With the upcoming film release of Baz Luhrmann’s rendition of “The Great Gatsby” I’m here to remind everyone what a gay time, what a roaring time the twenties were….With bootleggers, prohibition, speakeasies, flat chests and corsets, and all that jazz, it’s no wonder people went wild for debauchery. The good news is you can openly do all this and more at your own party. First step is to not only read F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel, but watch the 1974 movie with Robert Redford and Mia Farrow. We’ll have to see if Leonardo and Carey can live up to Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan.
The focal point of any great party is engaging music from the sounds of Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong for starters. Also, remember this was a time that launched glamour, luxury and an extremely fast way of living easily portrayed by Jay Gatsby. Think opulent flowers, champagne fountains and gold gilded statutes. With ornate headpieces and finger waving hairstyles, our heroic young flappers twirled their pearls and dazzling necklaces will dancing to the lyrics “Five Foot Two Eyes of Blue.” The debonair men wore fedora hats and wool suits classified by high lapels and narrow pant legs. While shirts with white collars were prevalent among the wealthy , Jay Gatsby wore a shirt without one.
While indeed the liquor should be flowing at your 1920s event, consider renting old fashion bathtubs and filling them with mini bottles of liquor. This is certainly a hit at any party and keeps in line with the bootlegger theme. When I planned an event during Art Basel Miami this concept was used and was such a tremendous success, I couldn’t keep enough bottles in the tub!
A garden or mansion is the ideal setting for such a festivity, but if you don’t have access to Jay Gatsby’s mansion on Long Island you may have to consider something more low key such as your own backyard. However, stay true to the vibe of white candles, feathers, boas and flowing curtains.
If still this seems like too much trouble you can always check into The Plaza in New York City where the bar has been temporarily revamped in dedication to “The Great Gatsby”. F. Scott Fitzgerald used to spend significant time at this historic hotel and part of the 2013 movie was filmed there. Enjoy the Moet Champagne and look around for Al Capone types and flapper girls named Daisy. This flapper event planner Victoria Hoffman will be dancing the Charleston.