7 Must-Haves for a Vintage Party They’ll Never Forget
A great themed party doesn’t stand out because of the food or the balloons – it’s the atmosphere that makes it stick. The music, the decor, the unexpected details.
In this blog, you’ll find 7 sweet ideas to create a vintage or retro party your guests will talk about long after the lights go out — whether you’re hosting at home or organizing a full-scale event for colleagues or clients.
The inspiration comes straight from the world of Ballen van Staal (Balls of Steel) – specialists in retro arcade rentals with a passion for style, experience, and immersive party setups.
Ready to throw a party that looks amazing and feels unforgettable? Let’s go. 🎉
Index
1. Vintage Cocktail Bar for Your Party: Set the Mood in Style
Wood with character, cut-glass tumblers, and that unmistakable glow of golden light. A bartender in suspenders, asking what you’ll have.
It’s not just drinks – it’s atmosphere. A vintage cocktail bar is the centrepiece of any retro-themed party. Photogenic, stylish, and guaranteed to start conversations.
Vintage bar styles that fit your party theme
🎩 1920s–30s: The Speakeasy
Dark wood, velvet curtains, and art deco glam.
Think Boardwalk Empire, bootleg whiskey and jazz nights behind closed doors.
🍒 1950s–60s: Diner Cool
Chrome accents, pastel bar stools, milkshake machines, and jukebox charm.
Think Grease, American diners, and a pop of red.
✨ 1980s: Neon Nights
Mirrored panels, bold colours and bartenders who wouldn’t look out of place in a Tom Cruise montage.
Think Cocktail, disco drinks and unapologetic fun.
How to get your hands on a retro bar setup
Rent a vintage cocktail bar
Plenty of companies offer themed bar rentals for parties and events.
Search: “vintage cocktail bar rental near me”, or try “event bar hire + your city”
Buy one second-hand
Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist or vintage furniture stores are your friend.
Search phrases like:
“vintage bar cabinet”
“retro bar cart”
“cocktail trolley for parties”
Build your own
Feeling handy? Repurpose a sideboard from the right decade. Add brass handles, a mirror back panel or LED lighting for a personal twist.
Tip: Search YouTube for “DIY home cocktail bar” or “pallet bar build” for visual guides.
💡 Pro Styling Tip: Light Makes Everything Better
Even the most gorgeous bar falls flat without the right lighting. Here’s how to glow up your setup:
Neon sign above the bar
Custom neon is affordable and instantly sets the tone.
LED strips under the bar
Creates subtle backlight and adds depth to your glassware.
Warm spotlight from the front
Makes your bartender and guests look Instagram-ready. Stick to warm white (2700K–3000K) for vintage vibes.
2. Retro Arcade Corner: Instant Fun for Your Vintage Party 🎮
Tired of small talk and stiff dancing? Drop a pinball machine or arcade cabinet into your party and watch the magic happen.
Guests who’ve never met before suddenly become rivals, teammates, and cheering squads. There’s laughter, competition, and full-on nostalgia – all without needing an app or playlist.
Choose your arcade decade
🎰 1930s–40s: When playing was risky
Did you know early pinball machines were once banned, just like illegal liquor?
Recreate the thrill of a bygone era with a vintage pinball setup that feels more like a speakeasy gamble than a party game.
Great for: Boardwalk Empire vibes, moody lighting, and whispery side-bets.
👾 1970s–80s: Digital takes over
Pac-Man, Fireball, Centaur, Space Invaders…
These classic arcade games are timeless – easy to learn, hard to master, and absolutely addictive. Perfect for guests of all ages and attention spans.
Think: neon lights, buzzing machines, and that iconic coin-drop sound (even if it’s set to free play 😉).
🥋 1990s: Peak arcade chaos
Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat, NBA Jam, Elvira, Fish Tales…
If you grew up in the 90s, you already know: this decade owned the arcade. Competitive energy, button mashing, and pixelated glory.
