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. [Read more…]
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!
Your baby is 6 months old, and we know what you’re already thinking: first birthday party. Your mind starts to wander to blow up toys, goody bags, smash cake and decorations. All you see are dollar signs. Never fear, we’ve got your how to’s on doing a ONE-derful party that won’t break the bank.
Birthday Party Location
Do it at home! Why rent a big party space when you can open your home to friends and family for free? Homes make everyone feel more welcome and “part of the family.” Your house will be the perfect quaint atmosphere.
What Food To Serve
Also a DIY. Buying food at your local bulk store or cost saver grocery is the way to go. For this little girl’s first birthday, we commissioned grandmas to make a few sides to help bear the burden, because let’s face it, EVERYONE wants to come to this first birthday. The theme was Look Whooo’s Turning one, and momma made most of the food to look like owls.
A Party Isn’t Complete Without Decorations
This little girl in particular had her bedroom done in an owl theme, with bright pops of color. So to save money, Mom went ahead and carried that theme to the party and used decorations she already had. Tissue paper flowers (see our tutorial) made for cute table decorations, and the only money spent was on these glittered O-N-E letters. These were cardboard letters found at the local craft store. We dipped in Modge Podge and rolled in gold glitter. Easy!
Don’t Forget The Cake
The infamous smash cake. Baking a homemade cake seemed like the best idea for this budget-savvy mom. She bought a cake, and baked two layers in a small 6” round cake. Then we iced with a pink buttercream icing and rose tip. Total cost for the cake was about $4, which was much easier on the pocket book. For the rest of the family, she did a regular sheet cake.
Capture Those Special Moments
This could easily be the biggest bulk of the expense for your child’s first birthday. No doubt, we want to get photos of them smashing that cake, and quite often, photographers can do a separate shoot for that special event. For the party, get a friend to take photos throughout the day of your little one to document the occasion. Even a simple point and shoot camera will do the job.
There you have it. Simple and easy, and right on the money steps for planning a first birthday party. Decide your budget, and use these simple tips to help plan your child’s first birthday party. Also, don’t forget to talk with party vendors as well. They have such amazing ideas and a variety of packages that may work within your budget as well.
Yes, balloons are seen at every party. However, they’re a staple. You can easily do a complete makeover on balloons so it provides something unique to your party. Here are 3 ideas on how to give your balloons a complete makeover.
These are just 3 ways to redesign your balloons. However, there are many great ideas out there like adding fringe or even macramé to your balloons. Whatever you decide to do with your balloons, don’t forget to share them with us at social@weddingandpartynetwork.com.
Need new ideas for your party decor? Hanging decorations are on trend right now. We’re not talking about streamers. We’re talking about hanging vases and even chandeliers. By hanging decorations, you are adding another element to your party. You can really get creative with your displays and create varying heights as well as depths to your party. Are you planning on using them for your party? Don’t forget to send us pictures at social@weddingandpartynetwork.com.
Tissue flowers are literally great for every occasion! Whether you are planning a wedding, baby shower or any type of party, these are perfect for event decor. They come in various colors and styles so you can find the one that best matches your decor. These are even a fun little DIY, which you can find here. Planning on using tissue flowers in your decor? Share with us how you used them.
Planning some DIYs for St. Patrick’s Day? Wedding and Party Network searched Pinterest and found some of our favorites. Maybe these DIYs will bring a little luck to you.
Apothecary Jars via Uncommon designs
These apothecary jars are such a great addition to any home or party. Plus, the rainbow color scheme, clover and green bow makes them so adorable and perfect for St. Patrick’s Day.
Painted Burlap Banner via Landeelu
We love this painted burlap banner with the green stripes and gold polka dots. You can hang this on your mantel for your St. Patrick’s Day decoration or use it for a party.
Lucky Penny Letters via Made By Marzipan
This lucky sign is such a fun DIY. We can’t get over how great it looks.
DIY Shamrock Button Art via Happy Clippings
This shamrock button art is so great. We love the various colors of green buttons to make the shamrock and it definitely pops against the chevron background.
These St. Patrick’s Day DIYs are absolutely wonderful. They are all absolutely perfect for this lucky holiday and would look great around the house or even as an accent to your St. Patty’s Day party.
Thank you to Uncommon designs, Landeelu. Made By Marzipan, and Happy Clippings for letting us feature them on the blog.
What energy do you bring to the cauldron?
Flowers set the stage for a wedding by adding color, texture, and personality to every detail. The right blooms complement your color palette and help create the mood, whether soft and romantic, bold and dramatic, or fresh and modern. With thoughtful floral choices, your wedding can feel personal and beautifully reflective of your style!
Find out which fall gathering is so you!
