Roaring twenties party

What it is

A glamorous 1920s-style party - think speakeasies, flappers and jazz. Guests need a password to get in, everyone dresses the part, and the night builds to a champagne tower. It is the perfect New Year’s Eve party, and it works for big milestone birthdays too.

Plan ahead

• Four weeks before: send art deco invitations with the dress code: flapper dresses, pearls and feathers, or pinstripe suits, braces and flat caps. Include the secret password.
• Two weeks before: order decorations, coupe glasses (for the tower) and props. Book a jazz musician or plan a playlist.
• The day before: set up the room, practise the champagne tower with water, and chill the drinks.

Set the scene

Black, gold and white throughout. Gold tassel garlands, art deco fans, feathers in tall vases, strings of pearls on tables. A “bar” with a hand-written menu. A doorman (a friend in a suit) asks for the password. Play swing and jazz.

Activities

Champagne tower

Stack coupe glasses in a pyramid on a tray: e.g. 16 on the bottom (4x4), 9 next (3x3), 4, then 1 on top. Pour slowly into the top glass so it overflows down. Have a steady table and practise first. Use prosecco or cava to keep costs down.

Charleston lesson

Twist your feet in and out while stepping forward and back, swinging your arms. Find a short online tutorial and play it on the TV.

Speakeasy games

A play-money card table or a “bootleggers” scavenger hunt for hidden mini bottles.

Food and drink

• Canapés: devilled eggs, oysters or smoked salmon, mini beef Wellingtons, cheese straws
• Classic 1920s cocktails: Bee’s Knees (gin, lemon, honey), French 75, Sidecar, Mint Julep, plus an alcohol-free “Gatsby Spritz”
• A tiered cake with gold leaf

Tips

• Use a long-life tray under the champagne tower to catch spills.
• Hire coupe glasses rather than buying - many party shops rent them cheaply.