Retro Dinner Party
 

From the "overly ambitious hostess" file...

This Saturday Mr RedRose and I are hosting a retro dinner party. We're going to a late 50s/early 60s feel and as such, will be serving pot roast, jello salad, a cheese log, and other food which is now only found at potluck suppers. Glenn Miller and Frank will be on the stereo, the martinis will flow, I'll be in my cute vintage-inspired outfit BUT (and here's where you come in) what should I do about the table?? I only own the classics - white tablecloth, crystal, Noritake china, etc., but I really want to go all out with this theme! I'm willing to buy new stuff as long as it's inexpensive (and has a chance of being used again). Can anyone recommend what I might do to carry the retro theme to the table?

Thanks so much!

I dont have any good suggestions but the whole theme sounds like so much fun!!!

I'll be sure to bring the mail order Russian brides.

Dishes and napkin rings
 

Be sure to use placemats along with your table cloth. Melemack (sp?) dishes are cheap and very 60's. Wooden or bakelite napkin rings. Juice glasses with bright colored polka dots. or stripes. Anything macramae (sp?)
Wear a "dressy" tea apron.
Silver

But the classics are retro by definition! I'd use the good stuff, and just camp up everything else - especially the centerpiece!

Maybe buy some used records to make a centerpiece? Like put a vase on them?

I don't know if that's a very good suggestion, but I hope it helps. The whole idea's adorable.

Yes yes yes to all of AOII Silver's suggestions, esp the macreme and placemats with tablecloth.

Color scheme--orange, gold yellow, brown and avocado green.

Such a cute idea! I want to have a retro dinner party now! LOL

This sounds fun. I hope you have a great time.

Thanks for all the help everyone! I've decided to go with a mixture of AOIIsilver and honeychile's suggestions. I'm using the good china, white tablecloth, mom's gold leaf glasses (these exact glasses were featured in Martha Stewart in a "vintage glassware" article - perfect!) and I purchased bright placemats at Linens n Things. They're made out of rubber, so I think the effect will be delightfully tacky. Still haven't been able to find a nice apron, but maybe Grandma has one...

I'll let you know how it goes!