DECORATIONS – Creating Ambiance

Okay – now that you have selected a theme for your event you can begin to think about decorations. This topic is similar to the topic of themes in that there are a ton of ideas that you can use – again, from the simplest to the most exotic and extravagant. You can design and create your own decorations, go to a party store, the dollar store or even Wal-Mart to purchase everything from napkins, plates and cups to party favors, costumes, pinatas, games and more. You can check out online stores and select everything as a package deal with a single theme, whether it be for birthdays, graduations, grand openings, etc.
Some parties and events are memorable just because of the decorations and ambiance. Is there an event you have attended that sticks out in your mind because of the decorations? I am going to give you some ideas of decorations you might like to have for your gathering.  Some of these are easy and inexpensive, which is usually how I have to do it.

Let’s say you want to give a party in December.  One idea that is simple and relatively inexpensive is a snow globe – it can be used as in invitation or as a seat assignment at a table and  it can also become the party favor.  You can usually purchase the “do it yourself” snow globes at craft stores or stationery stores.  The bottom cover snaps off, then insert your invitation to the party or their name for the place setting or whatever message you wish to place inside.  Lit candles of different colors and sizes in containers you design or use, can help in setting the mood for the party.  In continuing with creating an ambiance, how about serving snowflake shaped, or star-shaped, tree shaped, etc. finger sandwiches as an appetizer.  

Ever thought about giving a “Recycle-Green” Party in your neighborhood or for your friends?  You can help the planet while having fun.  An inexpensive yet different idea for an  invitation is to use a packet of seeds (flowers or vegetables) with the invitation slipped inside the seed packet (you may need to place the seeds in a small sealed envelope and attach).   An idea of a  name  for party could be “It’s a Green Party” or “It’s a Re-Use It Party” or whatever comes to mind.  The goal is to stimulate the thought processes of people to help keep the earth green and reproducing.  Have several containers labeled for the different “stuff” that guests may wish to recycle – you might want to include a list of “ideas” of things that can be recycled.  There are places that gladly take recycled items.  There are also Re-Use It Centers around the country that recycle items that you or I may throw away but others use for building, for crafts or other things.   An idea for place cards – instead of putting your friends or neighbors names on them, write environmental tips on each card and have each person share what is on their “place card” – that way everyone participates and learns.   An idea for a parting gift might be a small tree that your guest can take home and plant in their yard. 

Here is a short  list of items that can be recycled for use – coffee bags, cans, tea tins, Pringle containers, paper towel and toilet paper rolls, soda can pull tabs, bottle caps, egg cartons, wood scraps, wine corks, picture frames, pieces of art, greeting cards, cardboard, all kinds of art supplies.  Most of us probably already recycle our newspapers, catalogs and phone books, aluminum cans, plastic containers, so this is a little different.

How about a “Fiesta” or “Cinco de Mayo” celebration!  The thing about decorations is, a little is better than a lot.  Bright and varied colors consistent within the theme can be as simple as crepe paper hung from the ceiling, or twirled and taped to a table.  Use your imagination.  String lights (bulbs shaped like chili peppers).  If you don’t have them you can find multi-colored chili pepper covers for bulbs online.  A pinata filled with goodies is ALWAYS a hit, especially for the kids.   Do you know anyone who can sing some songs in Spanish?  That adds a little authenticity, along with delicious food!    Don’t forget the sangria.  Sangria is made up of rum (or vodka), orange liqueur, sugar, dry red wine, thinly sliced oranges, orange juice and thinly sliced lemons and limes.   As your party takes shape in your mind you will be able to come up with many ideas.

THEMES FOR YOUR PARTY

Do you know people who love to throw parties, just for the heck of it? Their parties always seem to be successful and fun! Are you one of those? or are you someone who will host a party but only because you feel obligated…..birthday party, graduation party, etc.
Okay, now that you have decided to have a party, what type of  party, when, where, how many people, food, drinks, decorations, and THEME!  Where do you go from here?  There are tons of books, videos and ideas that can assist you.  The important thing to remember is that a party is supposed to be fun – for all – even you!   Some people really go all out and hold lavish parties while others plan a simple potluck dinner – both can be enjoyable.

