Party Decorations

July 29, 2013 by Celebration Advisor

Top Picks for Creative Flower Centerpieces

When Greek recruitment season comes around, every sorority wants to find the perfect details to perfect their recruitment events. You will be looking for decorations which complement your sorority flowers, colors and badge. Wedding & Party Network was inspired by the first detail – the sorority flowers – and decided to find some creative ways you can incorporate them into your recruitment decorations. So, enjoy our top picks for creative flower centerpieces.

Thinking Inside the Vase

yellowcallacenterpiece

Sometimes it's difficult to find the perfect vase for your flower arrangement. What if we told you it didn't matter? Take 2 or 3 of your sorority's flowers and find a large glass bowl or vase, preferably one with rounded sides like a fish bowl. Curl the flowers and their stems inside of the bowl, choosing different angles and directions. As simple as that, you've created a modern take on the classic flowers in a vase.

Petal Table Runner

Instead of searching for a table runner with the perfect shade to match your decorations, order a dozen of your sorority flowers and remove each individual petal. Scatter them down the center of your table – if it’s rectangular – or around a candle centerpiece on circular tables. Now you have an elegant and simple centerpiece.

Vintage Bottle Vases

Search flea markets, decorating stores, or even check with your local florist to find vintage-inspired bottles. Place a single flower in it for a retro-chic feel. Plus, you could find bottles to match your sorority colors.

Time for Tea Flower Pot

Find a tea set that matches your decor. You can use the teapot as a vase and then turn each teacup into a candle holder using your crafting skills – or these easy diy instructions. This would be perfect for garden themed recruitment events.

Reinvent the Wineglass

Separate your sorority flower from its stem. Then take a wine glass or other glass stemware and place it upside-down over the bloom. You will have an elegant display for you flower, plus the glass’ base can serve as a unique candle holder for a tea light candle.

submeregedweddingflowers

Underwater Flowers

This will have to be prepared as close to time for your recruitment event as possible. Take a few flowers from a bouquet of your sorority’s flowers and place them in a vase. Fill the vase completely with water and then top it off with a floating candle or decorative lid. Ask your local florist if you are unsure how the flower’s petals will react to complete submersion.

There you have it, 5 easy centerpieces which you can use to incorporate your sorority's flower. The best part is that they can each be personalized to match your recruitment theme and sorority, placing the creation of the perfect recruitment party in your hands. Hope you feel inspired!

June 18, 2013 by Celebration Advisor

Wanna Throw a 4th of July Party?

What better way to celebrate our freedom than with a get together with friends and family? There are plenty of ways to decorate your home in order to invite guests over and Wedding and Party Network has a few tips on throwing together a great 4th of July party.

The easiest thing to start with would be the staple 4th of July decoration: you guessed it, the flag! You can find little flag replicas all over stores, like your local party store. Start with placing a flag in your yard, or hang it from your porch.Throughout your house, you could use them as part of table centerpieces. There are endless options. You could also buy streamers and ribbons in red, white, and blue throughout the house. What about a decorative, festive 4th of July wreath? It's a great way to welcome guests into your home. There are such fun ways to decorate for this red, white and blue holiday!
Food! Food is important at any party, and the best thing about this kind of party is that you can theme it! Try making star shaped cookies with cookie cutouts, cover them in red or blue frosting and use white sprinkles. (This could be a fun family craft for the kids to enjoy, too!)Also, have red and blue popsicles around: not only is it festive, but it's hot outside! The popsicles will help everyone to cool off. Food is such a fun way to display your patriotism.
If you really want to spice things up, make some refreshing cocktails for the adults, or keep them alcohol free for the kids to enjoy, as well! Mix up some red punch and throw in some blue colored ice-packed stars. You can easily incorporate the theme of any part in with drinks and they keep everyone cool.

With our simple tips, you'll throw an amazing party with festive decorations! Everyone will want to be back at your place next year, and maybe even the next!

June 13, 2013 by Shelbi Raysor

I Pledge Allegiance to the Perfect Party Planners of America

Planning a successful party can be a huge achievement. Around our family, planning the perfect Independence Day party may promote you to queen of the universe. Why so much love for 4^th of July? My family is military, give us any excuse to parade around in our American flag apparel and we are there. The great thing about the 4^th of July is it is very hard to overdo American pride, BBQ, decorations or desserts.

White Chocolate Covered Cherries

Summertime is the season we’ve been waiting for. All that money spent on landscaping the backyard, cleaning the pool and staining the deck is now in use. Now, it’s time to show off all our hard work! It’s time for a 4^th of July BBQ and we’re here to help!

