You don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy the extravagance and spectacle of a history-themed party. Period dramas like Downton Abbey, The Crown, and Peaky Blinders have captured the public imagination and inspired fans to re-create these shows’ aesthetics in their special occasions.
Whether it’s a wedding, office party, or birthday celebration, themed events are a great place to exercise creativity and bond with people who share your love for theatricality. History-themed parties are already dramatic, but if you want to go the extra mile and make it epic, here are some useful tips.
Historically Accurate Menu
Your event’s culinary offerings and presentation should also fall within the historical theme, so research what food and drinks were popular during the period. If you are hiring a caterer, discuss period-appropriate ingredients. For example, during the Renaissance period, vegetables like asparagus, carrots, and potatoes were popular, while meats like mutton, chicken, pheasant, ham, and rabbit were common.
Your tablescape should also reflect your theme. If your theme is medieval, go for jewel-encrusted goblets and wooden plates. Make the dining experience fun and informative by displaying menus that describe the food’s historical and cultural context and their ingredients.
Eye-Popping Decorations
Your guests should immediately feel immersed in the drama of your event the moment they walk through the entrance. You can achieve this with intricate decorations and eye-popping displays set up around the venue. If you have the time, resourcefulness, and manpower, you can create your decors from scratch.
Check out this video for ideas on medieval-party decors like stained glass windows, castle walls, and more that you can make on your own.
Think outside the box if you want your party to be the talk of the town. Don’t just settle for common and small centerpieces like candelabras. Go big with epic artifacts, like a life-size catapult set up right near the entrance.
Grazing Table
Aside from the main course, you can also consider setting up a grazing table. Grazing tables have become quite trendy in the last couple of years, and they can definitely spruce up your party’s history theme.
This food station brings together various small food items like cheeses, cold cuts, bread, chocolate, fresh fruits and pastries. Also known as a feasting table, a grazing table are visually striking reminders of indulgent feasts of ancient times. They are set up in a way that encourages guests to casually walk by, pick their choice of appetizers, and mingle with one another. They’ll leave a lasting impression on your guests’ minds and taste buds.
Costume Contest
A history-themed party will not be complete without an era-appropriate dress code. Encourage your guests to go extra on their outfits by hosting a costume contest. Use your invitation to inform them in advance about the competition and what’s in store for them if they win.
It’s not hard to put together a costume because there are many online shops specializing in medieval clothes and accessories. Your criteria for judging can include factors like historical accuracy, relevance to the theme, and how well your guests stayed in character throughout the event. Make sure the prize makes everyone’s effort worthwhile.
Period Music
Music can set the mood of your event, which is why you should play tunes evocative of the era you are trying to re-create. Try searching online music streaming sites for period-appropriate music, and start making your own playlist for your party. If you have the budget, you can even hire a full band to play while wearing historical regalia.
Another creative idea would be to have a live band play modern songs using old-school instruments like lutes, lyres, harps, trumpets, and harpsichords. This way, you and your guests can enjoy the latest musical hits without going against the party’s historical theme.
Loot Bags
Parties will not be complete without gifts, so don’t let your guests leave your get-together empty-handed. Don’t just use ordinary paper bags; get creative and resourceful with how you present your giveaways. Creative ideas for the loot bag include wineskins, goblets, miniature treasure chests, and wooden beer mugs.
Fill up the container with history-themed knickknacks. Don’t forget to include a short but sweet thank-you note to let guests feel how much you appreciate their presence. Make the thank-you card theme-appropriate with details like a wax seal or by using parchment paper.
Work hard to make your theme epic, but don’t forget to enjoy the celebration and bond with your guests. The main focus of your party should be the people, so make sure everyone feels at home and has a blast. There is nothing more epic than a celebration filled with unforgettable memories, laughter, and friendship.
