13 Roaring 20s Party Ideas That Are Truly the Cat’s Pyjamas

If you’re searching for inspiration for your next retro celebration, you’re in the right place. This guide is packed with creative ideas to help you host a 1920s theme party that’s truly unforgettable. The Roaring 20s were one of the most dazzling decades in history, filled with glamour, jazz and a rebellious spirit that still captures the imagination today. Between hidden speakeasies, flapper fashion, jazz halls and Art Deco elegance, there’s endless inspiration to draw from.

Unlike many lists that only skim the surface, this collection of ideas dives deeper into the authentic look and feel of the 1920s, drawing from real history and timeless party flair. Whether your goal is refined sophistication or a wild Gatsby-style celebration, you’ll find ideas here to suit your vision, venue and budget.

Table of contents

• 20s-era fashion suggestions
• Roaring decor to set the scene
• Jazz Age food and drink ideas
• Entertainment options
• Activities
• Find your perfect 1920s-era space

Dress to impress, 20s-style

Get your guests excited to step back in time with these costume ideas that embrace 1920s fashion.

1. Host a 1920s costume contest

No Roaring 20s party would be complete without the fabulous fashion of the decade. Invite your guests to go all out by hosting a costume contest that celebrates the best of the Jazz Age. Think flapper dresses with fringe and sequins, elegant long gloves and feathered headpieces. Gentlemen can don sharp three-piece suits, fedoras, or braces paired with crisp shirts.

Create fun prize categories to keep things engaging:

• “Most Authentic”
• “Best Couple or Group Coordination”
• “Best DIY Look”
• “Most Glamorous”

Set up a small runway where guests can strut their stuff to the sounds of live jazz or a curated playlist. Let your partygoers serve as judges or vote by applause. It’s a way to get everyone involved and laughing.

2. Provide a 1920s style guide for guests

If you’re asking guests to dress in period costume, consider sharing a short style guide with inspiration beyond the usual flapper and gangster tropes. The 1920s in Britain and Europe featured a wide range of looks, from the sharply dressed Bright Young Things to jazz musicians and silver-screen stars.

Provide outfit inspiration for a variety of personas from the era, including:

• Jazz musicians
• Bootleggers
• Art Deco socialites
• Silent film stars
• Speakeasy bartenders
• Bakerboys
• Prohibition agents

Offer guidance for all styles and genders, from suave tuxedos and silk scarves to cloche hats and drop-waist dresses. Suggest where to find pieces locally, like charity shops, vintage boutiques, costume hire companies, and anywhere that’s a goldmine for authentic accessories. Include simple DIY suggestions too, like adding faux pearls, suspenders or a feather fan to modern clothes for a vintage twist.

1920s décor to set the scene

Perfect your 1920s theme party atmosphere with these décor ideas that bring the Jazz Age to life.

3. Set up a 1920s photo booth

Once everyone’s dressed to the nines, you’ll want to capture the moment. A photo booth is a fun and easy way to do just that.

Create an elegant backdrop inspired by Art Deco design, like geometric patterns, metallic streamers and shimmering fabrics work beautifully. Include props like feather boas, faux pearls, top hats and long cigarette holders. You might also add a crescent-moon backdrop, echoing a favourite 1920s photo motif.

Add a small sign with your party’s name and the year to make each snapshot feel like a keepsake from another era.

4. Avoid overused gold and black colour schemes

Black and gold are often used for 1920s parties, but they can feel a little overdone. Instead, take inspiration from authentic 1920s colour palettes. Consider soft champagne, absinthe green, marigold and deep teal. Pair these hues with textures like velvet, polished wood and mirrored accents to add depth and sophistication.

In Britain during the 1920s,  Art Deco interiors often featured ivory, jade and bronze tones, reflecting a mix of modern glamour and understated elegance. Use these shades to create a look that’s historically inspired yet fresh.

5. Draw on the visual language of the era

Art Deco was more than a style. It was also a statement of optimism and modernity. Use its motifs to unify your décor. Choose bold, angular fonts for your menus and signage, and incorporate geometric shapes into your table settings and invitations. (You might even draw inspiration from these old club membership cards, for example!) 

Thrift shops and online marketplaces often have vintage glassware, such as champagne coupes or cut-glass decanters, perfect for serving cocktails. Add tall candles in silver or brass holders, and adorn tables with flowers that were popular at the time, such as white lilies or chrysanthemums.

If you’re on a budget, take a look at these DIY Roaring 1920s decor ideas, which include tissue paper pom-poms, gold foil garlands and wine bottle table centrepieces. Pair with soft lighting to evoke the intimate glamour of a 1920s speakeasy.

Don’t be afraid to venture out of the realm of pure authenticity. Try creating this bubble balloon walkway, which would not have been possible in the 20s, but it still adds to the overall ambiance and pairs beautifully with the more era-authentic decor ideas we’ve suggested.

Jazz Age food and drink to keep you dancing

A 1920s theme party calls for dishes and drinks that capture the decadence of the Jazz Age. From Prohibition-inspired cocktails to vintage finger foods, these ideas will delight your guests and set the mood perfectly.

6. Serve little-known but authentic dishes

Instead of modern snacks, surprise your guests with a spread inspired by the 1920s dining tables of Britain and beyond. Popular dishes of the decade included:

• Aspic-style savoury jellies (they were a real trend!)
• Pineapple upside-down cake
• Devils on horseback (prunes or dates wrapped in bacon, sometimes with cheese)
• Cucumber sandwiches
• Waldorf salad
• Deviled eggs

You could also include traditional British favourites that fit the theme, such as smoked salmon blinis, coronation chicken bites (for a later-decade nod), or trifle for dessert. Arrange everything beautifully on tiered platters and mirrored trays to elevate the presentation.