Good “Eats”

When it comes to inviting people over for your BBQ there is one thing that is at the top of the list; food. Come on, it’s even in the name of your party. There are certain food choices that are common, but are goodies that can be grilled by your husband and save you some time. Food that puts your hubby to work is grilled burgers, hot dogs, smoked BBQ and ribs.

The good ole home comfort sides like potato salad, coleslaw and beans are perfect for the grilled entrees. Now, if you want to spice things up in the “sides” area I’m here to help. For a refreshing salad in the summer heat try adding strawberries, blueberries and bleu cheese crumbles. You’ll love the color mix.

That isn’t the only American flag inspired food choice. Desserts are also the key to a fun time.

Sweet Tooth Desserts

Everyone has a sweet tooth, but these desserts are sure to have your guests seeing stars. For another fruity mix, try skewing 8 blueberries and putting a star cut watermelon at the top for the perfect mix of red and blue. If that seems too healthy for the sweet lovers, try dipping strawberries in white chocolate, but don’t stop there. Before it dries dip the wet chocolate covered strawberry’s tip in a sparkly blue sprinkle mix. The strawberry should be in separated in red, white and blue layers that are sweet on the eyes.

Can’t get enough of the sprinkles; try the same thing with ice cream sandwiches and pretzel sticks. There can’t be a BBQ without cookies, so try adding red and blue sprinkles into cookie batter. Not only will there be firework cookies, but a firework explosion on your tongue. Yum!

If the children can’t wait for dessert, make them blue raspberry lemonade to cool them off after playing in the yard. The recipe can be found in my previous blog here. To give that lemonade an American feel add a red and white striped straw.

BBQ Decor

If their dinner doesn’t have them saying they are proud to be an American…they aren’t. With all the patriotic food, there has to be patriotic decorations to balance it out. Let’s start at the first thing your guests will see; your front door.

Wreaths are a hit for every season, but this 4^th of July let’s blow them away.Take a wire coat hanger out of your closet and bend it into a circle. After perfecting the circle, pick out a red t-shirt and cut it into finger size strips. After cutting the t-shirt into shreds (literally), tie the pieces of t-shirts in a knot one by one until you have covered your hanger completely with red chaos. For the finishing touch add a blue and white bow to the top. The neighborhood will envy your unique entrance.

Beyond the entrance decorate the party area, which is most likely the backyard. If there is a porch, a cheap and elaborate banner can be hung around the guard rail. Take red and white striped fabric and secure it in different areas by tying it with blue yarn. Pull the fabric slightly loose between each secure area. The last step is to step back and admire the perfect fence or porch banner.

Don’t want to use the porch? Cut blue, red and white bandannas into triangles. Attach the triangle pieces at the base to a long string. When you hang the banner in the air, the pieces should point downward like a carnival banner. Now that the backyard porch is taken care of, the tables need to lead the guests to the main part of the party; the food.

Made in the USA Arrangement

Table Decor Themes

There are several ways to decorate a table for the 4^th of July. For a quick and fabulous table arrangement start with a red and white polka dot table runner. Then it’s time to decorate the flower vases. Grab my favorite rustic vase, the mason jar, and wrap a piece of burlap around the vase and attach it with hot glue and add the finishing red bow over top of the burlap. After, the vase is done simply add red carnations to finish off the centerpiece. Now, you have perfected the rustic look.

For a more fresh look, start with a white outside table-cloth. Grab 2 large clear vases for your centerpieces. Add a white daisy and red carnation mixture into the vase. Now we have red and white among the centerpieces, its’ time for the blue accent. Fill a jug with water and apply blue color dye. The vases will appear blue and when the party is done, simply wash the vase to restore it back to its original color.

Don’t want to mess with color dye? Buy blue vases in various colors! Just pop a few roses or carnations in them and you have a beautiful centerpiece. To add the perfect base that won’t take away from the centerpieces throw down a light blue table-cloth.

These table decoration themes should have the guests begging for more.

New Sparkle on Party Favors

After all the food is consumed, it’s time to watch fireworks. Instead of giving party favors to your guest as they leave, I suggest you do it now. After eating a big meal, there are several cute ways to decorate peppermints. Did I mention they are red and white striped? If you’re more of a chewer, try red and blue gum balls for a fresh treat. Your guests will thank you.

For the children at your party, you can gather 3 or 4 sparklers and hold them together with red and blue ribbon. Not only will the sprinklers keep the kids away from the fireworks, but it will even look like a present! Such trickery!

