Retro Party Games & Activities:
For kids over the age of 10 or 11 (girls especially), try not to organize too much. They absolutely love the dance part of this party, and won't want to spend the time with your
plans. Try lots of primping, one game, one craft, plus a big dance contest (everyone wins)! Adults will enjoy some of these games too!
PIN THE SMILE ON THE SMILEY FACE – Borrowing from the concept of the tried and true game of Pin the Tail on the Donkey, we suggest a fun game of Pin the Smile on the
Smiley Face. Use our big inflatable Smiley, and cut smiles out of black construction paper. Blindfold each participate as his/her turn arrives, spin, point in the right direction, and
watch your smiley get really happy! For older kids, try a game of "Pin the peace sign on the Hippie." Same concept…a little more grown up. (All ages)
DO THE HUSTLE – Divide the guests into two equal teams. Create two starting lines with masking tape, and secure two inflatable smileys in place about 10-15 yards away.
Line the teams up with the disco wardrobe at the starting line. At the signal to begin, the first player on each team quickly dresses up, runs the course, and then returns the
wardrobe to the next player. The first team to complete the course wins. An Afro wig, love beads, fringe vest, and hippie glasses will lead to some "hustling" to the finish line.
(Ages 4-11)
MAKE LOVE, NOT WAR GAME – Give each player a bag or goodie box with 10 pieces of candy in it. Have bags labeled with players' names, so they don't get mixed up. Let
players know at the start of the game exactly when the game will be ending—this game can be played throughout an entire party if you so choose. The object of the game is to
catch fellow players saying one of the following words or phrases:
DISCO, FUNKY, GROOVY, SMILEY FACE, PEACE, YEAH BABY
To help players, post the words prominently on a board where they can be seen often. If someone is caught saying one of the words on the list, that person has to give up a
piece of candy from their stash. The player with the biggest haul of goodies at the end of the game is the winner! (Ages 7 – Adult)
TIE-DYE – An unforgettable time, and the most amazing photo backdrop! Purchase plain white cotton boys or men's t-shirts from a discount store- most come in three packs,
and cost less than $2.00/shirt. For your craft activity, tie-dye the shirts in brilliant colors. Most young children and many adults have never done this. In addition to the dye, you'll
need to have plenty of rubber bands, rubber gloves, and extra adult helpers on hand. Do this activity toward the beginning of the party, so you'll have time to execute on the photo
opportunity. If the weather is cooperating hang a clothesline outside, if not, use a basement or even a kitchen to hang the clothesline. As each shirt is completed, hang it to dry
on the line. When all are completed take a group photo with the masterpieces hanging behind you. For a little variety, try using white boxer shorts or tank tops, as both are very
popular right now, and can be purchased inexpensively in the men's underwear section of a discount store. (Ages 7-adult)
DAISY CHAINS – Young girls will love to create "wreathes" for their hair using fresh daisies. Put a smile on their glowing faces, as you remember how much you enjoyed this
as a child. (Girls age 5-12)
DANCE 'TILL YOU DROP – If you weren't around to do the Hustle, the Bump and the Bus Stop the first time around, find a friend or neighbor who was and recruit him or her.
Teach these popular and simple steps to your party guests and enjoy the fun! (All ages)
"I REMEMBER THAT ONE!" – With the advent of Nickelodeon's™ Nick at Nite™ and TV Land™, re-runs of the best shows from the 60's and 70's are plentiful. Who didn't have a
pang of bedroom envy when Greg Brady got to move out of the boy's room, into his own groovy pad in the attic (complete with love beads, lava lamp, peace signs, and far-out
lighting)? Set your VCR to tape a few episodes of the Brady Bunch, Partridge Family, Gilligan's Island, and I dream of Jeannie. Kids today are enjoying these shows as much
as we did…and they'll see exactly how cheesy we dressed back then. This is great for a sleepover party. Adults will love the opportunity to re-visit some of their favorites. Make a
game of it with the adults. Tape 15-25 episodes of one show, and then see who can remember the outcome the fastest. Fast forward as soon as someone guesses, and keep
track of points. The prize… the tape of course! (All ages)
GET READY TO DISCO – Most girls love to primp. Help them do so by providing plenty of blue eyeshadow, body glitter, bright pink blush, and Maybelline™ mascara. If the girls
are younger, have a friend pose as Bambi the make-up artist. Purchase or borrow a crimping iron, part their hair down the center, and crimp the girls' hair. Add a headband to
their foreheads, and send them on to have their nails done. With the invention of nail polish that dries in only one minute, party manicures are a breeze. Purchase Express Dry
nail polish in colors to match your theme, and then stripe each nail with three or four bright funkadelic colors. If your budget permits, or if the group is small, hire someone to
give "hairwraps" to the girls. Call a local hairdresser to find a name, or check with neighborhood teens. One or all of these primping ideas will absolutely delight your girls.
