How to Host a Great Gatsby Party in 2026

Short answer: A great Gatsby party combines Art Deco decor, 1920s-inspired attire, themed cocktails, and designated photo zones to create an immersive experience. Plan for 3 to 4 hours of entertainment with a clear timeline that builds energy throughout the night.

• Set up gold, black, and geometric Art Deco decor with LED accents for a modern twist
• Tell guests to dress in flapper dresses, suspenders, or tailored suits with Deco accessories
• Create a photo zone with feather boas, pearl strands, and vintage frames as props
• Serve themed cocktails like “The Daisy Buchanan” and finger foods on tiered trays
• Use a shared photo album so guests can upload and relive the night together

Who this is for (and not for)

This guide is for:

• Hosts planning a milestone birthday, New Year’s Eve, or themed celebration
• Anyone comfortable with DIY decor and a self-serve drink station
• People who want an immersive theme without hiring an event planner
• Hosts who want to capture guest photos without chasing everyone afterward

This is NOT for:

• Large-scale venue events requiring professional production
• Hosts looking for full catering or bartender service
• Kid-focused parties (though teens may enjoy the aesthetic)

Party timeline: How the night unfolds

A Gatsby party works best with a clear flow. Here is a sample timeline for a 7pm start:

7:00pm - Grand Arrival. Greet guests with a signature cocktail. Play jazz or electro-swing as background music. Direct guests to the photo zone for their first shots. For more photo prompt ideas, see our holiday party photo scavenger hunt guide .

7:30pm - Mingle and Graze. Open the appetizer spread. Encourage guests to explore the space and upload photos to your shared album.

8:30pm - Games or Entertainment. Run a trivia round about the 1920s, a best-dressed contest, or a Charleston dance-off.

9:30pm - Dessert and Toasts. Bring out the sweets. Give a short toast to your guests.

10:00pm - Dance Floor Opens. Transition to upbeat electro-swing remixes. Keep the photo zone active for candid shots.

11:00pm - Wind Down. Slow the music. Thank guests and remind them to check the shared photo gallery.

Venue options: Home vs. rented space

At home works well for 15 to 30 guests. Clear furniture to create a dance area. Use a living room or covered patio as the main space. Designate a hallway or corner as your “speakeasy lounge” with dim lighting and jazz.

Rented spaces suit larger groups. Look for venues with exposed brick, high ceilings, or Art Deco architecture. Event halls, loft spaces, and historic buildings add authenticity. Many venues allow outside catering and decor, so confirm before booking.

For either option, set up a QR code at the entrance so guests can start uploading photos immediately. Gather Shot is a photo sharing platform for events that lets guests scan and upload from their phones with no app download required. Display the QR code on a vintage frame near the welcome table.

Decor ideas: Art Deco with a 2026 twist

Skip the Pinterest-era feather boas and gold glitter. Modern Gatsby parties lean into “Neo-Deco” with cleaner lines and tech-forward touches.

Color palette: Black, gold, and cream as your base. Add pops of deep emerald or champagne for depth.

Key decor elements:

• Geometric patterns on table runners, napkins, and signage
• LED string lights or LED arches instead of candles (safer and more dramatic)
• Velvet furniture or throw pillows for a luxe lounge feel
• Crystal or cut-glass candleholders and vases
• Gold sunburst mirrors or geometric wall art

Modern upgrades: If your budget allows, projection-mapped Art Deco patterns on a blank wall create a striking backdrop. LED panels with animated gold geometrics add movement without cluttering the space.

What to wear: Attire guide for hosts and guests

Your invitation should set clear expectations. Here is sample wording:

“Dress to impress, old sport. Think flapper dresses, beaded headbands, suspenders, bow ties, or tailored suits. Fringe, feathers, and pearls encouraged.”

For women: Flapper-style dresses with fringe or sequins, drop-waist silhouettes, T-strap heels, long pearl necklaces, feathered headbands, or Juliet caps (a 2026 trend pulled from 1920s fashion).

For men: Tailored suits in black, navy, or cream. Suspenders, bow ties, pocket squares, and fedoras or newsboy caps.

Gender-neutral options: Wide-leg trousers with a vest, Art Deco statement jewelry, or a velvet blazer with geometric cufflinks.

Thrift stores and costume shops are great sources for 1920s-inspired pieces. Encourage guests to rent or thrift rather than buy new.

Photo zone ideas and props

A dedicated photo zone gives guests a reason to dress up and capture the moment. Place it near the entrance so people use it early and often.

Backdrop options:

• Gold sequin curtain or gold foil fringe
• Black velvet drape with a geometric gold frame
• A vintage settee or armchair in front of the backdrop

Props to provide:

• Feather boas (black, white, gold)
• Long pearl strands
• Vintage frames (guests hold them around their faces)
• Fake cigarette holders
• Fedoras and flapper headbands
• Champagne flutes (real or prop)
• Signs with phrases like “Old Sport,” “The Bee’s Knees,” or “Cheers, Darling”

Print your Gather Shot QR code on a vintage-style card and place it on a stand next to the props. As guests take photos, they scan and upload instantly. You get a full gallery of the night without asking anyone to text you pictures later.

Food and drink ideas with themed names

Finger foods and small bites fit the era better than a sit-down meal. Serve on tiered trays and vintage platters.

Appetizers:

• “Gatsby’s Deviled Eggs” (classic deviled eggs with paprika)
• “East Egg Crostini” (smoked salmon or goat cheese on baguette slices)
• “The Charleston Skewers” (caprese or antipasto on picks)
• “Bootlegger Bites” (bacon-wrapped dates or figs)

Desserts:

• “Daisy’s Petit Fours” (mini cakes with gold fondant)
• “Jazz Age Macarons” (in black, gold, and blush)
• “Champagne Gelée Shots” (sparkling wine in shot glasses)

Drinks:

• “The Daisy Buchanan” (French 75: gin, lemon, simple syrup, champagne)
• “The Jay Gatsby” (Old Fashioned with a gold sugar rim)
• “The Nick Carraway” (Mint Julep or Whiskey Sour)
• “West Egg Spritz” (Aperol Spritz with edible gold flakes)
• “The Prohibition Punch” (batch sangria or spiked lemonade)

Mocktails:

• “The Sober Flapper” (sparkling water, elderflower, lemon)
• “Gatsby’s Garden” (cucumber, mint, tonic)

Batch cocktails in pitchers so you can enjoy the party instead of playing bartender.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Gatsby party cost?

Budget $200 to $500 for a home party of 20 to 30 guests, covering decor, food, and drinks. Rented venues and larger guest lists increase costs.

What music should I play at a Gatsby party?

Start with classic jazz (Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington). As the night progresses, mix in electro-swing remixes for dancing.

How do I collect photos from my guests?

Set up a Gather Shot event and display the QR code at your entrance and photo zone. Guests scan and upload from their phones. You get a shared gallery without chasing anyone afterward.

Can I host a Gatsby party outdoors?

Yes. A backyard or patio works well with string lights and a canopy. Just have a backup plan for weather.

Make it a night to remember

A Gatsby party is about creating an experience. Focus on a few standout elements: striking decor, a clear dress code, a photo zone with props, and themed drinks. Keep the timeline moving so energy builds through the night.

Create your free event and start collecting memories from your Roaring ’20s celebration.