Put down your smartphone and travel back in time with the ultimate 80s party. The end of the Cold War era gave the world a new wave, arcades, neon fashion and trends galore, everything that makes for a totally awesome party. While this theme works well as a nostalgia-filled party for adults, it can be adapted for a children's party by leaving out the alcohol.
Make simple 80s invitations by folding yellow card stock in half and tracing the top of a pint glass so that it slightly overlaps the folded edge. Cut out the circles and cut a triangular piece from the side opposite the fold to make a Pac-Man shape. Write the party details inside: don't forget to tell your guests to dress in their best 80s style.
Decorate the party room with 80s posters, records and pink and black streamers. Make puzzle cube centerpieces by placing four cubes around a short black vase filled with fake 80s flowers: neon-colored foam geometric shapes glued to floral wire.
Set up a TV in the party room to show 80s music videos and movies, and to play old video games. If you don't have an old Atari or Nintendo console, look for a plug-and-play game that offers 80s arcade games such as Pac-Man, Asteroids, Space Invaders and Donkey Kong.
Play nothing but 80s music during the party. If you have an old stereo with a record player and tape deck, play old recordings. Or download your favorite 80s songs on iTunes or Amazon to make your own digital "mixtape". Some of the most popular artists of the 80s included Michael Jackson, Madonna, The Police and Duran Duran, but don't forget the one-hit wonders. If you use a digital music streaming service, look for an 80s channel to save time.
Serve wine coolers and white zinfandel, as well as beer and soft drinks. For mixed drinks, make an "ecto-cooler" with yellow citrus sodas such as Mountain Dew or Mello Yello, green lime and vodka.
Serve ranch-flavored tortilla chips, pizza and taco salad. Serve gourmet ice cream for dessert. Instead of a cake, make a giant chocolate chip cookie using a round pizza pan instead of a cookie sheet. Decorate the cookie with icing.
Hand out party favors during the party, including mini puzzle cubes, headband sunglasses, lace hair bows, stickers, rubber bracelets, single sparkly gloves, popping or fizzing candy and CD copies of your 80s party mix.