How to Throw a '60s Party

http://www.smh.com.au/am/2007/11/17/index.html

Whether you've experienced the '60s or not, chances are there's a part of you that still longs for it. The 1960s were filled with a desire for peace, love and hippies galore.

Make a list of all the people you'd like to come to your party. Create either paper invitations or use an online page such as Facebook or Evite. While the Internet is far more convenient, paper invitations would fit the times of the 1960s a bit better. If you choose the paper route, include a phone number where your guests can RSVP. This will give you an accurate idea of how much food and drink you should provide.

Choose a location that is appropriate for the amount of attendees you expect. A one-bedroom apartment works fine for a party of 15 to 20, but if you're planning on having closer to 50 guests you might want to consider a four-bedroom apartment, a house or an actual venue.

Encourage your guests to come in their best '60s-inspired fashion. You can either do this through your invitation or word of mouth. See if your guests have hippie dresses, bell bottoms and bandannas. Tie-dye, paisley and batik prints were all very popular patterns. Remind them that long, straight hair and Afros were very hip.

Decorate your party location with tie-dye fabrics, flowers and protest signs. You could also put up posters of 1960s music and fashion icons such as Bob Dylan, Twiggy or Timothy Leary. Have a TV around to play your favorite '60s movies or sitcoms in the background with either the volume on or off. "Dr. Strangelove," "Bonnie and Clyde," and "2001: A Space Odyssey" are all classics.

Hiring a DJ (who still uses records) or a 1960s cover band is ideal, but if you don't have the resources for that you can always download your favorite songs and compile a list on your iPod. Music was the driving force behind the '60s, so be sure to spend plenty of time on this aspect of the party. The Beatles, the Grateful Dead and Jefferson Airplane are all good choices.