Periodical Themes

Throw a glamorous 40s Hollywood party with these simple ideas:

First, send out gold plaques as the invitations. Or buy Hollywood-themed invitations at a party store or online. Encourage guests to come dressed as '40s Hollywood movie stars.

Create a red carpet movie premiere by renting a marquee to place outside your front door. Display the name of a popular 1940s film and Hollywood stars that played in them.  Light the marquee up with blinking lights for added flair.  Roll up the red carpet for guests to stroll along as they make their way to the entrance. Hire a photographer or play paparazzi for the night and take shots of guests.  Add glamour to your décor with red velvet curtains and tableclothes.  Set the Hollywood theme by displaying old movie posters on the walls and placing gold star cutouts on the ground and walls.

Guests can look as glamorous as the setting. Women should wear elegant beaded gowns with boas to compliment the men, who can wear tuxedos with tails. Don't be surprised to see a Humphrey Bogart or joan Crawford look-alike.

Entertain guests with old films such as "Casablanca" played on a projector. Set up a screening room with plenty of folding chairs and provide movie popcorn and snacks. Oscar trophys would make great party favors or prizes for a 40s Hollywood trivia game or dance contest.  Hire swing dancers to entertain the crowd and teach them some moves. 


Serve hors d'eouvres, Sebastiani wine, martinis, or Champagne.  Fill a crystal bowl with punch.  A small ice sculpture in the middle of the room adds extravagance to the party. Dress the tables in white linens and place votive candles and a red rose in the center of each table for a glamorous dinner.