A 1920s Prohibition Tea Party is a great theme for a wedding or a bachelorette party. It is a Cocktails and Tea event that takes a cue from one of the most iconic ears in our history, the Roaring 20s! This party has all the luxury and sophistication of this fun era of Jazz, Art Deco and Gatsby-esque events. It was all about the party!
A 1920s prohibition party was held during the time when alcohol was banned but most events secretly served fabulous cocktails in teacups.
This type of party is perfect for a wedding or bachelorette party as is ultra-glamorous with a hint towards dangerous fun.
Prohibition Party Invitations
Set the style of your event with the right invitation. Consider Art Deco-styled invitations like these:
The best Prohibition parties happened in secret locations and required a password to get in. Think about using the back door of your event location and let your guests know the password on the invitation.
Setting the prohibition scene:
Decorating for a 1920s party is all about bringing the glitz, glamour, and rebellious spirit of the Roaring Twenties to life. Here’s a fun and creative approach to set the scene: You will want to make the event as glamourous as possible, and a little covert.
The best prohibition parties happened in hidden locations – so consider making the entrance via the back door, in a large warehouse, out in the garden hidden away. Don’t forget to ask for the password!
And invite guests to visit the Photobooth on the way in. You can set this up like a prison mug shot area – with mug shot signs that say Babyface, The boss, The vamp, flapper, or go for a glam backdrop to get everyone in the 1920s excessive mood. We love this classic golden age backdrop. It is large enough to create a stunning photobooth entrance to your party.
Jazz Lounge Ambiance
Get guests into the mood as soon as they enter by playing Charleston or swing music to set the mood. Hang posters of jazz icons or 1920s-themed movie posters. Set up a small stage or corner with instruments like a saxophone or piano (even as props) for that jazz club feel.
Prohibition-Inspired Bar Setup
Display drink menus with fun, era-appropriate names like “Bee’s Knees” or “Gin Rickey.”A large prohibition backdrop behind the bar table adds to the drama of this fun party theme. Continue the theme with gold and black champagne bottles.
Transform your drink station into a hidden bar. Use vintage glassware and serve cocktails in teacups to nod to the Prohibition era.
Choose a Glamorous Color Palette
Creating a beautiful 1920s-style event is all about blending elegance, opulence, and a touch of vintage charm. The key to capturing the essence of the Roaring Twenties is through Art Deco-inspired elements, glamorous details, and dramatic contrasts.
Accents: Metallic gold or silver accents, as well as rich textures like velvet or satin, can make your table look luxurious and timeless.
Classic Colors: Stick to black, gold, silver, and white for a sophisticated Art Deco feel. Deep jewel tones like emerald green, ruby red, and royal blue also evoke a rich, luxurious vibe.
Use Elegant Table Linens
Napkins: Use cloth napkins with gold napkin rings or simple black-and-gold designs. Folding them in an elegant style adds to the luxe look.
Tablecloths: Opt for a black or gold tablecloth, or a white linen with a bold geometric or Art Deco pattern. Metallic, shimmering fabrics (like gold sequin or silk) can add extra glamour. We love the idea of going over the top with this theme party – so bring on the sequin table cloths!!
Add that Statement Centerpiece
Candles: Use tall, slender candles in elegant holders or ornate candelabras. Candlelight creates a romantic, Gatsby-esque glow that’s perfect for the era.The key to creating the glam of the jazz era comes down to excess. As in Lots of feathers, Large centrepieces dripping with pearls, gold and black balloons and decorations. We love the drama of these large ostrich feathers. Display them in a tall vase as an unmissable centerpiece.
Feathers & Florals: A lavish centerpiece with tall feather arrangements (think ostrich feathers) or a stunning floral arrangement with bold flowers like lilies, roses, or orchids can bring height and drama to your table.
Vintage Pieces: A large, antique-style vase or an elegant candelabra can add to the grandeur.
Add some Fun Prohibition Party signs that say:
‘if the coppers turn up, we know nothing’
‘prohibition ends here, have a drink’
‘a little party never hurt anyone’
Add cheeky Chalkboards with gold frames to mark the drinks area – ‘time to drink champagne and dance on the table’
Bring out the Art Deco Tableware
Plates: Use fine china or dinnerware with sleek, geometric designs. Black, white, and gold plates, or ones with metallic accents, will elevate the look. Consider vintage-inspired patterns or Art Deco motifs like zigzags or chevrons.
Cutlery: Use polished silver or gold flatware to create an elegant contrast against the darker table linens. We love these sleek gold cutlery sets!
Glassware: Opt for vintage-style glassware like coupe glasses or champagne flutes, perfect for serving cocktails like a classic gin fizz or a champagne cocktail. Cut crystal glasses can add extra sparkle. Use fabulous Crystal decanters to serve drinks like these gorgeous ones!
We love to use old fashioned coupe glasses for the bubbles.
Luxe Details and Accents
Gold Accents: Add gold accents like chargers under plates, metallic ribbon, or gold-trimmed glassware.
Beads & Pearls: Scatter faux pearls or beaded strings down the center of the table for a vintage, flapper-style feel.
Vintage Trinkets: Incorporate vintage touches such as old-fashioned cigarette holders, pearl bracelets, or even crystal decanters as table décor.
Small Touches: You can add small, personalized elements such as place cards in Art Deco fonts, or little menus that reflect the Prohibition era’s cocktail culture.