4^th of July is right around the corner. Be sure to celebrate the land of the free and home of the brave.

May 22, 2013 by Shelbi Raysor

Have S'more Fun

Planning a kid's birthday party can leave mommies scratching their heads. How do moms work, raise their children and plan unique birthday parties? Moms read the Celebration Advisor of course.

Bounce House from Premier Party Rentals LLC

This summer, give your little boy or girl a party everyone can enjoy. A camping themed party can be a fun and relaxed way to celebrate the passing of a joyful year. Not only can you celebrate your themed party in your own backyard, but everyone in the family can be a part of the preparation and activities.

S’more Party Food

For your camping themed party, you have plenty of options for your food that everyone will enjoy! A buffet style food table is ideal and will be just as relaxed as the mood of your party.

For starters, send the men of the family to their favorite spot, the grill. Hot dogs and hamburgers are the perfect meal for picky eaters and are budget friendly to make for a group of 20 kids.

Lets not forget about dessert! For a sweet treat, allow the boys to eat dirt, well “chocolate dirt”. Fill a mason jar with three layers: brownie, chocolate pudding and crushed Oreos. To wash down dessert, serve “bug juice” which is Kool Aid with floating gummy worms. This will be the hit of the night.

Fun Camping Activities

There are plenty of fun party activities that all kids will enjoy! For the afternoon, a rented jump castle can be used for rotation around hot dogs and hamburgers. After dinner, I suggest a scavenger hunt to allow their tummies to settle. They can search for fun items around the yard and go on an outdoor adventure. To cap off the night, a movie night on the lawn is the perfect way to end the night, just add s’mores for an extra treat.

All decorations for this party can be homemade or if you're not into DIY, you can easily visit your local party store. However, if you plan to use DIY party decor, there are lots of fun ideas to create a fun camping themed party.

Yummy S'mores

Start off with old wooden planks for “no girls allowed” signs. To bring the jump castle into the camping theme, simply place another wooden sign with “Don’t feed the bears” written on it. The jump castle resembles a cage and is the perfect area for the kids to act like animals. For the entrance, make your own cloth banner for “Camp Landon” using triangle pieces of cloth for a rustic look. All of these fun party decorations combined together will truly transport you to the woods.

Party Favors

Make sure your guests take supplies as they travel on the trail back home. Some party favors that can be used over and over are:

Flash Lights: easy access night-light
Trail Mix: the perfect snack for later adventures
Seed Packets: to start wildlife of their own

Saying thank you with these great party favors will truly be the icing on the cake for them.

Wedding and Party Network is camping out and we’re inviting you. Enjoy a s’more on us with this great party theme idea!

May 16, 2013 by Juli Jackson

For More Than Just A Party – BeYond Balloons

Great parties only happen occasionally, and for that, you want to be transported to a place that is anything but ordinary. At every memorable event, the decor helps create a unique atmosphere. Well, BeYond Balloons can create imaginative balloon sculptures that make a big impact and set the tone of your party to give your party that exciting atmosphere.

Best Time For Balloons

Balloon Archway

Based in the Oklahoma City area, BeYond Balloons has been adding life to parties for years at every type of event you can imagine. We all know balloons can be bright, whimsical fun, but in the right hands, the options are endless. You can go for elegant and transformative, playful and exciting, modern or traditional to truly transform your event.

Let their work engulf you in a beautiful moment by surrounding your wedding reception with gravity-defying balloon topiaries. Make a special birthday for a young child full of delight and wonder with their favorite characters and zany shapes. Celebrate a milestone anniversary with twisting garlands of silver or gold. At a trade show or sales event, balloons create a friendly inviting atmosphere that will draw potential customers in from across the room. There are so many events that a fantastic balloon design from this company can make extra special.

A visit to their website shows the variety and imagination they can create. The stories and positive reviews of their craft will be sure to make you smile.

Make It Easy And Functional

Floating Balloon Topiaries

Balloon art can lighten up a small room, add interest to blank spaces, designate event space, and easily fill large empty areas. As decor, balloons are completely multi-purpose. Not only do they convey your theme and tie the room together, balloon creations create perfect photo backdrops for you and your guests to look your best and take home those happy memories.

With any event you are planning, these creative professionals will design within your budget and provide a set-up you will love. Imagine the freedom you'll have to focus on planning those other important details, meaning you can actually enjoy the party worry-free since you'll have time to focus on other aspects of the party.

Also, no more dreading the end of the night when you have to clean up because the balloon breakdown will be taken care of!

Let BeYond Balloons design an unforgettable piece of art that will make your party more than just a party.

