Party Decorations | Celebration Advisor - Wedding and Party Network Blog

June 24, 2010 by Celebration Advisor

Create Incredible Centerpieces Without Breaking the Bank!

We've all seen it: the television shows featuring sky-high arrangements, vintage silver, and hundreds of candles, all chosen by a wealthy bride. The wedding receptions are truly spectacular, often costing hundreds of thousands of dollars. Many of us sit and watch, thinking that we will never have something so great for our next event. However, with a little cash and a lot of creativity, you can bring high-end design to the centers of your tables!

The best place to focus when designing a reception or party are the tables where your guest will be sitting. Any table decorations you have will have the most impact because of their proximity. A little effort will goes a long way when it comes to table runners. This is the perfect place to establish a "mood" with lighting, decorations, or a chosen theme. Your wedding or party planner will have an arsenal of wonderful tips and tricks on hand to keep you below budget, but if you're going at it on your own here are a few ideas to try when decorating your tables:

Monochromatic Colors are Anything but Boring

Unless you're going for a bohemian or eclectic theme, sticking to a monochromatic color scheme will create a unified look from table to table and make your decor look chic, no matter what you use. Go to your local flea market, dollar store, or craft store and stock up on same or similarly colored candles, decorative balls, and other odds and ends. Having different shapes and textures intertwined will provide visual interest, while the monochromatic look unifies the decor.

A Little Sparkle Goes a Long Way

A little twinkle adds a much needed dose of whimsy to any table. On long, straight tables, pick up a few yards of stringed beads to run through the center. Ask your local florist to attach gems to the arrangements or sprinkle beads throughout the center. Use vintage brooches from a flea market to catch the light on napkin rings. Christmas ornaments with the hooks detached can complete a tablescape. Sparkle keeps guests' eyes busy and adds a touch of something special to your centerpieces.

Never Underestimate the Power of a Tea Candle

These little guys pack quite a punch when gathered together on a table. These little lights add depth and dimension to your arrangements and provide ambiance to your tables. Run them down the center, circle them around floral arrangements, or float them in water. Lighting is a huge part of any party decor. Mix in larger and smaller candles to make sure there is ample light and variety.

Go Big or Go Home

Every table needs a focal piece. A large floral arrangement or a large container is a way to add drama without breaking the bank. Fill glass cylinders with fruit, water, or beads and top them off with flowers. Get creative with containers; use barrels, tea pots–whatever you can find that fits the theme and your budget. Hire a professional florist to create simple, yet beautiful, arrangements. This is probably one area that is best left to professionals. It is important that your flowers look neat, not sloppy. Save money in other areas, but leave the flowers to the pros.

Get Creative!

As always, using your imagination is the best way to save money while hosting an event. Dig through your closets, contact your local florist or wedding and party planner, and stick to your vision. Keep it simple, and keep it special by following these tips!

May 5, 2010 by Celebration Advisor

Papel Picado: Mexican Wedding Flags Add a Festive Touch to Any Party!

Sunshine, vibrant colors, and a love of all things festive. Latin countries are known for celebrations of all kinds. And who could blame them? Good food, friends, and music make for unforgettable parties. In fact, the rest of the world is beginning to take notice of Latin America's knack for soirees and wondering how to bring it home. The good news is, it's quite simple!

Cinco de Mayo celebrations are popping up all over the U.S., and with them come the music, food, and culture that has enraptured the rest of the world. Strolling downtown in any city this time of year, visitors may see countless Papel Picados, or cutout paper flags, being hung across streets, between trees, or indoors over dance spaces.

These whimsical flags are a form of Mexican folk art that can be seen near any fiesta. Made of tissue paper and cut using dies and hammers, the flags are hung to commemorate special occasions, such as wedding, or religious holidays.

Many brides-to-be in the U.S. have caught on to the Mexican Wedding Flags' ability to transform a space. They are a low-cost decoration that can be hung over a ceremony, in a dance hall, or all over an outdoor space for a whimsical vibe. Some brides prefer to hang all-white flags, while others choose a rainbow of colors for a bright, cheery atmosphere. The magic of Papel Picados is evident when they dance around in the sun as a breeze blows through.

The flags can be ordered from Mexico or handcrafted in the U.S. Brides are also opting for eco-friendly flags made of fabric that can be given away or kept as a keepsake. A few brave brides are even choosing to make them on their own!

