Birthday parties idea

1920s speakeasy birthday

A speakeasy birthday turns a room or garage into a 1920s bar: black and gold, dim amber lighting, a portable bar with a signature cocktail, lounge seating and highboys. Great for 30th, 40th and 50th birthdays. Below you will find the palette, backyard and indoor setups, activities, props and the rentals for 50 guests with live Chicago prices, ready to open in the free planner.

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Bar and champagne wall, styled at an event (AI-generated example)

The look

Palette and decor

Black #1D1A16Gold #C9A24ABurgundy #6D1A2B

Amber uplighting
Gold sequin overlays on highboys
Feathers and pearls
A password at the door

Setup ideas

How to set it up

Backyard or tented lawn

A frame tent with sidewalls as the 'hidden bar', lounge inside and highboys out front.

Indoors or a rented room

Bar along one wall, highboys in the middle, a lounge corner with low light.

Activities and games

Things for guests to do

Signature cocktails
A bar with rocks and highball glasses.
Rent: Portable bar ($77), Rocks glass ($0.83)
Casino or card table
A round table for poker or blackjack (play money only).
Rent: 60" round table ($14.85)
Swing dance floor
A small floor for the Charleston.
Rent: Dance floor section ($22)
Photo booth with props
Feather boas, hats and pearls.
Rent: 360 photo booth ($163.90)

Props and DIY

What to buy or make

Feather boas and fedoras
Play-money casino chips
Vintage jazz playlist
Printed cocktail menu

These aren't rentals: they're the finishing touches most hosts buy or make.

Rent the look

Rentals for a 1920s speakeasy birthday

Quantities shown for 50 guests. In the planner they adjust to your guest count, and you can change or remove anything.

Add to my plan

Portable bar

4'-6' folding bar with skirt; wood and barrel bars cost more

$77each

× 1 for 50 guests. The speakeasy bar.

Rocks glass

10 oz old-fashioned

$0.83each

× 75 for 50 guests. Cocktails and spirits.

Guests drink and converse around an elegantly draped 30" cocktail highboy table (42" tall) adorned with florals and candles inside an ornate wedding reception ballroom

Highboy cocktail table

30" round top, 42" high

$15.95each

× 4 for 50 guests. Highboys for mingling.

A gold sequin tablecloth covers an elegant round table decorated with tall floral centerpieces and glowing candles at a luxurious wedding reception surrounded by celebrating guests

Sequin overlay

72" x 72" or 90" round sequin topper

$33eachEst.

× 4 for 50 guests. Gold sequin on highboys.

LED uplight

Wireless, battery powered, any color

$38.50each

× 6 for 50 guests. Amber uplighting.

Lounge sofa

Velvet or leather 3-seat sofa

$330each

× 1 for 50 guests. Lounge corner.

These add-ons for 50 guests, before delivery, setup and tax

$896.05

Prices are based on local rental companies' published rates plus our booking fee. Your final quote is confirmed by the rental company for your date and venue.

Questions

1920s speakeasy birthday FAQs

Can I serve alcohol at a home party?

Yes at a private home. In a park or rented venue, check the alcohol rules; Chicago parks need a permit for alcohol.

How many tables and chairs do I need for a birthday party?

For a seated dinner, one chair per guest and a 60-inch round or 8-foot banquet table per eight. For a cocktail party, seats for a third of guests and one highboy per 10 to 15.

Do I need a tent for a backyard birthday?

Not always. For under 40 guests, two 10 by 10 canopies over the food and bar are usually enough. Above that, or if rain is likely, a 20 by 20 or 20 by 40 frame tent covers the seating.

Can I rent everything for a birthday party in one order?

Yes. Pick the rentals from this page or the planner and send one free quote. We book them with Chicago-area rental partners and list delivery, setup, a damage waiver and sales tax line by line before you pay anything.

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