Appetizers – The Totally Rad Starts
Before your guests dive into the main courses, you’ll want to kick things off with a selection of appetizers that scream “eighties.” These starters need to be easy to eat, flavorful, and, most importantly, evocative of the decade.
Think back to the parties you attended (or, perhaps, wish you had attended!). What were the staples? What were the must-haves? You’re likely to find that many of these appetizers were and are still extremely popular and a bit nostalgic.
First up, let’s look at…
Mouthwatering Bites
Forget complicated hors d’oeuvres; the eighties were all about simplicity. Pigs in a blanket are a quintessential choice. These bite-sized bundles of deliciousness are always a hit and easy to prepare. Use quality cocktail sausages, wrap them in puff pastry (homemade if you’re feeling ambitious, but store-bought works just as well!), brush with egg wash for a golden finish, and bake until they’re perfectly golden brown. Serve them with a side of ketchup and mustard for dipping, and watch them disappear in minutes.
Next, consider something a little more sophisticated, but still true to the era: mini quiches. These are a slightly fancier option that still reflects the trends of the decade. The great thing about quiches is the versatility – you can customize them with various fillings to suit your guests’ tastes. Consider fillings like Lorraine (ham and swiss cheese), spinach and feta, or mushroom and Gruyere. Remember to use mini muffin tins to get the perfect bite-sized portions.
No party is complete without a cheese board. We are talking about a proper offering of cheese and crackers. This is a foundational element for an eighties party. Offer a variety of cheeses, from cheddar and Swiss to brie and even some of the more adventurous cheeses (for the adventurous guests!). Pair them with a selection of crackers, from classic saltines to buttery Ritz crackers. Be sure to add some grapes, sliced apples, and maybe even some olives or pickles to complement the cheese. Remember, in the eighties, presentation was key, so arrange everything artfully on a platter, and don’t be afraid to get creative with the placement.
Finally, your appetizer offering has to have chips and dips. This is a staple that remains popular. French onion dip is a classic. You can easily make your own with a packet of French onion soup mix, sour cream, and a touch of Worcestershire sauce. Spinach and artichoke dip, served warm with crusty bread or tortilla chips, is another excellent option. Consider adding a spicy queso dip for a little kick. The variety of chip options has grown since the 80s, so feel free to include some modern options!
Snacks – Tubular Bites
No 80s party is complete without a selection of snacks to munch on throughout the evening. These treats are perfect for grazing and reminiscing.
Start by getting some popcorn. This classic snack can be elevated in so many ways. Air-pop it or make it on the stovetop for a healthier option. Then, get creative with toppings. Melted butter is a must, but consider adding different seasoning salts. You can also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste, or even flavored oils.
We also have to include pizza rolls. These are a quintessential frozen food of the 80s, and they are easy to prepare. They are fun and bring memories of childhood and easy, convenient snacking.
You cannot forget candy. Candy was a huge deal in the eighties! Get a variety of iconic candies to create that perfect eighties nostalgia. Ring Pops, Nerds, Starbursts, Airheads – these were the lifeblood of every kid’s (and let’s be honest, every adult’s) sugar rush. Have bowls of these treats strategically placed around the party to encourage guests to indulge.
A balanced option is trail mix. Even though it’s not an official 80s food, it is still a great option. You can also create your own custom mix with peanuts, pretzels, M\&Ms, and dried fruit.
Finally, we can’t forget the iconic Twinkies and other packaged snacks. These were the true signifiers of an era and are sure to bring out memories and a smile.
Main Courses – The Big Bang
Now, for the main event! You’ll want to offer a selection of satisfying main courses to keep your guests energized and happy all night long. Here’s a selection of courses to make sure you have a fun event.
Pizza Perfection
Pizza reigned supreme in the eighties. The availability of pizza in the 80s was something to behold. You can’t go wrong with a variety of pizzas. Order some from your favorite pizza place, or, if you’re feeling ambitious, make your own. Classic toppings like pepperoni, sausage, and mushrooms are always a hit, but consider adding some less-expected options for a bit of fun. Vegetarian options are also important to include.
Pasta Paradise
Pasta salad is a delicious and easy-to-make option. It is a perfect dish for a party. Cook your favorite pasta (rotini, penne, and farfalle all work well) and combine it with a mix of ingredients. Consider adding Italian dressing or a homemade vinaigrette. For a veggie-filled salad, add cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and red onions. For a more substantial salad, add some cooked chicken or ham.
Sloppy Joe Satisfaction
Sloppy Joes are a simple, delicious option that everyone can love. Made with ground beef, onions, and a sweet and tangy tomato sauce, they’re easy to prepare and require minimal effort. Serve them on hamburger buns with a side of potato chips or coleslaw.
Taco Time
Taco bars are an awesome way to offer customization and variety! Have pre-cooked ground beef, chicken, and all the toppings – lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, onions, salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
Sweet Treats – Totally Sweet Finish
No eighties party is complete without a selection of sweet treats to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.
For an unforgettable dessert, a Jell-O mold is the perfect nostalgic dish. Jell-O molds were a staple. You can get creative with the ingredients. You can add fruit, different flavor combinations, and other creative touches.
You can never go wrong with brownies/blondies. Easy to make, satisfying, and very 80s. You can make your own from scratch, or opt for a brownie mix.
A classic dessert has to be cupcakes. Cupcakes were the dessert of the era. You can get creative and make various flavors. Funfetti cupcakes are a classic option.
Fruit pizzas are another colorful dessert option that looks great and tastes even better! Make a giant cookie crust and top it with cream cheese frosting, and decorate it with a rainbow of fresh fruit.
You can’t forget the ice cream sundae bar. Create the perfect combination of ice cream, toppings, and sauces. You can also have some sugar cones and waffle cones so guests can build their own sundaes.
Drinks – Don’t Be Thirsty!
What’s a party without refreshing drinks? Quench your guests’ thirst with some classic eighties beverages.
Soda & Soft Drink Sensations
Soft drinks were everywhere in the 80s. Offer a selection of classic sodas, like Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and Mountain Dew, and remember the rise of the diet soft drinks.
Creative Cocktails
Create some themed cocktails. The 80s were the era of fun and unique cocktails. Fuzzy Navels, Tequila Sunrises, and Cosmopolitans were huge. If you aren’t skilled in the art of mixology, don’t worry! You can easily find recipes online, and even the most basic cocktails can be given an eighties twist with some fun garnishes and a splash of neon-colored syrup.
Other Drink Offerings
Offer some other options, such as a punch. Punch is perfect for a party. Create your own signature punch. Non-alcoholic options should always be offered, like sparkling cider or flavored water.
Presentation & Decor – Make it Pop!
Presentation is key for an authentic 80s party. Here are some tips on how to make your food stand out and fit the party.
Use themed tableware, such as plates, cups, and napkins, to make sure the party feels right. Try to get tableware that is neon-colored to really give off the vibe of the 80s.
The look of your food matters! Arrange your food in a way that is reminiscent of the 80s. Use colorful trays and platters. Don’t be afraid to get creative.
Decor for Food Presentation is crucial. The party’s decorations help make the food even more memorable and relevant to the theme. Incorporate things like boomboxes, cassette tapes, Rubik’s Cubes, and anything else that evokes the era.
Conclusion
So, there you have it: a guide to the ultimate 80s themed party food experience. From bite-sized appetizers to sweet treats and bodacious beverages, this selection will transport your guests back to the decade of big hair, big music, and unforgettable fun. Remember, the key to success is to embrace the bold, the bright, and the totally awesome! So crank up the music, put on your best 80s outfit, and get ready to party like it’s 1985!
