The glistening, cherry red plastic chalice—aka the Solo cup—is a trademark of American party culture. It has made an appearance at every college campus in the country and rightfully earned its place as the go-to choice for drinking games that involve flipping, slamming, or tossing ping pong balls into (or around, if your aim could use a bit of work) a cup. But now, as style-obsessed adults with extensive collections of barware and china, is there still a place for the humble drinkware? Could it still be a fun, youthful, and intentionally campy decision—for a Super Bowl party, perhaps? Or is it time for us to sunset them once and for all?
We asked interior designers, chefs, and other creatives—including the Dolly Parton—for their opinion on the matter, and you may be surprised to find this topic brought about a lot of feelings. Keep reading below to see who's for, against, and situationally in the middle when it comes to the red Solo cup.
Dolly Parton, American singer-songwriter
To all you lovers of the Rolls-Royce of plastic drinkware, we have some good news: Dolly Parton is on your side. "I have great china, but for my real life, I use everyday dishes and a lot of paper plates and Solo cups. I'm a musician and a working girl, so I don't have time to do dishes too much." We're right there with you, Dolly—minus the musician part, of course.
Evan Millárd, Interior designer
"I am not against a Solo cup, but ask, 'why would you want to use what everyone else uses?' If it’s a quick impromptu get-together, maybe. If I am planning to host and entertain, no! Never is the right time for a red Solo cup for any event that requires planning."
Romilly Newman, Chef
"My first thought is beer pong—a game I’m not ashamed to say I participated in often (despite being terrible at). I wouldn’t say I’m drawn to a red Solo cup naturally, but I love a challenge and a bit of irreverence. I think there’s a time and place for everything. One of my favorite things to do is create a strong juxtaposition when styling or hosting. When things are paired correctly and taken out of their typical environment, your perception can be radically changed. My number one rule is no rules. Have fun mixing an iconic Solo cup with linen and silverware. Use it for flowers. They can be reframed as anything you want."
Josh & Matt, Designers and creators
"[Solo cups] are definitely an iconic staple to many parties and entertaining nights, and we’ve definitely had some fun and wild memories involving them. Whilst they are great for entertaining and hosting, we do feel sad they end up in the bin. Our preference for parties and events would be biodegradable/reusable alternatives!"
Jove Meyer, Interior designer and wedding planner
"For me, red Solo cups are full stop no at any party I am hosting and most I am attending. If my circle were college-aged frat boys who play beer pong, it may be different, but in your 30's and beyond there is no place for a red Solo cup. When hosting a party, I am a big fan of glassware—unless you're out by the pool, then a very nice plasticware works well. Glassware makes a drink taste better, from a mocktail to a cocktail, and wine just tastes better in glass over a Solo cup."
Caroline Biggs, Market editor at Business of Home
"Red Solo cups are chic, classic, unpretentious, and nostalgic. They're festive yet utilitarian, and perhaps most importantly, a recognizable symbol of celebration. Plus, they conceal their contents, so it doesn't matter if you're drinking water, beer or bubbly, as long as you're holding one, everyone will know you're down for a good time."
Mikel Welch, Interior designer
"I'm thinking the red Solo cup is best saved for those crazy college parties or big events where you won't bump into the same people twice. It's like the go-to for moments that are better off forgotten. Personally, I'm not big on primary colors in my designs, unless we're talking about a kiddo's classroom. So, that classic big red cup is not my vibe. I'm all about recyclable paper cups—they come in a variety of hues, from neutrals to bold prints."
Alex Bass, Artist and founder of Salon 21
"I appreciate camp, and something I did see recently was Taylor Swift's Tumblr era birthday party. If you're going for a full theme, I think you can work [Solo cups] in and make it nostalgic. I love a themed party so if it fits, then I am not morally opposed. If I had to choose a team here, I would be against, but you truly never know in the world of entertaining."
