How to throw the ultimate 80s party

1. Invitations with 80s style
2. Retro decor for the party
3. 80s video games and arcades
4. The decade's essential music
5. Drinks with an 80s spirit
6. Themed food and desserts
7. Gifts and favours for guests

Put your smartphone down and travel back in time with the best 80s themed party. The end of the Cold War era gave the world new wave, arcades, neon fashion and fads in abundance: everything you need for a totally awesome party. While this theme works brilliantly as a nostalgic party for adults, it also adapts to a children's party simply by leaving out the alcohol.

Make simple invitations by folding yellow card in half and tracing round the top of a pint glass so it slightly overlaps the folded edge. Cut out the circles and take a triangular wedge out of the side opposite the fold to create a Pac-Man shape.

Write the party details inside, and do not forget to ask guests to dress in their best 80s style.

Decorate the room with 80s posters, records and streamers in pink and black. Create centrepieces with puzzle cubes, placing four cubes around a short black vase filled with fake 80s flowers: geometric foam shapes in neon colours glued to florist's wire.

Set up a TV in the room to show music videos and films from the era, and to play retro video games. If you do not have an old Atari or Nintendo console, look for a plug-and-play device with 80s arcade games such as Pac-Man, Asteroids, Space Invaders and Donkey Kong.

Play nothing but 80s music all night. If you have an old cassette player, play original tapes, or download your favourite songs to create your own digital "mixtape".

Some of the decade's most popular acts were Michael Jackson, Madonna, The Police and Duran Duran, but do not forget the one-hit-wonder gems. If you are using a streaming service, go straight for an 80s themed channel to save time.

Serve wine coolers and white zinfandel, plus 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-flavoured nachos, pizza and taco salad, with gourmet ice cream for dessert. Instead of cake, make a giant chocolate chip cookie, baked in a round pizza pan rather than a traditional tray, and decorated with icing.

Hand out themed favours during the party: mini puzzle cubes, sunglasses with a headband, lace hair bows, stickers, rubber bracelets, single sparkly gloves, popping or fizzing sweets, and CD copies of your 80s mix.

Related products: Video Games for Events Arcade Machines 80s Themed Event