Party Planning

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.             

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.     

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!!

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

b.  A table

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

10.        Now you can IMPRESS your friends and relatives with your AMAZING party decorating skills!      HAVE FUN!