When putting together a sock hop, especially your first one, there are so many things to think about. Sometimes, with all the commotion and planning we can forget some of the basic essentials. We’re going to go over the ‘must haves’ to make your life a little easier and help your party be perfect.

Invitations to the Sock Hop: We need to be sure and make theme party invitations match the event. Right from the start, we want our friends to get the feeling about what type of event this is going to be. If needs be, keep it really simple, and make your own invitations. They don’t need to be too fancy, just fun! Keep the colors of the 50′s and 60′s and certain patterns (poodles, sunglasses, jukeboxes) can help bring out the time period. Also, remember to clearly invite your friends to dress up. You don’t want people showing up without a costume because they weren’t quite sure if they were supposed to sport a costume.

Sock Hop Costume: When picking out the perfect outfit youll need to study up on what was popular. Girls can never go wrong with a classic poodle skirt, poodle top or blouse, crinoline petticoat, saddle oxford shoes, chiffon scarf, cinch belt and cateye glasses. Guys will be able to pull off a nice fifties outfit with a pair of rolled up jeans, white t-shirt, oxford shoes or Converse shoes, leather jacket and greased back hair.

Food at a Sock Hop: Good ole’ American food is a must. Anything you would find in a malt shop will do. Hamburgers, fries, shakes, malts, ice-cream (don’t forget the red cherries- they make a nice touch) with tall serving glasses. If you are having servers, try and have them wear roller skates to really get that fifties and sixties feel.

Music: No theme party is complete without the right mood music. Stay with the classics that everyone will know. To mix it up, you can throw in a few modern remakes to liven up the crowd. Some of the classics would be; Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis (of course), Little Richard, Chuck Berry, The Beatles and The Beach Boys. You can get this music online, or don’t forget your local library. They usually will have a selection of classic 50′s and 60′s music.

Decorations: For decorations you want to set the scene. Make it look like a malt shop with pictures of the fifties or sixties or a juke box. You can also decorate in flashy bright pinks, seafoam green, and chartreuse. Another idea would be to have 50s car decorations or posters.

Sock Hop Extras: Prizes will add a lot of extra fun. Have a dance-off, Grease style, where judges walk around and tap people on the shoulder to eliminate them. Give the winner a small or silly prize and have them teach everyone else a few steps. You’ll be suprised how much fun it can be. Follow it up with a costume party and impressions contest. See who can do the best Elvis, James Dean, or John Lennon. Let everyone vote for the winners- and give them a little prize. It’ll spice up the night and make real memories.

Most of all, have fun! Your guests will be as relaxed and energetic as you are. Don’t let the music, food or activities dampen your night one bit. Stop worrying and just kick off your shoes, get out and dance and have a good time!