May 15, 2013 by Kelly Curtis

Summer Party Trends for 2013

It's that time! It's time to start planning your summer parties. What will you do this year? What themes will you choose for your summer parties? There are many trends to choose from this season. So, Wedding and Party Network has brought to you our favorite summer party trends for 2013.

Party Photobooth Say Cheese Photo Booth	Vintage Inspired Party Decor The Cupboard	Citrus Arrangements Elizabeth's Garden Santa Barbara Flower Shop
Neon Accents	Going "Green" Plant a Memory	Fun Party Details The BASH! Party Rentals and Sales

May 8, 2013 by Shelbi Raysor

Southern Drawls and Bendy Straws

Backyards seem to be the perfect setting for spring and summer parties. A new party theme that is easy on the eyes and on your wallet is Southern Rustic Charm. Enjoy the weather without the frustration of planning and hosting an elaborate event. Southern Rustic Charm can be accomplished with just two key decorations: burlap and mason jars. A simple party that will truly charm your guests.

Southern Inspired Entrées:

Southern Drawls & Bendy Straws

Food can play a huge role in party success. There are a several main dishes that are inexpensive and easy to replenish. For example, BBQ and fried chicken wings (for less mess) are great homemade foods that almost anyone can enjoy. If you want to get a little dirty, try a crawfish, potatoes and corn on the cob mix. There are plenty of options for food that will help make your party a success.

Refreshing Refreshments:

Playing host can leave you stuck in the kitchen. But, with a few simple tips, you'll be the center of the party for sure.

Simple lace-decorated mason jars can be filled with sweet tea and lemonade. Just ice them down in a bucket to reduce back and forth trips to fill drinks.

Also, don’t be afraid to mix things up. Try making strawberry lemonade with actual strawberry pieces or my new favorite, turquoise lemonade. This is made with Country Time Lemonade, sugar and blue raspberry Kool Aid. It is a sure way to brighten up the party.

Rustic Charm Décor:

In a Southern Rustic Charm themed party, decorations will be the talk of the party. Refurbished flea market furniture is easy to find and it makes a stunning impression. Did I mention it’s one-of-a-kind? Simply find a different chair, paint it a basic color (my favorite is white) and sand the edges for added rustic effect. Don’t forget to visit your local florist for their unique flower arrangements.

As the sun goes down and your guests make their way home, make sure they leave with a little piece of the South. Some cheap and easy party favors are:

Honey
Homemade Jelly
Seed Packets
Cotton Candy

With the right decorating skills and unique party favors, your guests will leave your Southern Rustic Charm truly envious.

May 7, 2013 by Rebecca Hoskins

Celebrate Memorial Day

Before WWII, Memorial Day was known as Decoration Day. As such, it was a tradition to decorate the graves of soldiers who had lost their lives in war. As illustrated by this photo taken in the 1930’s, Decoration Day was taken quite seriously by its celebrants.

Today, what we know as Memorial Day, is celebrated on the last Monday of the month of May. Although the official government holiday was established to honor our dead veterans, many now use the day for mini holidays like going on picnics, spending time at the lake or traveling. Of course, there are still those that take flowers to the cemetery to decorate their loved ones tombstones.

The Ins and Outs of My Memorial Day Celebration

As the unofficial beginning of the summer vacation season, many people spend the day involved in numerous outdoor activities. Since it can be very hot already by the end of May, I like to entertain people who are not involved in those type of activities. Instead I prefer to host an indoor/outdoor party.

With the trees bloomed out, gardens planted and my porches spruced up, I am ready for the excitement of a memorial party. Because this is a casual party, I email or text invitations. I have a drop in, so those who might be returning from the lake or a trip can feel free to drop in. As there are always plenty of food and beverages, we often invite people we run into in the days leading up to the holiday.

My Decorations For The Day

Every serving area (and I have many) has a patriotic theme. I love the simplicity of this arrangement in a basket. With a few potted geraniums from your local nursery and some dollar store flags and you have a very appropriate patriotic centerpiece.

Fresh plants from the local nursery decorate the screened porch and are readily available at your local nursery. As it is early in the growing season, all plants are young and small but will provide big design if you take proper care.

In the above photos, you'll see that the patio is party ready having been cleaned and decorated with plants that have been newly planted. Now, my guests will have several areas to gather depending on the weather.

Memorial Day Menu

I keep my menu simple:

Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Sassy's Wieners
Shrimp Dip
Fruit and Cheese Plate
Bourbon Punch, Lemonade and Iced Tea

Just for fun, I will share my mother's recipe for Chicken Salad:

Boil some chicken.

