27 Glamorous Great Gatsby Themed Party Ideas for a Roarin' 2025

Few party themes have the staying power of a Great Gatsby themed party — and it’s not hard to see why. With its roaring 20s aesthetic and dramatic Art Deco style, it’s over-the-top in the best way.

Themed dinner parties are back in a big way. According to Southern Living, more hosts are leaning into curated, immersive gatherings that feel like an experience, not just a meal. That’s where Gatsby fits right in. The mix of elegance, edge and all-out visual flair makes it a go-to for birthdays, New Year’s Eve and milestone events.

Whether you're mapping out a full menu of Great Gatsby themed party food, planning a glam costume or just looking for an excuse to pop champagne, this list has everything you need to throw a party worthy of West Egg.

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• Unique Great Gatsby Party Themes
• Great Gatsby Themed Party Food
• Fun Great Gatsby Party Outfit Ideas
• Glamorous Great Gatsby Party Ideas on a Budget

Unique Great Gatsby Party Themes

1. All Gold Everything

Turn your venue into a gilded tribute to Gatsby’s obsession with luxury. Gold is unofficially the color of any Great Gatsby themed party. Gold balloons, gold streamers, gold chargers and gold plates. Gold brings all the glitz and glamor. It's the perfect theme for a golden birthday idea or 21st birthday party idea or just a night where everything glows.

2. Play a Murder Mystery Game

Bring a little intrigue to your Great Gatsby themed party with a 1920s Murder Mystery game. This classic whodunit setup blends seamlessly with Gatsby’s world of secrets, champagne and shadowy guests. Host a murder mystery game, assign characters, dress the part and let your guests dive into their roles. There’ll be no room for small talk needed when everyone’s got an alibi to explain.

There’s nothing wrong with throwing a party just to throw a party, but if you’re looking for some holiday party ideas or adult birthday party ideas, consider a Great Gatsby themed party with a murder mystery twist.

3. Feathers and Burlesque

Feathery centerpieces and low lighting add a little sultry flair to your Gatsby celebration. Add some mirrored tabletops and it feels a little more burlesque-themed. And don't forget to have your guests dress up in flapper dresses, feathered robes or glam satiny slips. It's great for a girls' night idea, a bachelorette party idea or even a bold New Year’s Eve party.

4. Lean Into Art Deco

Nothing says 1920s like bold Art Deco design. Style your Great Gatsby themed party with geometric name cards, gold-and-black signage, and dramatically fluted glassware. Add an accent wall for photo ops or design a beautiful dance floor with gold and black designs all over. It’s the little details that will bring your theme to life.

5. Sounds of the Times

The Great Gatsby era was all about jazz. So celebrate the Jazz Age by hiring a jazz band and let the music take the lead. The upbeat style of music always sounds better live, and it's the perfect sound to complement the ritzy atmosphere.

6. The Age of Prohibition

One of the defining features of Gatsby’s parties? The booze, even during Prohibition. In the Great Gatsby novel and films, Jay Gatsby’s parties were known for being lavish and alcohol fueled. Channel that same energy with hidden bars, vintage decanters, and cocktails served in code-named styles. 

Great Gatsby Themed Party Food

7. Get a Decorative Cake

An Art Deco-inspired cake is the perfect centerpiece for your Great Gatsby themed party. Go with rich gold, crisp white or jet black icing, and add sugar pearls or geometric patterns to channel 1920s glamour. If you’re a talented baker, then, by all means, make one yourself, or find a local bakery to prepare a gorgeous art deco showstopper.

8. Crab Cakes

Always a crowd-pleaser, crab cakes or croquette scream old money, and they bring a sense of luxury that fits the Gatsby lifestyle. They’re rich, they’re savory and are easy to serve. You can make them yourself or have a caterer add them to your Great Gatsby themed party food lineup.

9. Shrimp Cocktail

Shrimp cocktail is retro in all the right ways. Served in little martini glasses, they add a touch of elegance to your Gatsby party food ideas. It’s a bold choice, but it won’t overpower any of your other party food.

10. Deviled Eggs

A 1920s classic, deviled eggs are a small bite with big flavor. Their vintage feel earns them a spot on your Gatsby themed party menu. If you’re leaning toward finger food ideas, these are easy to batch ahead of time and really look the part.

11. Red Velvet Cake

You’re obviously going to want something rich? Velvety, rich and dramatic? This dessert checks every box. Red velvet cake brings a sense of indulgence that fits seamlessly into any Great Gatsby themed party. That deep red hue, along with a tangy cream cheese frosting, is a classic combination that works well as a cupcake tower or an impressive cake centerpiece.

12. Sugar Glazed Ham

Nothing says 1920s dinner party like a glazed ham served with flair. Glaze it with brown sugar, cloves and a splash of rum to nod to the Prohibition era and serve it alongside some roasted root vegetables. It works whether you’re doing a seated meal or buffet. 

13. Champagne Tower

Gatsby’s parties were overflowing with Champagne. And a champagne tower makes it a spectacle. Stack coupe glasses in a pyramid and let the bubbles flow. 

14. Spiced Mixed Nuts

Spiced nuts were a common cocktail companion in the Jazz Age, and they still work perfectly today. Fill decorative crystal bowls with rosemary almonds, sweet-savory pecans or smoky paprika cashews. It’s a simple and inexpensive snack to serve alongside alcoholic drinks that guests can nibble between toasts.

