From blank invites to inspiration
When party lovers mention the 1950s, the first idea that usually comes to mind is a sock hop. Let's stay in that rock 'n' roll mindset and come up with some ideas on make clever invitations. If we stumble across some other themes along the way, feel free to claim them as your own.
Rock Around the Clock
Rock music was a big hit, so why not use a real 45 record as the basis for your invitation? It's fun to mail out actual 45 records, but if you haven't kept your vinyl recording of "Rock Around the Clock" or "It's My Party," you can go to 45s.com or classic45s.com and see what's selling (but you'll pay a lot). Don't worry about authenticity though, you can create cardboard cutouts of phonograph records or jukeboxes and use those as invitations.
Don't forget an especially easy and practical idea: you can also tuck an invitation into an actual sock. Use this sock motif to form a partnership too--have each guest bring his or her "marked" sock--use simple shapes or numbers drawn on the sock with indelible marker, which will be matched to his or her sock mate at the door. They have to dance with their mate at least once to get things rolling.
Hand Deliver a Ring or Two
The 1950s were a hot time for fads. Why not hand deliver a Hula Hoop? You can write the details about where, when and why on the actual hoop with black magic marker. If you mark each one with a special code and tell the guests to bring them for a contest, use that code to match partners or offer other prizes.
That Famous Redhead
Who doesn't love "I Love Lucy"? Get on the Internet and type "Lucy Ricardo" or "I Love Lucy" into a search engine and look for images. Find one you like and run off copies to use as invites. Hint: There's a great one of Lucy smoking.
The Greasers Vs. the Jocks
Did you love the cool 1950s convertibles and the pompadour hairdos? Then why not use hanging dice as your invitation? Even if they are fuzzy, you can attach the invite information to one side with some cardboard and glue.
Maybe you want to appeal to the ladies with a poodle skirt--just cut a black poodle skirt shape out of black felt, use pink poodle stickers from to embellish the skirt and write the instructions on the back on cardboard--using pink ink.
For the jocks in the group, get a chenille emblem--something that might go on a "letter sweater"--and copy the design. Or you could always make colorful bowling shirts out of construction paper, just don't forget to put the team name and logo on the back.
Pick an Old Time TV Theme
Did your guest of honor love "Gunsmoke" or "Have Gun Will Travel?" If you've got a 50's television aficionado, mosey on over to tvshowsofthepast.com and look at their old time DVD collection. You are sure to get ideas from the beautiful pictures or order a set as a gift for the honored guest. If that doesn't inspire, it's easy to cut boots out of craft paper for a Western-type invitation.
If money is no object, head on over to www.goantiques.com for a Lone Ranger lunchbox. There's also a mini version and even a metal Lone Ranger Christmas ornament commemorating the real thing.
Check out orientaltrading.com and look over the "party packs." They have more than 100 theme ideas from luaus to Western to nifty at 50 stuff and packages. Their prices are reasonable and they've been in the party business a long time.
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