Back to School in 1986 vs. Today: When School Supplies Were Half the Fun

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Back-to-school season still happens every August. The stores still put up their displays. Parents still spend more money than they planned to, and kids still have very definite opinions about what they will and will not wear on the first day of school. But back to school today looks very different from the way I remember it as a 10-year-old in 1986. Today, a big chunk of the back-to-school budget can disappear into sneakers, clothes, backpacks and whatever else kids suddenly insist everyone at school is wearing. And once they actually get to school, much of their work may be done on a Chromebook, iPad or another device provided or required by the school. There are still pencils, notebooks and folders on school supply lists, of course. But they don't seem to have quite the starring role they once did. Because in 1986? The school supplies were part of the excitement. Picking out a pencil case wasn't just picking out something to hold pencils. It was deciding whether you were a Sm...
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The Ultimate 1970s Party Guide: Decorations, Food, Music, Costumes & More

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Everything you need to throw a groovy 70s-themed party your guests will never forget!


Picture This...

The Bee Gees are playing in the background. A glittering disco ball sends tiny reflections dancing across the room. Guests arrive wearing bell-bottoms, platform shoes, colorful polyester shirts, and oversized sunglasses while everyone laughs over a bubbling pot of cheese fondue. A bowl of homemade Chex Mix sits beside a tray of deviled eggs, and someone is already showing off their best disco moves.

If that sounds like your kind of party, you've come to the right place.

Whether you're planning a milestone birthday, retirement celebration, class reunion, anniversary party, or simply love all things retro, a 1970s-themed party is one of the most fun and memorable celebrations you can host.

The 1970s were bold, colorful, and full of personality. From disco fever and flower power to unforgettable music and nostalgic comfort foods, this decade offers endless inspiration for an amazing party.

In this guide, I'll walk you through everything you need to create the ultimate 70s celebration—from invitations and decorations to music, food, games, party favors, and more.

So, grab your platform shoes...

Let's boogie!

Choose Your Party Style

The 1970s weren't defined by just one look. Before you start shopping, decide which version of the decade you want to celebrate.


Disco Fever

Think Saturday night on the dance floor.

Decorate with mirror balls, metallic fringe, colorful lighting, sequins, and plenty of sparkle.

Perfect for:

  • Adult birthdays
  • Milestone birthdays
  • New Year's Eve
  • Anniversary parties

Flower Power

Celebrate the free-spirited side of the decade with peace signs, daisies, tie-dye, macramé, and bright colors.

Perfect for:

  • Backyard parties
  • Summer birthdays
  • Family gatherings

Studio 54 Glam

Bring a legendary nightclub to life with silver, black, dramatic lighting, champagne, and glamorous attire.

Perfect for:

  • Cocktail parties
  • Retirement celebrations
  • Elegant birthday parties

Retro Mix

Can't decide?

Mix disco, hippie, and classic 70s nostalgia into one unforgettable celebration.


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Send Invitations That Set the Mood

Featured Invitations


Image Product Details Link
Funky Swirls Disco Theme 70s Party Funky Swirls Disco Theme 70's Party Invitation
High-quality invitation		 View on Zazzle
Disco 70's Theme Party Disco 70's Theme Party invitation
High-quality invitation		 View on Zazzle
Retro 60's 70's Hippie Groovy Party Invitation Retro 60's 70's Hippie Groovy Party Invitation
High-quality invitation		 View on Zazzle

Every great party begins with a great invitation.

The invitation gives guests their very first impression of your celebration and lets them know this isn't just another birthday party—it's a trip back in time.

Include wording that encourages guests to dress in their favorite 70s attire. The more people embrace the theme, the more fun the party becomes.

You can also coordinate matching:

  • Welcome sign
  • Favor tags
  • Stickers
  • Thank-you cards
  • Party signage

Decorate Like It's 1977

One of the best things about decorating for a 70s party is that bigger and bolder is usually better.

Color Palette

  • Orange
  • Harvest Gold
  • Avocado Green
  • Brown
  • Bright Yellow
  • Hot Pink
  • Purple
  • Silver

Must-Have Decorations

Add Authentic Retro Touches

To really capture the decade, decorate with items guests will instantly recognize:

Dress the Part


Costumes are half the fun.

