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Planning a Valentine’s Day party? While some people stress about filling a party table with embellished treats in matching hues, take note that there are other ways to pull off a great event. Two strategies to consider: Go for the unexpected and go for the classic. In other words, catch your guests off guard with unique flourishes, but don’t hesitate to use timeless basics like the Sweethearts candy you ate as a kid.

There are no rules that say your Valentine’s Day decor has to be filled with red and pink hearts. Or that every item you serve has to be sweet. Brownies, cookies and cupcakes are in order, right?! Yes and no. You should definitely feel free to defy expectation when it comes to the edibles at your gathering. Think about the food you truly want to eat. Then blend your ideas into a festive table display!

Your party decor is the backdrop for the event. It welcomes guests. It sets the stage for a memorable gathering. What could be more festive than heart-shaped balloons? A simple, non-metallic finish in shades of pink, red and white screams “Valentine’s Day,” yet the balloons create an old-fashioned feel that keeps things simple and chic. Valentine’s Day decor does not have to be expensive to be eye-catching. Paper doilies can be used on tabletops, in crafting activities, and of course, as garland supplies!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Cheers!

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It’s Super Bowl party time! Any savvy planner knows you should start planning your party now. Remember: It’s all about the food! And decor, of course! 😉

Tip 1) Scatter real or inflatable footballs around the party room, and dangle football-shaped balloons from the ceiling or have them placed around the room. Let team colors dictate your party color scheme.

Tip 2) If you have the space, get some small fun contrainers and fill with ice to keep drinks cool. Place them in strategic spots so guests won’t be constantly getting up and going to the kitchen for a refill.

Tip 3) Keep plenty of ice on hand, always plan for more than you anticipate you will need.

Tip 4) Serve a mix of items to satisfy everyone, and go for both finger foods that are easy to pick up and eat—think sandwiches, chips and dips, wings, and pizza—and heartier fare like chili and barbecue to balance out all that beer. Make sure you have plenty of food; guests will want to replenish often during the game. It’s best to set up a buffet table off to the side where people can load up on main-course items, then have several smaller tables in the TV room with snacks that people can nosh on during the game.

Tip 5) If you’re going the disposable route, choose sturdy items that can hold up to heavy fare like loaded nachos, pizza, and chili. Now is definitely not the time to break out your best china—it’s inevitable that things will get knocked over during the excitement of the game.

Tip 6) Make sure you have enough serving pieces for all the snacks you’ll be setting out. Incorporate a fun football themed table scape.

Tip 7) Napkins. You’ll need lots of these for wiping messy fingers and greasy spills throughout the night.

Tip 8) Seating. After food, this is the most essential element of your party. Make sure you have enough seats in front of the TV for everyone who’s attending.  if you don’t have enough, ask attendees to bring folding chairs or borrow chairs from a friend. Put out throw rugs or blankets and scatter some large pillows so that even those seated on the floor can get comfortable.

Happy Planning!

Cheers!

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Kate Spade New York is branded by what the company describes as “crisp color, graphic prints and playful sophistication” enabling individuals to embrace “colorful living.” That is precisely what I wanted to create for a December graduate’s party décor this past weekend.

Earning her degree from Southern Nazarene University, this classy young lady’s Kate Spade inspired theme was the non-negotiable and perfectly appropriate plan for her celebration from the beginning.

She relishes all of the Kate Spade trademarks and owns numerous handbags to prove it. Based on what I know of her through my consultations, the graduate’s personality is just what the Kate Spade style embodies – “the sophisticated, whimsical, chic woman who isn’t afraid of bold colors!” Therefore, every aspect about this event had to be tailored to exude such a lifestyle.

With that in mind, I designed the invitations using the Kate Spade black and white stripped theme and dipped them in acrylic paint – gold and pink to create a fun and refined look with artsy appeal.

While Kate Spade incorporates many bright and bold colors, I chose black and white stripes as the main focus for the event décor (coinciding with the invitations). The backdrop design and table runner were key elements to bring it all together, along with the pinwheels and other gold and sparkly features.

I advised on the food selection for this as a dessert party to include an assortment of sweet treats like tiny cupcakes, miniature pies, brownies and small fruit parfaits. I also made personalized water bottle labels for a unique and sentimental touch to go nicely with the rest of the décor.

Congratulations to this graduate and may she “live colorfully” as she enters this next stage of life and moves forward in her #missadventure.

Check out some details!

Cheers!

Sarah