Hosting A Wes Anderson Themed Party
When a new Wes Anderson film hit the theater, I rushed out to see it. The Phoenician Scheme was wonderfully beautiful. I instantly wanted to cosplay the main female character. What often starts with a small project turns into an excuse to throw a themed party.
I had hosted a Wes Anderson-themed New Year’s party many years prior, and since then, so many more films had been released. So, I decided to reprise the theme for another New Year’s party.
I love Wes Anderson films for their creative visuals, playful and quirky characters, and unique settings. That would be the inspiration for the look of my event.
Planning
It always starts with moodboards. My idea was to divide my home into sections, and each section would be decorated inspired by a particular film. Here are some of my moodboards.
I took note of color schemes, prop ideas, and scenes to help recreate the experience of being in the films.
Crafting Wes Anderson
Here is each space and the projects I crafted to create them . . .
The Darjeeling Limited
I decorated my entryway inspired by Darjeeling Limited.
I crafted:
A passport
Paper merigolds
and printed quotes
I thrifted/purchased
Old suitcases, I love these and use them for so much!
This tray from Ikea
This lantern and fake snake from Dollar Tree
Moonrise Kingdom
I set up a scene in my living room inspired by Moonrise Kingdom, one of my favorites of Wes Anderson’s movies.
I crafted:
Arrows
Fake book covers
Felt patches
Stick camp sign
Treehouse
I thrifted/purchased:
camp lantern
bonoculars
Beret
toy record player
bike basket
childs tent
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou
Naturally, I had to turn my bathroom into Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou. It was a small space, and easy to decorate.
I crafted:
fake dynamite
shark
I purchased/thrifted:
Small ship model
The Grand Budapest Hotel
This is definitely one of my favorite Wes Anderson movies, and the visuals are just beautiful. This was my favorite area to craft.
I crafted:
A champagne sign
Mendl’s boxes
Concierge sign
Lobby boy hat
Keys and letter slots
The Royal Tenenbaums
I turned my den/library into a Royal Tenenbaums space; it seemed fitting. My mantle was filled with many references to the film. I had several quotes around and details hidden throughout the room.
I crafted:
Hand-painted Margo portraits
Printed book covers
Flag
Purchased/thrifted:
scrabble board
pink gloves
vintage cameras
Astroid City
The dining space was my Astroid City area. I went for a vintage Americana vibe. With a checkered tablecloth and small references to the movies.
Additional spaces and details
The Phoenician Scheme
I’m absolutely obsessed with the lie detector test. I saw it in the movie and instantly knew I needed to craft it.
I filled my hall with fairy lights, hanging quotes and movie posters along the walls.
Food and Drinks
I tried to create a french inspired Grand Budapest Hotel serving area. We had many foods inspired by the movies such as a lentil soup inspired by Darjeeling Limited. I loved our deviled egg bar and this beautiful retro cake my friend baked for the event.
Costumes
My friends and family know I love to throw themed costumed parties, so they always come through! Here are some highlights of the great costumes.
Overall, it was a success. My tips for easily capturing the Wes Anderson style are to focus on color schemes, thrift items, and symmetrical, straight face photographs! Printing quotes, photographs, and book covers was an easy way to decorate the space.