I am Thankful For...

Silverbox Creative has a cute template for printable "I am Thankful for..." slips. When I saw them I thought they were adorable, they were used as napkin holders. I loved the idea but wasn't sure how I was going to use them. Finally I decided I would send an "I am Thankful for..." slip in each  Soiree Invitation. Since each person invited was bringing someone they loved they wrote on these slips why they are Thankful the person they brought with them. 

Save the Date - Soiree

Inspiration drawing the eye UP

This picture and idea comes from: A little polka dot. I LOVE THIS IDEA! I can't wait to use this idea. Have to have the perfect party for this though!

 The Sweetest Occasion site has the cutest.... hanging circles above the table. I'm still trying to figure out what they are since the article is not focused on whats above the table. I'm thinking maybe they are circle chandeliers of some sort?

Tables that keep you grounded

Lotushaus the use of color and prints is perfect. These tables got me thinking that all

you need is coffee tables with a couple of pillows and

 Tiny Water Blog love the earthy feel. This setting is extremely inviting, comfortable.

 She Moves the Furniture has a very simple way of using the same color

pallet but different patterns to tie everything together.

 Musings of a Night Owl  love the modern feel. I really want those seats & the tables. 

A Little Polka Dot this is so cute. Table clothes are a simple way to transform your table. This table is a perfect setting for 6 people. I also like how they made the canopy to tie in with the atmosphere.

Inspiring Fruit & Veggie Table

I discovered this on Sweet Designs - A Blog by Amy Atlas. This is such a cute idea it makes me think of SPRING! Looks so appetizing and refreshing. This really inspires me to throw a Spring luncheon.

BOLD use of Color - Inspiration

(SOURCE: Green Wedding Shoes)

I love this great use of bold colors running down the middle of the table. 

The progression of color is perfect, can't wait to find colors that blend just right together.

Center of Attention - Inspiration

All of these pictures are from The Knot.   These centerpieces bring something different to the table (hahaha). This is what I like about the and point you can take home to your table.

1. Tall vase with my favorite Orchids draws the right amount of attention to the table.

2. Love the color combination and the leaf wrapped around the vase.

3. Once again a tall vase of orchids. I think they are beautiful. The water intensifies the color.

4. BOLD RICH Color in a flower pops right off the table. Orchids are placed just right in the vase so they hang over slightly. To get them to stay you can glue them to the side of the vase. Or place clear string on the steams and anchor them with rocks.

5. You know Orchids are my flower and since the Soiree is coming up of course I am looking at more and more Orchids. These Orchid panels really inspire me, especially since I saw something at Acemoore that is wall art that can be removed easily and relocated hmmm.... I will share more on this later.

6. Variation of color and size, pops off of the table. Table is too crowded for me personally. Make sure you don't over decorate. You do not what you guest rearranging the table to maximize their space.

7. The white on white is breathtaking. The way the orchids are hanging out of the vases and not sunk in them is nice as well.

8. The accessory at the bottom of the vase catches my eye. You can find scrapbook paper, napkin, ribbon that has a bold print that ties into your theme.

9. Simplicity. Black and White is so classic, the paired the right share of pink. I also like the idea of 3 small centerpieces and a couple of candles on the table, seems cozy and not too overpowering

Superbowl Party - GREENBAY!

Superbowl Parties are the BEST! We had a little party so I decided to dress up the table. It only cost me $2.99 for a green table cloth. The rest was paper and stickers that we have around the house. I printed out stickers of both team logos and placed them on the cups. I printed out referees, and helmets . We even made a goal post. Food consisted of Ribs, Mac & Cheese, Wings, Honey biscuits stuffed with onions,cheese and beef, cabbage and hamburgers. We ate right off the field.

Inspiration that comes from Above

When hosting a small party jazz it up with simple inexpensive ideas. Easy transformations to your party area can make such a difference. Your guests will marvel at your creations and feel special. Lets look at the Inspiration that comes from Above the table.

 Hanging Flowers

 I LOVE these "Pom-Poms" (I call them flowers) hanging from the ceiling. All you need is  tissue paper, scissors, tape and string. How simple is that?  Martha Stewart Weddings has a great  How to instructions to make these Flowers.

Putting your own touch on these flowers is very easy. Make your flowers different sizes and colors. When you hang them up you can hang them at different heights. Another cool idea is if you want to be daring and not use a solid color create your own PRINT or find paper with a print to your liking or words.

Also you can change up the look of the flower by cutting the petals into different shapes, they can be rounded, sharp,or wavy .

Painting a without Paint?

Fabric allows you to color the room without a mess or any paint! You can create blocks of color in a room to brighten or darken a room to your liking. This picture is from Bakati. the colorful fabric shown here creates the boundaries of the room, brings life to the space and may also be concealing eye sores.

Southern Living picture to the right is of a backyard makeover it is a good depiction of the drastic changes a little fabric can do for the better.

