By Liah Lopez
Party
Planning Basics
Buying just the Basics, you can turn any party into a beautifully
orchestrated Event!
1.
Buy all in white
a. No matter what
other 3 colors you use…Your serving ware will always look
coordinated.
b. You can choose
everything in matching shapes(all round) or mismatch as your hearts content
(square,
rectangular and round)
2.
Use different Heights of serving ware.
a. Use cake
pedestals, pick same or different heights
b. If you don’t
have pedestals:
i.
Underneath tablecloth place boxes put platters on top.
ii.
Place larger white bowls or wide candle holders
underneath platters to create more levels
iii.
This also gives you more space on your table as you
raise things up.
3.
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Pick odd number of Colors; 3 is the best for simplicity.
a. Stick with the
same three colors throughout.
i.
Can use varying shade of 3 colors for nice effect.
b. Add color to
white serving ware with:
i.
Tablecloths,
Ribbon, Runners, paper
ii.
Napkins, Forks, cups, plates
iii.
Tulle, ribbon or scrunch larger sheets.
4.
Add style and brighten up look without choosing more colors:
a. Add sparkle to
tie your pieces in with the table so it blends
i.
Use: Glitter. Gems, jewels, pearls. Snowflakes,
confetti can also be used for casual
occasions
ii.
Silver trim or lace
b. To bring in
other elements for balance:
i.
For Shabby Chic- Use Burlap to make something fancy
like LACE stand out.
ii.
Black Chalkboard can make any display pop and be a fun
addition for color balance.
iii.
Use greenery to balance lots of neutral colors and/ or
bring in an earthy element to tie things together.
iv.
Use woods, metal, greenery, glass and water elements to
create an eclectic yet balanced display.
5.
When doing kids stuff:
a. try to keep the table displays away from the
edge so as to not end up with broken pieces.
i.
Down the middle of table
ii.
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Or on a separate display table from eating area.
b. Hang different
types of things from the ceiling to create depth and height
c. Sometimes it
can be fun to add jars of candy and treat filled jars to keep with theme
colors.
i.
***But remember, the more junk
they eat, the more likely you’ll get stuck with all the cake!***
ii.
Put out little to-go boxes for them to fill up and take
home & place in give-away bags for later.
d.
 |
Make a Generic “Happy Birthday” banner in either pastels or bright colors, or use chalkboard paper or Burlap.
i.
This can be used over and over.
ii.
I have several banners- in different colors to re-use
whenever possible.
e. 
Another possibility is: decorate the kids to match your décor ask everyone to come in plain color (or all white-as we did here) and add accessories!!
Another possibility is: decorate the kids to match your décor ask everyone to come in plain color (or all white-as we did here) and add accessories!!
f. Throw balloons
on the floor to create movement and the kids just want to play with them
anyway!!!
6.
For Grown-up Parties:
a. Use white
plates and napkins to keep table display clean. (The colored napkins don’t
absorb well)
b. ***Keep extra
white platters for potlucks and place things brought in on white platters as
not to ruin your display. ***
c. Tip- Use
plastic Silver forks & spoons, looks classier without having tons of
dishes.
d. Put food on
display tables or Breakfast bar/islands so kitchen table are available for
sitting to eat.
e. Or create a
room of standing tables to keep conversations moving with the flow of people.
i.
Eating and holding a drink can be difficult so standing
tables allow people to set drinks down and eat and drink without being locked
into a corner where one found a spot to set their things while eating.
7.
You can now choose any theme and you can take your party table to the next
level:
a. Tea party:
everything white with miniature food
b. Rainbow
party where tablecloths draped& pinned to the ceiling like ribbons to
create a flower of colors. It lowers the ceiling and brings the eye up.
i.
Need less décor to fill
the space.
 |
c.
 |
A baby shower where all the food ties in with the names of classic baby books:
i.
Jack & Jill- Water container or bottles
ii.
The rainbow fish: bowl of Swedish fish or fishy
crackers
iii.
The three little pigs: pigs in a blanket
iv.
The hungry caterpillar: fruit tray in shape of hungry
caterpillar.
v.
Add a banner made from old children’s books.
d.
 |
A wedding display in all black and white. OR Add ONE color to pop.
i.
Add chalkboard and burlap for some whimsy.
ii.
 |
Little chalkboard signs of love displayed throughtout tables and mantles
iii.
Add initials blinged out with diamonds and glitter or
modge-podged with lace and bits of fabric or chalkboard paint
iv.
Use all elements like glass, metal, wood, greenery,
feathers, fabric, to keep your eye moving!
8.
Mix and match your pieces in different combinations to create a new look
each time!
a. Stack
canisters for napkins and silverware on top of candlesticks for additional
style
i.
Use glue dots to secure them from falling off and
breaking as people grab for things or to keep from spilling contents
(PLACE PHOTO OF LEVELS)
9.
Create backdrops with tablecloths or drapes to frame:
a. 
A blank area
A blank area
b. A table
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c. or make a Fun
photo booth for your guests
i.
 |
grab hats, glasses, giant flowers or bugs or whatever fits the theme and take silly pictures of everyone
ii.
Create a backdrop that looks like a stage for signing karaoke or for silly skits
Create a backdrop that looks like a stage for signing karaoke or for silly skits
10.
Now you can IMPRESS your friends
and relatives with your AMAZING party decorating skills! HAVE FUN!
