1940s Inspired Vintage Birthday Party

Think of the 1940s and you imagine iconic graphic prints, rationing, and the highs and lows of a world at war. It’s also a time that will forever be remembered in fashion, and there are few who don’t suit the feminine yet practical cuts emerging at the time. In fact after yesterday’s 40s themed party, I have a mind to hunt down more vintage pieces for myself!

I estimate that probably about 80% of the parties I attend are costume parties. What can I say? I have a fun group of friends. So it was no surprise to me that my friend Ciara decided on a 40s theme to celebrate her birthday yesterday afternoon. She already has an eye for the crafty and eclectic, and vintage clothing and accessories truly suit her model-esque figure.

I loved walking into the hall and being wowed by the vibrant colours and authentic decorations arranged throughout the space. Vintage china and linens, bunting, a children’s area, retro-inspired food, and effort made on every level to make the party both fun and memorable. In discussion, I heard that my friend’s husband and business partner had spent the evening before putting up some of the more difficult decorations.

Another thing that comes to mind when thinking of the 40s is food. During the War, rationing was a way of life and many dishes from the time were created with frugality in mind. Even so, the last eggs, sugar, spices, and fruits were pulled from the pantry and used in creative ways to serve up a feast on special days. Sweets of all sorts were especially celebrated since sugar was one of the basics that was highly rationed.

Though the dishes that were brought to the birthday were of course modern, they had elements of the 40s about them. A war-time inspired spice cake, Jello desserts, and little snack sandwiches. Even the style of the meal was in-theme being that everyone was asked to bring a dish with them. I love parties like this because it’s a way of both reducing the stress on the host and being able to show off your culinary skills!

It was the effort guests put into dressing for the theme that truly made the event magical. Fun, bold prints, retro colours, and glamourous accessories, lipstick, and hairstyles. The ladies looked lovely and the gentlemen dapper – I wish we could all dress like this all the time.

My favourite dress was Ciara’s lacy number that she spotted in the window of a vintage shop in Ramsey. It fit her perfectly and was accented with a coordinated fascinator and quirky Minnie Mouse tights. I also loved my friend Jacqui’s green printed dress for it’s comfortable cut and lovely colour. Everyone looked beautiful though and from the smiles lighting up faces, it was clear everyone was having a wonderful time helping to celebrate Ciara’s big day 🙂

I took a lot of photos, mainly for Ciara to have as memory, but I also asked if I might put them on my blog as well. I’m glad I did because it would be such a shame to not be able to share the event with you. The amount of time and detail that went into planning and attending a party like this was both a dedication to detail as well as a token of love and friendship. The fun everyone had was like the icing on the vintage sandwich inspired cake.

Cheers to a fantastic birthday Ciara, thanks for having us, and best wishes for happy memories of ringing in your 30th and for your decade to come 🙂