One of our favourite things to do here at The Party Planning Committee is to come up with themes for parties we'd love to throw - and inspiration strikes at the most random of times! Ashley's son was playing with an old typewriter at his great grandparents' house, and we thought...a Mad Men-inspired party would be quite the shindig!
For those of you who aren't familiar with the series, Mad Men is an award-winning show set in the 1960s, and focuses on the lives of advertising executives, and their wives (and mistresses!).
As always, we love to build parties from the ground up, from attire to decor to food, and beyond.
For those of you who aren't familiar with the series, Mad Men is an award-winning show set in the 1960s, and focuses on the lives of advertising executives, and their wives (and mistresses!).
As always, we love to build parties from the ground up, from attire to decor to food, and beyond.
Stationery
We love these print-at-home vintage typography invitations from LetterandthePress on Etsy.
Or, if you're feeling especially handy with the computer, you could whip up something similar in Word!
These classy invitations set the mood for the party, and ensure that guests will know that they should show up dressed to the nines!
We love these print-at-home vintage typography invitations from LetterandthePress on Etsy.
Or, if you're feeling especially handy with the computer, you could whip up something similar in Word!
These classy invitations set the mood for the party, and ensure that guests will know that they should show up dressed to the nines!
Attire
First off - the hostess' dress. We know and love that Banana Republic has a collection based on the series, but, we love a challenge - and these vintage dress patterns fit the bill! How much fun would it be to pick up one of these patterns and sew your own costume? So much fun!
Would you choose "the Joan"......................................................or "the Betty"?
First off - the hostess' dress. We know and love that Banana Republic has a collection based on the series, but, we love a challenge - and these vintage dress patterns fit the bill! How much fun would it be to pick up one of these patterns and sew your own costume? So much fun!
Would you choose "the Joan"......................................................or "the Betty"?
For the men, suits are a given and skinny ties (or bow ties) are a must! Check out this fun tutorial for DIYing a skinny tie over at A Beautiful Mess!
We also love pocket squares and retro glasses and fedoras and shirts with lipsticked collars...and...and...
Decor
Next up (and probably our favourite part of any party) is the decor! There are endless creative decor possibilities with this theme!
Next up (and probably our favourite part of any party) is the decor! There are endless creative decor possibilities with this theme!
Because the typewriter sparked the idea for this party, we would put one at the door for guests to leave a message for the hosts, surrounded by flowers in clear glass jars.
We would also pick up an old desk or vintage sewing table (Kijiji is our go-to website for scoring thrifty finds) and paint it a fun colour, sanding it at the edges for that chippy look!
Next, we would print 60s ads onto cardstock and post around the main party areas:
And finally, because no theme party is complete without a photo booth, we would use a simple backdrop and fill the prop bucket with fake cigarettes, martini glasses, winged eyeglasses, skinny ties, baking sheets, and aprons!
Food & Drink
We love the idea of making chocolate-dipped pretzel cigarettes and tie cookies!
We love the idea of making chocolate-dipped pretzel cigarettes and tie cookies!
We would also serve as much food as possible in martini glasses, and of course, every 1960s party requires a cheese ball! This bacon spinach cheese ball is a modern take on an old classic.
As for drinks, gin martinis with tons of olives would be essential, as would scotch and other gorgeous drinks in decanters.
What are your ideas for our Mad Men party?
Love,
Ashley, Jen and Alessandra
Love,
Ashley, Jen and Alessandra
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