Could you do a table decoration about one teen idol per table? One table would be Elvis, with his picture and another could be the Beatles or Johnny Mathis or the Beach Boys, etc. You could copy headlines about them from the era's newspapers and scatter them around the picture. Add some confetti or streamers, and voila. You can play some of their songs on a loop as everyone gathers before the band and luncheon starts.

Candy? How many of the volunteers are diabetic? Can you do something more healthful? Really, it seems tone-deaf.

(PS, I am also a senior and have a long history of working with senior-oriented volunteer organizations. I currently am on a county advisory board for senior services. )

I agree with sushi about the candy. Maybe a few pieces, but not for them to "load up"!

I like Sheila's idea of a different singer/teen idol from the past. The center piece could be a photo, maybe a cube shape so the photo is on four sides so the entire table can see it, then just small flowers, around it. Of course noting to high so as not to block each others view.

Take a look at this link. I was going to suggest using old 45 records

Centerpieces from the 50s

Maybe it makes more sense to have the centerpieces made up of the retro candy. That way, people can take it with them when they leave, so you're not stuck with centerpieces and having to throw them away, and what is taken gets used up as well.

And have a fruit and cheese and cracker buffet for food.

How about candy centerpieces and something more healthful for your volunteers? Here are some great ideas for candy centerpieces. You could do different ones on each table - your guests might mingle around looking at all the different ones.

Here are some great ideas: candy centerpieces

Not sure if you can actually SEE pinterest if you're not a member, but there are some great ideas there.

Pinterest candy centerpieces:

Pinterest Candy centerpieces

Now what brought this to mind?

OT: Do you have any links to local schools? My DH is part of a Grand Times group of seniors who volunteer at a neighboring high school district. Social activities are fun, but people also like to be *useful* -- and students and teachers need help. Retirement sometimes puts all sorts of wonderful talent 'on the shelf'.

This group began 16 years ago and currently has 57 volunteers. DH was 'at school' about 60 hours this year, primarily aiding two teachers of classes for freshmen and sophomores who are not at grade level in reading and writing. The group had over 150 'placements' this year in all kinds of departments, as well as helping on field trips and monitoring various tests. DH's last assignment was judging Shakespeare projects for an English teacher's class. Students presented videos they'd made, acting out their own scripts for portions of Macbeth.

Jim, I have to agree with the others, while I think the event in itself is wonderful, there are so many other themes from the era that could be pointed to for the fun of it besides a candy bar. I know it may be a little more expensive (or maybe not) but if a desert bar is what you're after, why not do an ice cream bar with both regular, low fat and sorbet ice creams so there is something for everyone; or a fruit bar, many seniors aren't able to afford some of the healthier fruits and I bet they would love to load up on them. You may even be able to locate a couple of farmer markets willing to contribute some of their produce for the cause. For the center pieces, you could do something similar to the fruit bouquets people can send as gifs.

jim_1I think the idea of the retro candy is great. Anyone who is diabetic knows what they can have, or not. I don't think they need to be, or want to be, catered to. It would be fun to take a bag of goodies home to show/share to younger folks and grandchildren. One of my decision-making rules is to use common sense and logic. I say go with it. The question here was only for suggestions for centerpieces.

Sue

50% of people 65 and older are pre-diabetic. And 1 in 4 is diabetic. Yes, and those with diabetes (should) know what they can have. But I'd find something a little better.
source

Jim, I assume the idea is to have some fun and remember the more youthful times, so how about something totally different, like using retro toys as the centerpieces? I just searched for toys from the 50s and found a list that included Silly Putty, Play-Doh, Mr. Potato Head, Yahtzee... all things you can easily find today. Maybe you can have a hula-hoop contest! :O)

Gum ball machines. Or rent one of those chocolate dipping machines.

1. A pinata: Participants are blindfolded before they swat the pinata. One participant at a time please. Too dangerous to have several blindfolded people swinging clubs at the same time. This is not a political party :)
   
   2. Now if you could find a stash of real cracker Jack boxes with prizes inside. Participants are given chits with a number on it for the drawing. Draw for the center pieces.
   
2. Make simple bouquets with replica soda fountain shake glasses for vases. The containers may be glass or plastic, but should be clear. Devise a drawing to give the centerpieces to participants. Add a couple of drinking straws in the arrangement for effect. Simulate a shake or soda by adding food coloring to water put in the glasses. Tape a sign on the table by the arrangements to the effect, "Do not drink the bouquet. Not edible.

If you're wanting a candy theme for the room. I'd look to "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" on Youtube. Check out "Pure Imagination". It's the part with the big candy garden. That would make a great Christmas or summer centerpiece.

Otherwise, October is fall. You could do pumpkins, mums, scarecrows, Halloween or whatever hits your fancy. It depends on budget also. Narrow it down and we could probably give you some better ideas.

Last year our theme was "The Magic of Volunteering" and the centerpieces were black top hats with white gloves and a wand. That was it.

Back story on the candy buffet: I had gone to a wedding and they had the candy buffet set up. As I watched, repeatedly folks were pointing at something on the table and then engaging in conversation with someone. I thought it might be a good way to get our volunteers to interact with each other. If they elect to take some candy, fine. If not, that will be OK, as I have a place to take all the leftovers. To maintain our government funding we are required to host a recognition event, this is it. We have about 500 RSVP members and close to 200 come for the luncheon. Many don't know each other, this was my idea to get more interaction.

If there are people who are diabetic and they elect to take some candy, then I don't have a concern. After working in a nursing home for several years, I am aware that some folks who are diabetic do not adhere to the proper regimen. Most diabetics won't have serious consequences if they were to consume several pieces of candy (I intend to have things like wax lips, buttons on a strip, bulls-eyes, Mallo cups, etc. all individually wrapped).

The candy can or cannot tie into the 'theme' of the event. "Volunteers are sweet!" (that was my idea and the missus shot me down quickly). Some good ideas for centerpieces have been offered. The more options there are to consider the better.

Thanks for the responses.

I would think seniors know well how much they can and cannot eat. I hope y'all enjoy your well earned party!

mumbling... yea, I love going to a healthy party? woohoo. Shoot, we always measure our work lunch celebrations by the dessert, guess we're unique!

I think the confusion might be in calling it a "Luncheon". Is lunch being served or just candy?
If you google images for "50's centerpieces for party", there are some great pictures - some of which incorporate and bring to life ideas presented above.
It is fantastic that your organization gets so many volunteers.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/238972323948726496/

For a brief moment not long ago, I thought I would pick up a "few" nostalgic toys from the early 50's and others from the mid 70's. And then I saw the price tag. And this was at a thrift store similar to Goodwill. I didn't buy any.

I think the "old" candy idea is fantastic. I never liked most of it when it was a penny but I still like seeing it and remembering it. Wax lips. Gross. But it made me smile to read it. Ditto for those wax pop bottles. It's the memories, not the candy itself.

I guess I misunderstood that the only thing served would be candy! I think your wife is wrong about the "Volunteers are sweet" slogan...with the candy theme, it's great.

This will be a buffet luncheon. I haven't decided on the menu yet, but there will be lemon squares as one of the desserts! We raffle off 'baskets' of goodies and that money helps to offset the cost of the luncheon. It's a fun time. And then, a week later, I go on a 3-week cruise!

Did Jell-o poke and pour cake come about this time?

If you stick with the candy theme, here is a easy and inexpensive idea, not a centerpiece though :
http://www.ignoringchores.com/2012/03/candy-party-whiffle-ball-lights.html

50's theme... most of this could be bought at the dollar store, you wouldn't need so many vases if you didn't want them.

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