11 Christmas Party Stations Guests Will Love

11 Christmas Party Stations Guests Will Love

Hold on tight! The holidays are going to be in full swing in less than 12 hours. To me, it’s always Thanksgiving day that kicks off the mode of full on Christmas mixed with holiday spirit and mayhem. To help keep your holiday season fun and exciting, and maybe mix up some of your traditional parties, I’ve put together 11 Christmas party stations that your guests will love. From food to activities, each of these fun stations will offer your guests something on both an interactive and a personal level. From customizing their own unique wreath, to creating the ultimate more, you really can’t go wrong. And to those of you with little ones, not to worry! I’ve included a few ideas tailored specifically to children. Better yet, many of these stations can be adjusted slightly to fit both your adult and child demographics.

Here they are:

See where I found each of these great ideas on the links next to their name:

Holiday Wreath Making Stations – as featured on BizBash

Merry Mail Table Station – as shared by Craft Fabulous

Christmas Gift Wrap Station – as shown on The Handmade Home

Christmas Tree Play Dough Kit Station – as shared by the Mustard Seed Family blog

Cookie Decorating Table Station – as explained by Oh Meaghan

Deck the Halls Ornament Making Station – as shared by the Scrappy Geek

Hot Chocolate Bar Station – as shared on Liz Marie Blog

Holiday Gingerbread House Decorating Table Station – as shared by Stephanie Lynn

Kids Holiday Card Making Party Station – as shared by Sugar Aunts

S’mores Bar Food Station – as featured in a roundup post by Tulle and Chantilly

Children’s Ornament Making Station – as shared by Frog Prince Paperie

Need more party activity ideas? I’ve got a whole board dedicated to them on Pinterest, check it out!

11 Christmas Party Stations Guests Will Love

11 Christmas Party Stations Guests Will Love

What are you favorite Christmas and holiday party activities?

 

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Modern and Clean Thanksgiving Decor in Maroon and Turquoise Blue

As we find ourselves in that final stretch before Christmas madness takes over, it’s important to remember that all of the stress we put on ourselves during the holiday season is not as significant as who is around us. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season and forget that all these get togethers and parties are there for us to connect with our friends and family, not to show off or one-up someone’s pumpkin pie. With that mindset at the forefront of your thoughts, allow me to present to you the concept and idea for this week’s Thanksgiving decor idea board.

For this week’s theme, I choose to create a calming but welcoming effect with this modern and clean styling Thanksgiving decor. Maroon and turquoise blue are the heroes of this color palette, with crisp whites and silvery greys accent in the background, merging with the inevitable orange hues of natural autumn decor. Creating such a warm and inviting environment for you and your guests to share can help foster a relaxed and more intimate visit, with the focus on each others company, and not overwhelming decor. Why not try it in these shades?

Here’s what I had in mind for a modern and clean Thanksgiving decor in maroon and turquoise blue:

Modern and Clean Thanksgiving Decor in Maroon and Turquoise Blue

Modern and Clean Thanksgiving Decor in Maroon and Turquoise Blue

Be sure to see where I found each of the elements in this week’s party decor inspiration board:

Turquoise Blue Macaron Tower – featured on OPRAH

Turquoise and Fuchsia Rustic Tablescape – shared in a roundup post by Happy Wedd

Teal, Turquoise, and Maroon Thanksgiving Dinner Printable Invitation – created and sold by inglishdigidesign on Etsy

Modern Thanksgiving and Autumn Table in Grey, White, Blue, and Maroon – spotted on Pinterest

Blue Front Door with Modern Autumn Wreath Decor and Pumpkins – shared in a roundup post by Brit+co

Vibrant Blue Pumpkin with Sequin Details – shared by Squirrelly Minds

Looking for more modern takes on Thanksgiving decor? Or perhaps you find you’re looking for more traditional decor? I’ve got plenty of suggestions for both! Take a look at my Fall party inspiration gallery. Or better yet, pin along with me on Pinterest to see more inspiration!

