10 Hot Party Trends for 2018

Happy New Year and welcome to 2018! Usually I do a round up of 2017’s best posts and highlights but I’m so excited to talk about new party trends and other stuff, I just want to jump right in.  A new year means a new set of hot party trends, although some are still going strong from last year, like lettering and statement balloons. Here are the 10 that will be making serious waves in 2018…

Anything with PANTONE Color of the Year

With Ultra Violet deemed Color of the Year, it is a guarantee to be all over events this year, especially weddings. My annual roundup of Color of the Year ideas is coming up soon, because how amazing is this deep shade of purple!  This gorgeous tabletop featured on Whimsical Wonderland Weddings with photography by Kate Gray Photography features the color in a stunning setting.

Marble + Copper

Metallic tones are always hot but pair it with a cool element and you’ve magic.  Marble and copper is a timeless look that is all over the home decor scene this year.  It is perfect for any party setting; Harlow and Grey pairs their party plates for the win!

Geometric Shapes

Speaking of hexagon plates, I am obsessed with geometric shapes and I’m not alone!  Remember it was just the summer of the Terrarium? Edgy angles are all the rage and shaped crafts and decor have started to gain serious popularity.  You don’t need to have a ton of geometric pieces, just add a few elements like these metal geometric vases from Alfloral.

Greenery Backdrops 

Whether it is for your food and drink tables or photo ops, backdrops aren’t going anywhere.  The trend is toward more natural elements like using boxwood and other greenery, floral drapes and swags.  Thanks to Cake and Confetti’s boxwood backdrop tutorial, I’m making a smaller version for an upcoming party!

Translucent Accents

One of my entertaining goals is to incorporate translucent accents, like Lucite and acrylic, into my repertoire.   Those ubiquitous ‘ghost chairs‘ are just the tip of the translucent iceberg, from serving trays and tray tables to ornaments and amazing signage like this handwritten-on-acrylic drink recipe from Flutter.

Comfort Food

From decked out drip cakes to outrageous milkshakes and doughnut walls, 2017 was all about my favorite party trends, the sweets!  This year, it will be about savory comfort food bars in serving size portions from slider bars to macaroni stations to my favorite, a French fry bar!  How clever is this set up from Southern Revivals;  with intriguing toppings from ranch aioli to pepper jelly, this food bar is perfect for any soiree.

Modern Drink Stations

Speaking of guests helping themselves, drink stations are getting a new twist!  It has been mostly about martini and mimosa bars…traditionally relegated to cocktail parties, brunches and girls’ night out.  But what if you and your crowd aren’t into those types of drinks?  Beer, brandy, bourbon and tequila drink stations are becoming more common and are just as fun.  This bourbon bar by Millie Holloman Photography, featured on the knot, showcases several types of bourbons and the necessary accouterments like decanters and specialty glassware.  I personally need a tequila bar in my life…

Celebrating Milestone Birthdays

10…16…18…21…30…40…milestone birthdays are the times for a super special birthday party!  The trend has been focusing on older milestone birthdays like the Dirty 30 (and like a billion iterations! I’m not lying, look up how much “30” inspired party stuff there is!) and Fabulous 50 and it will only continue to skyrocket.  The Pink Owl Gifts’ cake stopper is a great start to setting the cake scene.

Season Mixing Mashups

From Christmas in July parties to painted pumpkins to summer wreaths, like this succulent beauty from BHG, season mixing mashups are going to become more popular.  Many people are looking for new and unique ways to celebrate old traditions and what better way than a twist on a classic?

 

Hygge inspired entertaining

Sometimes we can get a little Pinterest-inspiration burnout with over-the-top party ideas.  Although there is no literal translation, the Danish word/concept hygge (pronounced hoo-ga) alludes to a feeling of cozy intimacy and contentment. It’s all about creating feelings of happiness, friendliness embracing little luxuries every day in order to foster a sense of familiarity, comfort and kinship. Translation, simple, modern and laidback entertaining.  From potlucks to game night, stay in, dim the lights, have a few simple party decorations and close friends and your night is hyggeligt (translate: cozy).  Take a cue from Selena Gomez’s 25th birthday celebration and Life Styled’s 30 tips.

Are there any hot party trends you can’t wait to try this year?