Ready for a party? If you follow Mirror80’s Retro Foodie series, you know that the intersection of entertaining and ’80s style is a true passion of mine. Things are going to get a bit girly today, but you should also know by now that pink floral style isn’t the norm here on Mirror80. Which means I must have a pretty good reason for this post…and that reason is the 1986 film Pretty in Pink!
There’s so much going on with this film stylistically—it’s much more than a tribute to all things pink and floral. Throw in a touch of punk and New Wave, as well as a dash of Asian flair, and you have a complex take on ’80s style. And you know I love a design challenge! Today I’ll take you through the simple steps of planning a Pretty in Pink party, from food and drink ideas to fabulous decor…
Let’s start with the inspiration: Pretty in Pink. Check out Mirror80’s recent post on the visual style of the film for lots of great screen shots, and you’ll also find a few images above and below. Things to note: the powerful combination of pink and black for an edgy touch, as well as details such as Molly Ringwald’s Asian robe and the layers of textures and patterns that fill her character (Andie’s) room in the film:
Here are a few of the party supplies I gathered, which also doubled as a mini inspiration board for the palette of the event:
Pretty in Pink Party Decor
Ready for a few decorating strategies to set the mood?…
1. Fill a black vase with pink flowers.
You can find ’80s Deco vases for a few dollars at thrift stores such as Goodwill. Carnations with bright pink edging are the perfect long-lasting flowers for this party (I love low-maintenance arrangements). Add some height and drama with lily grass.
2. Make an impromptu table runner using various shades of pink felt.
Pre-cut felt rectangles are affordable and easy to work with. Try cutting them into different lengths for visual interest. You can even create an ombre, gradient-style runner by progressing from dark to light.
3. Pin fabric to the wall for the perfect party backdrop.
The scarf above reminds me of the blue and pink floral skirt Andie wears during the breakup scene with Blane. The large cream sheet of fabric is actually a tablecloth. Side note: there’s something Boho chic about draped fabric, which is super on trend in today’s design climate.
4. Incorporate Asian touches, such as paper fans or Chinese paper lanterns.
I taped lightweight paper fans to the inside of the dome pendant above my dining room table. You can also string paper lanterns overhead (Chinese paper lanterns appear in a couple of the film’s scenes).
5. Invite guests who love this film as much as you do!
Since you may want to put the movie on in the background (you can mute it and create your own party soundtrack), it’s essential to invite other Pretty in Pink enthusiasts! The lovely ladies below have been in my life for 25+ years. Yes, this party is the perfect excuse for middle school and high school reunion time, folks!
Food and Beverages
Here are a few food and drink ideas for the party…
1. Rosy cocktails
Try a mimosa bar with pomegranate and grapefruit juices. Garnish your pomegranate mimosas with fresh lime slices and the grapefruit mimosas with thyme sprigs. Yum!
2. Tasty appetizers with fresh garnishes
Here are a few ideas:
- sweet potato chips with goat cheese aoli, topped with chives
- a mushroom and onion frittata topped with chopped parsley
- green olives with orange zest
- watermelon and basil on toothpicks, covered in balsamic vinaigrette, sea salt and pepper
- cashews and Marcona almonds
- decadent desserts, such as cupcakes, chocolate cookies and raspberry yogurt-covered pretzels
Pretty in Pink Party Favors
As you can see above and below, the party favors for a Pretty in Pink shindig should be festive, fun and easy to create. Check out Mirror80’s full tutorial for the ’80s Deco fan-themed favor envelopes shown above and below. Pink envelopes, origami paper and black rhinestone stickers do the trick. Fill the envelopes with small items such as tea packets. You can also send guests home with a paper fan or a Chinese paper lantern, as well as a crafty bauble like the turquoise cut glass bead shown in the montage above. I love how Molly Ringwald’s character Andie was always making her own clothes and jewelry in this film. Inspire your guests to do the same!
Here are a few more shots of the party. Don’t hesitate to mix colors and patterns for this event. Have fun with it, and throw in edgier touches to keep things from getting too frilly. Bring on the neon candles and ’80s Deco accents…
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