Come on Barbie, Let's Dinner Party

Unless you've been stuck in the basement of Barbie's Dreamhouse for the past few months, you probably heard that the new Barbie movie is set for release in July. In light of the upcoming, life-altering premiere, we are all provided with a unique opportunity to tease our hair, put on a pink dress, and live our best Barbie lives for an evening. It's like Halloween, but with pink instead of orange and bows instead of bunny ears.

Here's a step-by-step guide to curating a Barbie World that can be shared with all your favorite Barbies (and Kens):

1. Choose the Date and Guest List: First, create a guest list. When deciding on your guest list, carefully consider the amount of space available in your apartment and how you want the evening to flow. Do you anticipate a social evening with Barbies walking around visiting discussing Malibu and world peace? Or do you envision a more structured evening with seated dinner and organized activities? If at any point you would like for all guests to be seated at the same time, make sure that you have adequate space to do so. Once you have your guest list, I recommend sending out a Doodle to find a date that works for most.

2. Send Invitations that Would Make Barbie Proud: Design or find invitations that are pink, sparkly, and pink. Include the date, time, location, and any specific instructions for costumes or decorations. Here are a few options I found: One, Two and Three. (Alternatively, a Barbie GIF and a text will get the job done).

3. Don't Skipper on the Decorations: Transform your apartment into a Barbie wonderland with vibrant colors, glitter, and decorations that would make Barbie Proud. Barbie is anything but subtle. It has been reported that while making the Barbie movie set, the production team single handedly caused a world-wide pink paint shortage for one company. Hang pink and purple streamers, make a pink balloon arch, and add pink blankets and pillows for a pop of color. You can take the decorations in a bunch of different directions, for example, a full glam look, a pink and light summer picnic vibe, or an ultimate pool party situation. Here’s a bunch of stuff I found:

4. Set the Table: Choose a Barbie-approved tablecloth, colorful plates, cups, and utensils. Don't forget to add napkins, place cards, and centerpieces. Get creative and have fun. Sprinkle glitter or confetti pieces in the middle of the table.

5. Real Food and Drinks: Just because Barbie's oven is plastic, that doesn't mean you're off the hook in terms of snacks. Design a menu that complements the Barbie theme and is conducive to your seating or eating plan. Are you planning for more of a happy hour, where guests eat while they stand and talk, or are you planning for a sit down meal? If it's a happy hour, make sure everything you serve is easy to eat while standing, and remember that if you are planning a seated meal, your guests will likely expect a more hearty meal. Consider serving colorful finger foods, mini sandwiches, fruit skewers, and vibrant desserts like cupcakes or cake pops decorated with edible pink glitter or sprinkles. For drinks, offer pink lemonade, raspberry ice, or sparkling mocktails with colorful straws and garnishes. I would also have some tried and true crowd pleasers like pigs in a blanket, chips, chicken fingers, charcuterie board, or hummus. Use themed serving dishes for maximum impact. Here are some additional recipes and foods that I would serve:

🔅 Pocky Strawberry Biscuits

🔅 Twizzlers

🔅 Cherry Poptarts

🔅 Hostess Snoballs

🔅Cupcakes decorated with these pearls or sprinkles. You can use store bought or homemade (if homemade, I recommend these and you can add a little food coloring to your frosting if you want pink!)

🔅 Strawberry salad

🔅 Pink sugar rimmed drink glasses for margaritas or other cocktails

6. Have the Barbie Fashion Show of Your Childhood Dreams: Encourage guests to embrace the Barbie theme by dressing up in their favorite Barbie-inspired outfits. Here is a list of Barbies from the Barbie movie:

• Dua Lipa as Mermaid Barbie

• Issa Rae as President Barbie

• Emma Mackey as physicist Barbie

• Alexandra Shipp as writer Barbie

• Kate McKinnon as gymnast Barbie

• Ana Cruz Kayne as judge Barbie

• Ritu Arya as journalist Barbie

• Nicola Coughlan as diplomat Barbie

• Hari Nef as doctor Barbie

• Sharon Rooney as lawyer Barbie

Here are some additional Barbies I remember from my childhood:

• Olympic Barbie

• Ballerina Barbie

• Rockstar Barbie

• McDonald's Worker Barbie

• School Teacher Barbie

• Pet Groomer Barbie

• Pet Doctor Barbie

• Army Medic Barbie

• US Army Sergeant Barbie

• Lifeguard Barbie

• Astronaut Barbie

7. It's All About the Fun and Games: Incorporate Barbie-themed activities and games to keep guests entertained. Set up a Barbie coloring station (even grown ups like to color!), organize a Barbie trivia quiz, or have a Barbie-inspired scavenger hunt with hidden Barbie accessories or dolls. Here are a few crowd pleasing games:

♕ Barbie Uno

♕ What do you meme? for the girls

♕ Barbie Sticker Book

♕ A drinking game for my favorite old Barbie movie, The Swan Princess.

You can also set out makeup and do makeovers with grownup makeup, an 8-year old girl's dream!

8. Create the Perfect Photo Op: Create a photo booth area where guests can take fun pictures. Set up a backdrop with Barbie-inspired decorations and have props on hand like tiaras, sunglasses, and feather boas. Provide a Polaroid camera or set up a digital camera for guests to capture their memories. Some good options below.

9. Everyone Loves a Parting Gift: Everyone knows you can't send your guests home empty handed! Below are party gifts that will sparkle without breaking the bank.

Remember, the key to a successful Barbie-themed dinner party is to embrace the theme and have fun! Let your imagination run wild and create a magical night.

Bonus: If you are looking for a playlist, here's the official Spotify soundtrack from the movie. Enjoy!