This year’s Pantone Color of the Year is Classic Blue, a timeless and enduring hue elegant in its simplicity. Classic Blue is suggestive of the sky at dusk, and the reassuring qualities of the thought-provoking color highlight our desire for a dependable and stable foundation from which to build as we cross the threshold into a new era.
“We are living in a time that requires trust and faith. It is this kind of constancy and confidence that is expressed by Pantone's Classic Blue, a solid and dependable blue hue we can always rely on,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. “Imbued with a deep resonance, Classic Blue provides an anchoring foundation. Pantone Classic Blue encourages us to look beyond the obvious to expand our thinking; challenging us to think more deeply, increase our perspective and open the flow of communication.”
We reached out to industry experts to curate a list of eight ways for planners to add Pantone Classic Blue in 2020.
Lighting
Woods Hill Table, located in Massachusetts, uses the color blue on its dining chairs and to light the bar ceiling. This highlights and reflects the blue of the ocean to enhance the gorgeous harbor views. It is also used to create a moodier and sexier vibe inside the organic restaurant.
Libations
At Margaritaville Hotel Nashville, the signature License to Chill Margarita, the bluest margarita around, can be enjoyed at FINS bar located on the hotel’s rooftop and pool deck. Made with Margaritaville Silver Tequila, Blue Curaçao and house margarita blend, the refreshing beverage can be enjoyed frozen or over ice.
Photo courtesy of Margaritaville Hotel Nashville
Flowers
“Few flowers are naturally blue in color. And to find flowers this hue is even harder!” notes Stephanie Stopka of Flowers by Stem. The flower she thinks best encapsulates the color is a Dutch Hydrangea. The hydrangeas include heads that are large and stunning. For event designs, they can be paired with vibrant greenery and kept low on dinner/meeting tables for a pop of color, or used in tall designs for dramatic showstopping installations.
Dining
Pantone Classic Blue evokes the skin of fresh Michigan blueberries. “Whether garnishing a summer cocktail or a blueberry goat cheese crostini with a honey drizzle, blue is always a cool color to add to your event menu,” says Heidi Moorman Coudal, owner and culinary director of Big Delicious Planet in Chicago.
Linens
Kim Crawford, marketing coordinator at Bramble Hospitality Group, says the classic color is timeless. “We use this blue in our dining room year-round for cocktail table linens. This bold yet subtle color is the perfect accent or focal point for your color palette.”
Touchpoints
“At its core, Detroit is a work-hard-play-hard blue-collar town, so this color really resonates with us. We’ve already had requests for personalized Classic Blue touchpoints including cocktail napkins, signature cocktails made with Curacao and even a cake with classic blue frosting,” says Todd Peplinski, chief curator of events at Highlands Detroit.
Scent
David Everett, designer and sales manager at metroConnections, says the color evokes memories that have lasting power. “For instance, the sea scent is nostalgic for me because the ocean and sea salt air bring back so many fond memories of summer vacations,” he says. “If the scent was incorporated into an event I attended, I would immediately be in a peaceful mindset and I might even think of the event the next time I’m relaxing seaside!”
Space
“Think outside the box when choosing a conference room for your next board meeting,” suggests Erin Neagle, associate director of catering at DELAMAR West Hartford. “Blue walls create a focused environment, unlike a plain white space. Beverage service can be upgraded as well with Classic Blue glass bottles for still and sparkling water.”
Experience
JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa’s newest Diner en Bleu Experience is a sophisticated take on the popular Diner en Blanc pop-up events in Europe. Inspired by the vibrant blues of the Mexican Caribbean, any Insta-worthy dinners in 2020 feature Pantone’s color of the year, Classic Blue, along with other blue hues like turquoise, electric blue and sky blue. Everything from the cocktails to the decor will complement the Classic Blue shade.
