Happy New Year and welcome to 2020! 2019 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 have (I see you orb balloons) 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. This year’s choice, Classic Blue is apparently a controversial pick. However, denim is always number one in my book, so bring it on…it’s not called a ‘classic’ for nothing! Different shades of blue can be complemented with neutrals like bright white and grey, earth tones or with pops of color like yellow and bright green. This amazing bar featured on Style Me Pretty, is what my blue-hued dreams are made of and leads us to our next trend…
Sustainable Parties
More than just a buzzword, sustainable entertaining has always been a controversial movement. Many feel that some solutions (using glassware and linens instead of disposable options) creates its own set of problems (water usage, storage issues, feasibility). Shopping local and/or organic (like a farmers’ market) is an amazing way to create a smaller carbon footprint, but often at a higher cost. Sometimes, the ‘all or nothing’ approach can scare off potential users. Striking a good balance is really key. Thrifting glassware from garage sales and consignment stores? Use them in your everyday life and keep their colors neutral (but it is also ok to mix and match) so they work for a variety of gatherings. If you must use disposables at your party, biodegradable is a great option. Bamboo products are sturdy for multiple uses, a quickly renewable resource and biodegradable.
Gender Neutral Themes
Inclusivity is always a good thing. From accommodating food allergies to serving mocktails for those who don’t imbibe, making all of your guests feel important is the hallmark of a good host or hostess. We won’t go into the backlash of gender reveal parties, (which I love but are becoming ridiculously dangerous!) nor telling anyone how they should or should not celebrate. 2020 will be a big year for thinking outside the gender box and a return to classic themes like pizza parties, space jams (see my next party trend), to glow-in-the-dark parties. One size fits all is never boring when it comes to party themes. A great place to start shopping for party supplies and ideas, one of my favorite online party stores, Geese & Ganders, that ” ‘celebrates every child’s limitless imagination and individuality. Here, there are no boy and girl aisles.’ “
Space Everything!
The last installation of the Star Wars films may be in theaters but our love for everything beyond the stars will be even brighter in 2020. Sidebar, how much are you loving The Mandalorian?? Could it be because Virgin Galactic is launching their first commercial space flight from New Mexico later this year? ~cue Beastie Boys’ “Intergalactic”. Celestial inspired gatherings from baby showers to weddings are going to rule! Galaxy doughnuts, STEM activities, even NASA inspired gear is on the rise. The stars are aligned this Halloween for my Mystical Fortunes party and it won’t be the last. Did I mention my recent (and first tattoo) is of two crabs, my boys’ Cancer signs? It also includes the constellation. But again, I digress. This amazing party featured on Kara’s Party Ideas is filled with so many amazing and recreatable details.
The Great Outdoors
Speaking of space, taking celebrations outdoors will be strong in this new decade. Digital fatigue and the need to disconnect from the abundance of screens and harsh lighting will be a big factor in outdoor entertaining. From hosting events at parks and lakes to revamping backyards with outdoor bars, covered decks or outdoor play areas, we are heeding the words of our parents to ‘Take it outside!’ From companies like Shelter Co. who do the glamping work for you to the other extreme, bushcraft camping, aka wilderness survival, with companies like Firebox, there is something for every level of explorer. Even if you are channeling the wilderness in all its glory, there are so many ways to put your own spin on. Will I ever tire of a wall of vintage Thermos featured on Ruffled? Nope.
Bohemian
Speaking of the outdoors, natural elements are coming in strong for decor. Boho chic has always been around, but with a return to outdoor and sustainable entertaining, 2020 is the Year of the Bohemian. Boho’s simple, neutral color palettes — think tans, mauves, cream and brown tones — will dominate. It’s all about the visual interest with lots of different textures. Yes, pampas grass is going to continue to dominate. But the look is definately more greenery, less flowers. Succulents and dried florals aren’t going to wilt and require cooler air or water. This makes them another great option for an outdoor event. Or turn playing with them into the event itself. This Boho Meets Rustic Friendsgiving featured on Green Wedding Shoes, is a fabulous example of blending the neutral color palette with amazing textures.
Disco Balls
On the other end of the spectrum, it’s disco balls! And I don’t mean just for New Year’s Eve parties or the center of the dance floor…but everywhere from backdrops to place cards, ice buckets and paper goods. Now, I’ve been on that disco train for awhile and I think everyone else is going to finally catch up with me. Incorporate the bohemian vibe with a modern flair by incorporating greenery, whether fresh or dried, into your disco ball clusters. Featured on 100 Layer Cake, the juxtaposition of the shimmery disco balls with organic branches makes for a unique take on the standard disco ball décor.
The 90’s
Thank you Netflix, for single-handedly bringing back the 90s with the Friends revival and a line up of 90s cartoons. With so many reboots and sequels coming (looking at you, Bad Boys II and Clueless reboot!), the scrunchie makeover, and the 90s look all over the runways, hip hop and other 90s themed parties are going to be big in 2020. Look no further than an awe-inspiring first birthday ode to Biggie Smalls featured on 100 Layer Cake.
Pet Celebrations
From celebrating human babies to celebrating fur babies, pet parents can be pretty extra when it comes to a pet’s birthday pawty or adoptiversary….and why not? More people view their pets as an integral part of their family than ever before. From natural, organic, vegan skin care, to spas and resorts and high end designer wear, there are pets out there living better than me! This year, I predict a massive boom in pet celebrations. Finding time to celebrate unconventional events was big last year, and is going to be a bigger party trend in 2020. This playful dog picnic party featured on HWTM has fun ideas for four-legged friends and their hoomans.
Specialty Foods
Move over doughnut walls, specialty bars, conveyor belts and fusion cuisine are in! Interactive stations are inviting guests to be in on the fun. Thanks to a social-media-hungry public and the rise of foodie culture, finding creative ways to appease a diverse audience has always been a blessing and a curse. Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, vegan, and keto diets have become more mainstream so an extra layer of creativity is added. It’s no longer enough to only offer one or two options for specialty diets. Even carb-centric dishes such as pasta and bread will use more almond flour, rice flour, and other non-wheat options. And get ready for plant-based everything; from butter to cheese and even caviar.
Are there any hot party trends you can’t wait to try this year?
