Remember John Hughes with an 80s themed movie night

August 07, 2009

Remember John Hughes with an 80s themed movie night

Yesterday director and screenwriter John Hughes suddenly passed away and he will be remembered for movies that some think defined a generation. Host a screening of some Hughes Hits and get nostalgic for high school.

One option is to host a grown-up girls night in slumber party and play the romantic comedy, Pretty in Pink. To run with the movie's theme, select pink beverages and girly treats, such as iced raspberry tea, cosmopolitans, or pomegranate martinis. Bake cupcakes with pink frosting, serve strawberries and whipped cream and even mini tomato and grilled cheese sandwiches.

If you and the ladies are really into Molly Ringwald, have a Hughes double-header and show The Breakfast Club too.

For both guys and gals, remember high school and show Ferris Bueller's Day Off. Consider providing plenty of popcorn, bowls and mix-ins so guests can design their own movie treats. Some ideas are mini M&Ms, hot sauce, Snow-Caps chocolate non-nonpareils, melted butter and garlic salt or cayenne pepper and even Cajun seasoning. Provide plenty of sodas, water and other beverages to wash it all down.

Finally, let the little ones experience the Hughes-scripted Home Alone and maybe have a Christmas in August theme for snacks. Bake sugar cookies in tree shapes as a fun treat to munch on and serve with warm milk with a touch of cinnamon for that holiday feel.