Retro Christmas is having a moment. Mid-century ornaments, tinsel trees, fondue sets, and disco tunes have made a comeback, and a 1970s-inspired party is a fun alternative to traditional red and green. This 5 x 7 inch invitation brings that groovy energy with rainbow arcs in red, mustard yellow, teal, and blue curving in from two corners, a warm cream background, and bold Shrikhand lettering that says Holly Jolly in red and gold.
The 1970s Design Language
The design borrows from classic 1970s graphics: thick rainbow stripes in earthy and bright tones, rounded shapes and heavy, curvy type. Four concentric arcs sweep in from the top-left corner, and a larger set rises from the bottom-right corner, framing the card without filling it. Shrikhand, a bold display font with soft curves, gives Holly and Jolly a hand-painted, retro-poster feel, with a red offset shadow behind the gold Jolly. HAVE A sits above in spaced teal capitals, and CHRISTMAS PARTY sits below in spaced blue capitals. The details are left-aligned on the lower left, leaving the bottom right corner to the big rainbow.
Planning a Retro Christmas Party
A retro party is all about nostalgia and fun. Decorate with tinsel garlands, a silver or white tinsel tree, ceramic light-up trees, vintage glass ornaments, lava lamps and colourful string lights. Play disco, funk and classic Christmas records, ideally on a record player. Ask guests to dress in 1970s style: flared trousers, wide collars, sequins, velvet and platform shoes. Set up a photo corner with a shag rug, a beaded curtain and a retro telephone.
Retro Party Food
Food is one of the most fun parts of a retro party. The sample invitation promises eggnog and fondue, two 1970s classics. Other favourites include cheese and pineapple on sticks, prawn cocktail in glasses, devilled eggs, pigs in blankets, a cheese ball rolled in nuts, and a black forest gateau or a trifle for dessert. Serve eggnog, snowballs, punch in a big bowl, and mocktails with cocktail umbrellas.
Editing the Groovy Details
Click each line in the details block to change it; the sample reads Saturday, December 19, 7 PM until late, The Harpers’ den, 58 Sunset Strip, Tucson. Change the italic line to your own food or entertainment, and update the RSVP line. If you want a different greeting, change Holly Jolly to Groovy Christmas, Far Out Christmas, or Disco Christmas, keeping each word short so it stays large.
Recolouring the Rainbow
The rainbow arcs are separate shapes, one per colour. Click each arc to change its colour. For a softer 1970s palette, use rust, mustard, olive and brown. For a candy cane version, use red, pink, white and green. For a Hanukkah or winter party, use blues and silvers. Keep the same colours in both corners so the card feels balanced.
Retro Activities and Games
Add some period fun: a disco dance-off, a costume contest for the best 1970s outfit, a fondue station, Christmas trivia about classic films and songs, or a vinyl listening corner. A white elephant gift exchange with retro gifts, such as lava lamps and mood rings, fits the theme perfectly.
Printing the Retro Invitation
Download a PDF and print at 5 x 7 inches with full bleed, because the arcs reach the corners. A matte or uncoated card stock gives a vintage feel. Mustard or orange envelopes add to the retro look. The design prints well at home because the background is light.
Posting the Groovy Invite
Download a JPG and send it in group chats or post it on social media. Retro designs stand out among the usual Christmas images, which helps your invitation get noticed.
Adapting for a New Year’s Eve Party
The retro style also suits a 1970s New Year’s Eve party. Change Holly Jolly to Groovy New Year, CHRISTMAS PARTY to NEW YEAR’S EVE, and update the date. Add a disco ball illustration from the Elements panel for extra sparkle.
Retro Invitation Questions
Can I make the rainbow smaller?
Yes. Select the arcs and resize them, or delete the top left set for a simpler look.
Is Shrikhand a Google font?
Yes, and it is available in the editor’s font menu.
When is the sample party?
Saturday, December 19, 2026, the weekend before Christmas.
Vintage Christmas Decorating on a Budget
A retro Christmas look does not have to be expensive. Charity shops and flea markets are full of vintage ornaments, ceramic trees, tinsel, and old records in November. Ask older relatives if they have decorations stored in the loft; many families still have glass baubles and plastic nativity sets from the 1970s. Mix them with inexpensive new tinsel and coloured bulbs for a nostalgic effect. Paper chains and pom-pom garlands in mustard, teal and red, made at home, match the invitation’s palette beautifully. Even a few vintage pieces placed thoughtfully on a table or mantel make the whole room feel like a 1970s Christmas card.
Building a Retro Playlist
Music carries a retro party. Mix classic Christmas songs from the 1960s and 1970s with disco and funk favourites that everyone knows. Start the evening with gentle crooners and Motown Christmas albums during dinner, then raise the tempo with disco hits after dessert. If you have a record player, ask guests to bring a favourite vinyl, which adds to the nostalgia and starts conversations. Keep a few slow songs for later in the night, when the dance floor needs a breather.
Retro Dress Code Wording
Add a fun dress code line under the details if you want guests to dress up, such as Seventies glam encouraged, Flares and sequins welcome, or Dress like your parents’ Christmas photos. A playful line makes costumes feel optional but inviting.
Above all, keep the mood light and playful, so every guest feels welcome to join in, costume or not.
Turn Up the Disco
Fill in the details, dig out the flares, and send the invitation. A holly jolly retro Christmas party is a groovy way to celebrate the season.
