How To Throw a 70s Themed Party With Fun Retro Decorations

Throw a fabulous 70s themed party that transports your guests back to a groovy era of vibrant colors and unforgettable vibes. .Discover our groovy 70s themed party guide with fun ideas for retro decorations, activities, music, costumes and food.

In this post, I’m sharing a curated collection of 70s retro party supplies along with a ton of inspiring 70s-themed party ideas to get you grooving.

The 1970s were all about making bold statements—think outrageously loud bell-bottom jeans, roller discos, and classic hits that still resonate today. For those of us who experienced it firsthand, the ‘70s were pure magic: a simpler, unfiltered time with no social media distractions. We sported wild, Chia Pet-esque hairstyles and knew every lyric to “Dancing Queen” by heart.

How To Set the Scene With A Funky 70s Vibe

It’s no wonder why a 70s Party theme is so popular. The big bright colors, lava lamps, neon lights, and smiley faces all give tribute to the happy and fun times of the 70s. This theme is perfect for a 60th birthday party, retirement, or any birthday celebration. If teens love this theme, who wouldn’t?

A 70s Party theme is also surprisingly easy to put together. With eccentric color combinations and quirky decor pieces, you can easily time travel to one of the funkiest eras in music and culture with a 70’s party aesthetic.

To help you with putting the theme together, simply order wholesale event supplies online for your needs. With a wide variety of tablecloths and party essentials, you can easily find whatever you need, right at the comfort of your own home.

Creative Retro Event Ideas

So you want to throw a 70’s retro party? There’s no time like modern days to get creative with your party decorations, and what better way to add some extra glamor, than with inflatables in a fun 70s theme?

You can find all sorts of inflatables with original designs for this era, from disco balls and afros to peace signs and disco divas. Inflatables have become a popular addition to parties recently, and for a good reason.

They are festive and can add a special touch to the overall atmosphere of the event. If you are looking forward to creating a 70s-themed occasion, why not consider adding some inflatables to the mix? Glow sticks make an easy decorations for any retro event.

 They are not only a great way to add some extra flair to your event, but they’re also bound to get everyone in the mood to groove. So bust out your go-go boots and get ready to party like it’s 1979!

Speaking of teens, my son’s 8th-grade graduation event incorporated the 70s decade into many of the decorations.

Fun 70’s Themed Party Ideas

Get ready to hustle and jive with our top-notch 70’s themed ideas! Dive into the disco era with groovy decorations, funky costumes, and playlists that’ll have everyone feeling the Saturday Night Fever.

Whether you’re planning a boogie wonderland or a laid-back retro soirée, we’ve got the tips and tricks to make your event a blast from the past.

Think psychedelic decorations to disco ball delights, discover everything you need to transport your guests back to the funky and fabulous 1970s. Let the good times roll!

Holiday Retro Party Theme

Throwing a 70s retro celebration during the holidays can be a blast.

Transport your holiday celebrations back in time with a blast from the past – a Retro Christmas Party! Imagine a whimsical scene adorned with funky ornaments, tinsel, and a dancing array of colors on your retro Christmas tree.

Dive into the nostalgia of yesteryears with festive tunes playing from a vintage record player and classic decorations that take center stage. Capture the essence of a bygone era, where Christmas trees sparkled with character, and every ornament told a story. Make this year’s Christmas celebration a trip down memory lane, filled with merry Christmas cheer, laughter, and a sprinkle of retro magic and laid back vibe.

The Good Vibes Only Theme- with 70s energy

I helped throw a 70s retro party for the entire graduating 8th grade class. Imagine 300 kids leaving the event with matching t shirts for a keepsake.

Parents planned and executed the traditional massive 8th-grade graduation party. Every year a new theme is kept secret so the students are blown away when they attend the party.

The theme Good Vibes Only was selected because the kids had struggled with Covid related issues for two years straight. With that in mind, a broad-based happy theme represented happy and good vibes. Parents showcased the retro 70s vibe in several areas of the party- all with a “good times” feel. The cult classic 70s party theme is always a winner.

The 70’s Beach Theme

70s themed celebration with retro decorations idea includes a 70’s beach vibe! It doesn’t even have to be summer to enjoy a beachy bash.

Check out the stage in the large auditorium in the school and how it was decorated with an enchanting retro beach theme using coastal colors, which included a hand-painted Volkswagen van with peace signs and flowers painted all over it. Next to the wagon were hand-painted surfboards beach balls and palm trees.

