9 Unique, Groovy Ideas for a 70s Theme Party

Looking to throw a fun and fabulous 70s theme party for your next retro-inspired gathering? We completely get the appeal! The 1970s were an unforgettable decade filled with bold fashion, disco beats, hippie vibes and that carefree, anything-goes energy that still inspires parties today.

From flared trousers and platform boots to fondue sets and lava lamps, the 70s were a mix of glamour and grooviness. It was a time of vinyl records and roller discos. Even now, the decade’s aesthetic continues to inspire modern fashion, music and design.

 As award-winning fashion writer Jake Silbert puts it, “Trends are [circular] . . . so it only figures that Y2K’s successor would be another distinct era in fashion. Suddenly, it’s the 1970s once again. Well, at least, there are enough ’70s vibes in the air that folks have already begun sounding Y2K’s death knell. There’s no reason that multiple decades can’t simultaneously exist in fashion, obviously, but there is typically a prevailing theme, and it does feel like the ’70s is better poised than any other era to take centre stage.”

But to host a truly unforgettable 70s theme party, you’ll need more than just a disco ball and a few ABBA tracks. You’ll want an atmosphere that captures the full spirit of the decade, being colourful, fun and effortlessly cool.

Whether you’re planning a relaxed get-together, a milestone birthday or a lively corporate celebration, this guide is packed with creative ideas to help you plan a perfect 70s party that feels nostalgic yet fresh.

We’ve skipped the usual clichés to bring you inspiration that’s unique, and sure to impress your guests. Let’s dive in!

Table of contents

• Dazzling décor ideas
• Fashion inspiration
• Retro activity suggestions
• Food and drink
• Kid-friendly ideas
• Finding the ideal venue

70s-inspired décor that dazzles

Set the scene for your 70s theme party with décor that’s vibrant, funky and bursting with personality.

1. Draw décor inspo from Studio 54

Described in Vanity Fair as “the greatest club of all time,” Studio 54 was “a place where the elite and the outcasts danced side by side under disco’s dazzling lights,” according to PBS. And there’s truly nothing more 1970s than Studio 54. The celebrities, the disco, the parties and the nostalgia. Start with lighting, the more the better. Think mirrored disco balls, coloured spotlights and neon signage in shades of gold, purple, and red. Velvet ropes, faux fur throws and metallic streamers will add a luxurious, after-hours vibe.

If you’re hosting your party in a Peerspace venue, look for a spot with low lighting and plenty of open space for a dance floor. Add cocktail tables and a faux photo backdrop so guests can make their grand entrance in true celebrity style.

According to Feel Good Events Melbourne, a 70s-inspired disco party would also benefit from the addition of an LED light-up dance floor and/or video screen, silver balloons and silver drape. You can also round out the theme even more by making these disco ball cookies and DIY disco ball centerpieces. Plus, if you can’t afford to buy a new disco ball, you can make your own by following this easy tutorial.

Guests can dress as 70s icons like Cher, Grace Jones or Andy Warhol while the DJ keeps the dance floor buzzing with Donna Summer and the Bee Gees. It’s perfect for birthdays, New Year’s Eve or even a Halloween celebration.

2. Channel flower power with hippie-inspired décor

If your ideal 70s theme party leans more towards Woodstock than Studio 54, then go for a bohemian, free-spirited look.

Decorate your venue with:

• Bright “flower power” prints and peace symbols
• Tie-dye fabrics and macramé hangings
• Beaded curtains
• Lava lamps and blacklight posters
• Smiley face balloons and vintage record sleeves

For tablescapes, try recycled glass bottles as vases with daisies and wildflowers. Add Mateus wine bottles as candle holders for a subtle nod to 70s interiors. The result? A warm, carefree vibe that feels authentic but not overdone.

Far-out fashion for a groovy entrance

As you plan out your outfit, it’s a great idea to pinpoint the aspect of 70s fashion that you’d like to channel, since the decade was packed with stylistic variety and was, at different points, defined by both hippie and disco culture. 

Fashion historian Lilah Ramzi describes these nuances in Vogue: “At the start of the decade, hippie culture still had a hold on fashion. While some embraced the folksy spirit of the movement with thrifted pieces and ethnic garb, others took a more high-fashion route that veered more prairie idyllic than earthy hippie.” But later in the decade, after about 1977, Ramzi writes that tastes shifted dramatically: “Disco dominated, and people needed to look the part. For women, it meant spandex and slinky jerseys that hugged every curve, cut into halter-neck tops, hot pants (new to the scene in the 1970s), pleated midi-dresses and more. Even better if a shimmer and gleam could get caught by the lights of the disco ball; Lurex was the preferred metallic. It also meant platform heels and feathery hair.”

Dress to impress with 70s styles that channel the decade’s hippie and disco vibes.

3. Dress as an iconic 70s celebrity

Channelling a famous face from the decade instantly sets the mood for your 70s theme party. Try these timeless icons for inspiration:

• Cher – Think sequined jumpsuits, feathered details and bold silhouettes
• Diana Ross – All about glam: sparkly gowns, dramatic makeup and big hair
• John Travolta – The classic Saturday Night Fever white suit and slicked-back hair
• Elton John – Wild prints, platform shoes and those signature oversized sunglasses
• Farrah Fawcett – High-waisted jeans, breezy tops and iconic feathered hair
• Ziggy Stardust-era David Bowie – Glitter, bright colours and androgynous flair
• Stevie Nicks – Flowing shawls, velvet layers and witchy/boho vibes
• Donna Summer – Curve-hugging disco dresses with metallic shimmer
• Liza Minnelli – Short bob, tuxedo looks and a bit of cabaret glam

Encourage guests to go all out. Costume hire shops across the UK often stock 70s pieces, or you can hit vintage markets.

