For my daughters ninth birthday party we had a retro 50's themed bowling party. It was alot of fun to plan!There were 10 girls in all (plus little sister and family members)We started with retro looking handmade party invitations, we used hot pink paper then added black and pink dots using scrapbooking supplies.Each invitation opened to reveal a fluffy poodle on a leash (also scrapbooking die-cut pieces but you could always draw them )with the party details. We made sure we stated to wear your 50's costumes and offered prizes for Best costumes and the Runner ups.We called ahead at our local bowling alley to find out when Open bowling" was offered and reserved two lanes and tables. They were more than happy to let us come early and decorate our tables. We brought pink and white and black balloons with a pink table cloth sweaters and sadddle shoes. Most wore their hair up with scarves. Dad came dressed like a "greaser" leather jacket slicked back hair and all. I even rolled up my jeans wore my old penny loafers and a pink button collar shirt with a cardigan.I think the costumes were as much fun as the bowling! The small town bowling alley has been around since the 1950's and still really has that retro feel. They played Elvis and Grease CD's for us(many bowling alleys will have a juke box). The girls had a blast bowling in their 50's attire. We had gum chewing Blowing the biggest bubble and (shaping it like a bowling pin while its in your mouth without looking) contests.I tried to keep it really simple. The cake was a pink poodle of course and the prizes(handing gifts for all who attended) were wrapped in polka dot tissue paper with pretty cloth ribbons. They were also pretty simple craft kits; origami spin art and even a retro line Barbie doll. The girls danced and had a great time! The staff at the bowling alley came out to see everyone in their costumes and commented on how it looked like we had stepped back in time. My youngest daughter even wore a vintage smocked babydoll dress(she is three).The party was a great success and full of warm memories for all of us!"