Summer's in full swing, and no doubt the invitations on your fridge (or your inbox, thanks to Paperless Post) are for fun "theme" parties instead of your run of the mill cocktails and dinner. Entertaining for 2019 has a casual vibe, but don't confuse casual with unplanned--parties are meticulously planned these days. If you're looking for fall parties to celebrate tailgating, engagements, or bid nights, take a look at these party trends. 

Meme Party

Who doesn't love a good meme? Meme parties are a huge thing for summer and fall--dress as your favorite meme and keep 'em guessing all night long. Pinterest is full of ideas for a meme party, and if you're not sure when to throw one, here's the best date--Hallomeme. Of course. 

Somehow Steve Carrell, The Office, and Grumpy Cat feature heavily in meme parties, as do Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, and Tide Pods. If you want to throw a one-size-fits-all party, the meme is a good bet. 

Balloons And Garlands

Centerpieces are so 2018.

Balloons are back--not the guy who made lightsabers and dachshunds at your third birthday party, but sophisticated balloons that are part of the decor. Party designers integrate balloons with florals and bunting for a light, new approach to party decor with this new twist on a wedding trend that started a few years ago. The balloons take on the look of giant bubbles--a fun and new look that's a nice change from flowers and candles. 

Garlands--as a focal point of the table, a photo booth backdrop, or twining around a railing--have surpassed centerpieces as decoration. Guests don't have to talk around a tall floral arrangement when you use garlands, and when you incorporate some balloons into your garland, you're on the cutting edge of 2019 party trends. 

Charcuterie

Food has taken on a more important role in party planning--just having a killer band and open bar isn't going to cut it when you want your "A" list to show up. Charcuterie boards--massive displays of cured meats, cheeses, crudite, fruits, nuts, and crostini or crackers--are the whole point of some parties for foodies. Some events even feature custom charcuterie boards for all your guests. On the same sort of note, family-style is a hot trend for seated dinners, rather than individually plated food. 

Vegetarians and vegans can rejoice, most hosts these days provide a variety of meat and dairy free options for guests without making a big deal about dietary restrictions--even the most hardcore vegan can dig into a well-stocked charcuterie board. 

Do The Funny

Just because it's black tie doesn't mean it has to be formal. Parties that touch on cultural moments are fun and trendy--one theme was "Fyre Fest-Party Remix" that poked fun at the failed festival with "gourmet cheese finger sandwiches". Blacklight and glow in the dark party favors are a nice counterpoint to black tie. If you're throwing a lighthearted black-tie bash, don't forget the photo booth or Polaroid cameras for the table. One recent wedding reception on St Patrick's weekend took on a Mad Hatter meets St Pat later in the evening--the band tossed lots of wild hats and green glow sticks, lighted tambourines, and lighted green garlands into the crowd, and the bride and groom changed into more casual wear as the evening progressed. 

Roving Entertainment

Some parties just aren't built for a dance band, but you do feel the need for a little something to amuse your guests--especially if it's a party where many guests don't know each other already. Roving entertainers--caricature artists, musicians, magicians, or even poets who roam around the event doing spontaneous mini-performances--add a festive touch and keep the flow of the evening going. If you're planning a Greek parents weekend or a cocktail engagement party, a low-key entertainer is a super ice-breaker. 

Music Garden Bands has entertainment for all your party needs, from a throw-down dance band to magicians and hypnotists for more low-key affairs. Give us a call today so we can help you find the right entertainment for your next bash.