Peel some celery

Boil some eggs

Put this into food processor until chopped; do not puree'. Add a dollop of mayonnaise (not salad dressing) and a dollop of Durkees'. You must have Durkees dressing. I keep four or five containers on hand in my pantry. Do not expect me to share if you do not return the glass quart jar I used for you before. Enjoy.

The recipe for the Shrimp Dip is as follows:

8 oz. Cream Cheese (room temp)

4 tbl. Chilie Sauce

1 tsp. onion juice

1 tsp. lemon juice

1 lb. shrimp

Peel and devein shrimp. Cook shrimp in shrimp boil mix. (I use medium shrimp). Cut into bite size pieces. Mix all other ingredients in food processor until smooth. Use milk if necessary to thin. Keep refrigerated but remove early enough to knock the chill off. I use Fritos with this dip. I will double or triple for this party. It will keep several days.

Memorial Day can be celebrated in many ways. If you don't have a lake or stream to go to, or you want to stay out of the traffic, you might want to try this type of party to entertain yourself and your friends. With most going back to work the next day, it may turn into the party to remember.

May 6, 2013 by Juli Jackson

Celebrate With A Mother's Day Brunch

Mother's Day is fast approaching. Why not show your mother how much her love and support means to you? Host a sweet relaxed bunch on Sunday morning that she will be smiling about for years.

Invitations

Table Styling from Clark County Floral

Would your mother enjoy a family meal or a bigger celebration with friends? Want it to be a ladies only affair or husbands and children too? No matter who is on your list, inviting your guests a week or two in advance will help everyone make their holiday plans. By mailing individual paper invitations, you are sure to get your guests attention and create a special timeless atmosphere before the party even begins. If you decide to go for convenient emails instead, make sure the word gets to everyone on your list and no one misses a message.

Pick A Theme

For brunch, the dining table is your party's focal point and the fun details are where you can be creative. Make an inviting tablescape by selecting a fitting theme.

Casual County – A classic gingham tablecloth brings some down home harmony. Blue and white speckled camp tableware is a nice touch. Create a rustic table runner from craft store burlap and use clean metal coffee cans to display cutlery. Contact a florist for a lovely centerpiece with prairie favorites like white daisies.
Tea Party – There is something about tiny cups and saucers that are so prim and proper! Dust off your grandmother's tea service, bring out the good dishes and the rarely used lace tablecloths to create a dainty formal look. Check for pearl-like beads at your local party supplier to drape across vases and candlesticks.
Shabby Chic – Get the feel of French countryside at home with vintage tableware paired with white lace doilies. Plain white material torn into strips can be tied in bows around vases, chair backs, or displays. The frayed edges say "worn" but white bow says "pretty." Use mason jars to present essentials and tie cloth napkins with jute twine.
In The Garden – Bright colored plates and cups compliment the blooming springtime. Use terracotta pots to hold utensils, wooden plant markers to label place settings and food, and inexpensive seed packets with beautiful illustrations for table accents. A basket with vegetables from the garden makes a perfect centerpiece.

Extra Tip
Take a trip down memory lane.
With any theme, add in some family photos that feature
all the moms, grandmothers, and great grandmothers.

Continue reading "Celebrate With A Mother's Day Brunch" »

April 29, 2013 by Celebration Advisor

How to Plan & Decorate for Cinco De Mayo

Cinco De Mayo is a spanish holiday held on the 5th of May each year, and celebrates the Mexican army’s' victory over French troops in the Battle of Puebla. However, for many it is simply a day to celebrate the mexican culture.

Celebrate Cinco De Mayo With Style

Parties are a great way to get together and celebrate, but how does one go about decorating for this holiday? Why not celebrate with a festive fiesta. Here are a few tips to help plan and decorate for this holiday:

Be festive with some brightly colored party invitations with the word "fiesta" printed on them.
The Spanish are all about bright colors, so choose some brightly colored tablecloths and bowls. These are good for chips, salsa, and other finger foods.
Don't forget photo props! A fun way to keep guests entertained is with a homemade "photo booth." Just grab some small banjos, guitars, maracas and sombreros to create that Mexico feel. Provide cheap, disposable cameras for guests to take pictures on, and have them create copies of the prints for you to keep in a keepsake album.
It wouldn’t be a fiesta without some lively music. Play tropical, Spanish style music to create a beachy, party environment.

Parties and celebrations are fun no matter what the occasion! Just remember to spice up the party with tasty foods, sweet beverages, entertaining music, games, and fun things to do. You'll be the best party host ever!