Citrus Themed Thanksgiving Decor

Do you ever find yourself drawn to unusual takes on traditional decor? Maybe when everyone is focused on red and green, you opt for a stylized modern white and gold vignette? Or perhaps you find a unique way to incorporate warm citrus hues into your Thanksgiving table. When I first saw this teal buffet, with its rustic branch elements and citrus accents, I knew it wouldn’t be for everyone, but it would absolutely be a look for me. As a native Floridian, I am often spoiled by our year-round access to fresh and delicious citrus. There is something to captivating and warming about the vibrant hues of the lightly textured fruit. After seeing this simple but beautiful buffet spread, I thought that Thanksgiving and citrus really do make for quite the duo. They both emanate warmth and happiness, but I think it’s the citrus that really elevates this Thanksgiving decor to a higher level, bringing in a sense of freshness to the table.

Shades of a teal blue and off white help balance out the orange hues, as to protect them from overwhelming the decor, but it’s the textures and shapes that really help to keep this look from becoming overdone. The different shapes and sizes of the fresh fruit table runner softens the design, especially with the foliage and branch accents mixed in. This teal blue and citruss hue styling lends itself to a smaller, more intimate dinner party experience.

Here’s what I had in mind for this citrus themed Thanksgiving decor:

Citrus Themed Thanksgiving Decor

Citrus Themed Thanksgiving Decor

Be sure to see where each element for this teal and citrus Thanksgiving idea board came from:

Citrus and Teal Rustic Food Buffet Display – shared on 100 Layer Cake

Blue and White Thanksgiving Place Setting – Decor Tutorial shared by The Kitchn

Teal Blue and Orange Fruit Runner Medley Table Centerpiece – shared by MYDOMAINE

Shades of Teal Blue and Orange Candle Holder Tutorial – shared by Martha Stewart Weddings

Orange Basket and Candle Accent Decor – shared on DigsDigs

Chocolate Orange Cake with Salted Cream Cheese Frosting – recipe shared by Hummingbird High

How adventurous are you with your Thanksgiving decor?

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Modern Blue Pumpkin Thanksgiving Decor Ideas – in Light Blue and Navy Blue

With Halloween just behind us, and Thanksgiving just a few short weeks away, it’s time to start thinking about what your Thanksgiving dinner is going to look like. If you are looking to mix up the traditional rustic orange color palette and go for something more modern, you’ll love the Thanksgiving party decor idea board I have put together for this week. Shades of light blue, mixed with a dark navy blue and hints of taupe and ivory combine to create this modern Thanksgiving dinner styling. To me, having lots of pumpkins in various sizes and colors help make this a cohesive look. I’d love to see the buffet have a few pops of blue or a gentle metallic accent, perhaps in the plates. To add just a touch of freshness, the pumpkin succulent planters have been incorporated. A fun dessert display is always in good taste, and this hanging dessert buffet stays within the color palette, but brings that modern touch with its clean lines. Beyond Thanksgiving, this is a great concept for transitioning from the end of summer into the fall season.

Here’s what I had in mind:

Modern Blue Pumpkin Thanksgiving Décor Ideas – in Light Blue and Navy Blue

Modern Blue Pumpkin Thanksgiving Décor Ideas – in Light Blue and Navy Blue

Be sure to see where I found each of this week’s inspiration images:

Light Blue and Navy Blue Pumpkin Centerpiece Tablescape – shared by casadeperrin on Instagram

Modern Pumpkin Food Buffet Display for Thanksgiving – shared on About.com

Blue, Taupe, Metallic, and Ivory Pumpkin Display – spotted on Pinterest

Blue Ladder Hanging Dessert Display – shared on The Knotty Bride

Modern Ivory Paper Wreath – tutorial shared by HGTV

Modern Pumpkin Centerpiece with Succulent – shared by A Shade of Teal

Have you incorporated blue into your Thanksgiving décor?

