So, I look back at the 80’s and totally cringe. It definitely was not a favourable decade for a young kid to grow up. The hair (I had one side short, one side long), the fashion (neon and varnet anyone?), the slang (it’s totally tubular and ill are so reminiscent). So, it’s with no surprise that I rarely look to that time and place as a source of inspiration. While the music was cool, everything else could just stay well and good in the memory bank.

But…..I’ve had a bit of a change of heart. Who would have thought, right? But Tie Dye and rainbow effects are so, so on trend right now in the fashion world that, of course, that seeps over into parties and events. I don’t think it is necessarily the best theme for a wedding or bridal shower, but it can be so much fun for a kid’s birthday party, or summer backyard party, maybe even a bachelorette. And while the 80’s fashion of tie dye was bold colours and unflattering t-shirts, the recent resurgence shows a softer mix with touches of fun.

I think it works best when paired with a relatively neutral decor. Going all out and wild with everything tie dye would be way too overwhelming, but a consistent overall palette of a solid cream, or aqua, or violet with tie dye pops would add great dimension and interest to the theme.  The tie dye trend is very playful and fun so this gives great flexibility in the design of your party. All pretence and stuffiness is gone, and you can’t help but smile and have a good time. That’s what it’s all about right?

a super fun way to carry a tie dye theme is of course through food. I really like the colour spectrum in these cupcakes and they would look so cool, en masse, along a table.

this is a really simple (and delicious) way to bring a little tie dye. While each piece is a solid colour, together they give that rainbow effect that is so tie dye. these would be a great gift for guests all wrapped together in a cellophane bag.

technically, these are hair bows, but they would be fantastic as ties around little gift bags or loot bags. little touches make all the difference in really cementing your theme.

the accents for a party are a great way to use a tie dye trend. The invitations, balloons, gift bags can all carry the theme while other elements can remain neutral so that you don’t overwhelm with too much of a good thing.

okay, so super creative and so super cute right? using a tie dye theme gives the flexibility to try different things and be a bit wacky and creative.

you can see how, there is an overall tie dye theme but it’s not overwhelming or extreme. Subtle influences, like in the banner and tissue paper puff, help to create an overall cohesive look and that allows you to go crazy with the food (like the cupcakes and lollipops).

this is another great way to incorporate your tie dye theme. clear containers minimize too many competing colours and patterns and really lets the meshing of the tie dye colours.

see how much fun this tie dye trend is! it gives you permission to be so creative and do something unique like these marshmallows. and that’s what sets parties apart; the ability to create something new.

So……are you totally digg’n it?  Is this something that you would try? Have fun imagining and creating your next party.

photo source: threesquarechef (1); bakerella (2); lucky girl hair ties (3); celebrations (4,7); shop sei (6); eat.live.travel.write (8)