Throw a Fun 70s Theme Backyard Party on a Budget

Picture this: a warm summer evening, friends and family gathered in your backyard, grooving to the infectious tunes of the '70s while dressed in their best disco, hippie, and rock ‘n' roll attire. Sounds like a dream come true?

Well, it's time to make that dream a reality with a 70s theme party! In this blog post, we'll guide you through everything you need to throw an unforgettable '70s-themed backyard party on a budget, from the perfect outfits to nostalgic food and drinks, funky decorations, and engaging activities. So let's get this 70s theme party started!

Short Summary

• Throw a groovy '70s-themed backyard party on a budget with Disco Glam, Hippie Chic and Rock ‘n' Roll. Roll attire plus DIY decorations!

• Treat your guests to classic snacks, drinks and desserts from the 70s for an unforgettable experience.

• Get creative with tie dye activities, trivia time & dance contests, all set to the perfect retro playlist!

Get into the Groove: '70s Party Outfits

No '70s party is complete without the iconic fashion of the era! Encourage your guests to embrace the groove with three distinct styles: Disco Glam, Hippie Chic, and Rock ‘n' Roll Attire.

These looks will transport everyone back in time and set the tone for a night of unforgettable fun.

Disco Glam

Channel your inner John Travolta or Donna Summer with Disco Glam attire.

Think sequined halterneck shirts, bell-bottom pants, and platform shoes that will have you dancing the night away. Accessorize with chokers, headbands, and scarves to complete the look, and don't be afraid to go all out with bright colors and tons of glitter.

After all, disco is all about making a statement!

Hippie Chic

For a more laid-back vibe, opt for Hippie Chic outfits that celebrate the free-spirited fashion of the '70s. Frayed jeans, midi skirts, peasant blouses, ponchos, and maxi dresses adorned with flowers and peace signs will have you feeling like a true flower child.

Complete the look with headbands, scarves, and jewelry made of wood, stones, feathers, and beads to channel your inner Joni Mitchell.

Rock ‘n' Roll Attire

Rock your party like a Rolling Stone with Rock ‘n' Roll attire! Tube tops, spandex shorts, loose pants, form-fitting spandex pants, maxi skirts, and dresses with long thigh slits will have you looking like a true rockstar.

Channel your inner Elton John with bedazzled sunglasses and a bright suit or dress like Olivia Newton-John in her iconic “Grease” outfit. The possibilities are endless, so let your imagination run wild!

Setting the Scene: '70s Backyard Party Decorations

Transform your backyard into a groovy '70s haven with decorations that capture the spirit of the era. Create a disco dance floor, set up a retro lounge area, and add flower power centerpieces to transport your guests to the decade of bell-bottoms and peace signs.

Disco Dance Floor

Get your guests dancing on a DIY disco dance floor! Start by measuring your space and cutting plywood to size. Next, attach 2x3s to the plywood to create a frame, and cover it with tiles, panels, or rolls of your choice.

Add some sparkle with glitter, sequins, or reflective tape, and light up the dance floor with LED lights, strobe lights, and colored spotlights. Don't forget the pièce de résistance – a disco ball to make your backyard feel like Studio 54!

Retro Lounge Area

Create a cozy retro lounge area for your guests to relax and chat. Use vintage furniture, patterned quilts, floral curtains, striped accent chairs, and unique upholstered chairs to set the mood.

Add antique end tables, vintage decorative elements, and abstract art paintings or prints for a truly '70s feel. You can also incorporate plants and flowers for a more natural vibe, making the space perfect for sipping on retro cocktails and reminiscing about the good old days.

Flower Power Centerpieces

Bring the '70s flower power to your party with vibrant, floral centerpieces. Use daisies, balloons, and DIY kits to create eye-catching arrangements that will brighten up your tables.

Add a personal touch with daisy straws or tie-dye napkins and tablecloths. These centerpieces will not only look fabulous, but also add a touch of nostalgia to your '70s-themed backyard bash.