Papel Picado's trademark, creative designs can be added to a wedding invitation in the form of a print or cutout. And because they are so inexpensive, the flags can be incorporated into almost any aspect of a wedding: table decorations, cake icing, and gifts can all use a Papel Picado touch.

So, whether you are planning a wedding, or a party in honor of Cinco de Mayo, hang Papel Picado and remember: ¡Viva la Fiesta!

This post is sponsored by Atlanta, Idaho, wedding and party planners.

Photos courtesy of Sarah Parrott, Mel!ka, and linkogecko via Flickr Creative Commons.

April 27, 2010 by Leigh Morrisett

Throw Your Own Birthday Party!

Sure Miss Manners may not approve, but what's wrong with throwing your own birthday party? In my opinion, not a single thing. Let's look at all the pro's of throwing your own birthday party.

You know what theme you want.
You know the exact type of cake and food you want.
You know all the people you want at your party.

scooby doo

I could go on, but I think you get the point. It's all about you and what you want, and who better to give you the perfect party than you?

Let me take you through my birthday party, given to me by me! First, the invitations: they are Scooby Doo (yes the cartoon character), which is my party theme. Yes, I know I'm an adult and Scooby Doo is for children. However, not if it's what I want. And I want Scooby Doo. I chose Scobby Doo as my theme based on a few reasons: First – Scooby Doo is a great cartoon character. Second – the year of my birth 1969, was when Scooby Doo first aired. I plan on having all my guest dress as Scooby Doo characters.

Now for the Scooby snacks. I will have spinach dip with chips and label it Shaggy's dip, Great Dane subs (cold cut sandwiches) and mystery van wings with ac-7 sauce (spicy chicken wings with ranch dip). And of course, I can't forget a huge Scooby and friends cake complete with Velma, Shaggy, Fred and Daphne ….yummy! Did you know they have a cocktail called the Scooby? You can bet that will be mixed and consumed at my Scobby Doo theme party!

Throwing your own party can be easily done, and the ideas translate to many things you might find from your childhood. Now all I have to do is decide if I want to be Scooby, or do I make a better Scrappy Doo?

Photo courtesy of Fricker on Flickr

This party idea post is sponsored by Jacksonville, FL, party cakes.

April 16, 2010 by Mandy Maxwell

Candle-lit Garden Tea Party (On a budget)

Between you and all your friends, I bet one of you has a patio, garden, lawn, or at least a tree! If so, it's time for a GARDEN TEA PARTY! Now's a great time to have an outdoor party! The weather is finally warming up, the bugs are still dormant — it's just a great time to be outside!

First things first, The Setup.

A garden party can be simple and charming, or as elaborate and fancy as you choose.

Start with lighting. My suggestions are to recycle your Christmas lights: wrap or hang them in your trees or bushes. If you are lacking in the tree department, line your patio with them, or even make patterns or designs in your lawn.

Another cheap lighting idea — tea candles in paper bags. It gives a wonderful glow for quite a while actually. It may seem kind of dangerous — a candle surrounded by paper? Well, the trick is to fill the bottom with sand or dirt and bury your tea candle as deep as you can without covering the top of it. Make sure if they DO catch fire there is nothing near them that can be damaged. Because the bottom is full of dirt, they are relatively easy to extinguish.. just kick it over.

Other lighting suggestions would be: Candles on chains, or otherwise scattered around your patio. You can put a bundle of tangled Christmas lights under your table (to be covered by your table cloth of course) to give a wonderful ambiance.

Now, furniture.

Again, between you and your friends, one of you has a card table, or other type of table to use. Don't worry what it looks like, cover it with a white sheet or other table cloth. We all know and love the look of shabby chic. Use the thrift or second-hand stores to find some old furniture like benches, chairs, stools, and other seating. Sometimes you can find some pieces in bad condition that are still usable for next to nothing, and if you buy a few of them, it can't hurt to ask for a discount! Even dollar stores might have some plastic furniture you could use. You can even get some retro-funky furniture to match… unmatch.

If you get your furniture a few days in advance, spray paint them your favorite colors or even colors to match your garden. Before going Jackson Pollock on your furniture, try to think of what look or mood you're going for. If it's a classic, Victorian garden tea party, go with pastels or just solid white. (White spray paint is cheapest!) If its more of a whimsical, artsy event use bright, bold colors. Don't spend too much time painting your furniture—remember it's going to be dark anyway!

