August 17, 2018

If you’re hosting a 1940s-themed Swing party, it’s important to get all the authentic details right – hire a live band, specify the dress code, and choose the buffet food.

The late 30s and early 40s are associated with war and hardship, but when people had an excuse for a party, they really let their hair down. Alcohol wasn’t rationed, and the end of the Second World War gave people a very big reason to celebrate.

Make sure you get the theme right and host the ultimate Swing Era party.

Define your dress code

Victory rolls, tea dresses, braces, and spats – the fashion of the 1940s is instantly recognisable. Your guests might need a hand when it comes to picking their costumes out, so add a few dress code suggestions to their invitation, as well as the names of 40s icons they can Google.

Ration the menu

You don’t have to go quite as far as limiting butter and sugar, but some famous wartime recipes will get everyone into the 1940s spirit. Homity Pie, potato floddies, and rock cakes might not mean much to us now, but they were a staple during rationing and they’re surprisingly delicious.

Get creative with the decorations

Whether you’re hiring a space or hosting at home, the decorations you choose really help to sell the theme. Look through your local second hand thrift shops for authentic wireless radios, glassware, and other vintage accessories. If you’re focusing on more of a wartime theme, create some Blitz spirit with Union Jack bunting and Winston Churchill masks.

Teach some dance steps

Some people fear the dance floor, and they’ll avoid it even more if they don’t know their way around a Lindy Hop. Before the party gets into full swing, choose someone in the know to teach some basic steps to some swing classics. Your guests will feel like they’ve been taken back in time, and the dance floor will stay full all night.

Hire a live band to play the Swing classics

Silk Street Swing play all the 30s and 40s classics. Your guests will instantly recognise songs like Ain’t That a Kick in the Head, My Funny Valentine , and Smoke Gets In Your Eyes. We play up tempo hits, slow it right down so you can dance Cheek to Cheek, and take special requests.

Hire a live band for your 1940s party. Our reviews speak for themselves – our party guests love their sound and think they look the part too!

To book, send us a quick message using the form below.