EventPro Magazine Fall 2014 Spring 2014 | Page 33

amounts of money. Customizing your party with a color theme, emblem, or initials can be surprisingly simple but this is where less is usually much more. Over-doing your theme can become nauseating and can appear tacky. Here are some areas to consider when decorating with your theme. • Cake/gift table • Lighting along walkway/in trees • Simple yard props (flamingos, tiki torches) • Directional signs • Food/beverage • Seating area • Games • Favors • Tables/Centerpieces The parking area and entrances leave big first impressions and attention should be given to these areas. These touches will immediately intrigue your guests as they anticipate what’s inside! Once guests arrive, they will need to be entertained. Pairing your entertainment with your theme can be a fun task. Create a playlist prior-to your event and gather songs that relate to your theme. A DIY photo booth or backdrop accompanied by props will keep your guests amused for hours. Make specialty drinks that emphasize your theme and set up a dessert or food bar that satisfies the tastes of your guests and is also fun to look at. These can be quite casual. Grilled cheese sandwich bars are a breeze to create and may sound more appetizing than airy appetizers to your hungry guests. An ice cream float buffet or adult-inspired Bloody Mary bars are both guaranteed smilemakers. Once the party starts don’t forget to mingle with guests and have fun. Your guests don’t want to see you fretting with anxiety or hiding in the kitchen, so make sure that you enjoy the spectacular event you worked so diligently on!