Favorite part… Decor!

It's not a garden party without flowers! For budget parties, get with your local florist and find out what's in season or if they have any overstock flowers, which are usually a lower price or on special. Order lots of these cut flowers for your decorations, plus an appropriate-sized centerpiece for your table. (TIP: It's a good idea to let your florist have creative freedom when it comes to making arrangements. Tell your florist what the arrangement is for and what your primary colors are, and let them have some fun in creating it. I've always gotten the COOLEST arrangements this way!)

Back to the thrift store… Buy every 25¢ ugly statue, vase, hanging thing, or whatever else tickles your pickle. (I promise you'd be surprised what you'll find. Don't forget to ask for a discount if you buy lots, it can't hurt!) You can either paint these, or leave them alone. Sometimes you can find some old doilies and other fabrics for cheap. Overlap these onto your table and chairs.

A really cool thing I've seen with garden parties are chandeliers. If you can find a cheap-o chandelier, hang it in the tree above your table. Wire your cut flowers to it for added beauty.

Lastly, TEA PARTY!

Food is the last major element of the Garden Party… It's a tea party, so you're going to need some tea. If you can, get a tea sampler with a variety of great teas. Make each in a separate, little tea pot and sit on your table.

Again with the thrift store… but find mismatched teacups and saucers, one for each of your guests. If you have a lot to choose from, pick a teacup that matches your friend's personality. (As always, the stranger the better!) Make sure to set the table before your guests arrive with just their

For food, keep it simple — finger foods, fruits, veggies and dip.

Last Little Extras

If you live in the country, or somewhere quiet, the sounds of nature may be enough, but if not you're going to need some music. Use a portable cd or record player to give your party some tunes to sip tea by. I know you all like your punk and emo music (jk), but for this party, the mood should be much more mellow. Other noise makers would work too, like wind-chimes and bells.

The last garden party I went to we all dressed up in prom dresses we found. (Not really tacky ones, just kind-of tacky ones 😉 This made the night so much fun!

I hope this post wasn't too overwhelming, there are a LOT of ideas in it, however you can pick and choose the ones you feel fit with your group of friends. If you like the idea and have other suggestions for this post, please let us know in the comments below!

April 5, 2010 by Celebration Advisor

Two Parties, One Deck–What to Do?!

Ask The Celebration Advisor:

Really need some advice/ideas. I've been asked to help plan a 60th wedding anniversary/high school graduation celebration on the same day..same deck. The deck has two separate sides, so two themes are feasible, but am at a loss as to how to make them connect in some fun way. (Grandparents & grandson).
Any ideas? I'm thinking garden party on one side..dance party on other? I've done a couple weddings and floral design, but this one has me pulling my hair out! HELP!!!

–Trish

Celebration Advisor Reply:

First of all, congratulations on celebrating two major milestones! No matter what ideas you choose, I'm sure it's going to be a special day!

I like your idea of hosting two separate parties that work well together. Having a more mature get together on one side, featuring seating areas and hors d'oeuvres, and a space for dancing and gathering on the other side will allow guests to move between the two spaces and celebrate as a family.

Unify the spaces using a single color palette for the entire party. Choose a couple of neutral colors and an accent color that will suit both parties. For an example we will use white, silver and blue. One the anniversary side, choose white table cloths, flowers and silver vases to create an elegant, comfortable atmosphere. Add blue napkins, ribbons and candies for a punch of color.

On the graduation party side, bring in sliver, white and blue balloons to create an upbeat vibe. Rent a strobe light or disco ball to complete the dance floor feel. Serve snacks on blue plates, or mix a blue punch as a colorful drink option. Fill out the decor with greenery, snacks and other decorations you find at your local supply store. Get creative! Guests can share one cake, and your invitations can serve double-duty by sticking to a single color palette.

Color is a great way to unify the two parties, while appealing to the substantially different demographics. From a distance, the deck will look cohesive, but guests will feel at home on both sides and maybe even mix and mingle between the two areas.

To get you started, check out Wedding and Party Network's Florists and Flowers page to find a local florist near you!

This Celebration Advisor post is sponsored by Wedding and Party Network.

