I’m not what you would call an exciteable practitioner of theme parties, having worn my fair share of togas, frilly french maid get-ups and Marie Antoinette’s powdered curls, pre guillotine, of course. But how difficult could it be to go vintage 60’s with a bit of a bouffant, the requisite strand of pearls, a belted shirtwaist and those wonderful relics of the past — garter belts (which to this day I still consider far superior and far sexier to panty hose) — to welcome back the long awaited season three of Mad Men.
Besides with everyone getting in on the latest crazes to “mad men yourself” by creating your own personal avatar based on the ’60’s-themed show, or dress the part for your own photo op and a chance to win a walk-on courtesy of AMC’s casting call, all you need do is come as you are.
Ingredients:
Some ’60s decor with just the right accent pieces: cigarette case, bar tray, booze and ice bucket.Preparation:
Buy a vintage suit or dress, drink too much, practice your best come hither stare.Yield:
Classic cocktails, plus dishes of the era with a few tv dinners thrown in for authenticity.
Mad Men-Inspired Classic Cocktails
The Menu:
From the clothes and hairstyles to the incessant smoking and ludicrously dated social codes, Mad Men serves as a time capsule for the middle of the last century, and food and drinks play a particularly prominent role in recreating the period. In honor of the amount of boozing that occurs on Mad Men—it seems as if someone serves up cocktails in every scene—a collection of classic drinks straight out of central casting. Pick one or two and feature them for the evening or set up a full bar and let your guests help themselves—and if they’re anything like the Sterling Cooper gang, they will.Menu starts with hors d’oeuvres: Spicy-Smoky Peanuts are a nod to how much the characters smoke, while the Caramelized-Onion Dip with Cilantro-Garlic Pita Crisps honors Pete Campbell’s chip-and-dip bowl—a wedding present that, he explains to his work buddies, is designed to hold a sour cream dip with “little pieces of brown onion.”
For the main course a classic 1960s dish, Fillet of Beef Wellington—one of the room-service dishes Roger offers Joan after a tryst. We round out the menu with Creamed Spinach and Golden Potato Gratin because Betty orders these sides while out to dinner with Don. For dessert, a retro favorite, Baked Alaska.
Party Tip:
Establishing the Mad Men mood doesn’t require nonstop smoking (though you could pick up some of those herbal smokes the actors favor). Instead, ask guests to dress in ’60s-style clothing. Also, look for vintage tablecloths and serving pieces to help create the look and feel of the period—a decanter, perhaps.
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