12 Retro “Great Gatsby” Party Ideas (2024)

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Event venues on Peerspace typically cost $50 — $350 per hour.

Looking to celebrate with a little of that glitz and glamor from the Roaring 20s? Gather all of your favorite flappers and enjoy this list of 12 retro “Great Gatsby” party ideas to get you started!

We’re also including a few listings from Peerspace, the world’s largest digital marketplace for event venue rentals, so you can see how the right speakeasy or party pad can upgrade your party to the next level. Between a Gatsby-worthy venue from Peerspace and these fun Great Gatsby party ideas, you’ll be well on your way to hosting the party of the century, doll!

1. Send out a telegram with a custom invitation

Mardi Gras Decoration Ideas
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One of the easiest ways to get guests on board with your theme is by sending out a custom invitation. Be sure to include important details like the time and location, along with dress code or other suggestions.

Want to step up your invite with something really unique? Try this “Great Gatsby” video invitation from Cheers Invites on Etsy! Easily personalized and with a quick turnaround, this is an excellent way to set the stage for a night of decadent fun.

2. Rent an Art Deco space

Great Gatsby Party Ideas
Source: Peerspace

Looking for “Great Gatsby” party ideas that will make it feel like you’ve stepped through a time machine? Finding an Art Deco space to hold your party is one of the easiest ways to do that. A popular architectural style of the times, you’ll find it all over Peerspace in spaces like this Masonic Temple with a grand ballroom and historic charm in Saint Paul! Built in 1923, this is an authentic piece of history from the same time as when Gatsby would’ve been throwing his wild parties.

Booking through Peerspace has a lot of advantages, one of the biggest being the feedback from users you can see on many of the bookings. Here is a review from a user who organized an event in this gorgeous space: “This space is amazing, and Faith is a phenomenal and gracious host. I highly recommend this space for any gathering, whether it be a performance, a reception, a party, or reunion. This space has what you need, all around good vibes, and amazing and helpful hosts!”

3. Keep your bar period-accurate

Modern Day Upscale Speakeasy
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You’re more than likely going to have a bar or serve drinks at your “Gatsby” party, so make sure you put in the extra effort and serve drinks from the time period. Châtelaine recommends a minty gin and tonic or mint juleps. Either one would be a refreshing addition and serve as a little wink to Jay and Daisy meeting down south.

And if you’re based up north, in, say, Chicago, book this modern day upscale speakeasy in Villa Park, IL to bring this idea to life. It is a moody and irresistible venue with a bar, a pool table, a sound system, and two TVs (in case you want to stream any of the Great Gatsby movies. We recommend the 1974 Robert Redford and Mia Farrow adaptation if you’re looking for something a bit more authentic to the era!).

“What an amazing place for a party,” shares a Peerspace reviewer of this Villa Park speak. “1920s, 30s atmosphere at its finest. Like taking a step back in time. Excellent accommodations, very clean, and Alex is a wonderful host. Great communication and a great experience. Friends were already talking about renting it lol. Will definitely be back again for another occasion. Thanks again Alex.”

Go beyond Gatsby and source more inspo from our epic Roaring 20s party ideas!

4. Add some drama with a murder mystery game

Halloween Birthday Party Ideas
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Searching for “Great Gatsby” party ideas that capture some of the dramatic intrigue from the story? Try something like this 1920s murder mystery game from Masters of Mystery’s Etsy page! If your guests are in costume, this is a fun and easy way for everyone to get into character and solve a tongue-in-cheek murder mystery.

5. Play some music from the time

Large Capacity Music or Show Event Venue In Santa Ana orange county rental
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Get everyone moving and shaking like they would at one of Jay Gatsby’s wild parties! Jazz was the biggest style of music at the time and there is still a ton that holds up to this day. This “Great Gatsby” party Spotify playlist has a sample of upbeat tunes that would be perfect for your event. Want something more modern? Try the soundtrack for the recent movie with Leonardo DiCaprio.

6. Capture the moment in a photo booth

FiDi Historic Jazz Main Bar Semi-Private sf san francisco rental
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A photo booth is a welcomed addition to any party that always goes over well with guests. Grab a pack of Roaring 20s photo booth props from Caring Concept’s Etsy page and you’re halfway there. Leave finding a party venue with a photo booth to Peerspace.

There are so many incredible options all over the country like this historic jazz bar in San Francisco’s Financial District! Not only is this an Art Deco masterpiece worthy of all your “Great Gatsby” party ideas, but it also has a photo booth already on site.

7. Serve some delicious favorites from the 20s

Gatsby's Gem: A Picture-Perfect Art Deco
Source: Peerspace

Flapper fashion and Art Deco aren’t the only things from the Roaring 20s that we should be revisiting – there are also many delicious menu options as well. This list of “Great Gatsby” party menu ideas from Taste of Home has a few dishes to get you started on your culinary trip back in time.

If you’re in the Oklahoma City area, consider booking this aptly named Gatsby’s Gem Art Deco home in the Classen-Ten-Penn neighborhood. It boasts glorious architecture, modernized 1920s decor, and a spacious kitchen ideal for cooking and serving Gatsby party dishes.

8. Make an ostrich feather centerpiece

Mario Birthday Party Ideas
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Looking for period-appropriate centerpieces for your party? Try these glam “Great Gatsby” DIY feather centerpieces from Entertaining Diva. This is super easy to put together and can easily be done with shorter feathers if you’re planning a party on a budget. For another centerpiece option, try their tutorial for sand and pearl candle holders!

9. Black and gold everything

fashion art music lounge in atlanta
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For your color scheme, you should stick to a combination of black and gold – for example, check out this set of Roaring 20s table covers from Amazon. You’ll find plenty of tableware or decoration options in this style as well, the possibilities are endless!

Rely on our unique decades party ideas for all eras for your next themed gathering!

10. Book a “Gatsby”-themed venue

Indoor Photoshoot Locations in Jacksonville
Source: Peerspace

Did you know that Peerspace has dozens of “Great Gatsby” themed spaces available for rent? Experience the Roaring 20s in this Gatsby Suite, located in St. Augustine. The poolside suite features many authentic details including an authentic Victrola record player and speakeasy-inspired designs. Just enter “Gatsby” into the keywords search and see what you can find in your area!

11. Quiz your guests with printable games

small wedding venues in Dallas
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If you’re looking for easy and affordable ways to get your guests involved and engaged in your party, try printable games! You can find a lot of fun 1920s-themed options like this “Match-the-slang” game for the Jazz Age from Giggle Water Prints on Etsy.

12. Use a backdrop for a photo op

Art Deco Lounge Perfect For Photo Shoots sf san francisco rental
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A custom photography backdrop is an easy way to create a photo opportunity for your guests to pose in front of. For a “Great Gatsby” party, there are some really elegant options to choose from. Take for example this personalized Art Deco backdrop from Iconica Design’s Etsy page! Having a backdrop like this will create an Insta-worthy moment that all your guests will appreciate and adore.

“Great Gatsby” party ideas: conclusion

Shapira's Vintage 1920's - Retro/Wallpapaer/Unique/Mansion
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As you can see, throwing an epic “Great Gatsby” party doesn’t have to be challenging. You can make your themed gathering a huge success by using some of these “Great Gatsby” party ideas and hosting it at the perfect retro event venue care of Peerspace. Your party will be so killer, Jay Gatsby himself will come knocking on your door!

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