• Home
  • About
    • About Me
    • The Sunshine Blogger Award
    • Family News
      • Welcome Home!
  • Olive Jude
    • Olive Jude
    • Live Life Like Jude
  • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Olive Jude

garnish gather grow

  • Home
  • Cooking
    • Drinks
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast and Lunch
    • Dinner
      • Salads
      • Soups
      • Sides
      • Burgers and Sandwiches
    • Sweets
  • Decorating
    • Projects and Tips
    • Room Tours
  • Entertaining
    • Parties and Celebrations
    • Cakes

Entertaining Parties and Celebrations

Host a Swanky 60s-esque Dinner Party

Host a Swanky 60s-esque Dinner Party #dinnerclub #60sdinnerparty #retrococktailparty #madmenparty

If you can be a part of a dinner club, go for it. Bill and I have been in a fabulous dinner club for over 4 years now. It is a fantastic and fun way to make new friends, connect with old friends, try new recipes, and enjoy a night of great conversation. Our group consists of 5 couples that come together, each hosting once a year, for a night of good food and tons of laughs. It was recently my turn to host and since I’ve done the sit down al fresco dinners before, this time around I wanted to shake things up. I decided to go retro and get us on our feet for a dinner party inspired by the trends of the 60s.I poofed my hair, layered on the mascara, channeled my inner Jackie Kennedy, and prepared an evening of revitalized food and classic cocktails from this decade. 

Setting the tone for this swanky affair is all in the details. My friends jumped in on the theme and arrived donning fashion trends and vintage flair from the 60s.  To start, we ditched the orange sherbert and ginger ale and sipped a Tom Collins and Elderflower punch served in a vintage bowl. Once everyone arrived, it was time to toast with some classic libations, like martinis and Manhattans. And because cigarettes were once cool at a cocktail hour, we got in the decade’s spirit with breadsticks stuffed in candy cigarette boxes. Clearly, the ladies played the part and amused ourselves with “cigs” better than the guys.

We dipped our “cigarettes” in a Fried Scallion Dip, an updated version of the wildly popular onion dip made from a soup mix in the 60s. And those cigarette boxes each had a toast to read, both snarky and sweet, to get us all into character. 

Vintage serving pieces (thanks to my late grandmother) elevated the finger food spread. Silver pieces, tiered serving plates, and crystal relish trays adorned the table holding snacks like my Toasted Cheese and Dill Hors d’oeuvres and Easy Baked Parmesan Artichoke Bites. Betty Draper would be proud. 

Of course, no retro cocktail hour menu would be complete without some old-school appetizers like a cheese ball, fondue, and deviled eggs. Those beet dyed eggs were even topped with some fried Spam because meat in a can was all the rage.Canned fish was a staple in the 60s too. Instead of a popular salmon mousse , I served smoked salmon creme fraiche bites on bacon. It seemed everything was “wrapped in a blanket” of bacon back then. Buttered peas were a mainstay side dish at the time, but for a fun twist I made my Sweet Pea Purée mixed with ginger and miso and served with rice crackers. Jell-O dominated the 60s so I couldn’t resist serving this Raspberry Prosecco Tulip on the table, which by the way, was incredibly delicious.We took a break from the hors d’oeuvres, and unlike the cocktail culture of the 60s, the men and the ladies retired to the living room, where we broke out the decanters and entertained ourselves with vintage magazines and an ashtray full of candy cigarettes. 

To make sure no one ended up with a lampshade on their head, I dished up a buffet style meal too. Popular and nostalgic dinner entrees of the decade, Beef Wellington and Chicken à la King were served. Only for a modern twist, they were deconstructed and spooned onto puff pastry tarts alongside my updated 7 Layer Salad. 

For dessert, what could be more appropriate than Watergate Salad served in vintage Jello-O molds?Toasted Coconut and Pecan Topped Pistachio Dessert: The Best Watergate Salad #watergatesalad #retrodessert #jellopistachopuddingThrowing this type of affair where the food was prepped ahead of time and the libations were self-serve, allowed me to get out of the kitchen, circulate the room, and flirt with Don Draper my handsome husband.

Thanks to this dinner club, I get to call these hilarious, food-loving, cocktail-sipping, up-for-anything people…my friends.

Now, let’s get back to this decade where I can throw on some jeans, fire up the grill, and sip some chardonnay…being a 60s housewife is exhausting.

Are you in a dinner club?

