Whether its formal, fun or family, decorations set the tone for your party.
Flowers are just right for any party. If you can, pick flowers from your own garden. Pussy willows, evergreens, hollies are just right this time of year. Look around your backyard for inspiration.
Decide what kind of party you want and make sure your decorations reflect that.
Formal:
Find the best of everything in your house. Bring out the best china, art, crystal. linens and silver ware. Don’t over do it, remember less always looks like more. If you don’t feel you have enough rent. Find out where you can rent art, silver ware, tablecloths, plates, and napkins. You can find colorful classy runners in Ethnic Import stores. You might consider hiring an art student or professional artist to help design unique decorations. Just keep it simple, and understated.
Fun and Theme:
First look around your house and use your imagination. How else can you use that old 75 vinyl record? It could be a serving platter. Old 33 record covers make great pictures as do all those old Coca-Cola or Jimi Hendrix posters. You can raid second hand, ethic, dollar, retro stores. Streamers and balloons are always great. Just remember this is fun so add color be corny. Go ahead by those pink flamingos, plastic palm trees and paper umbrellas – your guests will think its fun.
Family and kids:
Children produce the best decorations. Chances are they are creating lots of it in school right now. So save it and use it. Paper chains, and dolls are so bright and colorful. Have them trace shapes from cookie cutters and color them in. Ask your children what kind of decorations they want. Go raid the dollar store. Streamers and balloons set the mood.
For more ideas see: Survival Guide for Holiday Parties.
Part 1 – Consultation
Part 2 –Invitations
Part 3 – Lists
Part 4 – Help
