The Ultimate Mad Men Dinner Party What is more glamorous than throwing an over-the-top, swanky dinner party for some of your closest friends and acquaintances? I sure can’t think of anything! Dinner parties are a great excuse to get dressed up in your best, most effortless outfit (even if it took weeks to put together), decorate your home in a thematic, exciting way, drink, eat, and have stimulating (or not so stimulating) conversation. You don’t really need an excuse to have a great get together, but with the 1960’s retro lifestyle trend sweeping the nation, thanks to a little show called Mad Men, it is just one more reason to kick up your heels, throw on a strand of pearls and reminisce about the days of old. Throwing a dinner party may seem like a daunting task at first, especially if you are not the type that does a lot of entertaining (no judgment intended), but with this Mad Men inspired dinner party guide, you will be on your way to jitterbugging with the best of them in no time. This party theme lends itself to both indoor and outdoor spaces, dressing up in your vintage, or retro inspired finery, and having a great time. Invitation: First and foremost, how are you going to get people to come to your soiree? Well, a personalized, Mad Men inspired
invitation is a great way to kick off the event. Printed invitations sent in the mail, add a glamorous, retro touch that is so very Mad Men. We have included an example, but feel free to make your invitation unique, and totally you. This is your dinner party, so make your invitations highlight that!
it is all about your personal preference. Putting a beautiful centerpiece is another must when throwing a dinner party. You can use different type’s flowers, or other materials, to create a one of a kind, focal point for your dining table. The centerpiece is also your main source of color, so have fun with it! The table setting should be all about the Setting the Table: Dinner parties ambiance. Long stemmed white in the 1950’s and 1960’s were candles provide a glow and intiabout hauling out the fine china, macy to your dinner table, and silver, table clothes, and candles. will take your dinner party back Adding these touches to your to the time of Mad Men. dinner table will add instant polish to your space, and will tie The Music: Playing music from the theme together. If you don’t the 1960’s in the background have fine china, no problem! You helps to set the tone for the parcan always pick up mixed ty and helps get guests in the matched sets in coordinating mood. Playing songs from the color schemes or patterns, at show would be another great your local antique or thrift shop. way to get guests involved, and This touch often leads to a more you can even turn it into a game! personalized feel anyway! And You can have your guests try to your guests are sure to love it. name the song, and what season There are many different utensils or episode it was played in. Here that are utilized at a dinner par- are just a few songs that were ty, but don’t let that intimidate used on the show that you could you. It is the quantity, not quality play: of your silverware that is imAnn-Margaret, Bye Bye Birdie portant. You just have to make sure you have enough place set- The Pentagons, To Be Loved tings for everyone, so all your Kettle guests can eat together. Table Marilyn Monroe, I’m Through clothes were very popular during with Love the 1960’s, so adorning your table with one is the perfect finish- Peter, Paul & Mary, Early in the Morning ing touch. While white was a popular color at the time, you can use any color under the sun,
The Drinks : To be honest, most people come to dinner parties in part because of the free drinks. Therefore, they should be the opener of your event, and will most likely be the most important. With the hit TV show Mad Men sweeping the nation, it is only natural to have retro inspired to drinks to toast the night. There are several drinks that are quite retro and quite glamorous. Doing several female and male drink options is key. Ladies will love the special, lady-like drinks, while the men will enjoy their buzz-worthy concoctions. Your guests will enjoy the variety and it will make for a more complete experience. Colorful drinks in fancy glasses will also add a nice back drop to your event. Drinks: The Tom Collins The Old-Fashioned Bloody Mary Manhattan Classic Martini The Menu: The menu for the evening is the most crucial, and will get you the most praise if you use classic vintage recipes, but with a modern twist. To begin, appetizers are a must. Not only do they set the mood for the impending meal, but they also keep people from starving. I am sure your guests will have a small lunch or skip it all together to make room for your extravagant dinner party meal. People love to eat, and they love it even more when someone else is cooking (At least I do!). The main dishes should be hearty, and warming, just like the dinners from the past. Having a fancy dessert like baked Alaska, is a fun ending to the evening, and will satisfy many a sweet tooth. Appetizers: Swedish Meatballs Iceberg Wedge Salad Pigs in a Blanket Main Course: Camembert Amandine
Beef Wellington or Steak Diane Mushroom Strudel Creamed Spinach Golden Potato Gratin Dessert: Baked Alaska Make sure to allow time for plenty of chit chat, and perhaps a few episodes of the show! You will all enjoy discussing what is happening, and enjoying the evening with your guests. Just remember, individuality is important, so think of this guide as an inspirational leader that is encouraging you to run with this theme in any way you see fit! Happy entertaining!