Related Posts

  • Ammaw’s Heath Bar Coffee CakeAmmaw’s Heath Bar Coffee Cake
  • Holiday Manhattan with Bourbon Soaked CherriesHoliday Manhattan with Bourbon Soaked Cherries
  • Garden Party Veggie & Herb Infused Ice CubesGarden Party Veggie & Herb Infused Ice Cubes
  • Chilled Cucumber and Cilantro Soup with Lump CrabChilled Cucumber and Cilantro Soup with Lump Crab

Like this:

Like Loading...


32 Comments

Subscribe!

Join my newsletter and be the first to know about new posts.

« Fried Scallion Dip: A Modern Update on a Classic Dip
Quick Pickled Spicy Red Wine Onions »

Comments

  1. Yolanda says

    August 10, 2018 at 6:06 pm

    This looks like so much fun. I love themed parties and I love that you had deviled eggs!!

    Reply
    • Olive Jude says

      August 13, 2018 at 11:39 am

      Thanks, Yolanda! It was a blast!

      Reply
  2. James M Dockey says

    June 6, 2018 at 4:20 pm

    Jen……..you had told me about the dinner party, but had no idea about the details until this. All the pics are fantastic. Great job !!!!

    Dad

    Reply
    • Olive Jude says

      June 6, 2018 at 5:50 pm

      Thank you! It was nice to have some of mom’s recipes and Ammaw’s serving pieces.

      Reply
  3. alia says

    June 5, 2018 at 11:17 am

    This is so fun! My sister does 60’s dinner parties once in a while. Jello mold and all. She’d love this post!

    Reply
    • Olive Jude says

      June 5, 2018 at 1:39 pm

      Oh, how fun! Nothing like a retro jello mold!

      Reply
  4. Lorie says

    June 5, 2018 at 9:26 am

    This party looks amaaaaaaazing! The cigs are so clever and all the pics look straight out of the 60s! You are quite the party planner Jen!

    Reply
    • Olive Jude says

      June 5, 2018 at 9:57 am

      Why thank you, my friend! I thought I’d go all out since I only host this dinner club once a year. It was so fun!

      Reply
  5. Ciara says

    June 5, 2018 at 1:49 am

    Some fab ideas and brill photos, it really looks like the 60s!

    Reply
    • Olive Jude says

      June 5, 2018 at 9:57 am

      Thanks, Ciara! It was fun playing the part from this decade!

      Reply
  6. Justine @ Little Dove says

    June 4, 2018 at 7:59 pm

    Oh my goodness, what a fun idea! I love how you went all out with this theme and it seems like everyone erally got into it!

    Reply
    • Olive Jude says

      June 5, 2018 at 9:58 am

      We sure did…why not, right?!

      Reply
  7. Meg says

    June 4, 2018 at 7:34 pm

    What a cute idea for a party! I absolutely love your photos!

    Reply
    • Olive Jude says

      June 5, 2018 at 9:58 am

      Thank you, Meg!

      Reply
  8. Jennifer Love says

    June 4, 2018 at 4:37 pm

    This looks like my style of hosting anyway- love it! Your pictures and clothing are awesome. The old magazines are a nice touch too. I love a themed party. Well done!

    Reply
    • Olive Jude says

      June 4, 2018 at 7:26 pm

      Thanks, Jennifer! It was a ton of fun!

      Reply
  9. Andy says

    June 4, 2018 at 2:27 pm

    Girl! That was one swanky shindig! I love everything you did!

    Reply
    • Olive Jude says

      June 4, 2018 at 7:26 pm

      Oh, yeah! Thanks!

      Reply
  10. Chelsea says

    June 4, 2018 at 2:01 pm

    This is such a fun theme idea! I need to host more themed parties for sure!

    Reply
    • Olive Jude says

      June 4, 2018 at 7:27 pm

      Why not, right?! It’s fun to get into character!

      Reply
  11. Harmony, Momma To Go says

    June 4, 2018 at 1:45 pm

    wow! I love all of this – the costumes, the fake cigareets aka breadsticks, and how did you get those magazines?!?!?! This is so great, what a fun tradition!

    Reply
    • Olive Jude says

      June 4, 2018 at 7:27 pm

      Thanks! It’s actually my grandfather’s collection of magazines that my mom was holding onto for years. They are so fun to explore!

      Reply
  12. ShootingStarsMag says

    June 4, 2018 at 12:28 pm

    Oh how fun! I LOVE that you’re in a dinner club, and with five couples – that’s five dinners a year. Love it! Your 60’s theme is great – I really like the idea of “cigarette” breadsticks.

