13 Speakeasy-Inspired Decorations for New Years Party (Under $50)

Transport your home back to the Prohibition era with these 13 speakeasy-inspired decorations for New Years Party that even Jay Gatsby would approve of. You can shop the entire 1920s edit for under $50 at Etsy, Walmart, Amazon, and more!

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The Roaring 20s was an era defined by celebration. People from all walks of life would dress up in flapper dresses and tailored suits to socialize in dimly lit rooms layered with velvet texture and vibrant jazz. There was a sense of opulence and excitement that now feels *especially* fitting for a New Year’s Eve celebration.

If you want to create a moody, speakeasy-inspired atmosphere that feels straight out of an F. Scott Fitzgerald book, this blog post is for you! You don’t need a complete overhaul of your space or a big party budget to bring the 1920s theme home. All it takes is a few intentional decor pieces and a little creativity.

From red velvet cushions to Art Deco wall art, and even ostrich feathers, this list has everything you need to transform your home into an underground party!

Decorations for New Years Party: The Beauty of the 1920s

The 1920s were defined by jazz, prohibition, underground cocktail bars, Art Deco architecture, velvet and leather textures, and glamorous outfits that came to life behind closed doors. The lighting was warm and low. The textures were rich and layered. And the rooms felt intimate.

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People dressed up for the heck of it, lingered in conversation, and created entirely new worlds inside private rooms that were protected only by a password. It sounds almost too cool to be true. But it’s that blend of sophistication and rebellion that gives the 1920s its charm.

And it’s a natural fit for New Year’s Eve. The excitement of the night mirrors the energy of the era, creating an unforgettable atmosphere in the comfort of your home. 

Gatsby-Inspired Decorations for New Years Party Under $50

If you’re ready to turn your home into a Prohibition-era speakeasy on a budget, this list is for you! Shop the Roaring 20s decorations for New Years Party for under $50.

1. Achieve the *Perfect* Warm Glow

I rarely put my favorite find first, but I couldn’t help myself. This vintage umbrella lampshade from Etsy screams 1920s speakeasy, and it’s so easy to incorporate into your current home decor. Just unplug your table or floor lamp, unscrew the lightbulb, replace the shades, and screw the bulb back in. Now you have a functional decor piece fit for the times.

2. 100% Cotton and 100% on Theme

When I was researching speakeasy designs for this blog post, almost every picture I saw featured velvet. From upholstered bench seating to cascading drapes, this rich cotton fabric was seemingly everywhere. You can source your very own set of velvet pillow covers from Quince for only $49.90.

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The Bordeaux color is the epitome of the speakeasy style, but the set also comes in other beautiful jewel tones that would capture the era.

3. The Ultimate Champagne Toast

Toast to the new year with these vintage-inspired stainless steel coupe glasses that look like they belong in a Jay Gatsby party. I have 10 of these in my barware collection, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t tempted to grab a few of the new brass-plated glasses. You can’t go wrong with either finish!

4. Smoke and Mirrors

Whether you need some wall decor to dress up your speakeasy-inspired party or a tray to serve your signature cocktail, this vintage mirror and tray duo is the perfect solution for both. It looks like a relic of the past, but in reality, it’s a $14.99 decor find from Amazon. Don’t worry, your guests will never know (and your secret is safe with me.)

5. Art Deco Wall Decor

You don’t have to cover your walls in wallpaper to get the Art Deco effect. Just buy wallpaper samples instead! This Art Deco-style scalloped wallpaper reflects the beauty and elegance of the decade in a noncommittal way.

Instead of gluing it to your walls, just buy a few samples, cut them to size, and stick them in a frame. It’s a subtle nod to the times without overcommitting to the theme.

6. A Touch of Gold

If you love old-fashioned frames, visit your local thrift store. If you’re in the market for something brand new, Target is your best bet. This brass metal frame offers a subtle touch of gold without overpowering the art inside.

I used it to frame my wallpaper samples, and the result was stunning. It’s an easy DIY that packs a (design) punch!

7. I Can’t Believe It’s Not West Elm

No speakeasy is complete without a place to put your drink. This gold drink table (also available in black) from Walmart made me do a double-take. Its sleek design and antique brass finish look almost identical to my West Elm Silhouette Table, but at less than half the price. My only regret is not finding it sooner!

I love cocktail tables because they feature a slim design, a lightweight frame, and stylish finishes. They’re easy to incorporate next to an accent chair, in front of your sofa, or between a pair of ottomans. They fit 1 to 2 drinks comfortably, and can be moved around the room to accommodate any layout.

8. Cut the (Natural) Lights

The key to achieving a dark, moody, speakeasy vibe is low lighting. If you’re hosting in a bright space, or your linen curtains don’t match the vibe, swap them out for these velvet blackout curtains.

Not only do they completely block unwanted light, but the rich velvet also creates the perfect backdrop for your 1920s party. Your guests will feel like they’re in an underground party without requiring much effort on your end.

9. Flapper Feathers

Channel your inner flapper with these festive, oversized champagne ostrich feathers. You can display them in a glass vase as a statement piece, layer them into a flower arrangement, or add them to your back bar for a 1920s touch. Each pack comes with 24 feathers, so you can create multiple arrangements to fill up your entertaining area!

10. Illuminate Any Spot in the Room

Add a subtle warm glow to your party with this vintage-inspired brass fluted lamp. It’s portable and rechargeable, so you can move it around your space with ease.

Whether you’re illuminating your drink table, seating area, or buffet, these mini lamps are the perfect way to add a subtle touch of warmth without compromising the moody aesthetic.

11. Games That Match the Aesthetic

Keep your guests happy and occupied with party games that match your speakeasy vibe. This solid wood chess set is always a crowd favorite and blends seamlessly with the moody, elevated party theme. Get yours today for under $50 at Home Depot!

12. Elevate Your Back Bar

I don’t know about you, but I hate the look of liquor bottles in my bar area. They always ruin the vibe. To solve this design problem, I transfer my liquor into decanters for an aesthetically pleasing display. This Harvey decanter is one of my favorites, and it fits the prohibition theme perfectly.

13. Queue the Flapper Pearls

The perfect finishing touch. Wrap this white pearl garland around your candlesticks, drape it over your bar area, or hang them from your wall sconces or chandelier for a more dramatic look. The options are endless!

1920s-Inspired Decorations for New Years Party

These 13 decorations for New Years party prove that you don’t need a complete design overhaul to create a moody, 1920s aesthetic in your home. As you’re shopping for your party decor, focus on creating a warm ambiance with low lighting, layering rich, cozy textures, and leaning into the care-free nature of the era.

If you recreate this look in your own home, be sure to tag @gdhomedesigns or send us a DM so we can show your space some love!

This post is all about speakeasy-inspired decorations for New Years Party.