The decorated short wall under the stage with bright handmade paper flowers. When you decorate for a 70’s retro event consider using bright patterns and the necessary disco ball. Add balloons or a balloon arch.

A retro beach style is a fun idea for any summer party. The color scheme is wide open. Just add some iconic elements and games that rock the 70s vibe. Yard games like horseshoes or volleyball for a guaranteed good time.

Retro 70’s Pool Party Theme

What about a Palm Springs pool event with a 70’s vibes? Make a splash with funky tunes, vintage swimsuits, and groovy poolside decor. Transport your gathering back in time for a disco-infused, sun-soaked celebration.

The decorated short wall under the stage with bright handmade paper flowers. When you throw a 70’s retro party may include bright flowers and don’t forget the disco ball.

A retro beach theme is a fun idea for any summer party. The color scheme is wide open. Just add some iconic elements and fun games that rock the 70s vibe. Throw in yard games like horseshoes for a guaranteed good time.

Groovin 70’s Throwback Theme

Consider using old vinyl records to hang from the ceiling, lots of bright paper flowers (cut out in a retro design) surfboards, and other groovy details. Don’t forget a lava lamp and peace sign.

The 70s iconic font- Typography from the era is very distinct, so if you’re looking to create something with an authentic ’70s look, you must have the right font.

Groovy was created from a hand lettering project inspired by typography from the 1970s. It comes with an extruded version, which is an exceptional addition. It also comes with almost 600 glyphs, stylistic alternates, swashes, and ligatures.

Folkloric is a retro sans serif that’s very reminiscent of the 1970s. It comes with stylistic alternatives, ligatures, glyphs, numbers, punctuation, symbols, and a web font. It’s perfect for magazine covers, book covers, retro posters, and more.

Did you know that 70s-inspired items are coming back into fashion, especially apparel colors and styles. It’s an ideal time to throw a retro 70s throwback party. This would make a cool birthday party theme for adults, teenagers, and even kids. Below, find the grooviest 70s party planning tips.

Retro  Decor Is Everything

Look for tablecloths that have bold 70s prints (flowers were popular). For your party food, set your sights on bright 70s serving dishes and trays. Finally, use a vintage punch bowl to serve boozy or non-alcoholic cocktails made with a punch recipe from the 1970s.

Consider hanging 70’s movie posters at the venue. There are plenty of memorable celebrities and cultural aspects of the 70s that are ideal for a 70s-themed event, such as vinyl records, Star Wars, and all the iconic 70s apparel such as bell-bottom pants and wide-colored shirts.

Shop in antique shops, thrift stores, and retro clothing stores for inspiration. Think about the days that we all went to roller rinks and slipped on our classic roller skates, swinging our hips to John Travolta as our big hair stayed in one place because of the sticky hair spray we used. The disco lights bounced off the ceiling. Yes, those were the days!

Shop in antique shops, thrift stores, party stores, and retro clothing stores for inspiration. Think about the days that we all went to roller rinks and slipped on our classic roller skates, swinging our hips to John Travolta as our big hair stayed in one place because of the sticky hair spray we used. The disco lights bounced off the ceiling. Yes, those were the days!

70s Table Decoration Ideas

When shopping for 70’s supplies, don’t forget table decorations. Consider decorating the tables with a disco vibe (think disco party vibe) or go with hippie or vinyl record decor. A creative tablescape can will impress your guests. Get creative and check out Etsy for some premade creative ideas that make table decorations easy for any host or hostess.

Mirrored disco decor are perfect for a 70’s centerpiece, just order disco balls from Amazon. You can also choose to match the table with some lights, which will make the table overall more suitable for the atmosphere. For example, tiny strings of colorful neon signs adorn the disco themed tables, which will make them look very glamorous.

Besides, if your 70’s themed event (birthday party or otherwise) is held outdoors, you can also use custom outdoor neon signs. Act fast and decorate your table with neon lights!

70s Groovy Party Favors

70s theme party favors to consider are the ones that were all the rage from the 70s era. Those include LIP SMACKERS, Pet Rocks, Mood Rings, Pop Rock Candy, and other popular candy from the 70s (Bottle Caps, Blow Pops, Ring Pops, etc..). The best of any 1970 birthday party ideas includes themed favors, games and even a dance party.

