Want to throw a groovy party? Dig these retro party ideas. Here's everything you need to know to throw a choice '60s theme party.

Decorations
Lighting will play a crucial role in setting the stage for your '60s theme party. Stock up on colored bulbs to give the place a groovy, colorful glow. If you can get your hands on some strobe lights or lava lamps, you'll be able to create an instant psychedelic vibe. Love beads, flower garlands and yellow smiley faces should be easy to find online or at your local party store.

Don't forget, the '60s were not only about peace and love. They were also a celebration of modernist furniture, pop art and the British Invasion. So there are plenty of creative ways to decorate for this theme. Place Campbell's tomato soup cans around the house, hang British flags or go space age with moons, rockets and silver accessories. You can also decorate with famous movie posters from the decade, like Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music and 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Costume Ideas
Make your '60s party come alive by modeling your look after famous icons of the era.

Fun clothing and accessories for your 60's costume:

Miniskirts
Big, round sunglasses
Go-go boots
Bouffant hairdos, afros or long hair parted down the middle
Beads, peace signs
Bell-bottoms
Tapered pants and skinny ties
Shag hairdos
Nehru jackets
Headbands

Party Activities
Dancing was the thing to do in the '60s. So push those couches to the wall and make room for a dance floor. Popular dances from the '60s almost always start with the word "the"—the Twist, the Pony, the Bird, the Mashed Potato, the Watusi, the Ska, the Monkey, the Tighten Up. Purchase an instructional dance video and play it in the background so guests can mimic the steps.

Several fun, family-themed games like Twister, Mousetrap and The Game of Life were introduced in the '60s. Set up stations around the party where kids and adults can join forces for a little friendly competition.

Nothing says peace, love and understanding quite like a brightly colored flower or peace sign on the cheek. Face painting is a fun way for people to get in the spirit of the '60s. Look for an all-inclusive kit that contains washable, nontoxic paints made for skin, lots of brushes and a variety of stencils. Be sure to have lots of paper towels in place for easy cleanup.

Food Ideas
The '60s were the start of a health-food craze. Here are some fun foods that will be easy to serve: vegetarian chili, guacamole with chips, zucchini bread, lemon bars, carrot cake and, of course, granola.

Tip for a fun dessert: Bake round sugar cookies and use icing to draw a peace sign or a yellow smiley face on each cookie.

Drink Ideas
Peach Melba Float (serves six)

3 peeled, sliced peaches
1 banana, sliced
1 pint raspberry sherbet
Ginger ale

Arrange peach slices, banana slices and a scoop of sherbet in six tumblers and set in freezer to freeze. Fill glasses with ginger ale and serve with spoons and straws.

Party Music