These machines are crowd magnets – especially after a few cocktails.
Pinball or arcade: rent it or own it?
Buying your own
You can buy a vintage machine – but be prepared for a serious price tag and/or restoration needs.
You want your guests to be wowed, not confused by flickering screens and sticky flippers.
Renting? Go with the pros
At Ballen van Staal, we rent out iconic retro pinball and arcade machines for parties and events.
They’re lovingly restored, squeaky clean, fully functional and boatloads of fun. And yes: we deliver, install, and pick them up.
✅ Plug & play
✅ Fits any venue
✅ Looks amazing in photos
✅ Instant fun
✅ No coins needed
👉 Want to know which machine fits your vibe best? Explore our collection.
Pro tip: make it a mini tournament 🏆
Want your party to be unforgettable? Add a touch of competition.
Idea A: Beat the high score
Post a challenge: anyone who scores above X wins a prize. Guests take turns and get loud.
Idea B: Head-to-head leaderboard
Set up a scoreboard. Give people fun names (The Tiltinator, Multiball Mike, or just Sandra). Keep track of scores and announce the winner at the end.
💬 Optional bonus: Print a fake trophy or create a “Hall of Fame” for future parties.
3. Music for Your Vintage Party: Vinyl, Bands & Good Vibes
Great parties don’t just look the part – they sound the part.
Whether it’s a DJ spinning vinyl from the 70s or a live band in full retro gear, music shapes the mood and keeps the energy flowing.
From background soul to dancefloor fillers – the right sound transforms a themed event into a full-blown time machine.
Pick your party decade
🎷 1950s–60s: Swing, Soul & Rock 'n Roll
Double bass, vintage guitar amps, and a dance floor in black and white.
Think: Aretha Franklin, Chuck Berry, The Supremes.
Perfect for: upbeat energy, live vocals, and moves you didn’t know you remembered.
🪩 1970s–80s: Disco, Funk & Synths
Glitter balls, analog synths and guitar solos.
Think: Earth, Wind & Fire, Donna Summer, Talking Heads.
Expect: toe-tapping, funky grooves and some surprise dance-offs.
🎧 1990s–2000s: House, Britpop & Hiphop
Turntables, big beats, and iconic throwback anthems.
Think: Daft Punk, TLC, Blur, Beastie Boys.
Your dance floor becomes a mixtape – sweaty, fun and slightly chaotic (in the best way).
DJ or band? Here’s how to choose
Vinyl DJ
Want that crackle and spin? Look up “vinyl DJ hire” in your area – there are DJs who specialise in retro sets and period styling.
✅ Fits small and large venues
✅ Easy setup
✅ Big nostalgia factor
Always ask for a sample playlist and check if their vibe matches your aesthetic.
Live band
For maximum energy, book a retro band with authentic gear, vintage mics and matching outfits.
Search: “retro wedding band”, “live band for themed event”, or browse YouTube and Instagram for demos.
✅ Live interaction
✅ Visual impact
✅ Real-time crowd reading
DIY? No problem
Got a friend with a killer vinyl collection? Even better.
Just make sure your setup is right:
- Two decks
- Stable table (no beer near the gear)
- Decent sound system
Pro tip: The surprise track 🎁
Ask your DJ or band to sneak in a surprise moment:
- An obscure B-side
- A weird tune from a 90s cartoon
- A theme song from an old game show
That one song you didn’t expect? That’s the one everyone will talk about tomorrow.
4. Vintage TV at Your Party: Let The A-Team Set the Mood 📺
There was a time when we all stayed in for one reason: TV nights.
Whether you were glued to Friends, cheering at Knight Rider, or crushing on a game show host with questionable hair – these shows are etched into memory.
So why not bring them back – literally – on a vintage television at your event? We’re talking SkateCafé vibes: old shows, no sound, full atmosphere.
