80's Character Themed Party (the set-up)

Since Pete and I both turn 40 this year (although I still have 2 very long months to go!), we decided that 40 + 40 = 80, which meant we should have a 80's-themed party!  But we had a little twist (we always do), and asked everyone to come dressed as a character from the 80's.

Thankfully, we have many friends and family members who are very good sports and obliged us in this.  And now we have the unique experience of knowing what it is like when Sonny Crockett, J.R. Ewing, Crystal Carrington, Indiana Jones, Annelle from "Steel Magnolias", Joan Jett, Carl Spackler from "Caddyshack", Magnum P.I., Mr. Rogers and one of his neighborhood kids, Blair from "Facts of Life", Dr. J., Kelly from "Saved By the Bell," Danny from "Full House," Maverick and Charlie from "Top Gun," Coach and Diane from "Cheers," Cagney and Lacey, another Magnum P.I., another Mr. Rogers, Al and Peggy Bundy, Fred and Wilma Flintstone, Princess Leia, Houlihan and Potter from "M.A.S.H., MacGyver," and Charlie's Angels all get together to party.

Essentially, it was, like, totally tubular and awesome!

I'm still working on the pictures of all the characters involved, so I think I'll post those tomorrow... but for now I'll show some of the party preparations we worked on this past week.  Dan and Amy were gracious to let us use their lovely home -- the perfect location!

For food, we made a bunch of different kinds of dip

These were some of the names

There were plenty of things to dip in the dips, too.

The "MacGyver Make-Your-Own" Cupcake Bar on the screened-in porch

Some of the drinks

Waiting for everyone to arrive....

Magnum P.I. and Bob Saget getting the patio fire stoked.  We were all stoked!

J.R. Ewing helped me in the kitchen with some last-minute prep...

We asked everyone to bring photos of themselves from the 80's.    Everyone looked so rad!

 
 And wait until you see who showed up at the party....