The Great Gatsby is one of the most popular books read in high schools around the United States, and English teachers – and students – are very familiar with this book and the themes contained within it. Set in the 1920s, the story has a glamorous backdrop, and it’s easy to see why you might want to bring this glamor to your homecoming event. Below, we tell you everything you need to know about creating a Great Gatsby theme for your homecoming.
Great Gatsby Homecoming Theme: The Basics
The Great Gatsby is full of 1920s style, something that is easily recreated as part of your homecoming theme. When you think of the basics of this style, you can keep in mind the following to use for decorations and other general theme ideas:
- Gold and black are often related to 1920s and Great Gatsby themes. You can also enhance your homecoming with reds, deep greens, and deep blues for a luxury feel.
- Velvet is a popular choice of fabric to use for decorations, as are fabrics with sequins. You can also hang up balloons in your chosen colors and decorate them with gold or silver tassels to add a touch of luxe 1920s vibes.
- Table placements can be enhanced with fake jewels, homages to the jazz music of the decade, and gold-painted bottles or crystal glasses.
In addition to these basic theme items, you can use lots of art deco style items to create photo backdrops and decorate walls. These can include printed illustrations, thrifted art, and other items in vintage 1920s style that bring your theme to life.
How Can I Enhance My Great Gatsby Homecoming Theme?
The decoration of your homecoming venue isn’t the only thing that can be enhanced with your Great Gatsby theme. You can add stylistic touches like faux peacock feathers on tables, sparkling juice in fancy cups, and small roadster car models on tables to really set the theme. You may also want to get confetti in your chosen theme colors or vintage 1920s furniture to tie your Great Gatsby homecoming theme together.
Additionally, make sure that invitations for your homecoming are also decorated in this style – your invitation is your first chance to make a great impression on your potential guests and establish the style of the theme. If you have any specific dress code requests to help people understand your chosen Great Gatsby theme, you can list them on your invitation.
How Do I Dress for a Great Gatsby Homecoming?
The Great Gatsby theme is a 1920s theme, so any dress that matches the 1920s flapper style or even formal homecoming dresses with sequins and metallic colors will match this theme. If you are a girl who doesn’t prefer dresses, you can look spiffy in a tailored suit or a jumpsuit in colors that match the theme colors of your homecoming. Delicate colors, like lavender, are also a great choice for keeping with this elegant vibe.
High heels are a must, but kitten heels and lower heels are preferable over stiletto-type heels. You can also wear a stylish pair of flat shoes if heels aren’t your thing. To put the finishing touches on your outfit, accessorize with jewelry, feathers, and lots of sequins or metallic items.
Boys dressing for their Great Gatsby homecoming can wear suits, preferably vintage 1920s-style suits. You can choose from traditional colors like black or grey, or you may want to choose baby blue or deep green if you are trying to match the colors of your homecoming theme and capture the feel of luxury in your outfit. Pair your suit with a pocket square and dress shoes to complete your outfit.
Make sure that you double-check any dress code requirements when choosing your Great Gatsby homecoming outfit, as you don’t want to be underdressed or overdressed for this event.
The Great Gatsby Homecoming Theme of Your Dreams
Basing your homecoming theme on The Great Gatsby is a great way to bring some 1920s glamor and a classic decorative theme to your event. Remember when creating this theme that lots of gold, art deco, and little luxury items like feathers complete this overall look. Make sure to work with others on your homecoming theme committee to find the best ideas and methods of capturing The Great Gatsby at your homecoming.
