80S Party Ideas
Blast from the Past: 80’s Party Ideas
People love to take a step back in time to celebrate old fads and trends, which is probably why so many enjoy throwing an 80’s party. Ideas for costumes, decorations, hairstyles and food are pretty easy to come by since there are so many around who enjoyed that era as their heyday.
Each generation develops a new look, new trends and new fads. As they make their mark with their styles, it is natural to look back at the previous generation and playfully poke fun at the clothes they wore, the slang they spoke and they music they listened and danced to. Those who were teens in the 50’s enjoyed dressing up in the styles of the Roaring 20’s; doing the Charleston and saying things like “bee’s knees” and “hip to the jive”. Then it was their turn to be gently mocked as the generation of the 70’s emerged to dress in poodle skirts and wear crew cuts and ducktail hairstyles, quoting terms such as “hepcat” and “big daddy” and dancing to the Stroll. The teenagers of the 90’s were in seventh heaven as they emulated their hippy parents of the 70’s; flower children, peace signs and staging “sit ins” for protests.
Once the 2000’s rolled around, it was only natural that the 80’s fads and fashions would catch on. Teens of this era still enjoy the Roaring 20’s and 50’s, but are more akin to try and recreate the age of the their parents, who also get a kick out of reliving their teenage days. Throwing a theme party that exemplifies everything 80’s is both fun and nostalgic.
When planning an 80’s party, the best ideas can be obtained from those who lived it. There might even be some original remaining clothing hanging around; unforgotten in the back of a closet of hidden away in trunk somewhere. Costuming can sometimes be the easiest part of reliving an era, since fashion styles seem to be on a revolving door system; always coming back for one more try. Parachute pants, acid washed jeans, rolled pant legs on jeans, hoodies, layered socks, swatch watches and jelly footwear were all the rage at that time. Brand favorites were also strong; Guess jeans, Converse and Reebok were commonly seen labels.
Setting the stage for a party can be a defining factor; people should feel as though they have walked through a time portal as they enter the party room. Choose some of the most popular recording artists of the time and display posters on the walls of Bananarama, Cyndi Lauper, Motley Crew and Van Halen. Bright colors should be splashed everywhere; fluorescent pink was a big hit. And don’t forget the video game craze began during this time; Donkey Kong, PacMan, Frogger and Mario Brothers were captivating activities that still bring back fond memories.
Many of the snack foods that gained high popularity during the 80’s are now defunct, such as certain flavors of tortilla and corn chips snacks. Serving regular brand chips with dips such as sour cream and onion or ranch dip can at least hint at those flavorful crispy delights. Many of the candies that were marketed in the 80’s can still be obtained, so fill bowls full of Bottle Caps, Pop Rocks and Nerds to reminisce on those blissful childhood moments. Visit a Spanish or Jewish convenience store and you’ll be able to purchase original Coca Colas and Pepsi products made with real sugar; a real treat to serve guests.
In another ten years, it’ll be another generation mimicking its predecessor, but for now folks are still having fun with retro 80’s party ideas; reliving yet one more chapter from our trendy past.