How to Plan an Elvis Presley Themed Party

Quick Answer

To plan an Elvis Presley themed party, start by choosing a specific era or vibe, then create a playlist of his hits, decorate with Graceland-inspired items, plan themed activities, and send guests home with memorable favors. Focus on authentic details to make your celebration stand out.

Planning an Elvis Presley themed party is a fantastic way to celebrate the King of Rock 'n' Roll, whether it's for a birthday, a holiday gathering, or just because you love his music. With a little creativity and attention to detail, you can transform your space into a Graceland-inspired venue that will have your guests saying 'Thank you, thank you very much.'

This guide will walk you through the essential steps, from setting the mood with music and decor to choosing the right party favors. We'll also highlight some exclusive Graceland products that can add an authentic touch to your celebration.

Choose Your Elvis Era or Theme

Before you start buying decorations, decide on the vibe you want. Are you going for the 1950s rockabilly look with leather and slicked-back hair? Or do you prefer the iconic 1968 '68 Comeback Special black leather suit era? Maybe you want to celebrate the Christmas season with a 'Blue Christmas' theme. Choosing a specific era or angle will help you narrow down your decor, music, and even dress code.

For a birthday party, you might focus on Elvis's life milestones, like his time at Graceland or his movie years. For a more general gathering, a mix of his greatest hits and iconic imagery works well. Once you've picked your theme, you can communicate it to your guests so they can dress the part, which adds to the fun.

• Consider a 1950s sock hop theme for a fun, retro feel.
• For a Christmas party, incorporate holiday Elvis music and decor.

Create the Ultimate Elvis Playlist

Music is the heartbeat of any Elvis party. Create a playlist that spans his career, from early hits like 'Heartbreak Hotel' to later classics like 'Suspicious Minds.' Don't forget the Christmas songs if you're celebrating during the holiday season. You can also include live performances or movie soundtracks to keep things fresh.

If you're looking for a high-quality audio experience, consider getting 'Christmas with Elvis and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra' on CD. This album pairs Elvis's timeless vocals with orchestral arrangements recorded at Abbey Road Studios, offering a sophisticated twist on holiday favorites like 'Blue Christmas' and 'Silent Night.' It's a great way to add a touch of class to your party's soundtrack.

• Mix upbeat tracks for dancing and slower ballads for mingling.
• Use a speaker system that can handle the bass of 'Jailhouse Rock.'

Decorate with Graceland-Inspired Touches

Transforming your space doesn't require a trip to Memphis. Look for decor that captures the essence of Graceland, such as vintage street signs, music notes, and images of Elvis. A key piece could be the 'Elvis Presley Profile Street Sign,' a durable embossed tin sign that measures 4 by 16 inches and is made in the USA. It's an exclusive item that adds an authentic street-style vibe to any room.

For a more personal touch, scatter framed photos of Elvis or use tableware with his image. If you're hosting a Christmas party, consider a 'Merry Christmas Elvis Presley Stocking' to hang by the fireplace or as a decorative accent. This 19.5-inch tall polyester stocking features full-color holiday images on both sides, including a portrait of Elvis and a Graceland Christmas tree.

• Use a color scheme of black, gold, and white for a classic Elvis look.
• Hang a street sign near the entrance to set the mood.

Plan Themed Activities and Games

Keep your guests entertained with Elvis-themed activities. Host a lip-sync contest to 'Hound Dog,' set up a trivia quiz about his life and music, or have a 'Best Elvis Impression' contest. For a crafty activity, set up a station where guests can create their own Elvis-themed bookmarks or magnets.

For a low-key activity, provide notecards and encourage guests to write thank-you notes or letters to their favorite fan, tying in the nostalgic vibe of handwriting. The 'Elvis Graceland Notecard Set' includes five cards with envelopes featuring classic images like Elvis walking at Graceland and by his pink Cadillac, perfect for this purpose.

• Prepare prizes for winners, like small Elvis trinkets.
• For a movie night, screen one of his classic films like 'Jailhouse Rock.'

Serve Themed Food and Drinks

Food and drinks can be a highlight of your party. Serve classic Southern fare like fried peanut butter and banana sandwiches (a favorite of Elvis), barbecue sliders, and sweet tea. For drinks, create a signature cocktail like a 'Blue Suede Shoes' (blue curaçao and lemonade) or a 'Graceland Punch.'