Pick your TV era
1980s: Glitter, Game Shows & Cheesy Glory
This decade was pure spectacle. Over-the-top intros, synth-heavy soundtracks, and hosts who looked like they slept in their suits.
Think: Knight Rider, The A-Team, The Price is Right, The Love Boat. Or that cheesy B horror slasher that’s so bad it’s good.
Throw these on loop and you’ve got a mix of comedy, kitsch and gold-plated nostalgia.
1990s: Sitcoms & Saturday shows
Welcome to the golden age of low-rise jeans, giant remotes and laugh tracks.
Shows like Friends, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Seinfeld, Saved by the Bell and Baywatch don’t just look retro – they’re comfort food for the eyes.
Want a fun twist? Add retro commercials between clips.
2000s: Talent Shows, Trash TV & Text Voting
The era of peak randomness. We went from watching people sing for fame to watching people eat bugs in the jungle – and we loved it.
Think: Big Brother (the early, unhinged seasons), Jackass, Pop Idol or X-Factor.
Tip: play it without sound and let people narrate the madness themselves.
How to set up a vintage TV at your event 🛠
Step 1: Get your hands on a CRT tv
Ask your parents. Check a thrift shop. Search “CRT television” or “old TV” on Facebook Marketplace. Bonus if it has woodgrain panels.
Step 2A: Go full analog (VHS)
Plug in a VCR. Pop in an old tape. Press play. Rewind sometimes. Repeat.
Step 2B: Fake it with a digital setup
Want more control? Connect your laptop to the vintage TV and run a playlist of old show clips or music videos.
You’ll need a converter (HDMI to SCART or RCA). They’re easy to find online.
Not sure how? Ask your tech-savvy cousin. There’s always one.
Pro tip: Don’t overthink it – go music video loop
Don’t know which show to pick? Skip the drama. Just play a nonstop loop of retro music videos.
Think: George Michael, Nirvana, Daft Punk, Spice Girls.
The visuals alone spark recognition, laughter and “oh my god remember this!” moments. Works even without the sound on.
5. Vintage Lounge Area: Comfort, Style & Instant Atmosphere 🛋️
A vintage lounge corner isn’t just a place to sit – it’s where your guests relax, chat, and soak up the vibe. The right mix of furniture, lighting and retro details turns a quiet corner into a photo-ready, memory-making space.
Not just thrown-together thrift shop chaos – we’re talking curated, stylish and on-theme.
Choose your seating style by decade
1920s: Gatsby Grandeur
Velvet chairs, marble side tables, brass lamps with tassels.
It’s indulgent, elegant, and feels like a hidden cocktail lounge in an old jazz club.
Perfect for black-tie parties, high-end weddings, or any night you want to feel extra fancy.
1960s: Mid-Century Living Room
This look is sharp, minimal and effortlessly cool.
Think: Teak sideboards, low-profile couches with angled legs, wall units with sliding doors and a record player spinning Dusty Springfield.
It’s retro without being kitsch – clean lines, warm wood, and just the right amount of Mad Men energy.
Tip: Add a rotary phone or a fake TV guide for extra throwback points.
1990s: Sitcom-Style Lounging
Big sofas, pastel colours, and that sweet spot between comfort and clutter.
Think Central Perk from Friends, The Bundys’ chaotic living room in Married with Children, Seinfeld’s tiny apartment, complete with cereal collection
This setup says: “Come as you are, stay way too long, spill something and laugh about it.”
To Rent or to Thrift
Rent retro furniture
Look up “vintage furniture rental for events” or “retro lounge hire”.
Check for quality, condition and how well it matches your decade of choice.
Buy second-hand
Search Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist or vintage dealers using terms like: “art deco armchair”, “mid-century sofa”, “retro lounge chair”.
💡 Bonus tip: visit your local thrift store and talk to the staff – they often know exactly what you need.
