10 Hot Party Trends for 2019

Happy New Year and welcome to 2019! 2018 saw a slew of hot party trends and I’m excited to bring you this year’s annual round up to get you inspired for your own celebrations.  As always, these are just suggestions, if there is a trend that you absolutely must continue to have (I see you DIY drink bars) and it works for you, by all means carry on!

 

Anything with PANTONE Color of the Year

Anything PANTONE Color of the Year is always on the list.  I love this year’s choice, Living Coral, a perfect color combo with just about every color. It is a guarantee to be all over events this year, especially weddings. Pops of color on this wedding table, photographed by Krista Mason Photography and featured on Ruffled, works fabulously on a neutral table.

Number/Letter Cookie Cakes

If you have been living under a rock, then you missed the magic of Adi Klinghofer’s number and letter creations.  Jump on Pinterest and search ‘number cakes’ or ‘letter cakes’ and prepare to fall down the rabbit hole of amazing delectables she has inspired. 2019 will see a huge jump in these creations; Jenny Cookies shares a great tutorial to create your own.

Swans

Flamingos and toucans rule the summer but swans are going to rule 2019.  From clever doughnut versions to Bashery’s amazing soiree for her 1 year old, these graceful birds are going to pop up everywhere.

Orb Balloons

Last year it was the year of the statement balloons…you know, those giant mylar balloons that spelled out just about anything.  Orb balloons will take party decor to the next 3-D level…from mylar to latex, big round balloons are everywhere! LENZO leads the charge with their innovated creations, like their amazing Christmas party set up.

Monochromatic Party Themes

It can be tempting to get as colorful as possible, but simple does not have to mean boring. Can’t decide on a party theme? One or two color party palettes are a fabulous way to tie party elements together no matter what you are celebrating.  Plus, it is a classic way that gives the illusion of luxe.  Oh Happy Day! nails the look perfectly with various shades of green…and hey, orb balloons!

Unique Entertainment

Photobooths are so 2018…unique entertainment ideas are the new rage! From tarot card readers to mobile escape rooms, having new and exciting ways for guests to interact with each other is always a plus! A recent book signing I attended had a fashion caricaturist…I have never looked more fabulous!

 

Sustainable Party Decor

Sustainable and reusable party decor has been a staple of my entertaining repertoire for years. When it comes to planning a party at home, all your party essentials and decor items often go to waste at the end of the night. Everyone wants to reduce their carbon footprints and party more ethically. Digital invitations, locally sourced foods, crafts instead of favor bags, and cloth napkins with ‘real’ plates have been making a big comeback.  Martha Stewart shares a few fabulous ways for an eco-friendly bash.

Mocktails

Yes, designer cocktails with exotic ingredients and amazing garnishes are always a win! But non-alcoholic beverages are becoming more popular as guests want to be able to party more responsibly…but not feel like a kid with a Shirley Temple.  Instead of your standard mixes with grenadine and fruit juice, there will be more creative use of house-made syrups and tonics, and non-alcoholic spirits such as Ceder’s and Seedlip. Check out their ‘Minosa‘, made with Seedlip Grove 42, clementine juice and cold soda.

Play Zones

Nostalgia is always a crowd pleaser.  Designate areas of your event specifically for open play at all times to not-so-subtly promote play. Oversized games like Jenga, Connect Four, and Twister are becoming a staple at large receptions and outdoor events.  They are fabulous interactive decor that helps people become more connected while they play in a unique way.   Have a table with sheets of adult coloring book pages, kitschy craft stations (a must at any party of mine), or video games, are great ways to switch gears and keep your guests engaged.

Celebrating Unusual Holidays

National Doughnut Day…Pi Day…Galentine’s Day. Throwing a party to celebrate an unusual holiday is always a good time.  I remember when Galentine’s Day was a weird niche thing.  Now, it’s a ‘thing’! Many hosts are looking for times to celebrate a time of year when people aren’t overwhelmed and inundated with dozens of party invites…I’m looking at you, Christmas.

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