7. Mix Prohibition-era cocktails

The 1920s were an age of illicit indulgence. While the United States was under Prohibition, Britain enjoyed a roaring cocktail culture of its own, with London’s hotels and bars becoming world-famous for innovative concoctions.

Recreate that atmosphere with a selection of Prohibition-style drinks, including:

• French 75: gin, champagne, lemon, and sugar
• Bee’s Knees: gin, honey, and lemon
• Mary Pickford: rum, pineapple juice, and grenadine
• Sidecar: brandy, orange liqueur, and lemon
• Whiskey Sour: whisky, lemon juice, and sugar syrup

Set the tone by creating a secret “speakeasy” entrance. Ask guests to whisper a playful password like “Giggle Water” or “Moonshine” before they’re allowed in. Consider dim lighting, jazz music and table service to complete the experience.

For a non-alcoholic option, offer mocktails such as sparkling elderflower and mint coolers, or a ginger lemonade inspired by the soft drinks of the time.

Roaring 20s entertainment

To make your Roaring 20s party truly immersive, plan entertainment that evokes the spirit of the decade, including music, performance, and cinematic nostalgia.

8. Host your own vaudeville show

Vaudeville and music hall acts defined entertainment in the 1920s. Why not create your own mini variety show? Invite guests to perform short sketches, sing jazz standards, or show off magic tricks.

Encourage them to dress as famous figures from the era, such as:

• Josephine Baker — the glamorous performer who wowed Paris
• Noel Coward — Britain’s own witty playwright and actor
• Clara Bow — the Hollywood “It Girl”
• Louise Brooks — known for her sleek bob haircut
• Al Capone — the infamous gangster look, complete with pinstripes and fedora
• Zelda and F. Scott Fitzgerald — the ultimate Jazz Age couple

Transform your living room or hired space into a cabaret stage with velvet curtains, a microphone, and spotlights.

9. Watch silent movie classics

Film was one of the defining art forms of the 1920s, and a screening is a perfect addition to your 1920s theme party. Choose silent classics like Metropolis, The Cabinet of Dr Caligari, Safety Last! or The Gold Rush.

This is an awesome Roaring 20s party idea for movie buffs! You can make it even more special by hiring a cinema. Some of the cinemas are also available to hire by the hour.

10. Play authentic jazz from the era

No Roaring 20s party is complete without the right soundtrack. Queue up a playlist featuring legends like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Bessie Smith and Fats Waller.

For more musical inspiration, check out writer and folklore collector RC Montgomery’s Prohibition and Roaring 20s playlist.

If your space allows, create a small dance floor so everyone can try their hand at the Charleston, the Foxtrot, or even the Black Bottom.

Activities to keep the energy high

Keep your guests entertained throughout the evening with these interactive and nostalgic activities inspired by the 1920s.

11. Play 1920s games

The 1920s was a golden age for parlour games and social entertainment. Classic games like Mahjong, Ludo and Bridge were favourites among both the British upper class and families across the country.

Set up a few tables where guests can play cards, dominoes or even roulette for fun. If you want to add a cheeky twist, give everyone play money and let them gamble for novelty prizes.

You could also include word games or quizzes inspired by the era, and perhaps trivia about the Jazz Age, slang or famous 1920s figures.

12. Plan a murder mystery party

Few activities fit the 1920s aesthetic better than a murder mystery. The era’s fascination with crime, speakeasies and intrigue makes it ideal for this classic format.

You can find pre-written 1920s murder mystery kits online, or create your own story involving bootleggers, flappers or aristocrats at a country estate. Encourage everyone to play their part, accents and all!

To elevate the experience, book a hire a mansion, country house, or historic hall for the evening. Many listings feature authentic 1920s or Art Deco architecture, which will make your murder mystery feel completely immersive.

For more advice on planning this type of gathering, check out our in-depth guide on how to plan a murder mystery party.

13. Have a dance contest

Dancing was at the heart of the Jazz Age. The Charleston, the Lindy Hop, and swing were all the rage — and they remain brilliant fun today.

Host a friendly dance contest with small prizes for flair, stamina, or teamwork. You could even stage a “dance marathon” inspired by the endurance contests of the time (though perhaps limit yours to a few songs rather than a few days!).

If space is tight at home, hire a dance studio or function hall so everyone has room to move comfortably. Add refreshments and themed décor to keep spirits high.

Find the perfect space for an unforgettable Roaring 20s party

With all these ideas in mind, you’ll need a setting that complements your theme. That’s where Peerspace comes in. As the largest online marketplace for hourly venue hire, Peerspace makes it simple to book beautiful spaces that capture the 1920s spirit, from chic lofts to secret speakeasies.

Every venue is run by a local host dedicated to helping you create a memorable event. You’ll find detailed listings, verified reviews and professional photos that help you choose your ideal backdrop with confidence.

Whether you want a glitzy ballroom for a Gatsby-inspired soirée, a cosy vintage lounge for cocktails or a grand manor for your murder mystery, Peerspace has a variety of spaces available near you. Hire by the hour or for the full day, giving you flexibility and value while keeping your plans effortless.

Now, start planning your 1920s theme party

If these 20s theme party ideas have sparked your imagination, it’s time to find a venue that’s a good fit for whatever you’re planning. Browse unique Peerspace party venues near you to find stylish spaces with the character and space to bring your 20s theme to life.

If you’re in search of further tips to perfect your soirée, check out the Peerspace blog for even more expert advice on party planning. Our expert guidance will help to make your planning process as smooth (and fun!) as possible

With the ideal setting secured and your plans in place, it’s time to host a party that transports you and your guests straight back to the Jazz Age!