15. Duchess Potatoes

Fancy without trying too hard, duchess potatoes make a stunning side dish for any Gatsby-themed dinner. Mashed and piped into neat little swirls, they echo the elegance of 1920s plating and are just as decadent as they look — the kind of showy dish you’d expect on Gatsby’s table.

Fun Great Gatsby Party Outfit Ideas

16. Fedoras

Anyone can rock a fedora. Which is great because fedoras were a staple in Gatsby’s time. Everyone was wearing them, from bootleggers, jazz musicians and sharply dressed gentlemen of West Egg. They're a simple way to give your outfit a 1920s feel, whether you’re going all-in on a tux or just dressing up a button-down. You can even grab a bunch of fedoras from a party supply store or from a thrift store for an easy, Great Gatsby themed party favor idea on a budget.

17. A Nice Tuxedo

Gatsby’s parties were all about showing off, and nothing does a better job than a tuxedo. If you’re wondering what to wear to a Great Gatsby themed party that leans formal, this is it. A stylish tuxedo that’s well fitted will always channel that old-money elegance the theme is built on.

18. Anything Sequined

The 1920s fashion scene was full of flash, and sequins are still the quickest way to bring that Gatsby glitz. Think sequinned dresses, sequinned headbands or even sequinned clutches. 

19. Feathers

Feathers and flapper fashion are pretty much synonymous. From boas to fans to hem trims. You can give your outfit a Great Gatsby themed party vibe by adding a few feathers. From feather-trimmed sleeves or feathery shoes, or a more subtle feathered stole or earrings. Or, if subtlety’s not your thing, go all in with a headpiece that would’ve fit right in on Gatsby’s lawn.

20. Blush Pink, Royal Purple, Silver or Gold

Not really into the fringe or sequins? You can achieve your Great Gatsby look by leaning into some era-appropriate colors instead. Think emerald, blush pink, royal purple, silver or, as we’ve mentioned, gold. Whether it’s a sleek dress or a bold tie, jewel tones nod to the theme while giving you room to make it your own.

21. Classic Flapper Dress

No outfit screams “Gatsby” like a beaded flapper dress. With their fringes and sparkle, they’re built for dancing and definitely fit the theme. And the good news? You don’t have to spend a fortune; you can easily find flapper dresses. The flapper dress is a party essential, so be sure your Great Gatsby themed party invitations give guests a clear heads-up to dress the part.

Glamorous Great Gatsby Party Ideas on a Budget

22. Tossing Tinsel

Gold tinsel quickly and affordably transforms your party space into a Gatsby-worthy setting. Hang shimmering strands of sparkly gold tinsel across entryways or behind the bar for that signature glitz without the price tag. It's one of the easiest Great Gatsby party ideas on a budget that gives you the most visual appeal for your buck.

23. Plenty of Balloons

While we can’t say for sure whether the real Jay Gatsby had balloons at his parties back in the day, that’s no reason you shouldn’t. A sea of black, white and gold balloons instantly channels Gatsby’s over-the-top energy. Scatter them across the floor or tape clusters to the walls. Or for a little extra flair, string a few from the ceiling with fishing line to create a luxe floating effect.

24. Put Up Chandeliers

No ballroom? No problem. Hang faux chandeliers made from crystals, tea lights or dollar store finds to recreate Gatsby’s glittering scenes. Or you can check out your local thrift stores for some cheap chandeliers. Anything with crystals that will sparkle and reflect the light will add a touch of old money glam to your Great Gatsby themed party.

25. DIY Art Deco Signage

One of the easiest Great Gatsby party decorations DIY projects? Make your own Gatsby-inspired signage using chalkboards, gold markers or printable templates. Include phrases like “A Little Party Never Killed Nobody” or “Prohibition Ends Here” to set the tone and double as stylish photo props.

26. Faux Pearls

Another inexpensive way to add some flair to your Great Gatsby themed party is with faux pearl strings. Drape them over chairs, along the bar and over countertops to add some quick, easy opulence to the affair. A few decorative glasses with pearls hanging out of them make a nice table topper as well. They’re easy to find and can be reused for future parties with a vintage feel.

27. Large Faux Feathers

Yet again, feathers are making the list for must-have items for a Great Gatsby themed party. But this time as decor. Large, white ostrich feathers can be found online, at the dollar store or your local party store. A big handful makes for a dramatic centerpiece in a vase or laid flat on a tabletop. They add height, drama and that signature flapper flair without much cost.

A Great Gatsby themed party isn’t just about the look. It’s about the feeling. That mix of glamor and mischief, bold visuals and secret indulgences, still speaks to people a century later. With a little planning, even the smallest space can channel that energy. From dramatic decor to Great Gatsby themed party food that doubles as conversation starters, it’s all about setting the scene.

The real magic comes when everyone buys in — dressing up, playing along, leaning into the fantasy. That’s what makes these parties memorable. You don’t need a mansion on Long Island to pull it off. Just a good playlist, the right details and a reason to celebrate.

This well-loved theme party idea has been done in so many ways that the stage is set for you to host a spectacular event. For even more fun party ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!