Make It Pretty!

I loved these styling tips by Chelsea from Frolic! – and I thought how useful they are for any kind of decor or party planning process. I’m sharing them here and adding some of my own thoughts and tips.   She says she wants everything to look pretty and just right but it also has to be simple, quick and inexpensive– something to which we can all relate!

frolic_green_table

 

1. Think about Location.

One of the first important decisions of an event is picking the venue. Even if it’s at your house, deciding on whether the party will take place indoors or at the pool will make a big difference in the look and feel of your event.

 

frolic_apple_table2

 

2. Stick to one or two colors.

It makes things so much easier ( and cheaper!). To make it even easier and to add some depth, I often pick a color then decorate in shades of that color, based on what I can find.

 

frolic_yellow_table

 

3. Pretty chairs are important.

This is a tough one, as it can add up quickly, and sometimes you don’t have much control over the chairs at a venue. But they do certainly make a difference, so decide if chairs or {simple} slipcovers can fit into your budget.

 

frolic_cherry_table

 

4. Anything can be a centerpiece.

It doesn’t alway have to be flowers– think outside the box.  Using seasonal fruit  or donutes for centerpieces and doubling them up for favors is great fun for guests.

 

frolic_liliac_red

 

5. Make your table look homemade.

Little personal touches are what make an event memorable. Making the napkins or seating cards give a lot of warmth and character to your party.

 

frolic_strawberry_table

 

6. Use pretty packaging.

Buy or make jams, sodas, or favor packages. Ensuring that these items are pretty make people want to take them home.

 

frolic_yellow_blue_table

 

7. Hang flags!

Bunting is so popular right now because it is simple and inexpensive to make. It adds a bit of fun to your wall or ceiling, making everything more festive.

 

frolic_cherry

 

8. Use handwriting.

I have nice handwriting, so I use this technique often. But I have a friend with even better skills, and I’ve called on her more than once to lend a hand! It really shows that you took the time and cared enough to add that personal touch.

 

frolic_red_check_setting

 

9. Have fun! 

Your event should reflect you and your style– so use things you like and enjoy. Don’t feel pressure to use or incorporate pieces that don’t speak to you. Have fun with it, and your guests will enjoy it too!

 

Ask-A-Planner: DIY Edition

Your questions answered by an expert. This week’s question comes from Maggie in Indiana.

Dear Sara, 

I love the projects you show on your blog. I’d love to do some DIY projects for my daughter’s upcoming birthday, but I work full time and don’t have time. Where can I buy these things already made? 

Thanks, 

Maggie 

{Image Credit: Design*Sponge}

Hi Maggie,

Thanks for the great question! It’s always difficult to evaluate whether it’s cheaper to make things yourself or worth it {and easier} to purchase. Especially as personalized touches are the trend at parties right now– its as if you have to stay up all night making bunting just to make a party successful!

First of all, I don’t know how old your daughter is turning, but I’m sure she is grateful for a party, no matter if the cake is homemade or bought from a store. And I truly believe that the mark of a successful party is a fun and relaxed hostess, not the number of items that say the birthday girl’s name. But when I do want personalized elements and don’t have the time to make them the first place I turn is to etsy {www.etsy.com}. Even if I can’t find exactly what I am looking for, many of the vendors are willing to customize items to make them perfect, or looking at items inspires me to be more general in my theme so I can find something that will fit {for example: if I am looking for unicorns, sometimes searching under princess or castle will give me more interesting results}. I also look at Amazon, since they seem to have everything these days, often at the best prices. There are also a few shops with adorable party items {Sweet Shop LuLu, BHLDN} but sometimes are a bit pricey.

To be totally honest, though, I rarely find exactly what I need. I usually want something pretty specific that is not yet available. So I tend to make a lot of things {or ask friends and family to make things}. I often will just try something and see if it works, while my husband does the responsible thing and researches the best method. Whatever gets it done, I say. And I’ve been known to take a monotonous task home {like, say, trimming the edges of 100 cloth napkins} and do it while watching a movie or a tv show. It somehow makes it less painful to me. But remember that DIY isn’t always cheaper, so do it because you want to do it. Also— start early and give yourself plenty of time as it will probably take longer than you think.

Regardless of which route you take, remember that it isn’t about the perfect decorations or food, but about making memories. That’s the most important part of any celebration.

Good Luck!! xoxo

 

The Best Frosting

Frosting is fantastic. I am of the mindset that cake is a vehicle for frosting. So nothing ruins a dessert faster than no good icing– either too sweet or not sweet enough.

BUT– I tried I this frosting recipe posted on Birthday Girl for the cupcakes I made for the graduation party last week. Oh my goodness– she is right. This is the perfect icing!

The Perfect Frosting
½ c vegetable shortening
½ c butter
3-4 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

* Beat these together for just a bit until mixed in

¾ c cocoa powder
4 c powdered sugar

* Mix all together with mixer, you might need to add more milk to make it thinner

**I didn’t need any additional milk– it was the perfect consistency. I didn’t add the cocoa, since I wanted plain vanilla icing. It was great.

Cloth Napkins

I am loving the trend of cloth napkins. It’s green and beautiful and can add so much to a party.

On an average day, my husband prefers paper towels to napkins– so it’s hard to keep them in stock in my house. That’s ok.  It gives me an excuse to use our handmade napkins when anyone comes over.

I love this wedding with cute cloth napkins that became favors.

And my favorite, the french tradition, of writing guests’ names on the napkin and recycling them.

Do you use cloth napkins for special occasions or every day? What is your favorite way to use them?

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