Post #248261 by The Granite Tiki on Thu, Aug 10, 2006 10:06 PM

Tom Slick asked:

"So if I may ask this perposterous question without personal feelings or witty responses, only logical responses, please....Where will the Party City tiki be at in 20-30 years from now? As much as i do not like the crap, it is probably the most printed and widely used tiki design in existence and will most likely go down in someones history books 20-30 years from now...Does anyone else foresee this?"

I hate to attempt to answer a question with a question, but it begs the question, what was being sold in party goods stores 20 to 30 years ago and being used at parties, and is it now recognized as cool?

I think the majority of what we hold as great Tiki were well made objects, frequently found in somewhat expensive restaurants and lounges. I don't think any of the party supplies used at my 10th birthday party in 1976 are now considered collectible. At least not to the degree we're discussing.

I'm guessing the luau party gear found at Party City, IParty, or whatever Party Supply store you might have locally is probably similar to the luau party gear available back then, and just as disposable.

So, (finally getting to an answer) I don't think the party city style tiki will wind up in anyone's history book, any more than the paper hats worn at my 10th birthday party have. ( I suppose someone is now going to post a link to a hardbound coffee table book celebrating the paper hats of the 70s) :)