I love decorating for a party and really creating an atmosphere that almost feels like you have been transported for a period of time. I love figuring out the vibe we are going for and what kind of decorations are the most appropriate. Whether it is little unique touches for a laid back event or going all out for a big dinner party. Decorating for a party is also something that can really show off your personality. A few days ago I talked about how to create a menu, then the next day talked about how to set-up a bar for a party. Each time I used the example of a cook-out, a bridal shower and a summer dinner party. I am going to continue with those examples here so you can really see the full vision for these events 🙂
Flowers. Hands down my favorite part of any party decorations. I have always loved fresh flowers and how much life and energy they can bring to a room. It is so wonderful to me how the colors and textures of flowers can transform a place, how they can illustrate the vibe you are going for.
- Cookout: Simple but beautiful floral arrangements. Baby’s breath or white daisies placed in mason jars set on the tables to eat. Baby’s breath with simple greenery placed in white pitcher vases on the drink and food tables. Small milk jars willed with a single daisy and greenery on any miscellaneous tables and in the bathroom.
- Bridal Shower: Fun, but simply arrangements. Tall clear vases, filled on the outside with lemons, blue and white hydrangeas, white roses, yellow ranunculus and chrysanthemums and greens. Smaller versions would be placed on on the drink and food tables. Bloom vases with greener and single flowers will be placed throughout and in the bathroom.
- Summer Dinner Party: Lots of white and green here. Green garland will run the length of the dinner table. White roses, peonies, hydrangeas queen’s lace and ranunculus will be spaced throughout the garland. Small, low (still allowing for conversation) arrangements and candles will be placed throughout the table. Green garland and twinkly lights will be hung from posts and the patio rough and banisters. Small bud vases will be placed throughout the event. On the drink table will be two tall vases with white flowers and lots of greens. On the back of each dining chair will be a simple arrangement of white flowers and greenery.
Linens.
- Cookout: Simple recyclable paper tablecloths and napkins. A blue and white plaid for the tablecloths with blue toile print napkins.
- Bridal Shower: Continue with the fun, but classy theme from the flowers. Navy blue and white striped table clothes with lemon print napkins. Navy blue chair cushions or seat covers if applicable.
- Summer Dinner Party: The table will be a beautiful stained wood table. At each place will be a white circular placemat, with light Champagne gold napkins. Chairs will be dressed with a simple white cover or cushion.
Place Settings.
- Cookout: No formal place settings. Biodegradable palm leaf plates and bamboo utensils.
- Bridal Shower: Cute, but simple settings. Rattan chargers, blue and white rimmed dinner plates with a simple blue toile salad plate, simple silver silverware
- Summer Dinner Party: Classic table settings. Gold beaded rim chargers, simple white dinner plate, gold rimmed salad plate and gold bamboo silverware.
Balloons.
- Cookout: None.
- Bridal Shower: Blue, white and yellow balloon arch decorations framing the drink and food stations.
- Summer Dinner Party: None.
Paper Lanterns.
- Cookout: None.
- Bridal Shower: None.
- Summer Dinner Party: Multi-size white lanterns. Hung at different lengths over the eating and/or sitting area.
Paper Fans.
- Cookout: Variety of blue and white patterned fans hung together to create a cool visual behind the food and drink tables.
- Bridal Shower: Navy blue, white and yellow fans creating the backdrop for a photo area.
- Summer Dinner Party: None.
Paper Garland.
- Cookout: Simple pom garland hangin in front of the drink and food tables.
- Bridal Shower: Yellow garland on the front of the drink and food tables.
- Summer Dinner Party: None.
Miscellaneous.
- Cookout: Drink station sign stating the options. Mini paper tents with each food item on the buffet table.
- Bridal Shower: Printed menu at each table setting, held down by a small lemon. A sign at the drink table with the options.
- Summer Dinner Party: Printed menu and place card at each table setting. A sign at the drink table with the beverage options. Tea lights and candles placed throughout the party space. White and rattan lanterns set in groups on the ground.
What is your favorite party of decorating for a party? I love figuring out how everything fits and works together to create your vision. It is so great seeing things come together with each item that goes up. Until next time, friends… CML