The THEME you choose will depend on the “reason” (if there is one) for the party or event.  Ideas for themes are limitless – if you can think it, it can be done.  You can do simple and inexpensive  or extravagant and dramatic – from decorations, to music, to entertainment, to food, to invitations and party favors.  The purpose of this article is not to list all kinds of themes that can be done, but to stimulate your brain and creative processes to plan an event, big or small, fancy or plain, the primary focus is that the event accomplishes it’s purpose.

Some people have said that throwing a party is like putting on a show.  Taking that analogy you have the script (theme), the set (decorations and ambiance), the effects (lighting, food, food presentation and the little details that add to the appeal or surprise), the cast (your guests, guest mix and you as host/hostess).  Lets discuss these points in some detail.

                                                  Script or theme – a theme is not necessary, but it gives you a framework to plan the party – it helps with decorating,  flower arrangements, (if applicable) and even the menu selection.  Every detail doesn’t have to follow the “theme” exclusively, use it as a guide.  A theme narrows down the choices you have, for instance, in the type of food you serve.  For instance, if you are hosting a barbecue you probably wouldn’t be serving bagels and tea or Moroccan lamb or spiced duck with lemon grass.  People attending a barbecue would be thinking of grilled steaks, ribs, chicken or hotdogs and hamburgers, potato salad and baked beans.   If you are hosting an Oriental sitdown dinner you might serve spiced duck with lemon grass but not potato salad and baked beans, you get the idea.  A political fundraiser might have a “red white and blue” theme, especially in the decorations.

The “set” or setting of the event is important as that sets the stage or mood of the event/party.  Have you ever walked into a home or location of an event that was decorated so nicely that it just took your breath away and right away put you “in the mood” to party?  I remember walking into a dance hall with a Roaring 20’s party theme that resembled a location back in the 1920’s – the decorations,  table centerpieces, music and menu all fit together.  Immediately I felt like I should be dancing the dances of the 20’s.    What a fun evening that was.  If you are planning an event or party you want to make sure it is FUN for all!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Lighting?  Does that really add or detract from a function?  You bet!  Only light areas where you want your guests to focus.  If your kitchen is the main preparation area you might want to keep the lights low so as to hide any mess.  Avoid bright lighting – you’re not trying to scare away roaches (or if you have them, you don’t want your guests to see them either). Dim lighting adds an ambiance of a small group, intimate setting.  People usually appear better looking – especially with candlelight. (And who doesn’t want to look their best?)  Sometimes even colored lights can change a setting.  Even the types of lights or candles (sizes, short or tall) can affect a setting.  Flowers bring life into a home or location of entertainment.  Flowers add warmth but they can also add a scent in the air.

We have talked about food and menus and matching food and beverages in earlier articles, but what I want to touch on here is the “setting” of the food on the plate.  Instead of piling on the food leave space – it helps to highlight the food that is there.  When there’s a lot going on, people don’t know where to look.  Artful, creative placement of the components of the meal makes a dish more appetizing and appealing.  Contrasts in color of the food (e.g. mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli) creates visual and appetite appeal.  It is fun to surprise guests with something that is simple and makes them think, “Wow, why didn’t I think of that!”  An simple example – a winter event or party, an idea for an hor d’oeuvre, make snowflake sandwiches – using a cookie cutter, trim the bread into a snowflake shape, top with a favorite spread or cheese or meats, serve on a plate/platter lined with coconut shavings, resembling snow.  How about a “beach” theme party?  Using shells (like clam shells) as bowls for condiments – even ketchup and mustard are classier in a shell than in the plastic bottle!

And finally, the “cast” – you are either the guest or the host/hostess.  Everyone has to “play their part” to have a successful event.  the host/hostess has the responsibility to invite the right mix of people, finish decorating BEFORE the party starts, ensure everyone has enough to eat and that everyone has a good time.  To borrow another theater metaphor, as the host, you are the lead actor and you must allow the other cast members, the guests to shine.  Remember, the party is not about you;  it’s about them!