Fall 2011 Party Ideas

Our new updates for the Fall of 2011:

Our October contest is up and running. We're featuring a beautiful picture frame style ornament from Ornament Shop.com This would make a lovely keepsake for the bride/couple, wedding party, parents, and friends. This all white ornament would go with any color scheme or decor and can be a special memory year round. It could also be used as the bridal shower cake topper ...with current photo of the bride and/or couple, and date of the bridal shower. • Please feel free to enter our contest..

For those of you planning your event around Halloween, a couples shower may be in the works. If you've been wanting to have a costume party, this is definitely the time. An added bonus is the fun lively atmosphere you will create. Typically, guests choose their own costume. This allows for budgeting and creativity.

Decorate with Halloween items, choose to match your theme, or do a combo of both.

If you want to have a specific theme, here are some options:
• Ask guests to dress as famous individuals or couples.
• Pirate theme
• Super Heroes theme
• Vampires and werewolves...ala Twilight.
• Decade party...is popular at any time of year and is a good idea because people often have some of these items in their closet. For example:
60's..tie dyed shirts, bell bottom jeans, John Lennon glasses, peasant blouses, fringe on shoes and bags
70's...flared jeans, platform shoes, Afro wigs, leisure suits, polyester anything.
*** Some of the 60' and 70's were crossover items, so mix and match. Peace signs are back in fashion and they are EVERYWHERE...belts, scarves, jewelry, bags.
80's...bright neon colors, oversized jewelry, fishnet stockings, lace gloves, thick belts, mini skirts (ruffled or denim), leggings, and leg warmers.
Pile on the jewelry and overdo the bright makeup!

• Decade theme party supplies you may need...

Whether you have a mixed party or "just the girls" another popular idea is to have guests "bring their pet in coordinating costumes". Fans of the New York Housewives will remember the previously aired Halloween episode with their furry pals. This is a huge trend with animal lovers. Check out the latest pet costumes...you'll be amazed.

If you love the Fall scenic colors, consider a trip to the vineyard with a wine tasting event. You can also create this atmosphere at home with a Wine And Cheese Party Theme. Decorate with warm tones of gold, green, and burgandy. Set up wine tasting stations. Have cheese available to pair with each. Use decorative glasses, and add a wine charm as a functional yet fancy accent.

*** Are you looking to have a simple yet elegant bridal shower? Try a Harvest theme. Decorate with gold, red, green, brown, cocoa, tan,... Anything with a leaf motif works well. The pumpkin is also another great star of the season. Use it to decorate, and add it to your menu in the form of soup, bread, muffins, and coffee. Also consider spiced cider and cakes.

*** Style tips: Stand out at your bridal shower with these fall fashion trends.
1. Knee length boots...last year over the knee was the fad, this season pair a great neutral, or pop of color boot with a pencil skirt and opaque tights.
2. Red is in...this vibrant hue can be flattering on any skin type. the key is to find the right shade. the more yellow/olive the skin, the more a red/orange tone works for you.
3. Polka Dots...have been seen on many runways this season, so, if your thinking about purchasing a great new blouse, top, dress, or skirt, opt for this pattern.

1. Traditional Christmas...red and green, has a classic and timeless appeal. a variation would be burgandy or maroon and hunter green. The use of a tree with mult-color lights would be festive. Holly and ivy, wreaths, and poinsettas are perfect for this time of year.

2. Winter Wonderland...white, all variations and tones. This simple and elegant atmosphere works for all different brides. It can be decorated with crystal accents and white lights. This would have a clean, crisp appearance and white flowers would be ideal.

3. Traditional Victorian... pink and gold. This fancy theme started by Queen Victoria (and the Victorian Era) of England. She followed the "more is more" philosophy. Every inch of space was decorated and covered, especially, during the holidays. A girly girls dream can be created with pink roses, gold accents, and matching tableware.

4. New Year's esque...silver and gold. The use of metallic's for table cloths and party decor. It would be perfect for a modern or edgeier tone. Think about glittery centerpieces to catch the light and use a variation of heights/sizes at each table to make them stand out.

*** Style tip: Select your bridal shower holiday decoration by considering the bride's desired party look. An added touch would be to bring or have the bride wear a coordinated outfit for her special day.

• Don't forget to enter our contest !

Happy Planning!