I've had a hard time deciding what direction I want to take this blog. There are many directions I can go. I've decided to post themed parties as they happen. The in's and out's, idea's, issue's, photo's ect. Hopefully this will help get your creative juices flowing.
A few months back we did a full service event for a wonderful family. We had done decor for both of their children's Bar and Bat Mitzvah's. So when it came time for the grandfathers 80th birthday the family decided they wanted to throw him a surprise party that he would never forget! The theme for this event was "The Roaring 20's" Months and months of planning, creating and scheming went into pulling this off.
Printing: With the help of a great printer, a logo was created to symbolize this event. From the very first "Save the Date" card it was used. It's important to lead your guests down a path of excitement and wonder and let them know that this event will be epic and they surely do not want to miss it. The logo went on all printings, invitations, menu cards, candy wrappers, signage and anything else that had printing involved.
Venue: A very nice venue was chosen, a venue that the guest of honor frequents and would not be suspicious when arriving. Several pre meetings were scheduled to iron out details such as room, table types and placement, food choices and tastings just to name a few.
Entertainment: Because it was a "Roaring 20's" theme and the majority of the guests were older, it was appropriate that the entertainment was a Live, "Big Band" It was exciting and out of the norm. It really helped create the theme and set the mood for the guests to step through this time machine and into the 20's. The cocktail party prior to entering the room hosted a pianist, open bar with "20's" themed cocktails, roaming cigarette girl passing out candy cigarettes, cigarette holders, chocolate cigars, pearls and with a little help Black and white feather boa's. There was a fortune teller, tarot card reader and we even had "Marilyn Monroe" and "Charlie Chaplin" look a likes roaming the crowd of about 100 guests. Later in the evening a retro Candy Buffet was unveiled with candies created and known for that time period.
Arrival: Guests were told to arrive 30 min. before the guest of honor. And boy did they. Every guest came decked out in costume. From tuxedo's and top hats to flapper dresses and fashions from the 20's. Marilyn Monroe and Charlie Chaplin were to greet him as he walked into the door. He was under the impression he was meeting friends for dinner, boy was he mistaken. I don't think he knew quite what to do when this blonde bombshell rushed him at the door, kissing him and whispering to him like only Marilyn could do. After a short meet and greet he was whisked off to a room to change into his tuxedo and catch his breath. Marilyn continued to roam for photo ops and kissing the men, Charlie kept everyone laughing.
Decor: Foyer: The color scheme was Black and White with little touches of red. In the foyer there were cocktail rounds for setting drinks with simple 6"x6" glass vases with rhinestone bands around them, pearls and silver star chocolates inside. A table was set up for escort cards, a cello bag with a box of candy cigarettes and a chocolate cigar with a table assignment card attached directing them to their table. The card had the guests name and a 20's star's name. Two large balloon bouquets made of 3 foot black and white balloons with black and white feather boa tails on each flanked the doors to the ballroom creating anticipation and excitement for the unveiling of the grand ballroom.
Ballroom: Inside the ballroom the tables were adorned with floor length white linens with a black overlay, black chair covers with white organza sashes tied in a bow. Every chair either had a top hat or derby hat for the men and a white feather boa for the women. The centerpiece was a double styro disc for height in black glitter, with mylar tufts, a gold horn, glittered top hat, music note picks, cigarette holders, white cloth gloves with rhinestone embellishments and a sign with the name of a 1920's star or famous person.
The table top around it had rhinestone diamonds sprinkled about, strings of pearls, silver star chocolates and a few votive candles for sparkle. Each place setting had a menu card with the evenings menu and facts about the star of the table they were at, a deck of cards with the parties logo, a tufted black napkin with a pearl bracelet as the napkin ring. There was a large stage for the 20 piece Big Band with a balloon arch spanning over them that said "Julius' Speak Easy".
Menu: With a simple but elegant choice of dinner, the food was to die for! See below sample menu card:
Welcome to the “Irving Berlin” table
Happy Birthday Julius
Menu
Baby Spinach, Roasted Figs, Pickled Red Onions with Candied Walnuts and Citronette Dressing
Filet Mignon of Beef with Cremini Mushroom Sauce Or Pecan Crusted Salmon, Citrus Buerre Blanc Sauce
Both entrees paired with Vegetable Medley & Roasted Baby Yukon Potatoes
Vegetarian Option: Eggplant Parmesan with Pasta and Broccolini
Assorted Rolls and Butter
Sweet Pastries, Coffee, Decaffeinated Coffee, Herbal Teas.
Vanilla Ice Cream with Chocolate and Caramel Sauce - to be served with cupcakes
Irving Berlin, 05-11-1888 to 09-22-1989
Born in Russia, Irving Berlin was a composer and lyricist, widely considered one of the greatest American songwriters in history. During his 60-year career he wrote some 1,500 songs, including "White Christmas," "Happy Holidays," "There's No Business Like Show Business" and "God Bless America." He wrote 19 scores for Broadway shows and songs for 18 Hollywood films. Berlin died at age 101 in 1989.
Lets not get ahead of ourselves. Once everyone was seated, the guest of honor was announced and escorted in not by his wife, but by Marilyn!!! His face was as red as her lipstick!! His wife was given a mic and she graciously greeted and thanked their guests. While dinner service began a few got up and danced. Dancing took a while to catch on, I think most weren't to sure how to dance to a Big Band. It didn't take long for the older guests to show the younger crowd how to have fun, and by the time desert was being served the dance floor was full and everyone was having a blast.
Instead of a traditional cake being served, they chose to have a cupcake tower instead. Marilyn had the guest of honor up, she sang the famous sllooww "Happy Birthday to Julius", sealed it with a kiss(she kissed alot, she must have went through an entire tube of red lipstick) then the crowd all sang Happy Birthday. The staff then plated the cupcakes with ice cream and served them at the tables. They were delicious! After about another hour of dancing, the Candy Buffet was announced:
An extra treat for everyone this evening.
The 20’s was not only known for Charleston, flappers, Jazz and “underground” consumption;
during the decade of the 20’s, America increased its consumption of sugar heavily. Many of today’s favorite candies were created during this decade!
Please, everyone step up to the bar ….…the candy bar that is…. and enjoy many of the sweets from 1920’s.
Cute right??
As the fun was winding down, the guest of honor got up and thanked everyone, told a few great stories and said good night. I don't think anyone will forget this wonderful evening.
Most of the events we do are not as involved as this one. I enjoyed the opportunity to be involved from start to finish. I had as much fun as the guests did. I hope you get something out of this.
Remember, everyday create, love and inspire!
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