Summer is in full swing! If you’re planning a summer party with an ’80s theme, the good news is that the Decade of Decadence is back. In a big way! In fact, many designers, bloggers and artists are presenting a pared-down, clean-lined approach to retro-modern style that’s perfect for today’s summer aesthetic. Get ready for palm leaves, bright hues and geo forms! Today I’m rounding up some of my favorite ’80s party ideas that reflect the colorful, tropical festivity of the warmest season of the year. Follow the link in each header below to visit the original post that featured the photo. Enjoy…
Neon Frosting
Use neon food coloring to enhance store-bought frosting. Add it to your favorite cookies and top it off with sprinkles! This food can play double-duty as decor.
A Memphis-Style Tray
Use art paper to embellish a basic tray for an instant dose of retro-modern style. Serve your favorite cocktails and snacks, then remove the paper with ease for a quick clean-up! This tray was designed by my good friend Jon of Happy Mundane for our Palm Party!
A Signature Cocktail
What’s a party without a signature cocktail?! Mirror80 has showcased an assortment of fun drink ideas over the years, from the The Mint Flamingo to the mocktail featured in the photo above. Say hello the The Cranberry Fizz! Serve it with round citrus slices for a tropical twist that perfectly complements ’80s style.
Confetti!
A no-fail ’80s party rule: always have confetti at the ready! I love the classic, vibrant style of the paper confetti pictured above, but the possibilities are endless. Scatter it across your buffet table to create an instant runner, or sprinkle it for a fun accent.
Geo Objects
Geo style is one of today’s top design trends. Good thing it exudes retro flair, because it couldn’t be easier to celebrate at home (or at your next party). From displaying geo forms such as pyramids and cubes to enhancing affordable floor tile with marble contact paper, there’s no easier way to get an ’80s look.
A DIY Centerpiece
When it comes to party centerpieces, there’s nothing like a simple tropical leaf in a modern vase (more on tropical greenery later in the post). Try embellishing a basic glass vase with granite-motif contact paper for a New Memphis touch!
Rad Paper Goods
There’s no shame in serving up snacks on paper plates. Especially when the design is this good! Remember these fabulous geo party goods by Harlow & Grey (featured at the Happy Mundane/Mirror80 Palm Party)?!
An Easy Backdrop
The tropical scarf in the image above was purchased for a few dollars at Sam Moon. Many tropical patterns exude ’80s style, so don’t hesitate to throw a scarf or other tropical piece of fabric over the table for an impromptu summer party runner or tablecloth.
Summer-Perfect Accents
Funny how those little drink umbrellas can make such a big statement! Display them in a clean container so they’re ready to add to cocktails, or create a neon display on your party table by sprinkling colorful sand and adding the umbrellas as a purely decorative touch.
A Painted Tropical Leaf
Use acrylic craft paint to embellish a tropical leaf! It’s vibrant, unexpected, and oh so easy!
Do you have any ’80s summer party ideas to share? So many of you write in with creative suggestions. I’d love to hear more of them, so leave me a comment below… XOXO, Kate
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