In the latest DIY craze, paper garlands are making a comeback but with a modern twist. Here are some examples of trendy paper garland decorations that use a variety of materials including crepe paper, coffee filters, and even book pages.
Crinkle Paper Streamers by Oh Happy Day
Crepe Paper Streamers by O Chickadee
Paper garlands made from coffee filters
Vintage Book Paper Garland
Punched Paper Chain Garland
Here’s a playful twist on flavoring champagne. While I love a good Kir Royale, these flavored lollipops allow you to stir in different flavors of choice. Using corn syrup and flavored extracts you can make lollipops in traditional circles or a fun shape like a heart or star.
Note that you’ll need to make sure that the lollipop stick is proportional to your glass. Here they use a stemless flute paired perfectly with a long stick. Other glasses might require different length sticks.
Martha Stewart's liqueur lollipops
I love the simplicity of this cake:
–Square pan.
–Colored frosting.
–Piped dots around the edge.
–Candles indicating the number of years being celebrated.
And there you have it! A beautiful celebration cake.
Summertime weddings and parties outdoors can be scorchers. Cold refreshing beverages like iced tea and lemonade can help people stay cool. Another idea to consider is a “Cooling Station.” Chill small spritzer bottles in the refrigerator before setting them out for guests. Invite each guest to take one to keep themselves cool while at the party. Remember to buy the fine mist spritzers that “mist” rather than “squirt!”
I’ve been working with a client on a graduation party and its been fun to brainstorm decor ideas for the event. Keeping it simple is sometimes the best — like the simplicity of this DIY decor idea from Martha Stewart. A gold seal — easily found at office supply stores — is repeated throughout the design. Using two colors like they’ve done here keeps the design tight and consistent. What a fun concept with which to celebrate the grad’s big day!
gold seal-inspired graduation party decor from Martha Stewart
Everywhere I look I am seeing rainbows. Rainbow cakes, that is. Here are a few that caught my eye, plus more that still have that colorful layered look but in softer, subtler colors.
rainbow cake by Bumpsmitten
rainbow doodle cake by Sweetapolita
rainbow doodle cake by Sweetapolita
pink pastel layer cake from Martha Stewart
Call Me Cupcake pink rainbow cake
pastel layer cake from Martha Stewart
inside out neapolitan cake by Sweetapolita
Today I am so excited to share an interview with Evan Reitmeyer of MyDeejay, one of DC’s premiere wedding and corporate DJ companies. Evan shares helpful tips for selecting music for an engagement party or other cocktail or dinner party. Thanks, Evan!
Evan Reitmeyer, owner of MyDeejay.com
1) What’s the best way to set a festive tone with music at an engagement party?
It’s always smart to stick with upbeat, recognizable music, and leave the obscure B-sides at home. People are moved by music that’s familiar. Also, be sure you only use music with a positive message – no breakup songs! You don’t need a theme, unless of course your party is designed around one, but try to group songs together in logical sets. For example, group a few 80′s songs, a few 90′s songs, and so on.
2) Should someone be responsible for music or is an iPod playlist ok?
It really depends on your expectations. If you’re having friends and family over for a cocktail party or a barbecue, an iPod is probably fine, since you won’t have the need to tailor the music to the crowd and make changes on the fly. However, if you want people to dance, or if you want your guests to be able to request their favorite music throughout, the event, then you should probably have a DJ.
3) What songs would you recommend for a playlist for an engagement party?
I think fun and kitschy classics like “Chapel of Love” by The Dixie Cups are a great place to start. Depending on how long the party is, you can certainly program anything from classics like “Fly Me to the Moon” by Frank Sinatra to current top 40 hits. It really depends on the atmosphere and energy level you’re trying to create. If you and your event planner have chosen a theme for the party, a good DJ can help you create a custom playlist that will enhance this theme and make it all the more memorable for your guests.
4) What other advice would you offer to hosts in terms of making music a special part of the event?
Music, for better or worse, sets the tone for any event. Most people have no idea how much the background music in a room affects the mood and atmosphere. Music can really reinforce the type of vibe you want to have, so pay close attention to your song selections or hire a professional to do it for you!
Royal-Themed Decorations
Check out these festive free printables from Design Editor which include Union Jack wraps to go around drinks or top treats, and red and blue patterned pennants that can be hung as a banner or used as individual flags to enhace your tablescape.
printables from Design Editor
Orange-Glazed Blueberry Scones from the Food Network
Pimms Iced Tea from Food & Wine adds some "punch" to a party
Games
Entertain your guests during the wedding coverage by playing “Broadcast Bingo.” Print out these bingo cards designed by Johnnie Boden and cross off the words or phrases as they are spoken in television commentary.
Royal Wedding Bingo by Johnnie Boden
For more ideas including recipes for mixing Kate and William’s favorite drinks, visit the blog of Debi Lilly, an event planner who was featured on ABC’s Royal Wedding Breakfast Party.
Have a jolly good time!
Traditional Home recently featured an absolutely gorgeous tablescape that was designed for a very special party. Invited guests were each survivors of breast cancer. Each place setting recognized this victory with a place card stating how many years cancer-free the guest was. Small gifts were adorned with breast cancer awareness pins. Now this is a party I can get behind.
the tablescape is calming and elegant; photo via Traditional Home
meaningful place cards; photo via Traditional Home
individual gifts at each place setting; photo via Traditional Home
Of all the sports out there, football is by far my favorite. I’ve been a fan since I was a little girl, watching games with my father and my brother. So I am always excited for the Super Bowl — even if the Patriots did not make it in!
Here are some tips, recipes, and decor ideas for celebrating the Big Game.
Rice Krispie Football Treats
Buffalo Chicken Tenders via Martha Stewart; tenders are often much easier to eat than wings
referee cupcakes via Hostess with the Mostess; simple and fun!
Hostess with the Mostess Decor Ideas; felt cloth and iron on numbers make a great tablecloth
Super Bowl Centerpiece on Hostess With the Mostess via InStyle Parties; I love the use of wheat grass as a football field!
Super Bowl Football Cake via Celebrations.com; more wheatgrass.
The Rex & Regina Blog shares both trendy and traditional ways to extend gracious hospitality through weddings, other social occasions, and at-home entertaining. Learn more about Rex & Regina.