand at vol-au-vents with these 2024 takes on the classic from the BBC https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/vol-au-vent
Luckily, fondue is also back in vogue for both savoury and sweet (cheese or chocolate). A tasty casserole is an ‘easy to whip up’ seventies crowd pleaser for a house party, or update it into a decorated pie with this version from BBC Good Food https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/coq-au-vin-pie-creamy-chive-mash.
Desserts are where you can go wild and bring out that jelly mould for some impressive seventies-style food sculptures. Alternatives could be disco-themed cupcakes with edible glitter, and cookies shaped like disco balls or vinyl records. Or how about individual portions of traditional trifle?
Drinks – you know the score. Offer classic cocktails served in retro glassware. The crazier and more colourful the better. Plus, you can serve them with umbrellas (with the irony included on this occasion). Take the traditional flavours of the 70s and give them an update. Would you try a Black Forest Gateau cocktail? https://www.diffordsguide.com/cocktails/recipe/228/black-forest-gateau
Disco Party Entertainment
It’s quite simple, it’s not a retro disco Christmas party without a dance floor.
Transform a section of your space into a dance haven. Use LED floor panels or hire a light-up dance floor. Add a fog machine for that true 1970s nightclub vibe. Encourage guests to show off their best disco moves—think John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever.
For a large event, bring in disco dance teachers to get the guests grooving to the right vibes. A DJ or live band should provide the disco tunes. Everything from the Bee Gees and Diana Ross to Donna Summer and The Eagles. You can update the retro disco with some more modern disco beats. If not, then a disco-worthy playlist is a must. Mixing in seventies disco hits with some festive classics from the era.
Keep the energy high with activities that fit the theme – have a dance-Off Contest. Encourage guests to show off their best disco moves. Set up a station with retro props like wigs, oversized sunglasses, glittery boas, and a disco-themed backdrop. Or have a party time out for a Trivia Challenge. Test your guests’ knowledge of 70s disco. And don’t forget a 70s-themed photo booth and Instagrammable backdrop wall. A place where disco goes viral.
THE FINAL (DISCO) CURTAIN
Finally, you may be organising your party at home. But if not, it’s worth considering your party venue. What about a roller disco or a space that has a light-up dance floor built-in?
Take inspiration from other seventies parties – such as this one celebrating 40 years of the Yang Sing in Manchester https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/yang-sing-40-chinatown-1977-13365940
Or the queen herself Beyoncé who threw a roller disco-themed party with a guest list including Kim Kardashian, Halle Bailey, Lizzo & More https://www.teenvogue.com/story/beyonce-roller-disco-themed-birthday-party-celebrities
SEARCHING FOR MORE CHRISTMAS PARTY INSPIRATION?
At TLC, our blog is here as a resource for tips on how to make your parties extra special and stand out – with that TLC event planner touch of magic. You can see an entire catalogue of Christmas party tips and planning hacks to help this year’s festive season run smoothly.