How to to Host a Punk Themed '80s Party

Punk rock bands with big hair and rock music were a sign of the times. The primary mission of punk rockers was to create a counterculture different from what was considered the norm. Some say the real mission of punk rockers was all about making something cool, but seemingly out of reach to the masses. Their rebel causes, outlandish outfits and music of the era also happen to be the perfect ingredients for inspiring an '80s theme party!

Things You'll Need

• Electronic invitation
• Punk rock karaoke station
• Food and beverage

Instructions

1. Send an '80s-themed electronic invitation with text like the following:
   "Punks unite to celebrate the '80s! Rebels are invited to party in the karaoke lounge! Come dressed as your favorite big hair band member and rock on!"

2. Set up the karaoke lounge area. Create the punk rock karaoke bar with a table covered with black fabric spray painted with neon graffiti (fake leather would be perfect), anything with spikes (e.g. your dog's collar) and photos of rockers in full punk regalia. Place the karaoke monitor, microphone and '80s song list on the table for guests to review while mustering up their nerve to perform.

3. Lay Astro turf to create the golf punk area. Fill it with a miniature golf game (however many holes will fit in your space), Bunker Babe Photo Op (hottest chick in the room poses with any guy holding a putter and the dollar per photo goes to charity), a keg of beer with cups featuring photos of the characters from "Caddy Shack" (capture them from the Internet, shrink to size, print on large labels and attach to cups), the ingredients for guests to make their own "Who's Yo Caddy" Cocktail (scotch and Dr. Pepper) and a golf ball marking station (golf balls, Sharpies and stencils). Have the most creative balls featured in the silent auction along with a round of golf.

4. Finish off the punk bar with a makeup and mohawk station: black and white and neon makeup, fake piercings, tons of hairspray, colored gel, safety pins and wigs for punkers that don't want to put the products in their own hair. Ask a beauty school student and hairstylist friend to man this area for best results.

5. Keep the '80s vibe alive in the video lounge by supplying the geeks with Jell-O shots-the perfect no mess beverage for the area. Include Reese's Pieces to complete the sugar buzz!Set up a tray filled with pitchers of Fuzzy Navel cocktails consisting of Peach Schnapps, vodka and orange juice.

6. The silent auction is the real star of the night. The items don't have to be flashy; they are really just an excuse for guests to give a little-'cuz we all know that in order to get-you've got to give! In 2009, the historic Live Aid concert celebrated its 25-year anniversary, which would be the perfect time to rock for charity. Set up a table loaded with items to bid on. Ask local businesses, friends and family to contribute, then dive through your own stash of cool swag to donate (the more '80s vibe, the better). Great items are: cheesy movie posters (think John Hughes films like "National Lampoon's Vacation," "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," "Weird Science," "The Breakfast Club" and "Sixteen Candles"), Rubik's Cubes, Trivial Pursuit '80s Edition and Dynasty on DVD. Create a bid sheet next to each item with a suggested opening bid (you're not looking for millions, just a contribution from your crew to those less fortunate).

Tips & Warnings

• Even if guests cannot sing, encourage them to lip sync to their favorite '80s song. Ideally, it should be a song that the band member they are dressed as sang in the '80s.

• Hang old rock band posters up on the walls of your party room.

• Rent or purchase a smoke machine to create the smoky atmosphere of a rock concert.

• Award prizes to the best dressed and best performers. Give away rock band t-shirts, CDs of'80s rock bands and '80s movie favorites.

Resources

• The '80s Online: A Tribute and Salute to the Awesome 80s
• Relive the '80s