Groovy Activities and Entertainment

Keep the good times rolling with a variety of entertaining activities that will have your guests dancing, laughing, and creating memories.

Set up a DIY tie-dye station, host a '70s trivia session, and organize a dance contest to ensure everyone has a blast!

DIY Tie-Dye Station

A DIY tie-dye station is a fun and interactive way for guests to create their own '70s-inspired masterpieces. Provide dye, dye additives, a large bucket, rubber gloves, squeeze bottles, a funnel, plastic cups, a mixing implement, and t-shirts or other dyeable items.

Guests can get creative with their tie-dye designs and take home a unique souvenir from your party.

Trivia Time

Test your guests' knowledge of the '70s with a trivia session. Prepare questions about the decade's pop culture, music, movies, and more, and divide your guests into teams.

Offer fun, '70s-themed prizes for the winning team, such as vintage records or t-shirts. Trivia time is a great way to engage your guests and spark conversations about the groovy decade.

Dance Contest

Keep the energy high with a '70s-themed dance contest! Encourage guests to show off their best moves by performing classic '70s dances like the Hustle, the Electric Slide, and the Macarena. Recruit a few volunteers to be the judges and award prizes to the most impressive dancers.

A dance contest is a fun and engaging way to keep your guests entertained and immersed in the '70s vibe.

Serving Up Nostalgic '70s Party Food and Drinks

Delight your guests' taste buds with nostalgic '70s party food and drinks. Serve up classic snacks, retro drinks, and dessert delights that will transport everyone back to the golden era of disco and bell-bottoms.

Bring back fond memories of the '70s with a variety of snacks like chips and dip, pigs in a blanket, and deviled eggs. Serve up classic drinks.

Classic '70s Snacks

Bring back the flavors of the '70s with classic snacks like barbeque meatballs, pigs-in-a-blanket, cheese fondue, ambrosia fruit salad, and deviled eggs. Present these delicious treats in a variety of ways: buffet-style, in individual servings, or on a charcuterie board. Create a mouth-watering spread that will have your guests coming back for seconds.

Retro Drinks

Quench your guests' thirst with iconic '70s drinks like Tom Collins, Dr. Pepper, Mello Yello, and Pina Colada. Mix up these retro cocktails and serve them in vintage glassware, or offer a selection of non-alcoholic options for guests who prefer a more refreshing beverage.

Don't forget to add a fun twist to yournon-alcoholic drinks by infusing them with fresh herbs, citrus slices, or berries.

Dessert Delights

Satisfy your guests' sweet tooth with groovy dessert delights like tie-dye cupcakes, tie-dye s'mores, and a fruit platter arranged in the shape of a peace sign.

Get creative and turn any sweet treat into a tie-dye dessert by dipping it in a tie-dye chocolate coating made by melting chocolates in various colors and swirling them together in a tie-dye pattern with a toothpick.

These delectable desserts will be the perfect end to your '70s-themed party!

Creating the Ultimate '70s Playlist

No '70s party is complete without the iconic music of the era. Curate the ultimate '70s playlist featuring a mix of disco hits, rock anthems, and pop and soul favorites that will have your guests dancing and singing all night long.

Choose songs from the biggest names of the decade, like ABBA, Queen, and the Bee Gees, as well as lesser-known gems from artists like ABBA, Queen, and the Bee Gees.

Disco Hits

Get your guests moving with the infectious beats of classic disco hits like “Stayin' Alive” by the Bee Gees, “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor, “Dancing Queen” by ABBA, and “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire.

These timeless tunes will transport everyone back to the days of disco balls and dance floors, creating an irresistible atmosphere of fun and nostalgia.

Rock Anthems

Rock out to the legendary anthems of the '70s, including “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen, “Hotel California” by the Eagles, “Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen, and “Layla” by Derek and the Dominos.

These powerful songs, with memorable melodies and unforgettable guitar riffs, will have your guests headbanging and air-guitaring their way through the night.

