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Party Planning
The Forgotten Concept
By Derek B. Groves
Who doesn't love a beautiful party with flowers, great food and a knockout party design concept? What was that? Party design concept? Oh yes, it's the part that is most often left out, but the part that leaves a lasting impression with your guests. Why is it that most party throwers never even consider this important step? It's usually because we view the food as the main reason we throw the party, and forget that our guests are the main focus.
Our family and friends aren't just food consumers; they are humans who are deeply impacted by their surroundings, and they deserve to have the perfect mood set before, during and after dinner. Initially, they are invited to share or celebrate something with us, but it is up to the host or hostess to capture a special, personal element in the design concept.
Example 1:
You are throwing a birthday party for your sister, and she loves the outdoors. From here, we brainstorm. Think twigs, leaves, clouds, stones and water. Imagine a table covered in natural muslin, scattered with tiny stones and leaf clusters. Consider the twigs as mini trees, holding fresh flowers in vials (covered in Spanish moss) and some pictures of you and your sister hiking, hanging off the branches. These could serve as several centerpieces on the table. (Notice, I didn't say one centerpiece, but several. This takes the "wedding" out of "special house party for a sister" and allows you to share something special about her with your guests.)