(Ages 6-18)
SMILEY-BALL – Play volley ball, dodge ball or keep-away with our huge inflatable smiley! (All ages)
PINATA FUN – The smiley piñata can do double duty—he'll hang as a decoration until you are ready to use him. A universal favorite! (Ages 3 and up)
NAME THAT TUNE – This one is for the grown-ups only. You'll need a CD player and some compact discs with a compilation of hits from the 60's and 70's. Play the first few
bars, and see which guest can name that tune the fastest. Keep track of points and award the winner with some music from the past. If your group is large, play a variation on
this game. Using AM Top 40 hits from the 60's and 70's, list song titles on one side of a page, and Artists on the other side, and make enough copies for all guests. Challenge
guests to match as many as possible. A fun trip down memory lane! To get you started, here are a few:
Hooked on a Feeling – Blue Swede
The Night Chicago Died – Paper Lace
Hitchin' a Ride – Vanity Fare
How Do You Do? – Mouth and MacNeal
Beach Baby – First Class
Sky High – Jigsaw
Seasons in the Sun – Terry Jacks
Billy, Don't Be a Hero – Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods
Chevy Van – Sammy Johns
Dancing in the Moonlight – King Harvest
Rock Me Gently – Andy Kim
Moonlight Feels Right – Starbuck
Afternoon Delight – Starland Vocal Band
Beautiful Sunday – Daniel Boone
One Tin Soldier, The Legend of Billy Jack – Coven
Shannon – Henry Gross
Dream Weaver – Gary Wright
Puppy Love – Donny Osmond
One Bad Apple – Jackson Five
My Baby Loves Lovin' – White Plains
If – Bread
Stairway to Heaven – Led Zeppelin
Fill a page, and let the contest last throughout the party! For the winner…a greatest hits CD!
Flower Power Cake:
Perfect for a 60's/70's Retro party – so totally groovy, and easy too!
What you will need:
Three package mixes – try combining two or three different flavors for a marbled effect.
Three 16 oz. Containers of vanilla ready-made frosting
One "board" for displaying the cake – foam core, corrugated, or an 18" round cake board.
Lime green and neon yellow paste food coloring
One tube of black writing gel
16" round cake pan.
Prepare the mix according to the manufacturer's directions. Pour all three mixes into a well-greased pan. If you
are using more than one flavor let them bleed together for a unique effect.
Bake the cake according to directions on the package, but add an additional 5-10 minutes to the suggested
time to bake. Because you are baking 3 mixes at one time, you will need to bake the cake for longer than the
directions indicate.
Check your cake using a toothpick inserted into the center, every 5-7 minutes after the initial required baking
time, and add more time as needed. All ovens bake differently, so add extra baking time in small increments.
Allow cake to cool.
Place cake on wire rack in freezer for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Remove from the freezer, place on the cake board, and cut six "flower notches" (see diagram) around the
outside edge.
Using a bowl that is 7-8" in diameter, make an imprint with the top edge into the center of the cake.
Using about ¾ of one 16 oz. Container of frosting tinted neon yellow, frost the inside of the circle. Then frost
the remainder of the cake in the lime green frosting.
Use black writing gel to outline the center circle, draw a peace sign inside it, and to outline the outside edge of
the flower. The message to the birthday boy/girl can either be written on top of the cake, or around the edge of
the cake board for an interesting effect.
If you are entertaining a very small crowd, this cake can be modified, and baked as an 8" or 12" round cake.
This cake is sure to bring a funky smile!
Perfect for a 60's/70's Retro party – so totally groovy, and easy too!
What you will need:
Three package mixes – try combining two or three different flavors for a marbled effect.
Three 16 oz. Containers of vanilla ready-made frosting
One "board" for displaying the cake – foam core, corrugated, or an 18" round cake board.
Lime green and neon yellow paste food coloring
One tube of black writing gel
16" round cake pan.
Prepare the mix according to the manufacturer's directions. Pour all three mixes into a well-greased pan. If you
are using more than one flavor let them bleed together for a unique effect.
