Throwing a Vintage Party for the festive season!

Truman Capote's Black and White Ball

I absolutely adore the photos from Truman Capote's infamous Black and White Ball of 1966. Capote decided to host a party to mark the launch of "In Cold Blood" and the party would be his "great, big, all-time spectacular present" to himself!
It was THE party of the century and was held in New York's Plaza Hotel with only 540 elite guests invited. Capote chose only the most powerful Hollywood stars, musicians, artists, politicians and socialites to grace his party and invites were rarer than pixie dust!

I love the glamour that a vintage party calls for, although you don't have to go as crazy as Capote!
The best way to plan your vintage party is to pick a theme. It could be:

• 1930s Old Hollywood
• The Roaring Twenties
• Midnight Garden Party
• Mad Men
• The Atomic Era
• Psychedelic 60's
• 1940's Sailors and Songstresses
• Casablanca
• White Christmas 

1960 Vogue by Henry Clarke courtesy of http://awhitecarousel.com

The possibilities are endless!

Next do a bit of research on the types of cocktails, drinks and food served during your chosen era.
You could end up serving Martinis and canapes, cucumber sandwiches and jelly made in old fashioned moulds, eggnog and roast chestnuts or neat whiskey and olives!

Look up interior images of the time to get inspiration on how to dress the room for the party. You don't have to go to huge expense, improvise. If you need any props or embellishment trawl the Internet and charity shops. You could pick up some vintage china and glasses, fill a room completely with 
white balloons or simply light oodles of tea-lights and fairy lights. All of these touches will add to the atmosphere.

Finally plan your outfit, have fun with it and really go all out as your dress will set the theme for the whole party. As I always say "More is More!". If you are sending out invites make sure you encourage your guests to dress for the occasion and give them pointers on were to look for inspiration.

Make this festive season one to remember, enjoy the glamour, sophistication and fun of a bygone era!!!