Holiday Retro-Inspired Cocktail Party

Break the (Jell-O) mold by hosting a hip, nontraditional 1960s holiday party that dazzles!

The holiday season is the perfect time to throw a nontraditional party to add sparkle. Whether planning a corporate event, social soiree, or milestone celebration, a themed party is an engaging way to revel in the season’s magic.

Read on for groovy planning tips!

Explore Ideas for Hosting a Holiday Retro-Inspired Party with New England party professionals, The Catered Affair

Stylish vintage turntable playing a sparkling pink vinyl record, conveying a nostalgic and festive mood with a touch of retro charm.

Retro-Inspired Cocktail Party 

To fully embrace the 1960s holiday aesthetic, we recommend renting dishes, glassware, serving pieces, and linens to create a cohesive, groovy, and hip soiree. Many rental vendors, such as PEAK Event Services in Boston, Massachusetts, offer statement items. Use multi-colored stemware with bright patterns and bold statement pieces while maintaining holiday-level sophistication. Transform your space into a time capsule, giving everyone a memorable experience.

Explore Ideas for Hosting a Holiday Retro-Inspired Party with New England party professionals, The Catered Affair

Inspired Holiday Party Menu

The 1960s offered traditional holiday fare. If you choose to cook independently rather than hire a caterer, here’s a modern cocktail party menu with a contemporary twist on retro classics.

Hors d’oeuvres
FIRE ROASTED ONION DIP | house-made potato chips
TORTE | smoked trout, horseradish, leek + mascarpone with assorted flatbreads
ICED SHRIMP | lemon, bloody mary cocktail sauce

Passed Canapes
BLUE CHEESE POPOVERS WITH BEEF | horseradish cream
MACADAMIA NUT CHICKEN | orange dijonnaise (GF)
MINI LAMB CHOPS | cilantro-mint pesto
SAUSAGE BITES | pommery mustard

Sweets
S’mores Pop Tarts
From Scratch House Made “Twinkies” and “Yodels”
Mini Eggnog Milkshakes

Explore Ideas for Hosting a Holiday Retro-Inspired Party with New England party professionals, The Catered Affair

Explore Ideas for Hosting a Holiday Retro-Inspired Party with New England party professionals, The Catered Affair
Hinkley Photo – @hinkleyphoto

The Bar

Ensure your bar is fully stocked with all the essentials, from a cocktail shaker and jigger to the necessary liquors, mixers, and garnishes. Popular cocktails of the 1960s included the Manhattan, Old-Fashioned, Whiskey Sour, Mint Julep, and Sidecar. Complement these drinks with a selection of vintage-inspired Hors d’oeuvres and canapés to create an unforgettable, nostalgic, fresh holiday party experience.

Explore Ideas for Hosting a Holiday Retro-Inspired Party with New England party professionals, The Catered Affair

For holiday party inquiries or to secure your event date, contact us or e-mail [email protected]

Kori Carter Gillespie, Director of Brand Marketing at @thecateredaffair in Boston, Massachusetts, is a dedicated content writer passionate about sculpting compelling brand narratives, particularly for boutique lifestyle brands.

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