Bake the cake according to directions on the package, but add an additional 5-10 minutes to the suggested
time to bake. Because you are baking 3 mixes at one time, you will need to bake the cake for longer than the
directions indicate.
Check your cake using a toothpick inserted into the center, every 5-7 minutes after the initial required baking
time, and add more time as needed. All ovens bake differently, so add extra baking time in small increments.
Allow cake to cool.
Place cake on wire rack in freezer for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Remove from the freezer, place on the cake board, and cut six "flower notches" (see diagram) around the
outside edge.
Using a bowl that is 7-8" in diameter, make an imprint with the top edge into the center of the cake.
Using about ¾ of one 16 oz. Container of frosting tinted neon yellow, frost the inside of the circle. Then frost
the remainder of the cake in the lime green frosting.
Use black writing gel to outline the center circle, draw a peace sign inside it, and to outline the outside edge of
the flower. The message to the birthday boy/girl can either be written on top of the cake, or around the edge of
the cake board for an interesting effect.
If you are entertaining a very small crowd, this cake can be modified, and baked as an 8" or 12" round cake.
This cake is sure to bring a funky smile!
| THEMED TABLEWARE: Smile Face Retro Party Tie Dye Party Flower Power 60's & 70's Ensembles 60's & 70's PARTY KITS AND DECORATING Yesterday Party Kit Disco Party Kit Peace Decorations Band on the Run Kit Leader of the Pack |
Smiley Face Cake:
Creating a birthday cake for a Smiley Face, 60's or 70's themed party is truly easy. I remember Smiley faces the first time around and wore them proudly. I can't seem
to bring myself to wearing them again, but my daughter loves them.
Here's what you'll need:
One to three cake mixes (flavor is optional)
Use one mix for a standard round cake pan. I suggest purchasing a large round cake pan available at bake stores and some discount stores, which can require two
or three cake mixes. Check the size of the pan prior to starting.
Icing for two to three cakes (see above)
Yellow food coloring
Hard board surface on which to build the cake
Colored sprinkle sugar in pink, blue or green
Cake decorating icing to decorate the face and write Happy Birthday
First, you'll need to prepare the cake mixes. I usually opt for a box mix, but feel free to bake a cake from scratch. Chocolate or vanilla will work – one of each provides
an option for the fickle desires of children. It works well to pour different types of cake mixes into the same pan. The line between the two won't be perfect, but will
please the "I'll take a little of each, please" children.
Bake the cake(s) in the circular pan.
Let the cake cool.
While the cake(s) are cooling, prepare a board to place your cake on. Foam core works, if you have it readily available or select a large cutting board or other sturdy
flat surface. Cover the board with foil. I prefer a cutting board that I can slip into the oven to keep the cake fresh for the party. Obviously, the cake can not be put into the
oven until after the oven has cooled down. Remember to tape over the oven knobs so it is not accidentally turned on.
Prepare yellow icing by mixing white icing with yellow food coloring until you obtain the perfect color for you face. Be sure to prepare enough yellow icing the first time
because it is hard to match colors on the "second" go round.
Place the cake on the covered board and ice it with yellow icing. Smooth out the icing by dipping a smooth edged knife in warm water and running it gently across the
cake.
With the left over white icing, ice the remainder of the board. Sprinkle colored sugar on the board to accent your yellow smiley face. Pink, green or blue would work
well.
Using black decorating icing, add two dots for the eyes and a big smile. I recommend using a button, T-shirt, bag, you name it that has a smiley face on it for
inspiration.
For accent pieces, you can create small flowers around the cake, or place small pins or keychains around the cake to be later given away as party favors.
I find it easiest to write Happy Birthday and the age on the covered board surface. You may want to leave a space to create a message. Or write directly on the smiley
face.
Now it's complete – time for your own smile!
Creating a birthday cake for a Smiley Face, 60's or 70's themed party is truly easy. I remember Smiley faces the first time around and wore them proudly. I can't seem
to bring myself to wearing them again, but my daughter loves them.
Here's what you'll need:
One to three cake mixes (flavor is optional)
Use one mix for a standard round cake pan. I suggest purchasing a large round cake pan available at bake stores and some discount stores, which can require two
or three cake mixes. Check the size of the pan prior to starting.
