Really, there isn’t any better theme for a New Year’s Eve Party than The Great Gatsby. Of course I have read the book. Of course I know it takes place in the dead of summer. I’m telling you that doesn’t matter.

New Year’s Eve is a night that celebrates the past, even paints it in a decadent golden light, and drinks lasciviously to welcome in an uncertain future with wild abandon… well, I say you can’t get more Gatsby than that. Plus, who doesn’t want to host a party where magic elegance drips off every possible surface? We’ll show you how to create some 1920s style that will make everyone want to kick up their heels to ring in the new year!

Decorations

Think glamor, shiny metallics, glitter and lights! As many and as much as you can manage. If possible, try to decorate each and every selection of the party space. Don’t leave any bare walls or everyday fixtures untouched. This is the time to go crazy with the details. Your local party store will save the day here.

Have a large empty wall? Create big texture and color with gold, silver and white streamers. Twist two colors together and tape to the wall in a pattern of parallel strips. Covered the entire space, making sure the twists are spaced equally. Tack a line of metallic balloons around the edges to hide the ends of the streamers but also to create some depth. There! You’ll have an inexpensive and easy decor option that will help create the festive atmosphere you want.

Have any old fur or faux fur coats or wraps? Drape them over an end table for a lush look and feel. Sprinkle metallic confetti across tables and shelves so every surface has some eye-catching sparkle. Tack long 1/2in curling ribbon of different length from the ceiling so it dangles and sways with the movement of the night. Just remember, this is one time you can’t overdo it.

Put The Internet to Good Use!

Add a little more visual oomph to your party. Use your computer or TV to stream Youtube videos featuring scenes from The Great Gatsby film! Just search “Great Gatsby party scenes” and add the clips to your favorites. Leave the sound off and let the visuals play on a loop. There are excerpts from the movie and music videos that relish in all those lovely Baz Luhrmann production designs elements. You and your guests will love the energy of those positively enviable dance scenes.

For optimal dancing opportunities, plan your music ahead of time. If you need ideas you could start with the new film’s eclectic soundtrack. Also throw in some fun jazz age music like the original Charleston dance.

Food

With a focus on drinking and dancing, you’ll want to go light on the food but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be spectacular. Fancy hors d’oeuvres are definitely the way to go. If you are short on time, find a caterer and enjoy the night with the rest of your guests instead of slaving over tiny beautiful finger foods. You won’t regret it!

Salads were very popular in the 1920s. An updated and party-friendly version might be a salad kebabs. Italian caprese on skewers would be delicious and very fitting. Shrimp cocktails will look beautiful and would be more of a people-pleaser over the oysters mentioned in story.

Individual lemon cakes, however are also straight from the book and would be such a sweet way to celebrate. Anything rich and decadent will delight your guests like chocolate truffles and candied nuts.

Drinks

Just because Gatsby partied during Prohibition, that didn’t stop the drinks from flowing at his fabulous soirees . Elegant cut-glass punch bowls were very popular and great for serving a crowd. Drinks called The Bee’s Knees, Sidecar, and Gin Rickey were popular and might be worth revisiting at your party.

And champagne. Lots of champagne is in order as per the demands of both the Gatsby story and the holiday. What could be more gorgeous than a towering champagne pyramid? Have you ever seen one? We say built it and they will come!

Surprisingly, it’s not that hard – it just requires a little daring. You can use plastic champagne glasses to take away some of the risk. We recommend having a friend help with the set up and the pouring. Big or small, this process actually goes faster than you think so start pouring your pyramid just before midnight. Make an event out of the pouring. How fun to watch and all the glasses fill from top to bottom! Be sure to snap a few pictures of your bubbling creation then everyone can grab a glass – starting from the top! – and toast during the midnight countdown. We love this simple how-to video.

Don’t let the new year roll in unmarked. Host a party that will have people talking ’til next year.
Say hello to 2014 with the style of Fitzgerald’s unforgettable Jay Gatsby!