March 27, 2010 by Leigh Morrisett

Kid's Party Theme: An Alphabet Party

Stumped on a theme for your 4 or 5-year old's party? Throw them an alphabet party! Use every letter of the alphabet from A to Z. Start off the alphabet party with colorful alphabet invitations. Decorate your party location with all the letters of the alphabet by purchasing alphabet streamers, confetti and other alphabet-themed decorations. Get creative!

You can buy letters and streamers at a party supply store or an office/school supplies store. Don't forget balloons! Make sure they carry the theme and have letters or the alphabet on them.

Utilize your local bakery for alphabet cupcakes, cookies or crackers. If you don't want cupcakes, order your child a birthday cake using his or her name. You can spell out your kid's name or you can use just his initials.

Ask your favorite deli if they will make letter-shaped ham and cheese sandwiches. If not, you can buy letter cookie cutters and make your own ABC peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

For party favors, buy alphabet flash cards or letter magnets that match the guest's initials. Some party stores have age appropriate, ready-made alphabet party favor boxes.

A great party game is Pin-the-Letter on an item/person, played like the game Pin-the-Tail on the donkey. Using heavy duty craft paper, cut out the letters of the alphabet. Have the birthday boy or girl pick a letter out of a box. He or she then has to find something or someone with a name that starts with that letter and "pin" (I suggest using tape) the letter to that object or person.

Wedding and Party Network is a proud sponsor of this children's party theme.

December 17, 2009 by Celebration Advisor

Need Inspiration For Contemporary Christmas Party Decor?

Recently I attended a Christmas party at a coworker's home. With the host being a graphic designer, I knew I'd be impressed by his modern Christmas decorations. What I didn't know was just HOW impressive it would be.

Lucky for us all, my gracious host took a few pictures of his decor share with you! Enjoy a glimpse into the winter wonderland that was his contemporary Christmas decor.

December 14, 2009 by Leigh Morrisett

How To Create A Clown Town Kids Birthday Party

Need A Party Theme Or Idea For A Kid's Birthday Party? Think Clowns!

Clowns are great for birthday parties. They are fun and make little ones giggle. So throw a clown town kids birthday party. How? Hire a few professional clowns. When you hire the clowns find out which special skills they have, such as balloon animals, face painting or magic tricks. It is important to know what the clowns will be doing to entertain the children.

In Clown Town Everyone Has A Job (Skill)

Hire several clowns with different skills and set up little towns (performance areas) for the children to visit. Use cardboard, paint and markers to create the backdrop for each town. For instance, you've hired 3 clowns: one who does juggling and magic, one who does balloon animals, and one who paints faces. Create a "stage with curtains" for the magic-juggling clown. Now the magic-juggling clown has the perfect place to perform his magic for the kids.

You can do the same thing with the balloon animal clown. Draw a circus tent or zoo setting on a piece of cardboard. Be sure to sue bright colors when you paint the cardboard.

The face painting clown will need more than a backdrop. This clown will need a chair or stool for the kids to sit on while she paints faces. Paint animals, balloons, butterflies and superheros on the cardboard. This backdrop will contain all the images the clown will paint on your kiddos faces.

Not An Artist? Easy Tips For Creating Party Backdrops

If your not good at free hand drawing, use coloring books. Grab a page out of a coloring book and have it blown up at a copy store. Using the enlarged page as a pattern, you can now trace the pattern on to the cardboard. Another decorating option can be found at your local party supply store – decals and stickers.

Making A Sturdy Clown Town

To set up your clown town, use more cardboard to brace the cardboard towns. You will angle the cardboard in similar fashion as a desk top picture frame. If the party is outside or in a garage attach the card board to the walls or fence with packing tape.

Decorating The Party Food Table

Decorate your food and gift tables with balloons and streamers. Use colored craft paper as tablecloths and place your snacks, clown party cake and punch on the tables and call it the snack town.

The kids will love the clown town. The clown town layout is great for managing large groups of kids. Each clown town can handle a different set of kids. For example, send one group to the magic clown and another group to the face painter. By rotating the smaller groups, each child will have a better opportunity to see the clowns perform.

WeddingandPartyNetwork.com is happy to bring you this party planning idea.

November 3, 2009 by Leigh Morrisett

Reeling In A Great Bachelor Party

So the groom isn’t into the standard bachelor party of going to a bar with the guys. But, the groom is all about fishing. Make fishing your theme for your bachelor party.

