Throw the Ultimate '80s Party: Ideas & Inspiration!

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Discussion Overview

The thread centers around planning an '80s themed party, with participants sharing ideas for food, attire, and nostalgic elements from the decade. Various suggestions highlight popular snacks and fashion trends from the '80s.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses curiosity about food ideas for an '80s themed night, mentioning classic candies like pop rocks and fun dip.
  • Another participant suggests incorporating big hair, collar-up shirts, and tight jeans, along with pizza and microwaveable foods.
  • A group plans to dress as the Village People, emphasizing big hair and bold makeup, and mentions making a micro cake.
  • One participant recalls that meat cooked in the microwave often didn't turn out well, suggesting chicken or pork as options to demonstrate proper cooking methods.
  • Another participant reminisces about potato skins being popular in the '80s and mentions a Pampered Chef cookbook recipe for a bite-sized version.
  • One user remembers nachos being a popular snack, noting their tendency to become soggy when microwaved.
  • Another participant shares their frequent preparation of microwave nachos.
  • One participant recalls Buffalo wings being a staple, suggesting a healthier baked version and sharing their personal connection to Buffalo, NY.
  • Another participant agrees on the popularity of Buffalo wings and adds a humorous memory about making popcorn in a brown paper bag.
  • One participant thanks others for their suggestions and plans to share the ideas with the party host.
  • Another participant reflects on their successful microwave cooking experiences, including whole turkeys and roasts.
  • Several participants emphasize the importance of '80s fashion elements like feather earrings, big jewelry, and thrift store finds.
  • One participant humorously mentions the need for parachute pants and colorful socks worn over them.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on specific food choices and fashion elements, with no clear consensus emerging on the best options for the party.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and memories related to the '80s, reflecting on cultural trends and food preferences from that time.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in planning an '80s themed event or those looking for nostalgic ideas related to food and fashion from the decade may find this discussion helpful.

JaimeQ
Messages
2,317
We are doing an 80's themed night and was curious as to what to make. Anyone have any ideas? She has already got the "candy" that was out then such as some pop rocks, candy necklaces and fun dip. TIA:D
 
OMG! this could be so fun! You HAVE to do big hair! And wear your shirt collar up, with big earrings and tight jeans.

Pizza would be good.
Or anything in the microwave, since that's when that appliance really hit the mainstream.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #3
A group of us that are going are gonna dress up as the village people but do it up a bit cause we are all girls... we are gonna do the big hair, the blue eyeshadow up to our eyebrows.....

Then I could do the micro cake:)
 
Or the chicken/pork. Because, if you remember (and you may be too young), everyone tried to do meat in the micro, but it never came out. With those 2 recipes, you can show how it's supposed to be done.
 
Potato Skins were big when I was running around in the '80s. I think one of the PC cookbooks has a potato appetizer that would do the same thing. Can't recall which book, but they were a bite-sized potato skin with sour cream and toppings.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #6
yummy sounds good. I don't have the covered deep baker isn't that what you use to do the meat??

I am deff. gonna look for the tater skin recipe though.
 
I remember nachos being the big thing when we were in middle school (late eighties)!! Maybe some on the stone in the micro?? Back in the 80's they were AWFUL and soggy in the micro!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #8
lol I make microwave nachos all the time:P
 
I might be off...I remember Buffalo wings being huge - $ .10 wing nights, etc... You could do a healthy version baking them on the stomeware bar pan, cook the sauce in executive stir fry or skillet with enough room to roll them in the sauce, serve in SA platter and veggies and blue cheese dip in the Chillzanne. (Mind you, I am originally from Buffalo, NY so I may be way off base on this. Maybe only WE ate lots of wings...) :D
 
Hi Rebecca I went to SUNY @ Brockport early 80's and I do remember eating a LOT of Buffalo Wings !!!!! Don't forget the popcorn (we tried to make the popcorn in a brown paper bag and almost started a fire). BIG hair is a must and don't forget the shoulder pads !!!! Have a great time
 
  • Thread starter
  • #11
Thanks yall for all the great ideas. I will let her know all the different options and see what she says.
 
chefann said:
Or the chicken/pork. Because, if you remember (and you may be too young), everyone tried to do meat in the micro, but it never came out. With those 2 recipes, you can show how it's supposed to be done.

hey - it came out for some of us! I used to cook whole turkeys, roasts, even hamburgers in mine. I actually had a huge browning plate. I was just thinking about that thing the other day.

And you never even had to think about whether or not those things were big enough for anything. They were gigantic! :D
 
Don't forget the feather earrings!!!:D
 
  • Thread starter
  • #14
lol. well we were going to dress up as the village people but that has since been terminated. So now i'm back to square one with that... I am looking to see if I have a skirt I can turn in to a mini and then mabe where some footless tights or leg warmers with a off the shoulder sweatshirt.... I dunno yet...
 
BIG jewelery... bangles, hoop earings; jean jacket
 
  • Thread starter
  • #16
I'm hopefully going to be going thrift store shopping soon so I can find some of these items:)
 
Does anyone have any parachute pants??? Don't forget 2 or 3 different colored socks OVER the pants...With high tops
 
Flip up the collars on whatever you're wearing, too.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some essential decorations for an '80s themed party?

To create an authentic '80s atmosphere, consider using neon colors, geometric patterns, and metallic accents. Balloons in bright colors, posters of popular '80s movies and music icons, and cassette tapes as table centerpieces can enhance the theme. Don't forget to add some disco balls and string lights for that retro vibe!

What kind of music should I play at an '80s party?

Curate a playlist featuring iconic '80s hits from artists like Madonna, Michael Jackson, Prince, and Duran Duran. Include a mix of pop, rock, and new wave tracks to keep the energy high. You can also consider hiring a DJ who specializes in '80s music or using a streaming service that offers '80s playlists.

What are some fun games or activities for an '80s party?

Incorporate classic games like Twister, Pac-Man arcade games, or even a karaoke session featuring '80s songs. You can also organize a dance-off to popular '80s dance moves like the Moonwalk or the Running Man. A trivia game focused on '80s pop culture can also be a hit among guests!

What food and drinks should I serve at an '80s party?

Serve nostalgic snacks like pizza rolls, nachos, and finger foods that were popular in the '80s. For drinks, consider serving colorful cocktails or mocktails, such as Blue Lagoon or Piña Colada. Don't forget to include a fun dessert table with items like Jell-O, cupcakes with neon frosting, and candy from the '80s!

How can I encourage guests to dress in '80s attire?

Include a dress code in your party invitations, encouraging guests to wear their best '80s outfits. Suggest iconic styles like leg warmers, shoulder pads, acid-wash jeans, and vibrant accessories. You can even host a costume contest with prizes for the best-dressed guests to motivate everyone to embrace the theme!

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