Label your dishes with playful names referencing Elvis's songs or movies. For example, 'Love Me Tender' ribs or 'Don't Be Cruel' deviled eggs. If you're celebrating Christmas, you can incorporate holiday treats like gingerbread cookies shaped like guitars.

• Check for guest allergies and provide alternatives.
• Use Elvis-themed napkins and plates for extra flair.

Send Guests Home with Memorable Favors

Party favors are a great way to thank your guests and extend the Elvis experience. Choose items that are practical and reflect the theme. For example, the 'Graceland Elvis Walking Magnet and Bookmark Set' is a quality full-color magnet and matching bookmark packaged together. It's a collectible set that guests can use long after the party.

Another idea is to give out CDs or small memorabilia. The 'Christmas with Elvis' CD could double as a favor if you're hosting a holiday party. Or, for a coffee-loving crowd, consider the 'Elvis Graceland Guitar Handle Coffee Mug,' a 20-ounce ceramic mug with a guitar-shaped handle and full-color Graceland imagery. It's a functional gift that will remind them of your party every morning.

• Personalize favors with a thank-you tag.
• Wrap favors in a way that ties into the theme, like using guitar pick-shaped tags.

Step-by-Step Party Planning Checklist

1. Pick Your Theme and Date: Decide on the era or angle (e.g., 1950s rockabilly, Christmas, or general celebration). Set a date and send invitations that hint at the dress code. Check: Have you chosen a specific theme that will guide all other decisions?
2. Curate Your Playlist: Compile a mix of Elvis's hits, spanning his career. Include upbeat tracks for dancing and ballads for background. Consider adding orchestral versions for variety. Check: Does your playlist have enough variety to keep guests entertained for the duration?
3. Gather Decor and Ambiance: Source decorations that reflect Graceland's vibe, such as street signs, framed photos, and themed tableware. For holiday parties, incorporate Christmas-specific items. Check: Is your decor consistent with your chosen theme without being overdone?
4. Plan Activities and Entertainment: Organize games like trivia or lip-sync contests. Set up a craft station for making bookmarks or magnets. Prepare any audio-visual equipment for movie screenings. Check: Do you have backup activities in case guests are shy?
5. Prepare Food and Drinks: Create a menu inspired by Elvis's favorites and Southern cuisine. Name dishes after songs. Ensure you have non-alcoholic options and account for allergies. Check: Have you labeled all dishes clearly and considered dietary restrictions?
6. Assemble Party Favors: Choose practical favors that tie into the theme, such as magnets, bookmarks, or mugs. Wrap them attractively and include a thank-you note. Check: Are your favors within budget and suitable for all guests?

Graceland-Approved Party Essentials

• Elvis Presley Profile Street Sign: This durable sign features a vintage street sign style on quality printed embossed tin. Dimensions: 4" x 16". Made in USA. GRACELAND EXCLUSIVE. Adds an authentic street-style touch to your party decor, perfect for an entrance or photo backdrop.
• Graceland Elvis Walking Magnet and Bookmark Set: Features a quality full color magnet along with a matching bookmark packaged together in one very collectible set. Printed in USA. Graceland Exclusive. A functional and affordable favor that guests can use to mark their place in a book or decorate their fridge.
• Merry Christmas Elvis Presley Stocking: Quality Christmas stocking featuring full-color holiday images on each side including a sentimental portrait of Elvis, a Graceland Christmas tree, holiday text & graphics. Dimensions: 19 1/2" H x 11" W. 100% Polyester. Imported. If your party falls during the holidays, this stocking adds a festive Elvis touch and can be used as decor or a gift holder.
• Elvis Graceland Guitar Handle Coffee Mug: 20 oz. curved wall ceramic mug with an Elvis guitar shaped handle, large full color Graceland logo guitar imprint, and full wrap of black and white Elvis Graceland images. Dishwasher safe, microwave safe. Imported. GRACELAND EXCLUSIVE. A practical yet themed mug that can be used during the party for coffee or hot cocoa, and later as a memorable favor.

With these steps, you're well on your way to hosting an unforgettable Elvis Presley themed party. Remember to focus on the details that matter most: great music, authentic decor, and fun activities that celebrate the King's legacy. Whether it's a birthday bash or a holiday get-together, your guests will leave feeling all shook up. For more inspiration and exclusive Graceland products, visit our store and start planning today.