Mad Men Party

In the course of a single month, friends, neighbors and strangers alike filled our cupboards, stockings and hearts. Full of gratitude and love {but unable to thank most who helped anonymously} I channeled all my joy into throwing a Mad Men New Year's Party. 

I started by making and delivering invitations {here}, then stocked up our mocktail bar. I made a menu of optional drinks {I found a lot of them here} and purchased a martini shaker, which I was ridiculously pleased with. :)

Next: plenty of juices, sodas, mixers, mineral water and garnishes so people could experiment and create their own. Luckily, we already had an inexplicably large selection of martini, wine, highball and lowball glasses-- and if I'd thought about it more, I could have been authentically Mad Men and had Little Miss C serving us drinks all night. {kidding!!}

J and I bought a few LIFE magazines from the 1960's, and tore out most of the ads to use as decorations {even the bathroom was full of them!}. I had fun putting little references to Mad Men all over the place, like Don Draper's "Why I'm Quitting Tobacco" letter and a bunch of Lucky Strike ads. 

Even though we were the only couple amid our group of friends that actually watches the show {we're evil, I know}, they all came decked out and rocked 1960's fashion. I was very impressed, especially with the elaborate hairstyles! We have the most awesome friends.

For the centerpiece: I painted one of those 3D puzzles of the Empire State Building, and hung glittery stars and tinsel everywhere. We had J's parents' high school yearbooks to flip through and J put together an amazing playlist of both music and youtube clips {vintage ads, super 8 films, and oddities} that set the mood perfectly. {Also, I wanted to pass out these bubble gum cigarettes as party favors, but it cost too much for last minute shipping. Drat!}

My mom was a little girl in the 60's and remembers her parents throwing cocktail parties {as well as finishing off their drinks when they weren't looking...} I asked what I should serve and she said, "Definitely fudge and Chex Mix!" Grandma used to make fudge in a round pan, then let mom and her sister eat the scraps after she'd cut out the squares. 

I used this 3 minute fudge recipe and added walnuts and marshmallows to half the batch. Despite how easy it was to make, it was very good. We also had deviled eggs, mini toast with sour cream, chives and caviar {a surprise hit! Everyone ate it-- even the pregnant ladies!} and meatballs marinated in apple butter. Oh, and jello in a jello mold, of course!!

Once everyone had a drink in hand and had talked a while, we took a short quiz on ad slogans from the 1960's and tried to match them up with the products they sold. {I found the quiz here} Our winner walked away the proud owner of Mad Men paper dolls: 

After a quick outfit change {baby R got sick... My dress is off to the dry cleaner}, we spent the rest of the night playing cards, gawking at the baffling ads J found {Fred Flintstone smoking Winston cigarettes!} and playing with sparklers. 

We didn't go to bed until 3 a.m. but it was well worth it!

Thanks to all who came-- it was so fun, I only wish I'd thrown a soiree sooner! {Next up: an Oscar Night Party?}

 Happy New Year everyone!