Summer's wrapping up, and the back-to-school buzz is in full swing! As campuses come alive again, college freshmen everywhere are settling into dorm life and preparing for the next chapter of their lives. And for many, that chapter kicks off with one of the most anticipated events of the year—Sorority Bid Day!
Continue reading "2024 Bid Day Themes" »
We all like to celebrate birthdays and special occasions differently. Some opt to have a classic celebration, while others prefer something a little more unique. If this is you, Miss Purdy’s Old Time Photos & Western Prop Rental offers exactly what you need!
Continue reading "Member Spotlight: Miss Purdy’s Old Time Photos & Western Prop Rental" »
Parties big and small, no matter the occasion, are often accompanied by decorations. Paper plates, cups, and napkins with cartoon characters, balloons, confetti, streamers; the list is a long one. The next time you are planning a party, consider adding flowers to your list of decor! Continue reading "Deck Out Your Party Decor with Flowers" »
Ah, love. It finally found you. But…the timing could be better. How do you throw together a romantic holiday when you haven't had the time to browse Pinterest to your heart's content or mull over blog after blog to get it all just right? You found this at just the right time! Here are some ideas for last-minute Valentine's Day decor that will make it look like you celebrate this holiday every single day. Continue reading "Lovely Last-Minute Valentine's Day Decorations!" »
There is hardly a more charming time to throw a party than in fall. People love to gather during this time of year, and it's easy to see why. You simply can't beat the colors, the crisp autumn wind and the relief from the heat that come in that changeable season.
So, it should be fairly easy to throw together a great not-to-miss party. We're going to take advantage of this season and show you how you can take one element and let it really shine: the pumpkin. It's easy to find in the autumn, comes in that gorgeous orange hue (or that great off-white), and it's surprisingly versatile. Continue reading "Make Your Party Pop with Pumpkins" »
Setting a formal table each night is slowly becoming a thing of the past. Many people live such a fast-paced lifestyle that fast food and microwave meals are the new norm. Sometimes it helps to slow down for a second, take a breath, and enjoy the small things in life. That’s why we decided to give you 5 reasons to set a tablescape. Whether it be for your next party, the holidays, or the start of a new tradition, a beautiful tablescape will add a wonderful touch to any occasion. Continue reading "5 Reasons to Create a Tablescape" »
It’s the little things that make an event great so we picked out some of our favorite party details.
Get inspired by trends and use your favorite colors and/or things when you decorate for a party. Have colorful desserts, unique photo booths, crazy balloons and more! It’s all up to you.
Check back for more inspiration and ideas from Wedding and Party Network.
When my husband and I purchased some property a couple of years ago, the old barn that stood off to the side was admittedly an afterthought. While we had admired it, we had not honestly considered whether it would be worthwhile to save. Weathered and worn, it had seen better days. As we made improvements to the property, we decided to save the barn and reinforced the foundation, replaced missing boards on the exterior, and ran a line for electricity. We also decided to add a small bathroom inside, which was the beginning of my thoughts towards using the barn for entertaining.
Since its reinvention, the barn has been host to several gatherings. A fire pit was added for cookouts, marshmallow roasts, and a ghost story or two. It has set the scene for prom photos and family portraits, and served as storage for duck decoys and a fishing boat during the off seasons. Perhaps the biggest event at the barn has been our barn barbeque. I will confess that I am just a normal wife and mom, not a major party planner! I needed help from a few experts to help me get the job done. With a little time and effort, the old barn had a new life.
My task was to give a barbeque party for 50 people at the barn. Having an outdoor event of any kind requires special attention to detail. My first task was walking the property. From this I could decide what was going to be provided for our guests and where things were to be set up. I won’t deny this might have taken more than one trek around that barn! I had to consider food, music, decorations, and seating. I made a list of what I would need and whom I should contact for help and advice.
After a DJ was hired for the music and a caterer for food, I had to set my sights on decorating. With the help of a friend, I planned where to place tables, a food line, and a dance area, along with a set up for a homemade photo booth.
We decided where drinks, set in wheelbarrows and large washtubs would be placed. Along with burlap tablecloths, bandanna napkins tied with twine and cowboy themed dinnerware, we had plans for candles in mason jars tied with gingham ribbons. String lights were purchased to hang around the barn. And no party is complete without flowers!
Our party was in the fall, and with the help of my florist, we settled on mums of all colors, which were the perfect complement. Large outdoor areas are sometimes difficult to fill, and I was thankful to be directed to the local nursery, where they provided me with hay and pumpkins to use all around the barn. A good florist can recommend flowers that are in season for your particular party theme. They may also offer advice on decorating.
An old barn is the perfect setting for a barbeque, a cowboy birthday bash, or even a simple wedding. Letting the expert add the finishing touches minimizes stress and creates a charm and warmth that can make any good party a simply fabulous one!
You've all seen Washi Tape. If you haven't, you're missing out of this latest trend. If you don't know what it is, it's basically printed tape. Did you know there are lots of ways to include this in your next party? Here are a few ideas:
Washi tape comes in a variety of colors. It's so easy to just pick which designs go with your party best and incorporate them into it. What are your plans to do with it? Share them with us at social@weddingandpartynetwork.com
4th of July is a treasured national holiday. Many families celebrate in the traditional fashion with a neighborhood cookout or family gathering and end the night with fireworks. Keeping such traditions in tact is important, but sometimes it is fun to try something new!
Mix It Up With Your Food
Whatever type of food you plan to serve on the 4th this year, mix it up and prepare a different menu item. Traditional recipes combined with a new appetizer or desert can liven up any table. Keep with the theme and find a fun recipe using red, white and blue ingredients. For example, strawberries, blueberries and whipped cream are utilized in many holiday desserts.
Don't forget to liven up your table as well. Most craft stores have fun decorations you can use to set the table or picnic area. Purchase or create place cards and name your foods like Liberty Burgers or Freedom Fries. This would be a good way to involve the children or grandchildren in helping name all the food. Also, you can easily find themed plates, napkins, cups and serving pieces. Many flowers, such as tulips, roses, gerbera daisies, phlox or hydrangeas come in red, white or blue varieties and would make a festive holiday arrangement. Your table is one of the main focal points, so spend a little time on your table.
4th of July Activities
If you live in a neighborhood with children or grandchildren, try having a Patriotic Parade. Kids can decorate wagons, bicycles or even golf carts in red white and blue and parade around the neighborhood. Someone might be selected as Uncle Sam and judge the vehicles, awarding a prize to the most patriotic entry. The event could end with Uncle Sam reading a book to the younger ones about the founding of our country. The 4th of July Story by Alice Dalgliesh or The Story of the Star-Spangled Banner by Patricia A. Pingry are two examples of books that help explain the history of the holiday. This would be a great activity shared by all.
All About The Fireworks
The culmination of any 4th of July involves fireworks. Some may prefer to go inside to watch New York or Boston light up the sky on television. Still others attend events and watch a local fireworks show. While these are the least risky options, many enjoy lighting fireworks with family and friends. Most are aware of the dangers of fireworks, and adults should always be present. One or two adults could be in charge of a neighborhood show, which is a safer way for the kids to enjoy the holiday.
However you choose to celebrate the 4th of July, make it festive with decorations, flowers and food. Remember to appreciate the history of the day and enjoy celebrating with family and friends!