The Devil is in the Details
The devil is in the details
Retro accessories: Old board games, vintage magazines, coffee table books
Wall decor: A faded calendar, a retro clock, a framed poster from the right era
Lighting: Warm glow from era-appropriate lamps – brass, frosted glass, or industrial
Plants: Rubber plants and ferns always work. Green = instant life.
Random is not retro
Final rule: it has to make sense together.
The best lounge corners feel like a scene from a movie – your guests just walk in and become part of it.
6. Vintage Photo Booth or DIY Retro Photo Corner 📸
Great parties leave memories. But a smart photo spot? That gives your guests something to take home and post the next morning.
Set up a designated corner where people can pose, laugh, go wild – all in style. Whether you hire a booth or create your own, make it look intentional and on-theme.
Because blurry phone pics from the dance floor just don’t cut it.
Rent or DIY: How to set up your vintage photo zone
Rent a retro photo booth
Look for booths with built-in flashes, printed props and backdrops that match your theme.
Search:
“vintage photo booth hire + [your city]”
“retro party selfie station”
Tip: Ask if you can customise the photo strips with your event name or a cheeky slogan.
Make your own: Kodak Moment 2.0
Back in the day, theme parks had tiny poles marked “Kodak Moment” – perfectly placed to capture the best background.
You’d set your timer, run into frame, and get the exact shot everyone wanted – without needing a photographer.
Now recreate that magic at your party.
- What you need:
A fixed tripod or phone stand - A clearly framed background (your styled lounge, a disco corner, a retro sofa)
- A little sign with instructions
“Place your phone here. 10-second timer. Jump into the frame. Boom – the perfect vintage shot.”
It’s more than a selfie. It’s a photo with context – one your guests will actually keep.
Pro tip: Set the stage
Your photo corner should feel like a movie scene. Not just a blank wall with a wig rack.
Build it like a mini set:
- A chair, a lamp, a plant
- Some books and magazines
- Something unexpected (typewriter? lava lamp?)
Let everything in frame tell a story. That’s what gets people lining up for a shot.
A great photo booth doesn’t just capture people. It captures a vibe.
7. Typewriter Guestbook: Vintage, Personal and Unforgettable
Guestbooks are usually… meh. A pen, a line, a “thanks for having us” scribble.
But a typewriter guestbook? That’s different. It’s tactile, noisy, nostalgic – and people love it.
They’ll giggle at first. Then they’ll get serious. And before you know it, they’re crafting the perfect message like it’s a love letter from 1961.
Tap. Ting. Rattle. Mistake? Leave it in. That’s part of the charm.
Borrow or buy: here’s what to look for
Borrow one
Ask around – someone’s uncle, neighbour or colleague probably has a typewriter gathering dust.
Make sure:
- It still works (can feed paper, letters don’t jam)
- The ribbon isn’t dry (or order a new one online)
Buy your own
Search Facebook Marketplace, eBay or thrift stores using terms like:
- “working typewriter”
- “vintage typewriter for events”
- “retro typewriter with ribbon”
Great brands: Olympia, Underwood, Remington, Brother. Expect prices from $15 to $150.
Bonus: after the party, it doubles as a killer piece of home decor.
How to style your typing corner
Set the typewriter on a small wooden table. Add a stack of paper, a flower in a vase, maybe a desk lamp.
And include a simple card: “We hope you’re enjoying the party. Leave us a message on the typewriter!”
Suggestions help too:
- A line from your favourite song
- A fun memory from tonight
- Your high score on the pinball machine
- Or just a weird story
Let people play.
Pro tip: Save and share the results
What your guests write is gold – typos, ink smudges and all.
After the party, scan the typed notes.
Then either:
- Create a printed booklet with stories and party photos
- Or make a digital PDF version to send out afterwards
- Want to go all in? Bind it and mail it as a thank-you. Instant keepsake.
A typewriter guestbook isn’t just a fun idea – it’s a memory-making machine. One letter at a time.
