Vintage Vibes and Festive Cheers This Holiday Season
'Tis the season for gatherings and holiday parties galore, and what better way to celebrate than by throwing a retro-inspired cocktail soiree that transports your guests back in time?
Picture the glamour of the 1940s to 1960s, with twinkling lights, laughter, and a touch of mid-century flair. A vintage inspired party will spark the imagination and have your guests bubbling over with joy. The anticipation of getting glammed will add an extra layer of excitement to your holiday bash. Besides, who doesn't love an opportunity to showcase a wardrobe reminiscent of a bygone era?
Setting the Stage
If you need a little help getting your creative juices flowing, pop some popcorn and spend a night in with Netflix and Amazon Prime. Draw inspiration from the Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Mad Men, or your favorite classic movies. No not those, I mean going way back to movies like Some Like it Hot, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and Signing in The Rain. You just may find yourself humming tunes from those classic soundtracks as you turn your holiday celebration into a throwback extravaganza.
A Culinary Tour of the Decades
As the host, curating the menu can be a delightful journey into the past. Why not resurrect lesser-known culinary gems from mid-century cookbooks and vintage magazines? The challenge will be part of the fun resulting in a menu that just may rival the entertainment of the party itself.
Here's a menu from The Vineyard Vixen to help get the party started...
Signature Cocktail
Pineapple Upside Down Cake Cocktail featuring Heritage Distilling BSB
Appetizers
Onion Dip & Crudités
Savory Turkey Lit'l Smokies in Chipotle BBQ Sauce
Sassy Sriracha Shrimp Cocktail
Chicken Rumaki (use chicken thighs instead of livers for a crowd pleaser!)
Hawaiian SPAM & Pineapple Skewers
Spiced Nuts
Atmosphere and Ambiance
To set the scene, be sure to blend the magic of music and decorations. Thanks to Spotify, crafting playlists that perfectly capture the swingin' Christmas and Frank Sinatra vibes is a breeze. The party playlist will set the perfect tone, transporting guests to a bygone era of timeless tunes.
For decorations, hit up your local thrift or consignment shops for some totally on point glassware, cocktail plates and maybe even your party outfit. World Market is a treasure trove of mid-centurt delights as well. Their Party Pop mid-century cocktail glasses will steal the show, providing the perfect vessel for retro-inspired concoctions. Matching cocktail plates and cheeky napkins add the finishing touch, turning your space into a vintage wonderland.
If authenticity is your goal, a quick browse on Etsy reveals a plethora of genuine mid-century collections to take your party to the next level.
In the end, hosting a retro-inspired holiday cocktail party is not just an event; it's an experience. From the culinary creations to the carefully curated ambiance, each element contributes to a celebration that transcends time, leaving your guests with memories as timeless as the era that inspired it all.
We wish you the merriest holiday season of all!
Sparkling Destinations
Stock up on all the bubbly for your holiday entertaining!
Patterson Cellars - Seattle
Seattle
Greenhill Winery & Vineyards
Middleburg
Acumen Wine
Napa
Schramsberg Vineyards
Calistoga
Trinitas Cellars
Napa
Highway 12 Winery
Sonoma
Opolo Vineyards
Paso Robles
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Wise Villa Winery
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Suisun Valley Vintners & Growers Association
Suisun Valley AVA Anniversary Celebration
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Messina Hof Grapevine Winery
Murder by Midnight Murder Mystery Dinner
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Sunday, December 31, 2023, 7:00 PM
Messina Hof Harvest Green Winery & Kitchen
Cooking with the Chef: Pasta
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Wednesday, January 10, 2024, 6:00 PM
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