Friendsgiving + elevated 80s retro menu ideas

Question

We are hosting a welcome party for some new neighbors, 1980s dress encouraged (invite says, let's welcome the "New Kids on the Block.") It's this Saturday, so the week before Thanksgiving. I am looking for elevated 80s dishes that also work for this time of year. I want it to be delicious, though, not gimicky. We have two cooking adults and prefer mostly homemade things. 20+ people, so it's a buffet. Ideas?? Thanks in advance!

MMH · Answer

I stand corrected on the crackers. You are correct. Just dig out some huge shoulder pads!

Sonia · Answer

YES! I had forgotten about that dish. OMG blast from the past. Also: Triscuits.

Sonia · Answer

Ha ha my hair will be in a HIGH side pony. I have no bangs, or else they'd be curled, of course. :)

Nancy · Answer

MMH -Good suggestions!And Sonia said in the original question they were encouraging 80s dress - so you’ve just figured out the hostess’ costume!

MMH · Answer

There was also that appetizer that was a hunk of cream cheese with pepper jelly drizzled over it served with Ritz crackers. I do think it’s a required that you serve it with a puffy hairdo &amp;amp; huge shoulder pads!

Sonia · Answer

Thank you so much for the ideas and the links! I am reading through it all.

Sonia · Answer

thank you so much - I had totally forgotten about blackened! And yes, the bowls! I have an easy baked artichoke dip. Similar idea. Had forgotten. Thanks!!

Nancy · Answer

If you are up for it, consider serving some drinks and small bits to welcome people as they arrive, and to start the mixing and socializing.

Maybe serve two or three appetizers popular in the 80s and cocktails ditto. (Links attached)
For simplicity on the drinks, I would have pitchers of maybe three - one fruity (like the Cosmo), one bitter or strong (like Espresso Martini) and one non-alcoholic.

https://www.instacart.com/company/ideas/80s-party-food/https://www.ohlq.com/ohlq-hub/news-and-lifestyle/behind-the-bar/80s-retro-cocktails
https://www.drinksurely.com/a/blog/non-alcoholic-drinks-to-order-at-a-bar

Lori T. · Answer

Just about anything "blackened"- because that was all the rage.  Cajun food in general was a big thing thanks to Justin Wilson and Paul Prudhomme.  Also maybe fajitas, which were really taking off a the time.   Just about everyone had a recipe for spinach cheese dip, served hot, sometimes in a bread bowl thing.  Quiche was also a big thing.   I also recall a lot of Lil' Smokies in just about every kind of sauce you can think of- grape jelly, bbq, and points in between.   Look into recipes from Wolfgang Puck, Martha Stewart, Paul Prudhomme, etc.  Those might give you ideas as well.

Friendsgiving + elevated 80s retro menu ideas

9 Comments

Popular on Food52