The 70s era was fun and lively and evokes nostalgic vibes for many people. A 70s theme party is a great way to celebrate the most enjoyable aspects of the era, with retro costumes, food, activities, and music.
How to Throw a 70s Theme Party
Here are some retro 70s party theme ideas that include outfits, decorations, music, and food to give your party guests the perfect 70s feel.
There are plenty of memorable celebrities and cultural aspects of the 70s that are ideal for a 70s-themed party, like roller discos, Star Wars, wide-collar shirts, bellbottoms, lava lamps, Cher, Fonzie, and — to add a bit of horror to your party — Jaws.
70s Theme Party Outfits and Costumes
If you can’t decide what to wear to a 70s theme party, choose retro 70s outfits or 70s costumes from popular TV shows, movies, or events from the 70s.
Elton John at Dodger’s Stadium
Who could forget Elton John’s legendary 1975 performance at the Dodger’s Stadium? Be like the legendary singer and don a full-body sequin baseball costume.
Star Wars
The Star Wars franchise is still going strong today, but for a 70s party, you need to dress as the original (and most iconic) stars of the movies: Han Solo, Darth Vader, Princess Leia, and Luke Skywalker.
Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman has made several reappearances since the original 1970s TV series. Bring some 70s flair and dress as Lynda Carter’s version of this iconic superhero, complete with the star-spangled shorts, the red tube top, and the big hair.
Ziggy Stardust
Ziggy Stardust, David Bowie’s stage persona in 1972 and 1973, is the best 70s outfit for fans of rock and punk. You’ll need a colorful pinstripe suit with shoulder pads, some face paint, and a red wig.
Scooby-Doo
Scooby-Doo was originally broadcast on CBS from 1969 to 1976, so dressing as the iconic mystery-solving crew will go down well at a 70s theme party. Five people could dress as the whole gang: Shaggy, Scooby, Velma, Daphne, and Fred.
Bruce Lee in The Game of Death
Fans of Bruce Lee will enjoy taking on the epic martial artist of the 1973 movie, “The Game of Death.” The iconic black-striped yellow jumpsuit is easy to recreate or buy online.
70s Theme Party Decoration Ideas
Here are some creative 70s theme party decoration ideas.
Lava Lamps
Lava lamps were a staple of home decor in the 70s. They’re colorful and distinctly retro, making them ideal lighting decorations for a 70s theme party.
Disco Balls
Disco is synonymous with the 70s. Disco balls bring the nostalgic “Saturday Night Fever” vibes to a 70s theme party.
Beaded Curtains
Beaded curtains were popular during the 1960s and 1970s, and are an affordable, colorful decoration for a 70s theme party. Hang these curtains over your current curtains or along your walls to give a distinctly 70s vibe.
Smoke Machines and Strobe Lighting
Smoke machines and strobe lighting were staples in 70s nightclubs. Recreate the 70s disco scene with your own smoke and lighting features.
Brown, Orange, and Purple Balloons
Purples, oranges, and browns were the grooviest colors in the 70s. Choose balloons, buntings, and streamers in these colors to bring the colors of the 70s into your living room.
70s Music Theme Ideas
A 70s theme party isn’t complete without retro and fun 70s songs.
Dancing Queen
“Dancing Queen” was released in 1976 and is one of the biggest ABBA hits. This tune should encourage your guests to show off their best moves on the dance floor at your 70s theme party.
Bohemian Rhapsody
Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” released in 1975, is still a much-loved musical masterpiece today and should get all generations singing along at your 70s theme party.
Stayin’ Alive
The Bee Gees is one of the most stereotypically 70s bands, and “Stayin’ Alive” was released in 1977. This classic disco tune is bound to get your party guests on their feet.
We Are Family
Sister Sledge’s “We Are Family” was released in 1975, and is one of the songs most associated with nostalgic funk and soul.
Le Freak
“Le Freak,” a disco-funk single released in 1978 by Chic, has a catchy tune that your guests will want to sing and bop along to.
70s Theme Party Invitations
To get your guests excited about your party, choose one of the best groovy 70s theme party invitations for a 70s theme party.
Vintage Tie-Dye Template
Tie-dye is a print that’s commonly associated with the 70s. Tie-dye party invites with pinks, greens, and yellows tell your guests to expect a night of fun and color.
Groovy Disco Ball Template
For parties where plenty of disco dancing is on the cards, a groovy disco ball invitation should get guests in the mood to get down to 70s tunes on the dance floor.
Retro Record Template
Another good option for a 70s dance party is a fun record-shaped party invite. Write the details of the party in the middle of the record.
70s Theme Party Food
Here are some of the grooviest 70s theme party foods that should take your guests back to the nostalgic era.
Novelty Jello
Jello dishes are cheap, easy to prepare, and a fun throwback to our childhoods, making them a hit at any 70s theme party. Buy some fun novelty molds to create unique shapes like peace signs, rainbows, and hearts.
Cheese or Chocolate Fondue
Fondue — dipping cheese or chocolate served over a hot plate — reached its peak of popularity in the 1960s and 70s. Serve your fondue with fruit, crackers, and marshmallows.
Cheese and Pineapple Chunks on Skewers
A typical 70s party was guaranteed to serve cheese and pineapple chunks on skewers. This finger food option is easy to prepare and cheap to serve at your 70s party.
Classic Cocktails
There are plenty of 70s cocktails that have made a comeback today, like the snowball, the tequila sunrise, the piña colada, and the white Russian. Serve these drinks to keep your party guests fuelled with sugar between disco-dancing sessions.
Mushroom Quiche or Quiche Lorraine
Quiche gained its popularity in the 1950s and was a staple party food for the decades that followed until it lost its appeal in the 1980s. Quiche can be served hot or cold, and you can buy pre-made quiche if you don’t want the hassle of making it yourself.
