But that might be about the only thing about the party industry that's constant.
Did they really think that things in the world of parties, and parties themselves, would end up looking and being drab and dull during the recession? Did they think that in the new era of forced cutbacks in everyday life, that party aesthetics would turn completely boring? And did they think we'd give up all assemblages of having fun?
Fortunately, a party - if it's executed well - is usually just that, a party. Even in the last recession, in 1991, parties were the one anti-boring, anti-grunge bright spots to look forward to.
On the cusp of 2010, a year after the banks started to fail, logic might have made you believe that we were once again headed for another scary chunk of monochromatic, frugal boring mess. But we've prevailed. Things don't look that way this time.
Think about it. Consider the splashes of animal prints on table cloths and seat cushions that seem to be practically everywhere. And how we've blocked primary colors and the sequins that are still coming into their own. Use those elements and there's nothing quiet or timid going on at that party.
When the economy is down, that's the moment to have a colorful and fun party. We can continue to be outrageous, putting "safe" and complete tastefulness to the side. You should keep going wild, using beautifully crazy palettes of lots of color, with lots of textures. When things are down, keep going for it. Keep hosting your parties with contradiction.
This is the best time for displaying big moments of creativity. High-glam party style is really necessary in order for us to remember that we're all going to make it. Luxury during tough times doesn't have to mean spending money, as much as it can be about taking party decor style further - by taking color, texture and style risks.
At corporate events, off-premise parties, and wedding receptions, it's about being committed to super-produced party style. Whether you pay someone to help you throw a party or you do it yourself, it's passion for great service and great decor that seizes the "throw a party, we're not giving up-or-be-damned" spirit that it takes to be "over" this doggone recession. Which is why hosting parties and feeling good could end up almost at the top of the list of what's important.
We've experienced the return of the party decor glitterati style of the 80's, which works well during times like these, because parties are supposed to inspire. We're not going to entertain any less. The statement that all of us who give parties, whether professionally or as Martha Stewart-esque home party givers, are making is that we're pushing through the financially depressing extremes to afford having parties, irregardless.
Even though the extremes have sometimes been daunting, catered parties are still being planned and go on. And although some are skeptical, leery of "the powers that be" that tell us that spending money is once again on the rise - whether we honestly believe them or not, we're resilient and we're not giving up.
Parties of all types are back, but they're a ways from how many of them were back in the crazy eighties. And for most Americans, the old nineties dictated "either have a big blow-out party or go on a fabulous vacation, never do both" which will probably be outmoded when the economy comes back. Some of you don't agree with that, not completely.
You've gotten more modern and taken a self-interest; you've learned how to self-produce your own parties. It's a brave, new world we're all living in today - people have been made to take more chances, which produces a party planning variety that showcases your own personal individuality.
Old school party professionals beware!
Party consumers are more daring. People approach parties now "as 'This is even more so, strictly about me." So you, the party consumer, have a self expectation - with a strong willingness to learn and do things yourself, that wasn't there before, like it is now. Taking matters into your own hands, by saving yourself a substantial amount of money of course, which is setting your standards higher, is what's cool.
I "get it". I understand. I even support you.
Your fearless new homage to self-produced parties translates to self-preservation. And everyone knows, "self-preservation is the first law of nature".
And no one can argue with that.
Image source: Wikipedia
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