So if you are thinking about incorporating this into your party here are a couple of tips. Choose a fabric color and texture that suits your needs and the type of party you are shooting for. If you party is outside you can place polls in the ground and extend string from each poll and simply drape your fabric over it. It can be a long sheet or multiple sheets spread out as depicted in this photo.

TIP: PLASTIC! If you really want to be thrifty go the the party store and purchase rolls of plastic table clothes. It can serve the same purpose as fabric.

Light up the sky

 Jordan Ferney shows a easy way to light your party up. It appears that in this picture they are using string light bulbs and placed them carefully in the trees. This can be achieved by using stringed lights as well. Touch lights can be just as effective and can be placed in any location. You don't want harsh lighting so these types of lighting set the mood for your gathering. If you are able to find string light bulbs change the color of the light as a little surprise to your guests.

Happy party planning to you all :)

PARTY INSPIRATION!!!!

 I discovered this cute table setting. Simple, bold and chic. You never know you may see me try this at the next party or Soiree :) yievents

Want to create this effect? Take 3 rectangle tables place them side by side. Find a BOLD table cloth that drapes down to the floor. Get a roll of plastic table cloth, or get the table cloths that hang like linen and drape your table with it. The key is for the table cloth to drape to the floor this makes it more elegant.

This is the cutest sweetheart table  from All Wedding. I really like the Mr. and Mrs. cut outs. They are simple and easy to make.I think its a great idea and can be used for any occasion. Instead of making place cards you can make cut outs like these for your guests to find their names with ease.

This table idea is very cute from Sunset.
You simply find a table cloth that reflects or allows light to glow easy and string some lights under the table. The important part is to ensure that your lights are a good distance from your table cloth, for safety.

Instead of stringed lights your could use touch lights. They are sold at your local dollar store and should literally be $1.00. You can stick them to the bottom of the table and they will reflect the light for a good amount of time.










This photo came from Catering Works. I love how simple the table setting is, the napkins and center pieces really pop.  Your eyes go straight to the color.














Flower Arrangements - this picture is from Bakati


You can intensify the color of the flowers by placing then under water. Some flowers may float to the top so you may want to hot glue them to the side of the glass vase

This picture is from Soiree 2010 I used the above idea with fake flowers from the craft store. Everyone thought they were real. Imerging them in water really brings them to life and makes the colors POP!

Soiree 2010 - 5 Year Anniversary - Results

I draped a shear fabric on the wall as a backdrop.

Appetizer: Shrimp wrapped in bacon

Main Course: Mac& cheese, sauteed string beans, roast beef with gravy, lightly breaded chicken breast topped with mushrooms, onions, prosciutto and cheese.

Dessert: Whipping Pound Cake, served with fresh berries & cool whip

Place cards were simple. Napkins were folded like a Pyramid, each place setting held a number and an Orchid. The number represented how many times they have attended a Soiree. Candles lined the middle of the table to give a dreamy effect when the lights went off. Flower Arrangements were made by my Aunt & Cousin. I created an additional backdrop that consisted of a memory wall. Streamers hung from the ceiling with black and white photos attached of previous Soiree's. I placed a mirrior between the section of photos to balance the room out. In addition the candle light would reflect beautifully off of the mirror.

Coming Soon!

Before and After shot's

Coming Soon!!!!

(it was gorgeous!) 

Soiree 2010 - Inspiration Board

2010 - 5 Year Anniversary

A Soiree is a gathering of friends.

Soir - Soirée

French soirée, from Old French seree, from seir, evening, from Latin sērō, at a late hour, from sērus, late.

This is my 5 year anniversary of my annual Soiree. At this event I thank the women in my life for all they have done and will do. This year I figured HEY let's go to FRANCE!!!

So I will be re-creating my vision of a Soiree in France. Im shooting for parisician but not the typical parisicial (baby pink, black white and stripes). I am shooting for a romantic, light and airy type feel with beautiful lighting created by dim lighting, touchlights and candels. I want it to be Lavish and Dreamy formal event.

 More detail to come and pictures after Saturday!

Table

Invitation!

Additional Inspiration

Room Makeover - Inspiration Board

The following pictures are inspiration for my Room Makeover!  My parents 25th Surprise Wedding Anniversary Party. My goal was a romantic dinner party with close friends and family (50 people) I really wanted to create a space that was inviting, intimate, elegant with a jazzy, blues touch.  

The following are pictures that inspired me.

I LOVE the Deep blue table clothes but I wanted  white flower arrangements

with pops of coral here and there. Also a simpler cleaner table.

The mood lighting (uplighting) in this room is beautiful

I wanted to use white paper napkins that feel like linen and hang them the same way on the table.

I also wanted to have a TON of candles for lighting so that we wouldn't have to use the harsh lighting.

Stay turned for the Room Transformation photos.

PARTY!!! Stay tuned in How I transform this space

The space below is two rooms that fit into one and they are identical.