Pop and Soul Favorites

Complete your '70s playlist with a selection of pop and soul favorites, such as “Let's Stay Together” by Al Green, “What's Going On” by Marvin Gaye, and “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers.

These timeless classics will provide the perfect soundtrack for your party, capturing the heart and soul of the '70s.

Designing Funky '70s Party Invitations

Set the tone for your '70s-themed backyard party with funky invitations that capture the spirit of the era. Choose from customizable templates, DIY handmade invites, or digital invites to create the perfect invitations that will get your guests excited for the groovy celebration.

Customizable Templates

Create '70s-themed invitations using customizable templates available on design programs or websites. Simply personalize the template with your own text and images, then print it out on cardstock or any other kind of paper.

This is a quick and easy way to create awesome-looking invitations without having to start from scratch.

DIY Handmade Invites

Add a personal touch to your '70s-themed invitations with DIY handmade invites. Use cardstock, markers, and other craft supplies to create unique invitations that showcase your creativity.

Add some extra flair with stamps, stickers, and other embellishments to make your invitations stand out from the rest.

Digital Invites

Save time and money with digital invitations, which can be sent through email or text. Use online tools and software like Canva, Adobe Express, and YouCam Perfect to design your '70s-themed digital invites. Customize them with photos, words, and other elements, then send them out instantly to your guests.

Budget-Friendly Backyard '70s Party Tips

Throwing a '70s-themed backyard party doesn't have to break the bank. With a few budget-friendly tips, such as thrift store finds, potluck style, and DIY decorations, you can host a groovy celebration that will be remembered for years to come.

Thrift Store Finds

Scour your local thrift stores for vintage items that can be upcycled or repurposed for your '70s-themed party. From furniture and decorative elements to clothing and accessories, thrift store finds can add a unique and budget-friendly touch to your celebration.

Look for items like macramé wall hangings, retro patterned tablecloths, and vintage glassware. You can also find vintage clothing and accessories to dress up your guests. With a little creativity, you can create a masterpiece.

Potluck Style

Keep your party budget in check by hosting a potluck-style gathering. Ask your guests to bring their favorite '70s-inspired dishes to share, and provide serving utensils, napkins, plates, cups, and cutlery.

This not only saves you money on food, but also encourages guests to get creative and contribute to the fun.

DIY Decorations

Save money on decorations by creating your own DIY '70s-inspired decor. Use scrap wood, cane webbing, rope, and fabric to craft unique and budget-friendly decorations that will transform your backyard into a groovy '70s paradise.

Think outside the box and get creative with your decorations. Look for vintage items at thrift stores or flea markets, or repurpose items you already have around.

Summary

Throwing a nostalgic '70s-themed backyard party is easier than ever with these helpful tips and ideas. From groovy outfits and decorations to engaging activities and delicious food and drinks, this guide has everything you need to create a memorable celebration on a budget.

So dust off your bell-bottoms, put on your dancing shoes, and get ready to host the ultimate '70s-themed backyard party!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I turn my backyard into a party?

You can easily turn your backyard into the ultimate party with some simple decorations and furniture!

First, set up outdoor seating for your guests and light up the area with outdoor candles or lanterns. Add a few rugs and blankets to create a cozy ambiance, and finish it off with some potted plants to really liven up the space. Your guests will love it!

How do you set up an outdoor garden party?

Ready to get planning an outdoor garden party? Here are some simple steps to follow. Pick a stable place in the garden for your party table, provide shade from the sunshine, match decorations to your garden plants, consider color-coordinated food and drink, serve summer fruits with edible flowers and extend your party through the garden.

With these tips, your outdoor garden party will be sure to wow your guests!

Things to do at a disco party?

Let the groove take over and make your disco night a blast with some awesome activities! Put on your dancing shoes, prepare some delicious snacks and party away with a disco-themed costume contest, roller skating fun, vintage record hunts and a fondue night.

For a truly memorable experience, consider booking a place with a dance floor and sparkling disco ball!