Men wore Fedora hats in the 1920s.
The era of the 1920s flapper is perfect for a birthday party theme because so much of the spirit of that time was about having fun. Flappers were rebelling against the strict rules and clothing (corsets) of the late 19th century. These women wore their hair short, smoked, drank, wore shapeless dresses and had a "devil may care" attitude. Your birthday guests will enjoy reenacting the party atmosphere of the Roaring '20s.
Atmosphere
It's important to set the right mood for your 1920s flapper party. You can give the space a speakeasy feel by having low lighting, and by using flasks and cigarettes (or "candy cigarettes") as props. Fill your bathtub with ice and bottles of gin to give it a "bootleg" appearance. Play jazz music from the era and encourage guests to dance the Charleston. Rent 1920s-era silent films and have them playing in the background.
Invitations/Recommended Attire
Your party invitations are the guests' first introduction to the birthday party's theme, so make them reminiscent of the period. Use images of a flapper, Model T or a jazz band and tell your guests to dress in 1920s apparel. Guys could wear fedora hats and pin-striped suits. Girls could wear faux fur shawls, long pearl necklaces, loose silk shift dresses and headbands with feathers in them.
Refreshments
If you're serving food at your party, choose items that were popular at the time. According to Evite.com, Italian and Chinese food were considered "de rigueur" and quite adventurous. You could also set out olives, breadsticks, salted nuts, caviar and shrimp cocktail.
Your party won't be complete without drinks that represent the flapper period. Whiskey, mint juleps and gin and tonics were all the rage, so stock your bar with the required ingredients.
Decorations
Goldfish were also popular in the '20s, and would be an interesting decor element to your party. According to Evite.com, most pet stores will let you return the goldfish the following day, so you don't have to worry about taking care of them after the party or finding them a loving home. Long pearl necklaces and feather boas situated around the room will add to the flapper feel. If you want to put something on your walls, try art deco posters. Calla lilies, carnations and ferns were popular flowers and were used in home decorating as well.
Activities
Have a "doorman" at the entrance, asking for the password that was given in your invitations. You can also hand out cards at the party (or in the invite) with 1920s slang words written on them to use at the party. Turn it into a game by telling everyone that when they hear one of the "buzz" words, they have to take a sip of their drinks. You can set up games of the era, too. Mahjong was popular, as was poker.
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