Back in 2013, the event industry saw a resurgence of the 1920s theme, thanks in large part to the release of the Great Gatsby starring Leonardo DiCaprio in the titular role. But this timeless look never really goes out of style and now that a new '20s is upon us, it might be time once again to celebrate with this dramatic, sophisticated design concept.
From Art Deco-inspired rentals with feminine silhouettes and geometric patterns to palettes ranging from pale blonde champagne hues to deep rich red tones, here are some ideas in decor, catering, and more for hosting a thoroughly modern ‘20s bash.
Nuage Designs’ silver Lapidus table linen adds another layer of luxury to a party. (Pictured here at an event designed by Sapphire Events New Orleans.) The items range in price from $35 to $95, depending on the size of the linen.
Photo: Arte de Vie Photography
For this 21st birthday party, held at Longview Gallery in Washington in January 2017, Evoke Design & Creative created a 1920s-inspired bash, complete with a secret doorway, password, absinthe bar, and glitzy geometric cake from Buttercream Bakeshop that rested on a chandelier-like platform. Decor was provided by Revolution Event Design and Production.
Photo: Abby Jiu
In addition to glasses of bubbly, Occasions Caterers provided champagne gelee shots, an apropos detail for the milestone birthday. Or mimic a new version of Prohibition, taking inspiration from the low- or no-alcohol cocktails popping up on drink menus.
Photo: Abby Jiu
As a nod to Cuba’s influence on the Art Deco era, cigar rolling by Castaneda Cigars took place on site.
Photo: Abby Jiu
Guests could also try their hand at roaming table games.
Photo: Abby Jiu
This gold Deco table linen from Nuage Designs features the architectural details reminiscent of the era. (Pictured here at an event designed by Sapphire Events New Orleans.) The items range in price from $15 for a pillow to $95 for a rectangular tablecloth.
Photo: Arte de Vie Photography
The Carter wire chair from High Style Rentals (price upon request) evokes the curvy silhouette of 1920s pieces and is available for rent in the Mid-Atlantic and New England region.
Photo: Alexey Kotlik
In October 2018 at the Mandarin Oriental in Boston, Tyger Productions created a glam Art Deco atmosphere for the UnMask Cancer benefit, which supports the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund. Large 24-inch crystal spheres on tall gold pedestals punctuated the room, along with a waterfall curtain of cut crystal from above.
Photo: Courtesy of Tyger Productions
The experts at Cort Events predict that soft seating with elegant shapes and romantic curves will make a comeback in 2020. The company’s teal velvet Malibu accent chair (price upon request) features a rounded soft shape, a high back, and channel stitch detailing; it’s available for rent nationwide.
Photo: Courtesy of Cort Events
Ditch the florals for giant ostrich plume arrangements as seen at British beauty brand Soap & Glory’s cheeky soiree, which was held at New York burlesque club Duane Park in January 2019 and was produced by TH Productions.
Photo: Patrick MacLeod
Serve cocktails with or without the booze from High Style Rentals’ black-and-gold studio bar (price upon request). It’s available for rent in the Mid-Atlantic and New England region.
Photo: Alexey Kotlik
People magazine and the Entertainment Industry Foundation co-hosted the official Screen Actors Guild Awards Gala, immediately following the 22nd annual SAG Awards in January 2016 at the Shrine Exposition Center. Lisa Simpson, special projects director for People, InStyle, and Entertainment Weekly, supervised the event, working again with Tony Schubert from Event Eleven. The glam affair nodded to 1920s Hollywood with lush palms that contrasted red velvet seating and floor-to-ceiling red velvet drapes.
Photo: Line 8 Photography. All rights reserved.
The Chicago Zoological Society’s Women's Board and Board of Trustees hosted its 38th annual black-tie gala in April 2019 at Brookfield Zoo. The theme, “Roaring Whirl 2019,” celebrated the 100th anniversary of the land donation by Edith Rockefeller McCormick to the Forest Preserves of Cook County for the purpose of creating a zoo. Calihan Catering served a three-course dinner in the Grand Tent, which was decorated in a 1920s theme by the Flower Firm.
Photo: Lisa Miller/Chicago Zoological Society