Lifestyle Cutouts and Stand-Ups

Depending on the party space consider lifestyle cutouts for your inner hippie vibe. Stand-Ups are always make guests happy. Perfect for photo opportunities. Add a shag carpeting or shag rugs for effect.

Another ideas are the 70s Standees where guests can put their heads through the cardboard cutouts and get their picture taken. Popular characters from the 70s were anything Star Wars, Scooby Doo, Willy Wonka, I dream of Jeanie, and more.

Dress Like The 70s

Wearing 70s costumes is no doubt the best part of hosting the event. You will want to make sure and tell people that dressing up in 70s-related garb is required for entrance!

The most obvious 70s costumes usually involve

• Platform shoes
• Peace signs
• Leisure suits
• Tie dye
• Bell bottoms
• Big afro wig
• Big collared shirts with flowers or sequins
• White disco pants
• Corduroy pants
• Extra wide ties
• Go-go boots

Don’t forget the shoulder pads! Yikes!

70’s Style Accessories

In addition to these common ones, we can also choose to use some small and delicate accessories to show the unique seventies style. For example, earrings, pins, custom iron on patches and so on.

Back comb your hair or buy an afro or long braid wig. Grab a pair of go-go boots and a mood ring are a fun 70s style accessories and you are good to go!

Custom iron on patches are a great choice because you can design the pattern as you like. What are you waiting for, customize your own!

70s Music

Create the perfect playlist for your guests. Consider Saturday night fever and the Bee Gees, David Bowie, Donna Summer, and Diana Ross and Elton John when it comes to tunes for the event. Don’t forget a mirror ball that could hang over the dance floor for your guests to adore. The mirrored ball will cast silver light all over the room.

70s Fun Activities For Your Bash

So as you plan your 70s themed retro decorations don’t forget to plan for activities. One idea is to paint a pet rock. If you remember the pet rock trend then consider painting your own pet rock. What about beer pong? Another great game is twister! Remember that?

70’s Games We All Remember

Set up a vibrant Twister mat, where guests can twist and turn to the beat of disco music, creating a kaleidoscope of laughter and movement. For a touch of sweet nostalgia, unleash the Candyland board, where players traverse a sugary landscape filled with colorful characters and sweet surprises.

These timeless 70s games add a playful retro vibe to your gathering, ensuring a night of laughter, friendly competition, and a whole lot of funk. So, roll the dice, hit the dance floor, and let the good times flow like disco glitter!

70’s Finger Food Ideas

For a groovy 70’s party, here are some retro finger foods that were popular during that era:

1. Deviled Eggs

Classic deviled eggs with a touch of paprika or dill are always a hit at parties. They’re easy to make and perfect finger food for guests to enjoy.

2. Cheese Fondue

Set up a fondue station with melted cheese and provide a variety of dippables like bread cubes, vegetables, and fruits. Fondue was a popular party food in the 70s and is still loved today.

3. Stuffed Mushrooms

Serve bite-sized stuffed mushrooms filled with a savory mixture of breadcrumbs, herbs, and cheese. They were a popular appetizer during the 70s and are still loved for their delicious flavor.

4. Mini Quiches

Quiches became popular in the 70s, so serving mini quiches with various fillings like spinach and cheese, bacon, or mushroom would be a nostalgic and tasty choice.

5. Cocktail Meatballs

Prepare bite-sized meatballs in a tangy sauce, such as Swedish meatballs or sweet and sour meatballs. Serve them with toothpicks for easy snacking.

6. Shrimp Cocktail

Shrimp cocktail was a classic party appetizer in the 70s. Serve chilled shrimp with a zesty cocktail sauce and lemon wedges for a refreshing and elegant finger food.

7. Pigs in a Blanket

Wrap cocktail-sized sausages in crescent roll dough and bake until golden brown. These bite-sized treats were a popular choice at 70s gatherings and are still loved today.

8. Mini Cheese Balls

Roll a mixture of cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and herbs into bite-sized balls. Coat them in nuts or herbs for added flavor and presentation.

9. Jell-O Salad

Create a retro Jell-O salad by combining flavored gelatin with fruits, nuts, and whipped cream. Cut them into bite-sized portions or serve in individual cups for a nostalgic and colorful treat.

10. Chocolate fondue- this could be a good idea for younger guests.

For dinner food ideas, consider classic corn dogs on a stick or hamburgers. Also, consider a fun retro dessert table.