Party Idea: 50s Drive-in & Diner
The 50s does not get the attention it deserves! It was a decade filled with soda shops, drive-ins, big hair, flowy skirts, and polka dots. Elvis Presley released some of his most popular songs including Love Me Tender and Tutti Frutti. Who could forget the Jailhouse Rock; another classic 50s song! Despite all of the glory found within the 50s decade, it does not get as much attention as the 20s, 60s, 80s or 90s. We think that this is unfair! With that being said, we have created a list of what to include in your 50s party. So grab your soda, turn on your jukebox and have a read.
- Retro Diner 🍔
Diners were all the rage back in the 50s. If you have ever seen a classic 50s movie (such as Grease) you would know. Nowadays, not many diners remain in the United States, let alone Australia. That doesn’t mean that you can’t bring the spirit of a diner to your own party! Any venue can be decorated to look like a diner. You could hang old records on the walls, set up a jukebox and make your own booth-like seating arrangement. You could also feature a dance floor where people can bust some 50s moves. Make sure to feature a lot of pink, black, teal or red colours that seem to populate any 50s theme.
Diners are famous for their greasy, but delicious, meals! Have burgers, hot dogs, fries and pancakes. Feature foods that everyone loves but doesn’t eat very often. Since this will not be a real diner, it is easy to ask caterers to accommodate dietary requirements. If you are looking for food that is a bit fancier, try making miniature or disassembled versions of the classics or create healthy versions.
- Skating Ring 👟
If you are wanting something with a faster pace, why not hire out your local skating rink? You can still have the food, the dancing, and the costumes but in a fast-paced area. Skating is a lot of fun and was an essential skill in the 50s! The rink will not only give your guests something fun to do but will take them back to their childhood. This option will be slightly more expensive but can include all of the features in the option above (other than the diner seats. The roller rink is a great replacement for a dance floor! If you do choose this option, make sure to set up a zone for people who may not be able to skate due to health reasons or personal preference.
- Soda Bar 🥤
It wouldn’t be a 50s party without a soda bar! Make sure to offer heaps of classic flavours and decorate the bar with a lot of polka dots. One classic 50s drink is the root beer float or as we Australians call them, the spider. This is when you put ice cream inside your soda (soft drink) and it bubbles up. Have both a plain soda and spider option for your guests to enjoy. To make things even more interesting, you could offer spiders will a touch of vodka. Whatever keeps the party going! Include classic diner seats and a bench where people can socialise whilst they drink. This option could be paired with the diner as a cocktail area.
- Makeshift Drive-In 🚘
Our last option is the Makeshift Drive-In. If you have ever been to a drive-in, you would know that they are a lot of fun! Back in the 50s, waiters would bring you meals on trays that would sit outside your car. Obviously, these meals were classic 50s burgers, fries, hotdogs and more. Popcorn, chocolates and lollies should also be available! You could turn some couches into little cars with cardboard or just offer a couch option. Everyone could visit the soda bar before proceeding to watch the movie. Grease, Singin’ in the Rain, Vertigo and All About Eve are classic 50s movies that would make your night!
We hope that you enjoyed this 50s list! Please comment on your preference in 50s party or what decade you prefer. For a free quote, contact Carolyn from Wild Cherry Events on the link below.