4. Share a costume inspiration board with guests

Help your guests get into character by creating a Pinterest board or image collection with your favourite looks. It’ll make sure everyone’s on the same wavelength, and your party photos will look cohesive and amazing.

70s-themed activities to keep guests entertained

Keep your 70s theme party buzzing with interactive, nostalgic fun.

5. Play real 70s games

Bring back the golden age of entertainment with classic games from the decade. Atari and Twister are brilliant for group fun. Or set up a retro arcade corner if your venue allows it. Some Peerspace listings already have vintage game machines.

If you’re hosting a home event, dust off the old board games like Cluedo, Connect Four or Scrabble. Many 70s editions are easy to find on eBay or at local charity shops.

You could even create a mini “games tournament” with prizes for winners. Nothing too serious, just light-hearted fun that fits the retro theme.

6. Watch The Rocky Horror Picture Show

No 70s theme party would be complete without this cult masterpiece from 1975. The costumes, the music, the audience participation, it’s a theatrical experience like no other.

Hire a small cinema or host a home screening with popcorn, cocktails and plenty of singalong moments. Encourage everyone to dress as their favourite character and hand out props like toast, newspapers and glow sticks for audience interaction.

It’s camp, cheeky and utterly unforgettable.

Retro bites and sips

Food and drink plays a starring role in any party, and 70s favourites are delightfully kitsch, ideal for bringing your retro menu to life.

7. Cook up a Julia Child-inspired dinner

Julia Child may have been American, but her influence was global. She turned everyday cooking into a joyful art. From the idea that the goal shouldn’t just be about speed and convenience, but deliciousness and the joy of creation”, according to Julie Cohen, who directed a documentary about Child called JULIA. Gather some friends and recreate her classic dishes like boeuf bourguignon, cheese soufflé or chocolate mousse.

If you’d rather not host at home, look for a venue with a stylish kitchen setup where you can cook and dine together. Add a record player and a few bottles of wine, and then you’ve got a 70s dinner party that’s pure magic.

8. Serve the most popular 70s foods

Here are some nostalgic nibbles and drinks to give your guests a true taste of the decade:

• Cheese fondue or chocolate fondue
• Devilled eggs topped with paprika
• Prawn cocktail served in glass bowls
• Cheese and pineapple hedgehogs
• Vol-au-vents filled with mushroom or chicken
• Sausage rolls and cocktail sausages
• Spinach dip in a bread bowl
• Trifle with layers of jelly, custard and cream
• Pineapple upside-down cake
• Black Forest gateau
• Snowballs (Advocaat and lemonade with a cherry on top)
• Babycham or classic gin and tonic

For more fun (and weird) era-appropriate meal inspiration, check out @70sdinnerparty on Instagram.

Kid-friendly ideas for your youngest party guests

Hosting a family-friendly 70s theme party? Keep the little ones entertained with simple, creative activities.

9. Groovy dress-up trunk

Fill a chest or box with 70s costume pieces in smaller sizes, like glittery scarves, peace sign necklaces, flared trousers and colourful wigs. The kids can dress up, pose for photos and even put on a mini fashion show to show off their creations.

You could also hire a photo studio for the afternoon so everyone (adults included) can capture their outfits under professional lighting.

Set the scene for a perfect 70s party with the ideal venue

Every Peerspace listing features detailed descriptions, honest reviews and high-resolution photos, so you’ll know exactly what to expect. Whether you’re throwing a 70s birthday bash, an elegant retro dinner or a Stranger Things-themed roller skating party, Peerspace lets you skip the stress and book a party venue that brings your vision to life.

Even the most far-out 70s party plans need the right backdrop to truly shine. That’s where Peerspace comes in. It’s the go-to platform for finding standout spaces with tons of personality, which are perfect for bringing your retro vision to life.

Instead of the usual bland banquet halls and extortionate prices, Peerspace connects you to thousands of unique, vibey venues that are made for events. That’s why it’s easy to book by the hour, so there’s more flexibility and less pressure on your wallet.

Each Peerspace listing includes photos, reviews and in-depth descriptions to make sure you know exactly what you’re getting before you decide to hire a venue. Search Peerspace today to find the perfect setting for your 70s party.

Time to kick off your 70s party planning

We’re hopeful that these 70s party ideas have helped you tap into the decade’s funky, free-spirited energy and sparked some creative inspo for your celebration.

Next up: finding a venue that suits your vision! Explore one-of-a-kind Peerspace party venues near you to discover spaces with serious retro flair and blank canvases for your decorating needs. 

Need more help pulling your event together? Visit the Peerspace blog to find guides that’ll help you nail just about every aspect of party planning.

Once you’ve locked in the right space and have the plan in place to bring your vision to life, all that’s left is to soak up the good vibes and let the party you planned take you back in time for an evening!