1. Dance Floor Showdowns
Back then, people took dancing very seriously, and dance-offs were a real thing. Guests would try to outdo each other with their wildest moves, from the Hustle to the Robot. Today, dance-offs feel a little more lighthearted, but in the ’70s, they meant business!
2. Theme Parties That Were Anything But Subtle
Back in the ’70s, themed parties were bold, loud, and often veered into scandalous territory. From “Anything But Clothes” to “Heaven and Hell” themes, guests were encouraged to show up in shockingly skimpy or risqué outfits, which would make anyone today blush just thinking about it!
3. Fondue and Finger Foods—That Everyone Shared
Everyone dipped into the same cheese and chocolate pots, with no worries about double-dipping. The idea of communal dipping is fun, but hygiene standards have changed quite a bit since the ’70s. Today, the idea of so many people’s hands and skewers going in and out of the same pot might make us a bit queasy.
4. Disco Fever with Some Wild Dance Floors
Party-goers weren’t afraid to strut their stuff under disco balls on light-up floors, with moves that were as intense as they were flashy. From suggestive grinding to theatrical dips, the dance floor was a place to let go, and let loose, in ways that might raise eyebrows at a modern gathering.
5. Bowl Haircuts and Far-Out Facial Hair
The ‘70s saw some intense facial hair choices, like full mustaches and giant sideburns. Throw in a shag haircut or a bowl cut, and you’ve got a party with some unforgettable looks. These styles were more than just trends—they were statements!
6. Heavy, Heavy Perfume and Cologne Clouds
Everyone had their favorite heavy scent, from musk to floral, and it was practically mandatory to douse yourself in it before a party. The result was a room full of competing aromas that could be overwhelming. These days, a few spritzes go a long way.
7. The Glorious, Glitter-Filled Makeup
Face glitter, body glitter—everything sparkled, and people weren’t shy about applying it with a heavy hand. While a bit of glitter is still fun today, ‘70s glitter parties would leave guests covered head to toe, sparkles lingering for days.
8. Bell-Bottoms and Jumpsuits as Party Wear
People didn’t just dress up in bell-bottoms and jumpsuits; they embraced them like they were couture. These bold pieces were often uncomfortably tight and ridiculously colorful. While jumpsuits and flared pants have had a comeback, the sheer commitment to this look back then would definitely make us blush today.
9. Adult-Themed Party Games
The ’70s were all about games with a twist, like “Spin the Bottle” and “Truth or Dare” but with an adult flair. Let’s just say the stakes were much higher, and some of the questions or dares would make us blush (and possibly cringe) today.
10. Everything Shag—From Rugs to Outfits
Shag carpets, shag couches, shag jackets! The ‘70s were a time when texture ruled, and that meant a lot of shag-covered furniture. People even wore shag vests! These days, we like to keep the shag on the rug…or maybe not at all.
11. Psychedelic Decor and Mood Lighting
Parties were a kaleidoscope of colors, lava lamps, and groovy patterns that could make any room look like a trippy dream. With black lights and intense strobe effects, some party decor definitely leaned toward sensory overload!
12. “Key Parties” and Other Risqué Gatherings
For some adults in the ’70s, parties sometimes included shocking games that went way beyond anything we’d see today. The famous “key parties,” where people would swap keys (and sometimes more) were seen as edgy and adventurous. These days, such events are more hush-hush than ever.
13. Dramatic Fake Lashes and Bold Eyeshadow
Eyelashes were huge, eyeshadow was bold, and brows were intense. People didn’t hold back with blue, green, or purple shades. The whole look was big, bold, and borderline theatrical—perfect for a night under the disco ball, but maybe a bit much today.
14. Platform Shoes (So High They Were Almost Dangerous)
Sky-high platforms were everywhere, and people were fearless on the dance floor in them. It’s hard to imagine balancing on six-inch platforms now, but back then, it was the ultimate disco statement, even if it did mean a few clumsy tumbles.
15. Massive Bowls of Punch—Spiked, of Course
What’s a ‘70s party without a massive, spiked punch bowl? It was typically loaded with fruit, alcohol, and maybe even a sherbet scoop or two. While punch bowls are still popular, these retro versions packed a punch (literally) that might surprise us today.
16. Feathered Hair and Big Hair Spray Clouds
Hair was big, voluminous, and full of personality. People spent hours teasing, curling, and spraying their hair until it was just right. We love a good blowout today, but back then, the height and commitment to hairspray could be a bit shocking.
17. Selfie-Free Living and Enjoying the Moment
Perhaps the most surprising thing of all: No phones, no selfies, just pure, in-the-moment fun. The only evidence was maybe a Polaroid or two, and everyone could party without constantly checking or documenting every moment.
