Great Gatsby Halloween Ideas

F. Scott Fitzgerald's book, The Great Gatsby, which was a hit movie this year, creates a wonderful reason to throw a 1920s themed Halloween party! So many ideas have leaped into my head, it's astounding! I'm not talking just your basic "Roaring 20s - Flapper" parties, either!

The early 1920s for the United States were the times of silent films, unwinding (yet with some wariness) after then end of WWI, a large divide between the upper and lower classes, immigration issues, prohibition, and the list could go on endlessly.

Since I can't explore all of these themes at the same time, I thought I'd stick to one basic theme: The Great Gatsby, but with a twist...Great Gatsby in the time the book takes place: 1922! So come as William & Caroline Astor, or some of the west coast crowd...Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks or Greta Garbo. Whoever it is, have fun with it! Go all out and get into characater!

Decorating Concepts!
Go Glamorous or Don't Go At ALL!

Halloween of 1922 finds the United States two years into prohibition, nearly four years out of WWI and at the height of the silent film industry. The roaring 20s are definitely on the rise with the 1929 stock market crash not quite in sight yet. Things are perfect but for those in the wealthy circles, it's a time to celebrate!

Since at Halloween these are the things we like to focus on, let's do it! Glam up the house Gatsby style and bring on the party! My suggestion is to use a ton of clear and silver/gold beads, tinsel, halogen and LED lights, throw in some fun white and maybe even black and orange paper lanterns, some fun Halloween themed (yet matching colored) skulls, or classy macabre accessories and you've got a swinging party on your hands! Don't forget some bathtub gin for the adults, some yummy food and require fab costumes the likes of Mary Pickford, Daisy Buchanan, Charlie Chaplin, Jay Gatsby, Douglas Fairbanks, Nick Carraway and Greta Garbo, etc., and who knows when it'll end!

BFI Film Forever mentions the glittery movie "The Great Gatsby," along with "Behind The Candelabra: My Life With Liberace" and "The Bling Ring," for this year's over the top movies in

Fancy decorations to adorn to tables, windows, railings, around mirrors or picture frames...basically anything that doesn't move! Plus a few things that light up!

Costume Ideas!
Accents for the 20s!

it's all about style!

The 1920s exuded style! The beginning of a decade of carefree times for many people, especially if you were wealthy. Fabrics were lightweight and light in color. People seemed to frolic. Floral prints were bright and bold yet the colors were typically pastel unless you were that other type of gal. Tons of fringe or ruffles or feathers or fur. Bobbles and hats and bands and scarfs ~ nothing seemed to be out of the question.

Men even had leeway from the dark foreboding and oppressive black business suites and dingy military uniforms. Lighter whites, tans and blues were acceptable. Linen slacks with sweaters and straw hats along with a snappy tie might even garner a turned head from the ladies passing by. One thing is certain, dressing was never sloppy for the elite crowd and the smallest detail wasn't overlooked, especially for a big party!

Variety article 'Great Gatsby' Looks at Potential High $30-Million Opening Behind 'Iron Man gives some interesting opening looks at box office numbers. Overall, the movie is still holding in the top 10 for the year and I think with the popularity of the film and the exciting things to be done with a 1920s theme, a Halloween party HIT, is on your list!

An interesting article delves into the characters of The Great Gatsby in this article Are There Any Feminists in the Disillusioned Jazz Age? plus gives a great costume idea for Nick!

Which is better ~ the book by F. Scott Fitzgerald or the new movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire and Carey Mulligan? Maybe you like both...or neither...let me know! Possibly you prefer other movie versions?