( CNN ) -- Russell Bailyn and Jay Gatsby have several things in common : They are both wealthy , live in Long Island , and know how to throw a great 1920s party . Of course , the similarities end there . Bailyn is a wealth manager working in Manhattan , who rented out a 1900s mansion for his 30th birthday last year . Gatsby is a fictional character -- the protagonist of F. Scott Fitzgerald 's `` The Great Gatsby , '' known for his lavish and extravagant weekend-long parties . Director Baz Luhrmann 's much-anticipated adaptation of `` Gatsby '' hits theaters on May 10 . The movie , much like the classic book , is expected to paint a glamorous portrait of the '20s . It 's a decade that many have attempted to recreate today through themed parties . 'Unfilmable ' novels ? No such thing , says Hollywood . Bailyn , who lives and grew up in Great Neck , New York , ( the town where Fitzgerald lived and is rumored to have been the basis for the novel 's `` West Egg '' ) said he 's enjoyed hosting memorable birthday parties since he turned 16 . `` I figured 'going Gatsby ' would be the perfect idea for the big 3-oh , '' he said . See more photos from Bailyn 's party . To be fair , lavish `` Gatsby '' affairs may not be what Fitzgerald had in mind -- his book critiques the nouveau riche of the 1920s -- but they 're undeniably fun . And that 's what really matters when it comes to parties , right ? We asked Bailyn and others who shared their 1920s party stories on CNN iReport for their top tips for hosting a successful soiree . We ca n't help but think that Gatsby himself would try to score an invite . If you 've hosted a 1920s party or are planning to , let us know . Share your story on CNN iReport .
Much - anticipated screening of ` ` The Great Gatsby '' hits theaters on May 10 . They asked iReporters to share their 1920s - style parties and events . Some hosted lavish affairs ; others recreated ` ` events '' on a budget . The No.1 party - hosting tip ? Pay attention to your guest list .