Turning 50 deserves a party packed with nostalgia, fun and plenty of outdoor vibes. You’ve earned it! Let’s take it back to the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s for a celebration that reflects growing up with no mobile phones, going in when the street lights came on, half-penny sweets with a bit of Brit Pop energy thrown in. Here are some ideas to throw the ultimate bash, Tipi-style.
Throwback Themes
What better way to celebrate than to go all out with the era that shaped your youth? Pick one or mix a few for a truly eclectic night.
Disco Fever 70’s Glam Think mirror balls, bright lights, and glitter galore. Get your guests to rock their best bell bottoms and platform shoes for a retro vibe that brings Saturday Night Fever to life.
Neon Dream 80’s Pop Party Flashback to the neon-soaked, synthesizer filled 80’s! Think leg warmers, big hair and over sized jackets. Deck your Tipi or Sailcloth with Vibrant neon colours and cassette table decorations. The playlist should be packed with classics from Duran Duran, Culture Club and Wham! You could even get a gaming van to bring the 80’s arcade vibe going with Pac Man, Space Invaders and old school consoles for some gaming fun!
Britpop Blowout 90’s Nostalgia Channel your inner Liam and Noel with a 90’s Oasis/Blur face-off. Invite guests to don buck hats, parker jackets and revisit the music that defined the 90’s.
Festival Vibes Recreate Glasto or Reading right in your back garden. Think laid-back boho, outdoor live music, cosy fire pits. Set up a comfy seating area in your Sailcloth Tent or Tipi for a relaxed festival feel. Add a karaoke corner for guests to belt out their favourite tunes. Finish the night with marshmallows around the fire pit.
Tipi Party Perfection
There’s nothing better than a Tipi to host your 50th Birthday party! The interior offers a great space for an outdoor celebration, rain or shine. Plus with sides that can be opened up, it’s a seamless way to enjoy the fresh air.
- Dance Floor & Chill Areas – Set up a dance floor in one area for your guests to throw shapes to 70’s disco and 90’s britpop bangers. Add a chill out area with comfy seating under the fairy lights to give everyone a place to relax and remember their days of youth!
- Fire Pit Hangouts – Light up the evening with a fire pit in or near your Tipi. Think S’mores, great conversations and cosy blankets.
- Outdoor Games – Create a mix of nostalgic games like Giant Jenga, Tug of War and even Twister to keep the fun going well into the night.
Food and Drink to Take You Back
Nostalgia is all about bringing back those childhood memories, so why not let your food and drink reflect the same?
- The Chippy Van – Keep it classic with a fish and chip van, serving up salt and vinegar goodness. Oh and don’t forget the pickled eggs!
- Sweets Table – Fill it with the old school favourites – Wham Bars, Sherbert Dip Dabs, Flying Saucers and Black Jacks. It’ll be like stepping into your childhood corner shop.
- Deserts – Bring back the classics, a Black Forest Gateux or how about some ‘One Slice is Never Enough’ Vienetta? You could go really ‘desert retro’ with some Arctic Roll and Angel Delight.
- Drinks Station – If it’s a Babycham you fancy, or even a Martini Bianco Rosso this will be the place to hang out and reminisce over the drinks you still love now, or that made you swear you’d never drink again! Or what a great opportunity to wow your guests with some throwback cocktails, a Woo Woo or Sex on the Beach anyone?
Music Memories
Your playlist is the heart and soul of the party. Pay tribute to the decades that shaped you with a mix of 70’s classics and 90’s anthems.
- Live Bands – Book a local cover band to play hits from the 70s’s, 80’s and 90’s or go for a DJ that knows how to blend ABBA with The Stone Roses seamlessly.
- Oasis Sing-Alongs – Nothing gets the crowd going like a loud, off tune sing-along to “Don’t Look Back in Anger.” Let the nostalgia flow and keep the tunes blasting through the night.
The Perfect Tipi Setting
Location is key! Whether it’s your garden, a local venue, or a scenic field, a Tipi adds a WOW factor.
- Custom Décor – Go wild with posters of your favourite bands, memorabilia from your youth and colourful throws to keep the atmosphere personal and fun.
- Light It Up – As well as the fairy lights, bring in some additional lighting, such as lanterns and string lighting…not forgetting the Lava Lamps of course!
Photo Booths
Bring in a photo booth with fun props like oversized sunglasses, blow-up guitars and vinyl records. Add some 90’s touches like cassette tapes and Union jack hats for guests to grab, pose and snap some unforgettable pics!
Memory Lane Moments
Get your friends and family involved by setting up a Memory Lane area. A small table with old photos, letters, or mementos from your younger days will have everyone reminiscing and sharing laughs. You could even ask your guests to bring their favourite memory of you for a time capsule!
Ready to Party?
A 50th Birthday party isn’t just any old bash. It’s your chance to celebrate in style, surrounded by your favourite people, in a setting that captures both your past and present. With a Tipi party, you can have all the fun of a festival, a concert, and a birthday bash all rolled into one unforgettable night. Dust off those platform shoes and turn up the volume – this is a party you won’t want to miss!
Photo Credits
Christopher Terry Photography
Mark Horton Photos
Nicki Shea Photography
Martin McKowski
Raj Passy Photography
Jenny Harper Photography
Naomi Hall Photography
Further Inspo