    -Lauren

    Reply
    • Olive Jude says

      June 4, 2018 at 7:28 pm

      Yes! It’s a blast! Word is our next host is taking us to Margaritaville! So fun!

      Reply
  13. Emily @ Pizza & Pull-Ups says

    June 4, 2018 at 11:59 am

    How fun!!!!! I love theme stuff and it looks like you managed to catch all the details, that’s awesome!

    Reply
    • Olive Jude says

      June 4, 2018 at 7:28 pm

      Thanks, Emily!

      Reply
  14. Katie says

    June 4, 2018 at 10:04 am

    Omg I love the candy cigs! This looks like so much fun and all the food looks delicious. I need an excuse for a 60s party!

    Reply
    • Olive Jude says

      June 4, 2018 at 7:29 pm

      It was too fun! No excuse…just go for it! You’ll love it!

      Reply
  15. candy says

    June 4, 2018 at 9:04 am

    I think this would be a blast to put on and host. Love the dresses and men in the suits. All the food look great and no paper plates anywhere to be found. So fun.

    Reply
    • Olive Jude says

      June 4, 2018 at 7:29 pm

      Thanks, Candy! I tried my best to make it swanky and fun!

      Reply
  16. Katie Walsh Beck says

    June 4, 2018 at 6:59 am

    I like everything about this post – the pics in poloraoid framing is super cute. And it looks like I am revisiting a Mad Men episode! Very neat idea, I bet the food was good too – Watergate Salad I always loved as a kid and never have it anymore 🙂

    Reply
    • Olive Jude says

      June 4, 2018 at 7:30 pm

      Thanks, Kate! I felt like I was in a Mad Men episode! We were hysterically laughing all night long!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Let’s Connect

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Welcome!

Welcome to Olive Jude! I'm Jen...wife, mother, daughter and home enthusiast! Infused with some sweet recollections and a side of sarcasm, this blog shares my creative adventures in cooking, decorating, and entertaining. I am inspired by my mother's belief and attitude that with just a little extra effort, you can make something ordinary into something extraordinary. Read More…

Never Miss a Post!

Subscribe and get all the latest updates straight to your inbox!

Find a Recipe or Project

JOANN Stores
logo
Food Advertising by

Sweets

Easy Spiked Eggnog Cake for Entertaining #eggnogcake #spikedeggnogdessert #eggnogdessert #cakemixcakes #christmascake
The Easiest Party Treat: Brigadeiros #brigadeiros #fudgeballs #braziliandessert #easydessert
Jude's Simple Summertime Ice Cream Pie #icecreampie #summertimedessert #icecreamdessert #simpledessertideas

Treats

Toasted Coconut and Pecan Topped Pistachio Dessert: The Best Watergate Salad #watergatesalad #retrodessert #jellopistachopudding
Coffee Roasted Almonds and Chocolate Coconut Snack Mix #coffeeroastedalmonds #sweetsnackmix #chocolatetrailmix
Easy and Rustic Lemon Rosemary Cake Mix Cookies

Archives

Popular Posts

Weeknight Golden Mushroom Baked Chicken
Mashed Potato Squash
Sweet and Spicy Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Baja-style Spicy Shrimp Tacos
Dad's Summertime Grilled Vidalias
5 Minute Basil Cottage Cheese Dip

©Copyright Notice

All content and photography is © by Olive Jude, LLC. Please do not reproduce any content or photography without prior written consent. All rights reserved.
logo
Food Advertising by

Olive Jude, LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Stay up to date on all my latest posts!

Breakfast and Lunch?

Coffee Cake

Ammaw’s Heath Bar Coffee Cake

Mexican-style Egg Salad

Mexican-Style Egg Salad

Toasted Quinoa, Sweet Potato, and Kale Wrap #quinoakale #veggiewrap #sweetpotatorecipe #healthywrap

Toasted Quinoa, Sweet Potato, and Kale Wrap

Sheet Pan Egg and Veggie Breakfast with Maple Sriracha Syrup #sheetpanbreakfast #sheetpaneggs #bakedeggs #maplesrirachasyrup #maplesriracha

Sheet Pan Egg and Veggie Breakfast with Maple Sriracha Syrup

Simple Poolside Curried Chicken Salad

Jude’s Simple Poolside Curried Chicken Salad

Sur La Table

Copyright © 2025 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2025 Olive Jude, LLC ·Divine Theme · Genesis Framework · Divine Theme by Restored 316
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. If you continue to use this site, we'll assume you're ok with this.Accept Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT
  • 50
  • 60
842 shares
%d