Icing for two to three cakes (see above)
Yellow food coloring
Hard board surface on which to build the cake
Colored sprinkle sugar in pink, blue or green
Cake decorating icing to decorate the face and write Happy Birthday
First, you'll need to prepare the cake mixes. I usually opt for a box mix, but feel free to bake a cake from scratch. Chocolate or vanilla will work – one of each provides
an option for the fickle desires of children. It works well to pour different types of cake mixes into the same pan. The line between the two won't be perfect, but will
please the "I'll take a little of each, please" children.
Bake the cake(s) in the circular pan.
Let the cake cool.
While the cake(s) are cooling, prepare a board to place your cake on. Foam core works, if you have it readily available or select a large cutting board or other sturdy
flat surface. Cover the board with foil. I prefer a cutting board that I can slip into the oven to keep the cake fresh for the party. Obviously, the cake can not be put into the
oven until after the oven has cooled down. Remember to tape over the oven knobs so it is not accidentally turned on.
Prepare yellow icing by mixing white icing with yellow food coloring until you obtain the perfect color for you face. Be sure to prepare enough yellow icing the first time
because it is hard to match colors on the "second" go round.
Place the cake on the covered board and ice it with yellow icing. Smooth out the icing by dipping a smooth edged knife in warm water and running it gently across the
cake.
With the left over white icing, ice the remainder of the board. Sprinkle colored sugar on the board to accent your yellow smiley face. Pink, green or blue would work
well.
Using black decorating icing, add two dots for the eyes and a big smile. I recommend using a button, T-shirt, bag, you name it that has a smiley face on it for
inspiration.
For accent pieces, you can create small flowers around the cake, or place small pins or keychains around the cake to be later given away as party favors.
I find it easiest to write Happy Birthday and the age on the covered board surface. You may want to leave a space to create a message. Or write directly on the smiley
face.
Now it's complete – time for your own smile!
Retro 60s Party:
Flashback to the 60's with our group party kit, wigs and
glasses, or even Smiley Face Paper Goods. We even carry
Felt Hippie Hats! For party favors give out Glow Necklaces,
Tie-dye Bandannas, or our VW Beetles! This theme is good
for kids or adults! Get them dancing with Hippie Music!
Flashback to the 60's with our group party kit, wigs and
glasses, or even Smiley Face Paper Goods. We even carry
Felt Hippie Hats! For party favors give out Glow Necklaces,
Tie-dye Bandannas, or our VW Beetles! This theme is good
for kids or adults! Get them dancing with Hippie Music!
Retro 70s Party:
Go back to the days of Disco with this spectacular theme. Tie-dye
paper goods, our psychedelic fedora hats, disco ball earrings, and
more are waiting for you at our stores. And check out our line of 70's
party favors! We even carry a Disco Starter Kit! Disco Music will set
the mood!
Go back to the days of Disco with this spectacular theme. Tie-dye
paper goods, our psychedelic fedora hats, disco ball earrings, and
more are waiting for you at our stores. And check out our line of 70's
party favors! We even carry a Disco Starter Kit! Disco Music will set
the mood!
Retro Party Food Ideas:
This is a tough one, and we would welcome any input you have on some foods that stand out as memorable or worth recreating from the 60's and 70's. We recall
that the fast food industry was just in its infant stage. McDonald's™ was a "new" craze, and Burger King was just getting started too. Families just didn't frequent
restaurants and fast food joints as often as they do today. When we think of a typical 60's or 70's meal, one word comes to mind. STARCH! A true meat and potatoes
period in time, with Holidays being the time to roll out the special Jell-O™ mold. It was inevitably green, and filled with things your mother otherwise never served.
That said, we feel the field is wide open at your retro party to serve foods that you WISH were served in the good old days. Serve pizza, loaded hoagie sandwiches, a
Mexican taco bar, heavy appetizers…your options are unlimited. Feel free to showcase your own personal preferences, talents, and style. The only thing that wouldn't
be appropriate for a retro theme would be a formal meal. No good china allowed here!
If the party is for a child, and you are serving dinner, let the birthday boy or girl choose his/her favorites. We generally recommend that unless you are having a
sleepover party, that you avoid scheduling a party around times that would need to include a meal. Serving snacks, birthday cake and ice cream, along with
beverages is plenty.
Regardless of the ages of your guests, however, we do recommend that you include one of our two theme cakes to your desert menu. Try either our Smiley Face
Cake or our Flower Power Cake ... both will bring big smiles.
| 60s and 70s Retro Parties Ready for a Groovy theme ? Then you've come to the right place! We can help you plan the happening 60s or 70s theme party to entertain your guests of all ages! |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  |