Rebecca Gardner, Founder of Houses & Parties
"I have not had a sip from a Solo cup since my college football days. They could work at the beach, they don't work for parties. If I were offered a red Solo cup at someone else's party, I would wonder if I had the correct address. Then, I'd look for the keg with the enthusiasm of a Tri-Delt at Ole Miss."
Summer Moore, Prop interior event stylist
"I think there’s a time and place for everything! The campiness of a red Solo cup can make a party feel easy-going and casual. Or it could be a part of a themed gathering, like a game day, tailgate, or even a frat party, if you and your guests align with that! I just wish they were better for the environment. If it's the only cup available, I’ll use it! But I don’t think I’ve ever put them out while hosting."
Francesca Grace, Interior designer and home stager
"Listen, there’s a time and a place for the red Solo cup, but it’s 2024 and we’re adults now. With so many other alternatives out there, I feel like the red Solo cup has had its time. To be honest, a party with red Solo cups is probably not a party I want to be at. Even for a casual get together, I feel like we can and should do better."
Julee Wray, Interior designer
"Red Solo cups are a necessity for kid's birthdays, back yard BBQs, or 4th of July weekend parties... But let's be honest, they probably don't have a place at a wedding or Christmas Eve dinner table. I personally say when you're talking classy parties—stick with glass. Always. For casual encounters or more 'regular occasions', opt for textured glass-look-a-like, re-usable colored cups (like these inexpensive gems), or go with fun insulated cups to keep drinks cold but not your poor hands!"
Olivia Hosken, Deputy managing editor at House Beautiful
"Listen, there is a time and a place for everything. Would I bust out a Solo cup for Saturday evening cocktails with some girlfriends? No. But the past few years I’ve enjoyed leaning into kitsch. After over a decade of stoic minimalism, we all need to get over ourselves and just have fun. Red Solo cups deliver an instant nostalgia hit and transport your guests back to a time when life was sillier and more carefree. Who wouldn’t want their party to have that vibe?"
Hosken adds, nay declares, "Go full camp! It reminds me of a party I went to recently where they ordered every flavor of Oreo imaginable and arranged them into a crazy surrealist tower for dessert. High cuisine it was not, but it was a great conversation piece (and let’s be real, Oreos are delicious). If you are committing to the Solo cup, you need to really commit. I would order a keg of beer from our local brewery and mix up a boozy ‘70s era punch—plus nonalcoholic versions of each because we aren’t actually in college anymore—then set up a few tables for flip cup and beer pong. You can judge me all you want but you can’t tell me this doesn’t sound like a great time."
Though there are a few strong opinions in the mix for both sides, more often than not, your favorite tastemakers are against the red Solo cup. While some can understand why the plastic drinkware is desirable for a party situationally—no one wants broken glass on their floors—even the loyalists can agree that the cups aren't the most environmentally-friendly option for hosting any type of shindig.
Whether you loathe or love the iconic Solo cup, consider one of the more sustainable yet sturdy options below for your next get together—and yes, that includes the frat parties too.
Shop Solo Cup Alternatives
BELLAFORTE Shatterproof Plastic Short Tumbler
Repurpose Compostable Plant-Based Cup
Meghan Shouse is House Beautiful's Assistant Editor, a role she has held since September 2023. On top of being the magazine's go-to Waco expert, Meghan also touches on quite a few other verticals in the digital space, like hot news content featuring your favorite HGTV stars, home design inspiration, and the latest interior TikTok trends. However, her favorite pieces are the ones that start conversations, such as stories about resale value and whether or not the Solo cup is chic. Before becoming a home writer, Meghan worked in the fashion industry for two years, writing for Harper's Bazaar after graduating from Iowa State University with a bachelor's degree in apparel merchandising. When she's not interviewing interior designers about home trends, you can find Meghan reading a fictional thriller with her cat in her lap, planning themed parties, or strolling through flea markets searching for chunky candle holders and vintage bookends.
