Types

• Burn, baby, burn. It's disco Inferno! The 1970's and the disco genre seem to really go hand in hand. Even though disco didn't come into popularity until towards the end of the seventies, it is still very symbolic of the entire decade. For your party, consider having a disco-themed celebration. In this case, you will need a disco ball to hang from your ceiling. You will at least want one, but consider hanging up even more. These can be found at your local party shop. Or consider making your own out of large mirrored sequins glued or pinned to a large Styrofoam ball. These materials are available at any local craft store. Also consider purchasing strobe lights from party shops or department stores. These lights will reflect against the disco ball and encourage your guests to start shaking their groove thing.
  
  

Misconceptions

• The seventies are symbolically associated with disco, but that does not mean you should avoid all other music genres for your party. Set the tone with James Brown. If you want to throw an affair that is more Jethro Tull than Jackson 5, try a "Death to Disco" affair. This works especially well if you are having a bonfire and want to toss old records into the flames with your friends. In this case, don your Led Zeppelin shirt from your favorite music merchandise store. Smash a fake guitar like a member of the Who.
  
  

Considerations

• Don't consider what's available at your local party shop to be your only option. Often these materials are just used as helpful starter kits to get your party headed in the right direction. Consider visiting local vintage shops for '70's-inspired decorations. The only difference between a vintage shop and a thrift store frequently is the price of the merchandise. Don't forget to check there, too. Look for items like bean bag chairs or tapestries to complete the look of your party. Also be on the lookout for posters depicting some of your favorite musicians from the decade.
  
  

Features

• Your 1970's party should feature afro wigs, a disco ball, strobe lights, leisure suits, and platform shoes. All of these are available at your local party store, thrift store or flea market. The most important thing to set the mood is the music. Keep the seventies sounds playing all night. Consider visiting your local music store. Select "Best of the 1970's" compilations that will have your party guests shaking their booty. Some 1970's theme parties feature references to the decade in a historical sense. Consider printing newspaper clippings or headlines from the time. This informatin can be found on the Internet or at your local public library.
  
  

Benefits

• The advantage of throwing a 1970's theme party is that decorations are generally inexpensive. Decorating with vinyl records of some classic seventies musicians is a great way to set a scene. These records are usually available at thrift stores, flea markets and record stores for under one dollar. Because you plan on decorating with them rather than playing them, the condition of the record is no longer an issue. The costumes for this type of party are also just as easy to come by at thrift stores, vintage stores and even the forgotten section of your parents' closet. Another benefit of a 1970s theme party is that there will be no arguing over the music. Have your friends bring over their favorite albums and rock out. Get ready to hear a request for "Freebird" more than once over the course of the night.