10 Unique, Groovy Ideas for a 70s Theme Party

Looking for fun and chic 70s party ideas for your next retro-inspired gathering? We get it! The 1970s were an especially exciting time in history, packed with nostalgia, polyester, muscle cars, and amazing music. Video games were new to the scene, and every kitchen had a Jell-O mold or two. 

The iconic fashion, movies, and visual language of the era are firmly embedded in our minds even today—especially as 70s-inspired fashion comes back into style. 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 center stage.”

But as thrilling as the 70s aesthetic can be, throwing a unique and memorable 70s-themed party takes a lot more than just bell bottoms and disco balls. It calls for a thoughtful mix of creative details and fun activities that capture the groovy spirit of the decade. 

No matter whether you’re planning a casual get-together, a big birthday celebration, or a lively corporate event, our guide is full of fresh ideas that make it easy to plan an authentically retro experience. We’ve skipped many of the usual clichés you’ll find in other articles on this topic, so read on for our collection of creative and original ideas that’ll wow your guests and keep the good times rolling!

Table of contents

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

70s-inspired decor that dazzles

Set the scene with bold, funky decor that captures the spirit of the 70s.

1. Draw decor 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. 

To recreate the magic of Studio 54, start with lighting, and lots of it. Mirrored disco balls, strobe lights, and glowing neon signs in rich golds, purples, and reds are a great start. You can also use shimmering metallic streamers, velvet ropes, and luxe textures like faux fur and leather to bring in that exclusive lounge feel. A dedicated dance floor is also a must, surrounded by cocktail tables, low lighting, and a faux step-and-repeat photo area for a celeb-worthy entrance. 

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.

This may be a great themed Halloween party or a great themed party for a birthday celebration. Guests can dress as their favorite ’70s celebrity legend (ideally someone who’s known for visiting Studio 54, like Cher, Grace Jones, or Andy Warhol) while the DJ pumps out some far-out disco. 

2. Channel flower power with hippie-inspired decor

If the hippie style of the early 70s is more your speed, then you’ll want to incorporate features like:

• Bright “flower power” decorations
• Smiley faces
• Tie-dye
• Macramé plant holders
• Beaded curtains
• Blacklight posters

Other retro decor that isn’t specific to hippie style but has strong associations with the 70s includes Mateus wine bottle candle holders, ceramic “key bowls,” and glass ashtrays.

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 celeb

One of the best ways to get into the authentic 70s spirit is by dressing like a celebrity from the era. Whether you go for full disco glam, hippie chic, or rocker cool, here are some 70s icons whose style you might want to borrow:

• 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 colors, 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

4. Share a costume inspiration board with guests

Do you have a vision for your 70s party, or even just a few fun ideas? When you invite your guests, create a Pinterest board or other image collection with photos of inspiring 70s outfits, celebrities, and accessories. It’ll help guests who aren’t sure what to wear get some ideas and will also keep your party photos looking cohesive and on-theme.

70s-themed activities to keep guests entertained

Keep the good times rolling with classic retro activities your guests will love.

5. Play real 70s games

Atari, Simon, Parcheesi, oh my! The classic video games are a blast, not to mention all the board games that serve as heartwarming reminders of childhood gatherings. Imagine a fully-immersive video game party that’s held at a retro arcade. Or get together with the family and bust out the old board games. If some of the 70s classics you were hoping to include are missing from your game collection, they’re often easy to find on eBay.

6. Watch Rocky Horror Picture Show

There’s a reason that this cult classic, which was released in 1975, has inspired countless themed parties around the globe. This is definitely one of the more risqué 70s party ideas, but it can also be so much fun. Get together with friends—for Halloween, or just for fun—and play the original soundtrack. Or rent out a movie theater and invite a whole bunch of fans to watch the movie together. And don’t forget what an important part of the Rocky Horror-watching experience audience participation is!

Retro bites and sips

These nostalgic snacks and signature drinks will bring the tastes of the 70s straight to you.

7. Prepare classic Julia Child recipes together

Julia was the original celebrity chef, and her enormous legacy is worth celebrating. According to Julie Cohen, who directed a documentary about Child called JULIA, she “changed the way Americans thought about food, fully and completely. From the idea that the goal shouldn’t just be about speed and convenience, but deliciousness and the joy of creation.” 

Ready the kitchen—or find a kitchen near you on Peerspace—and invite over some friends to try out some classic recipes from Julia’s library. It might also be fun to create a video of the Julia Child party experience for YouTube or Twitch. This 70s party idea is an especially great choice for Mother’s Day, for mom’s birthday, or as a shower idea for a best friend who loves to cook.

8. Serve the most popular 70s foods

Some of the most beloved, authentic foods and drinks of the 70s include:

• Fondue – Cheese or chocolate
• Cheese balls and logs – Savory cheese rolled in nuts, served with crackers
• Cocktail rye snacks – Mini open-faced Reubens, broiled onion-parmesan bites, or raw beef & onions
• Sausage balls – Classic Bisquick sausage and cheese balls
• Rumaki – Bacon-wrapped water chestnuts, mushrooms, or other savory bites
• Cocktail wieners – In grape jelly plus chili sauce or wrapped in crescent dough (“pigs in a blanket”)
• Deviled eggs – Some with shrimp, paprika, or relish added
• Shrimp cocktail or shrimp dip – Served chilled over cream cheese with cocktail sauce
• Cheese and pineapple “hedgehog” – Skewers stuck into a half grapefruit or foil-covered mound
• Spinach dip in bread bowl – Served with chunks of sourdough or rye
• Clam dip or onion dip – Paired with Ruffles, Wheat Thins, or Triscuits
• Chex Mix and cheese straws – Crunchy snack mixes and baked cheese bites
• Jello molds and Watergate Salad – Lime or orange Jello with fruits, nuts, or marshmallows
• Ambrosia – Sour cream, coconut, marshmallows, mandarin oranges, and pineapple
• No-bake banana split cake – Popular, sweet, and easy
• Pineapple upside-down cake – A nostalgic dessert centerpiece
• Tumbleweeds – Boozy dessert drink with Kahlúa, Crème de Cacao, and ice cream

For the guests at your party who can remember the 70s, eating these classic dishes will feel like being transported back to the era!

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

Kid-friendly ideas for your youngest party guests

Make sure the little ones have a blast with fun, easy 70s-inspired ideas just for them.

9. Paint your own Pet Rock

If you weren’t around in the 70s, you might not remember Pet Rocks, but many people who were kids during that era will think back fondly on this craze. According to Mental Floss, the Pet Rock was a “Mexican beach stone that could be purchased in bulk for less than a penny, retailed for $3.95, and made inventor Gary Dahl a millionaire during a kind of novelty gift hysteria in late 1975.” 

Introduce this hilarious craze to modern kids at your 70s party by providing them with all the materials they need to paint their own Pet Rock. Here’s a guide with a list of materials and decoration ideas to get you started.

10. Groovy dress-up trunk

Fill up a trunk or bin with kid-sized 70s costume pieces like big sunglasses, flower crowns, peace sign necklaces, fringe vests, and glittery scarves. Let them mix and match outfits and strike a pose, and have them walk in a fashion show once they’ve put together their perfect outfits.

Set the scene for a groovy 70s bash 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 overpriced rentals, 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 rent 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!

The post 10 Unique, Groovy Ideas for a 70s Theme Party appeared first on Peerspace.

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