Encourage everyone to arrive in their favorite retro outfit.

For Women

  • Bell-bottom jeans
  • Jumpsuits
  • Wrap dresses
  • Platform shoes
  • Go-go boots
  • Fringe vests
  • Hoop earrings
  • Feathered hairstyles
  • Oversized sunglasses

For Men

  • Polyester shirts
  • Leisure suits
  • Bell-bottom pants
  • Wide collars
  • Platform shoes
  • Aviator sunglasses
  • Fake mustaches
  • Afro wigs

Fun Idea: Hold a "Best Dressed" contest with a retro prize.

Build the Ultimate 70s Playlist

The music will set the tone for the entire evening.

Create a playlist that mixes disco favorites with classic rock, funk, soul, and pop hits.

Must-have artists include:

  • Bee Gees
  • ABBA
  • Donna Summer
  • KC and the Sunshine Band
  • Earth, Wind & Fire
  • Chic
  • Village People
  • Fleetwood Mac
  • Queen
  • Elton John
  • Olivia Newton-John
  • The Jackson 5

Alternate upbeat dance songs with slower favorites to keep the energy balanced throughout the evening.

Food & Drinks That Everyone Will Remember


No 70s party is complete without nostalgic food.

Appetizers

  • Cheese fondue
  • Homemade Chex Mix
  • Deviled eggs
  • Cheese ball with crackers
  • Cocktail meatballs
  • Chips & French onion dip
  • Cheese and pineapple skewers
  • Relish tray

Main Food Ideas

If you're serving dinner, consider:

  • Build-your-own burger bar
  • Sloppy Joes
  • Mini sandwiches
  • Fried chicken
  • Baked potato bar
  • Pasta salad
  • Potato salad

Sweet Treats

  • Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
  • Watergate Salad
  • Ambrosia Salad
  • Brownies
  • Jell-O desserts
  • Ice cream sundaes

Drinks

Adults may enjoy:

  • Harvey Wallbanger
  • Tequila Sunrise
  • Whiskey Sour
  • Tom Collins

Family-friendly favorites include:

  • Rainbow sherbet punch
  • Shirley Temples
  • Root beer floats
  • Lemonade
  • Sweet tea

Set up a self-serve drink station complete with fun straws, cocktail napkins, garnishes, and a beverage dispenser so guests can help themselves throughout the evening.

Games & Activities

Keep everyone entertained with activities that fit the theme.

Ideas include:

  • Disco dance contest
  • Name That 70s Tune
  • Twister tournament
  • Limbo competition
  • Hula hoop contest
  • 70s trivia
  • Karaoke
  • Best Dressed contest

Award simple prizes like mood rings, retro candy, or mini disco balls.

Set Up a Groovy Photo Booth

A photo booth is one of the easiest ways to create lasting memories.

Backdrop Ideas

  • Metallic fringe curtain
  • Balloon arch
  • Hanging records
  • Disco ball
  • Neon sign

Props

  • Oversized sunglasses
  • Afro wigs
  • Feather boas
  • Inflatable guitars
  • Peace signs
  • Fake microphones
  • Bell-bottom cutouts
  • Funky hats

You'll end up with photos everyone will love sharing.

Send Guests Home with Fun Party Favors


A small favor is a thoughtful way to thank everyone for celebrating with you.

Ideas include:

Coordinate your favor packaging with your invitations for a polished finishing touch.

Final Thoughts

The best 1970s parties aren't about recreating every tiny detail of the decade—they're about capturing that fun, carefree spirit of the decade.

Turn up the music. Encourage everyone to dress up. Serve a few nostalgic favorites. Add plenty of colorful decorations, create a dance floor, and don't forget to take lots of pictures.

Whether your guests lived through the 70s or are experiencing its iconic style for the first time, they'll leave with memories, laughter, and maybe even a few new dance moves.

So, hang the disco ball, press play on the Bee Gees and get ready to host a celebration that's truly far out!

Happy party planning!

Thank you for reading! I hope this guide helps you throw an unforgettable 1970s party. If you found these ideas helpful and choose to shop through any of the links in this post, thank you so much for supporting Creations & Celebrations. Every purchase helps me continue creating free party ideas, inspiration, and planning resources for readers like you.

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