From stage sets to silverware, every aspect of your Jazz Dinner serves to transport your guests to the 1920s. Having authentic or unique glassware on the tables will make your dinner theater stand out. This includes your cocktail bar (whether alcoholic or not). If your drinks look impressive, you’ll have a better chance of cross-selling cocktails. This is a simple way to increase the profit potential for your event. So, let’s talk about what to put on your tables.
Jazz Dinner Water Glasses
Did you know that the glassware catalogs during the 20s gave table-setting tips? Some of the tips and tricks include:
1) Don’t mix pottery with crystal.
2) Make sure the glassware and dinnerware match the food.
3) Crystal is the height of decorum, whether etched, cut, or gold decorated. Use for special occasions.
Of course, most of these tips targeted housewives hosting dinner parties and not underground speakeasies. But, if you desire an elegant, illegal operation, as opposed to the bathtub gin variety, then the crystal is your look. The 1920s style is stemmed glass with holly etchings or engraved geometric patterns. Looking at Fostoria glassware during that period, you’ll get a better idea of what the water goblets look like. Crystal glasses were considered high-end. And because of the crystal's prism effect when light hits it, it makes it an enchanting addition to your table.
Another option for a real underground speakeasy is to use mason jars as water glasses. These are simple to come by, either by purchasing new or collecting them from second-hand shops. Don’t worry if the mason jars are of different heights or patterns; this gives your speakeasy gritty energy. Plus, it makes the table layout more visually interesting.
Coffee Cups
While crystal meant serious water-drinking business, the coffee cups were wild. Made from porcelain with bold glazes like lime green or cranberry, coffee cups captured the party tone of the 20s. Of course, plain white cups and saucers were common in restaurants and wouldn’t be out of place at your Jazz Dinner.
Coffee was as common as water as a beverage for your meal. With its cheap price, coffee was easily the most popular drink to accompany the meal during that time, at least until World War II, which made coffee much pricier.
Cocktail and Wine Glasses
While the wine glasses and cocktail glasses weren't much different then compared to now, the 1920s used more glass etching and color tints. And let’s not forget the iconic champagne coupes. That’s the shallow, wide-bowled saucer with a decorative stem. It’s very Great Gatsby. In fact, not only is the coupe an impressive glass for champagne, but because of its wide and flat saucer, it’s the best glass to build eye-catching champagne towers. If you really want to make your Jazz Dinner impressive, consider including a champagne or sparkling juice tower.
These glasses were often decorated with iconic 1920s garnishes that made each drink stand out. So, even if you have plain cocktail glasses for your evening, the garnishes will make your drinks fun.
Mocktail Names for Your Jazz Dinner
If you are looking to do a dry bar, you should check out these mocktail names for your Jazz Dinner and recipes that are kid-friendly drinks. That way, your audience may enjoy the unique concoctions of that period without the Roarin’ 20s hangover!
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