Play with Lighting
Dim Lighting: The soft glow of dim lights will complement the romantic, 1920s atmosphere. Use lamps with geometric Art Deco shades or vintage-style chandeliers.
Fairy Lights or Candles: String fairy lights around the table or scatter candles to create a warm, intimate setting. Or old fashioned mason jars filled with lights.
By combining luxurious fabrics, vintage accessories, and a touch of sparkle, your 1920s-style table will exude elegance and make your guests feel as though they’ve stepped into an extravagant Gatsby-like affair.
The Party Food for A 1920s prohibition party!
At a 1920s Prohibition-style party, the food should reflect the elegance and decadence of the era while staying true to the hidden, speakeasy vibe. Bring the glamour and sophistication of the era, with elegant finger foods like canapés, smoked salmon, and delicate pastries. For a more playful touch, serve classic cocktails alongside vintage sweets such as petits fours and fruit tarts, perfect for a Roaring Twenties celebration. Here are some classic and creative ideas:
Elegant Finger Foods
Canapés: Miniature bites with smoked salmon, cream cheese, caviar, or pâté on crackers or bread.
Deviled Eggs: A vintage favorite, served as elegant appetizers with a variety of toppings like paprika or chives.
Stuffed Mushrooms: Filled with cheese, breadcrumbs, or sausage, these were popular in the 1920s and fit perfectly for a Prohibition-themed party.
Cocktail Shrimp: A nod to the glamorous seafood appetizers of the time, served with a tangy cocktail sauce.
Classic Tea Sandwiches
Cucumber Sandwiches: Delicate and refreshing, a must-have for any 1920s-inspired event.
Egg and Cress Sandwiches: Another elegant option, perfect for a light bite that pairs well with Prohibition-era cocktails.
Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese: Served on small, thin slices of bread or toast for a sophisticated touch.
Charcuterie and Cheese Platters
Assorted Cheeses: Offer a variety of cheeses like brie, blue cheese, and cheddar, paired with crackers, olives, and nuts.
Cured Meats: Include selections of salami, prosciutto, and pâté, which were often served in upscale parties during the era.
These foods will perfectly complement the underground, sophisticated spirit of a 1920s Prohibition-themed gathering, blending elegance with the subtle defiance of the era.We have collected a few of our favorite bites:
Vintage Pastries and Sweets
Petits Fours: Bite-sized, beautifully decorated cakes that bring a touch of elegance to the table.
Fruit Tarts: Mini tarts filled with fresh fruits like berries or citrus, topped with a light glaze for a burst of color.
Madeleines: Soft, buttery French sponge cakes that offer a nostalgic nod to the 1920s.
Shhh! The Drinks are here!
Signature Drinks & Mocktails
Since Prohibition-era parties were about hiding alcohol, offer creative mocktails like a “Clover Club” (a non-alcoholic version) or punch, served in teacups or vintage glassware. For those who want to indulge, provide speakeasy-style cocktails like gin rickeys, French 75s, or a classic martini. And lets not forget the Champagne!
Champagne cocktails
Ingredients
• 1 sugar cube
• 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
• brut champagne
Directions
Place a sugar cube in a chilled champagne flute, lash it with 2 or 3 dashes of bitters, fill the glass with brut champagne, and squeeze a lemon twist on top.
Recipe from Equire
Mint juleps
Lemonade
Tea cocktails
Non-tea beverages – more great ideas here
Final Tips to Ensure a Roaring 1920s Party
To truly immerse yourself in the glitz and glamour of hosting a 1920s-style party, here are some great final tips for a memorable experience:
Dress the Part
Embrace the Fashion: Channel the elegance of the Roaring Twenties by dressing up as flappers or dapper gents. Think beaded dresses, feathered headbands, tuxedos, fedoras, and suspenders. Don’t forget accessories like long pearl necklaces, cloche hats, and vintage jewelry to complete the look. We have all the best outfits in our 1920s party outfit post
Master the Art of Cocktail Etiquette
Sip Classic Cocktails: Make sure to serve popular Prohibition-era cocktails such as the French 75, gin fizz, or sidecar, but offer non-alcoholic options too. Serve them in vintage glassware like coupe glasses for a truly authentic touch.
Keep Drinks “Undercover”: In keeping with the Prohibition theme, consider serving drinks in teacups or flasks for a playful, hidden speakeasy feel.
Set the Mood with Music
Jazz & Swing: Create an atmosphere with lively jazz or swing music. Playing songs from artists like Louis Armstrong or Duke Ellington will transport guests straight into the 1920s vibe. Consider even hiring a jazz band or setting up a vinyl record player for extra authenticity.
Keep the Conversation Lively
1920s Lingo: Use fun 1920s slang like “the cat’s meow” (something great), “the bee’s knees” (excellent), or “Hotsy-totsy” (perfect). You and your guests can playfully adopt the lingo for the evening to add to the immersion.
Let Loose
The 1920s were about breaking from tradition, so don’t be afraid to get playful. Encourage your guests to join in Charleston dance-offs, flirt over cocktails, or even speak in code to mimic the secrecy of Prohibition parties.
By embracing the fashion, drinks, music, and fun-loving spirit of the 1920s, you’ll ensure that your party is a glamorous and memorable celebration, straight out of the Roaring Twenties!