Pick The Right "Fishing" Location

If you’re lucky enough to live in area where fishing is prevalent, rent a cabin and decorate it to the rafters with all types of fishing theme items. If you can't rent a cabin or a lodge, you can always use your home. Wherever you choose to hold this bachelor party, it can be transformed into a honey-hole.

Lure Them With Party Decorations

Colored bobblers found at any tackle store are the foundation for this bachelor party decor. With a little fishing line you can use the bobblers to make awesome streamers. To create the ultimate fishing atmosphere, beg, borrow and buy any type of fishing theme item you can find and deck the place out completely. Don't forget to buy a few inexpensive tackle boxes to decorate with or use as serving pieces. You can hang lures and lights from fishing nets to create a fantastic back-drop for the party. As a final decoration pick up some fishing theme napkins, maybe ones that have fishing lingo on them for fun.

Food and Drinks: Serving The Catch Of The Day

“Fingerling” foods will make this a record book party. Catfish fillets, fries, hushpuppies and all the "fixins" make an tasty treat for this bachelor party. If the frying pan isn't your thing have a local caterer prepare the meal for you.

Want a more casual bachelor food atmosphere? Clean out those tackle boxes and fill them with chip and dip. Serve your own version of a jig-n-pigs (fishing lures) sandwich – a little fried bologna, ham, or other cold cuts with a variety of cheeses. Add in a little beer, wine, soda or mixed drinks and you won't need a lure to get them to the buffet table. For a fun twist to the evening, everytime someone gets a drink make them sing a song that uses the word "live well" (a fishing term).

A bachelor party should be all about having fun. Theme parties are all about creating fun around a theme. So playing up a theme based on the groom's fishing passion it will net you a great bachelor party.

This bachelor party planning idea was brought to you by weddingandpartynetwork.com.

September 9, 2009 by Celebration Advisor

Tips For Throwing A Twilight Party

If you have a tween it's safe to say that you've heard of Twilight. You may even be a fan yourself. I certainly am! Because so many people love the Twilight series, here are a few Twilight party ideas that would be helpful for a birthday party, screening party before the release of the next movie, girl's sleepover and other parties.

Decorations from a Twilight Sleepover Party

Twilight Party Decorations — First, you have to get the party decorations right. Keep in mind that Twilight is the story of a young vampire who falls in love with an ordinary girl. You don't have to go overboard with the vampire party decorations. Just think more "romantic Halloween" party supplies for your Twilight party. Here are a few key party supplies to think about when planning your Twilight party.

Apple mylar balloons or crescent mylar balloons
Plates, napkins, cups and other dinnerware with Twilight prints or in golden and black colors
Chocolate brown tablecloths, latex balloons and other decorations
Twilight themed flowers

If you don't want to see the faces of Bella and Edward on all of your party supplies, use a color theme instead. Think very earthy and dark like a Halloween theme. Use chocolate browns, topaz and golds (Edward's eye color) and black.

Twilight Punch — It's easy to create your own blend of Twilight punch. Make sure the punch is blood red. You may want to add a small bit of food coloring to achieve this color. If you are worried that the punch will stain, use only a small amount and keep in mind that blood red lips will be an appropriate costume effect for the movie release.

Another tip for the punch is to use sparkling ginger ale instead of regular. This is carbonated, of course, but adheres to the image of the vampires' sparkling skin.

Have A Local Baker Create A Twilight Party Cake

Twilight Music — Music sets the mood for a room so make sure to have the Twilight soundtrack and other somewhat eerie music playing in the background. Throw a bit of humor in the mix and add "Monster Mash" if you like watching the surprise on people's faces as the music suddenly turns silly.

Twilight Party Entertainment — The enchanting theme of the book makes your Twilight party the perfect time for an illusionist (skilled magician). If you'd rather stick to entertaining each other, throw in the first movie.

You can also play a Twilight trivia game similar to a popular bridal shower game. Create mouths with fangs using velvet and a permanent marker or visit your local party store and see what Vampirical tags they have. Ask questions to each player who loses a pair of fangs for each wrong answer. The last person with a fang is the winner. If it comes down to a tie or a tiebreaker, make sure each has a chance to answer at least one question.

Your Twilight party is going to be awesome. Your tween will think you're the coolest parent alive. If you're hosting a Twilight party for yourself, your friends may snicker a bit but the Twilight enthusiasts in the group will know how much you rock. Have fun!