Mirror80

Reflecting on recent retro style

  • Home
  • About Mirror80
  • Contact

’80s Party Decorations with Modern Flair

August 27, 2014 by Kate Leave a Comment

Cruise chic

Ready for a party? If you’re looking for ’80s party decorations with a unique twist, today’s post is for you! We’ve rounded up our favorite pics from party photo shoots past and grouped them by decor concept. Getting an ’80s look is easier than you might think, especially since the 1980s are now back on our radar through the realm of modern design. Here are a few ways to get a fun, festive retro look that’s also original. Save your Rubik’s Cubes for another party–this one’s all about celebrating the way the 1980s have re-emerged in today’s ever-changing design world. Enjoy!

Throughout today’s post, you’ll find helpful links under the image montages. Click on them to find the original posts in which the images appeared (as well as more great ’80s party ideas).

Colorful Paper Products

Make it easy by using paper products that help reinforce an ’80s theme. No, they don’t need to be from the 1980s. Go with solid colors in vibrant hues, or opt for fun patterns. We’re partial to the selection at Target, especially when they collaborate with talented designers such as Joy Cho from Oh Joy!

Paper product montage

IMAGES ARE FROM THE FOLLOWING MIRROR80 PARTIES (Clockwise from the top left): Mirror80’s 3rd Birthday, A Summer Party with Tropical Style, A Halt and Catch Fire Viewing Party

Retro Tableware

Prefer ceramics to paper? Opt for retro tableware–the kind you find at Goodwill and thrift stores for a few dollars apiece. We love picking up serving platters at bargain prices, as well as retro glassware! Mix and match with your own dishes or other retro finds!

Vintage dishware motif

IMAGES ARE FROM THE FOLLOWING MIRROR80 PARTIES (Clockwise from the top left): Mirror80’s 3rd Birthday, A Neon Noir Party, A Fall Snack Break

’80s Deco Vases

Speaking of thrift store finds…. ’80s Deco vases filled with blooms make perfect party centerpieces. Again, these retro finds can be purchased for a few dollars apiece at thrift stores. Some are swanky. Some have a Southwestern look. Some look like they belong in Vegas. There’s a vase for every party…

'80s Deco vase montage

IMAGES ARE FROM THE FOLLOWING MIRROR80 PARTIES (Clockwise from the top left): An ’80s-Style Thanksgiving, An ’80s Awards Show Party, An ’80s-Style Thanksgiving

A Tropical Touch

Tropical style instantly evokes the ’80s. Maybe it’s all those episodes of Miami Vice… And let’s not forget that motifs such as flamingos, parrots and watermelon enjoyed their moment in the 1980s spotlight. Purchase some tropical greenery for your party (its often very affordable, as one large leaf will often do the trick), and you can always take things in a Neon Noir direction by offering guests glow-in-the-dark necklaces.

Tropical montage

IMAGES ARE FROM THE FOLLOWING MIRROR80 PARTIES (Clockwise from the top left): A Summer Party with Tropical Style, A Neon Noir Party, A Neon Noir Party

Marble

Marble is having a moment, isn’t it?! And marble was BIG in the ’80s. The epitome of decadence, it filled bank and hotel lobbies with its sleek shine. Planning a yuppie cocktail party? Draw on movies such as Baby Boom and The Secret of My Success for your inspiration and let the marble take center stage. We’re constantly purchasing marble tile at home improvement stores, and we love using it for our DIY projects. Marble makes a great centerpiece embellishment!

Marble montage

IMAGES ARE FROM THE FOLLOWING MIRROR80 PARTIES AND POSTS (Clockwise from the top left): An Awards Show Party with Retro Style, DIY Project: Marble and Mineral Scapes, Last Sips of Summer: The Mint Flamingo, A Pastel Party–with Donuts!

Still Life Style

There’s been a HUGE revival in still life photography in recent years, but instead of fruit and flowers, the featured objects are colorful and often geometric. Check out this post for inspiration, and then get started on some ’80s party decor inspired by the still life look. We’re talking colorful foam sheeting, simple shapes, grids and marble, folks! The look is modern, yet undeniably “Memphis-Milano meets ’80s tech”!

Still life montage

IMAGES ARE FROM THE FOLLOWING MIRROR80 PARTIES AND POSTS (Clockwise from the top left): An ’80s DIY Still Life, A Halt and Catch Fire Viewing Party, An ’80s DIY Still Life

Sprinkles

In case you hadn’t noticed, sprinkles are everywhere, including plenty of ’80s Tumblrs. Yes, sprinkle-covered donuts, sprinkle-patterned sheets and other tasty creations are evoking sweet treats from the past, as well as Memphis-Milano motifs. So pile on the sprinkles. You can even incorporate them into your party table design, scattering them around dishes and serving platters for  a festive touch!

Sprinkles montage

IMAGES ARE FROM THE FOLLOWING MIRROR80 PARTIES AND POSTS (Clockwise from the top left): An ’80s Valentine’s Day Dessert Buffet, A Retro Halloween Buffet, An Awards Show Party with Retro Style, 3 Go-To Ingredients for Instant ’80s Style

Confetti

Since we’re talking toppings, let’s top off today’s post with a big dose of confetti. Because it’s the perfect way to add an ’80s touch to your party. And it can take on a variety of looks, from the bright and colorful to the swanky and the dreamy. Again, don’t hesitate to sprinkle it on your tabletop for a fabulous finishing statement. A confetti runner is always a good idea!

Confetti montage

IMAGES ARE FROM THE FOLLOWING MIRROR80 PARTIES (Clockwise from the top left): Mirror80’s 3rd Birthday, Mirror80’s 3rd Birthday, A Pastel Party–with Donuts!, An Awards Show Party with Retro Style

Looking for more ’80s party inspiration? Check out our Retro Foodie posts, which are packed with party pics, design ideas and mood boards for inspiration. And don’t forget to follow Mirror80 on Pinterest, where you’ll find even more festive ideas for your next party! Cheers!

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Tumblr
  • More
  • Reddit
  • LinkedIn
  • Pocket
  • Print
  • Email

Related

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Mirror80 is a blog that celebrates the intersection of modern design and retro style. I'm Kate, and I enjoy exploring the look and feel of the "recent retro", with a focus on the late '70s through the early '90s. Welcome to Mirror80. Read More…

Categories

  • Art
  • DIY
  • Fashion
  • Film
  • Graphic Design
  • Interior Design
  • Interviews
  • Playlists
  • Reflections
  • Retro Foodie
  • Still Life
  • Television
  • Video Picks

Mirror80 Email List

Subscribe to our newsletter to receive a weekly email featuring our latest posts. [ninja_forms_display_form id=2]

Popular Posts

Recent Posts

  • Pastabilities
  • A Magical Fall
  • DIY Frosted Pumpkins
  • “Physical”, Working Out and Womanhood
  • An ’80s-Style Dining Room Makeover

Archives

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Tumblr
  • Twitter

FEATURED POSTS

Embracing Color

7 Easy Ways to Bring ’80s Style Home

Top Gun Style: A Tropical Patio

Retro Architecture at the Beach

Holographic Style

Teatime, Retro-Style

A Memphis-Meets-Deco Home Tour

Dead Malls, Childhood Memories and ’80s Style

An ’80s Fashion Photo Shoot!

1980s Interior Design Styles

Copyright © 2023 · Dynamik-Gen on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.