Every new year brings trends in fashion, design, food and music. Entertaining is no different. 2018 saw everything from ultra-violet décor, loads of copper everything, wonderland-themed weddings, geometric shapes in tablescapes, Lucite accents (the clear chair!), comfort food and let's not forget the àœber trendy "Hygge" style of laid back and cozy Danish entertaining. Whew!

So what's on the horizon for 2019? First up is certainly anything that is PANTONE color of the year: "Living Coral". We haven't seen this beauty since the early nineties and it promises to be all over the hippest soirées, especially weddings. Graceful swans are in the spotlight too and may show up on cakes, invitations, showers and even kid parties. Other hotties will include "orb balloons" and we're still seeing monochromatic color themes.

Looking for party-ware? Since "sustainable" is the name of the game, real plates, glass and silverware is new again. That's right, no more paper if we're all trying to reduce our carbon footprint. Pull out those lovelies hiding in your dining room and put them to use. And you thought you'd never end up using that wedding china! Domestic diva, Martha Stewart is sharing how-tos for an eco-friendly fiesta.

I'm happy to report that vintage is still cool and the traditional Cocktail Party is back at the pinnacle of hip (was it ever really gone?) but make it current with do-it-yourself drink stations (Bourbon Bars and Tequila Tables) and "mock tails" (Shirley Temples!) Coffee and Cocoa with all the fixings work too.

But the entertainment. Thank heavens the photo booth is on the way out and being replaced by more golden oldies: Tarot Card Readers, ventriloquists and caricaturists. Fun! Coordinate your music with a DJ playing all the Motown or wow the hipsters with bluegrass (Broad Ripple's oldest show, "A Touch of Grass" plays house parties (pbainc@comcast.net). I see you, too, Polka Band! For the kiddos, add a play area to your event, with jumbo building blocks, bingo or Twister.

For actual kid parties, Liz Bates (Bates Black Tie - Event Planning | lizbatesweddings@gmail.com) takes play to a new level in '19. " Although traditional parties for kids are always a hit, expect to see parents take more of a hands-on approach in the DIY area. This makes for a unique and fresh take on the modern day kids party which the entire family can enjoy." In the warm months, the fam could pitch in to build a new dog house to welcome a new puppy (great birthday gift) or craft model cars which culminate in a race. The possibilities are endless.

With so many fun, but not over-the-top party ideas in this new year, entertaining can be fun, unique and affordable. Be extra. Be EXTRAordinary. Cheers!