Setting the Table

I had heard at one point that using one color on a table can create a nice impression. For this occasion, I used white. From the tablecloth to the table runner to the flowers, everything was white. We used tea light candle holders of different heights to give visual interest.

One of the first things I did when planning the table was to look up formal table settings. With multiple courses I wanted to make sure the table was set perfectly. I found a helpful guide here. I also knew that I wanted to fold the napkins, but I didn't know how I wanted to do it. I found a site that has plenty of options...here.

One of the final touches was to put the menu under the napkin. Speaking of the menu, the food was fabulous and I can't wait to share it with you! 

Everyday Items

Setting a table can be a lot of fun! Using everyday items that are non-traditional can be even more fun. For example, imagine that you are having a spring luncheon. What comes to my mind are flowers, birds, and gardening. Why not combine those items and incorporate them into your luncheon decor?

For this luncheon, a dear friend and I took elements of spring and put them into the place settings. The napkins were wrapped in burlap and a bag of seeds was tied on top. The place cards were put into a small potted flower. Instead of traditional chargers, we used the base to a terracotta pot. We used china for the plates and bowls.

Here is the table all together...

Decorations and other fun things...

 

One of the things that I love most are the colors. They are fun, bright, and perfect for summer. I found some awesome plates and napkins that had the colors and the dots...a great match!

 

 

I hung a "caterpillar" from the porch with Chinese lanterns. A little construction paper and POOF! a caterpillar! The thing that I loved about this was when the breeze picked up, the lanterns swayed just enough that it looked like it was inching along...very cool.

 

Those were the main decorations. Much of the detailed work came with the food...which you will have to wait to see!

Little Touches Here and There

The Western themed party was a huge success! This was such a fun party to put together.

Where to start, where to start. Let's look at the party decorations...the little details...

One of the standout details was our WANTED poster. Every child {and adult} posted with the mustache of his or her choice and struck a pose. The reward was, of course, 4000 because our birthday boy was turning 4.

 

 

 

The party favors were also to theme. My fabulous Mother-in-Law put these together...and oh they were sweet. Little brown bags, with scrapbooked boots on the outside...they were adorable and all the kids couldn't wait to get theirs.

 

 

Remember when I said that I try to have one standout detail for every party? This party was no exception. It was kept a secret until the very last moment. I pulled all the kids together and said, "Tell me about cowboys." I got answers like, They have guns, they get the bad guys, they wear hats... Then I said, "But what do cowboys ride?" All at once they said "HORSES!!" To which I answered, "But do we have any horses?" With many a sad face they said, "No." It was at that time that I said, "Oh yes we do!"

 

 

The look on their faces was priceless. I think they will remember this for years to come.

 

Next time, we'll take a look at the food. 

 

 

 

Fold on the Dotted Line

One little detail that is simple and fun is napkin folding... and it doesn't have to be only for formal parties.

Say you are having a Hula theme... you could fold your napkins into t-shirts as seen right here.

Oh how I wish I had found this fish fold for the Under the Sea party!

And how cute is this adorable bunny for a Spring time or Easter luncheon?

 

 



As I was saying, folding napkins can be fun and add a little extra touch to your party!

It's All in the Details

So what is my favorite part of planning parties? The details...from the food to the way the plates and silverware are set out. Everything is important. The details are what takes an idea to reality. Details don't have to be big or grand, but rather small touches here and there. They can elevate the simplest occasion to something a little bit more.

As I mentioned, my daughter chose an Under the Sea party. It was to be an indoor affair. Admittedly, the first place I turned for inspiration was Pinterest {I am quite nearly addicted to pinning...you can follow me here} After browsing and coming up with a few ideas of my own, it was time to get started.

For every party, I try to have one standout detail...something that really sets the party off. In this case, I pinned blue netting below the ceiling. Then, between the ceiling and the netting I put balloons...light blue, dark blue, and white...sea foam. It really gave the feeling of being under the sea.
 

 

One of my favorite decorations of this party were the handmade jellyfish. From paper bowls, watercolor, and ribbon came the jellyfish forest. Then, hung from fishing line, they looked like they were floating.

 

And what's an Under the Sea party without a school of fish?

 

 

 

Next time we'll look into the food...mmm, one of my favorite parts!