Help me pick out music for a party

Try This,

Koop (name of artists) "Koop Islands".

It's found in the electronica section of HMV etc, but it isn't dance or electronic music.

On the cover, it says (paraphrasing)... "music reminiscent of 1930's swing/big band era that can be heard in the dining hall of a liner while on a cruise in the Caribbean"... or something to that effect.

The first track: Koop Island Blues is awesome. Most of the tracks is sultry female vocals with rhythmic brush ride cymbals in the background.. and an airy summer Caribbean flavor.... upbeat and interesting.

If you're open to something more exotic, Cafe Hammam from EMI is a collection of relaxed middle eastern music, mostly acoustic; piano, sax, violin. Not bombastic like much middle eastern pop music (which I love, too), but suave and sophisticated.
I also like the sound of Elf73's suggestion, although I've never heard it. His description makes it sound perfect

You say that most people are in your age group and probably share your tastes,so unless you are hiring a DJ, play the music you own and know. I would probably play lighter, happier music from the time periods you cited. Use the "Big Chill" as a guide. Definitely throw in some 60's Motown.

When you want to end the party just put on "Escalator Over the Hill" and act like you're really getting into the "groove". I works. Trust me.

Thanks for all the responses. When I worked at a record store in the late 70's Rockadanny, I used to put on Ornette Coleman at closing time. Worked every time.

Richard