 

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Once Upon a Time Storybook Gala Ideas

It’s getting to be that time of the year again….fundraisers, holiday galas, office parties….invites are starting to flow! With so many celebrations going on, it’s easy for guests to get bored with seeing the same festive looks, or “night in New York” themes. It’s time to suggest something new to the committee! Why not host a once upon a time storybook gala? It’s nothing too modern, so it suits all ages, but it’s whimsical enough to be appropriate for guests of all ages. With the emphasis on incorporating storybooks into this gala concept, the décor focus shifts from a specific storybook theme, to transporting guests to space where any of their favorite storybook can come to life right off the shelf.

Here’s what I had in mind for this once upon a time storybook gala:

Once Upon a Time Storybook Gala Ideas

Once Upon a Time Storybook Gala Ideas

Be sure to see where I found each element of this week’s gala inspiration board:

Storybook Event Gala Entrance – featured on Special Events

Once Upon a Time Gala Save the Date – shared by REDROSE Fund

Storybook Event Décor – shared on Design Sponge

Poison Apple Escort Cards – featured in a roundup post by BizBash

Oversized Once Upon a Time Storybook Photo Booth – shared by Wedding Chicks

Book Theme Centerpiece and Giant Book Event Décor – created by David Stark Design

Storybook Table Number – featured on BizBash

What’s your favorite storybook?

 

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Outdoor Jack-o-lantern Halloween Party Ideas

Happy Fall!

To kick off the first week of October, which as far as I’m concerned kicks off all things pumpkin and autumn like, I thought I’d share an outdoor, jack-o-lantern themed Halloween party idea board. This themed party would be fantastic for a neighborhood get together, especially in a backyard or lawn setting. Trying to keep the scariness level friendly for all ages, I kept the Halloween inspiration focused on the pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns… no blood and gore. Don’t want to give little ones unnecessary spooks!

Here’s what I had in mind for this jack-o-lantern themed Halloween party idea board:

Outdoor Jack-o-lantern Halloween Party Ideas

Outdoor Jack-o-lantern Halloween Party Ideas

Be sure to see where I found each element of this week’s holiday inspiration board:

DIY Illuminated Jack-o-lantern Pumpkin Arch Tutorial – shared by Don Morin

Jack-o-lantern Outdoor Display – shared by Our Fairfield Home & Garden

Front Lawn Jack-o-lantern Outdoor Display – shared on a roundup post on BlazePress

Pumpkin Beverage Coolers – shared by Lindsy Steinberg Events

Outdoor Halloween Food Buffet Display – shared by A Fanciful Twist

Outdoor Halloween Party Decor – also shared by A Fanciful Twist

Jack-o-Lantern Hanging Lanterns on Shepherds Hooks – shared by Better Homes and Gardens

Need more fall and autumn party ideas? I’ve got a gallery of all of my autumn party idea boards here, and all of my favorite fall ideas pinned here.

Are you a fan of the mischievous looking jack-o-lanterns, or do you prefer the more smiley ones?

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star Baby Shower

You won’t be seeing any baby blues or pinks in this baby shower idea board! Nope, this week’s party inspiration board is for the mom-to-be that loves to mix things up. Unlike some of my more traditional baby shower themes, this week I present you with a bolder baby shower theme. You’ll find richer hues, darker shades, and of course a few handfuls of gold glitter in this twinkle, twinkle, little star themed baby shower.

This baby shower would be AMAZING on a cool and breezy evening, especially on a back patio or yard, when it’s just a little chilly out. Twinkling lights overhead would make for perfect finishing touches, but if you don’t have the space for it, I wouldn’t worry about it. This unique theme makes this a great concept for year round celebrations.

Here’s what I had in mind for this little star themed baby shower:

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star Baby Shower

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star Baby Shower

Be sure to see where I found each element of this week’s star themed baby shower:

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star Shower Invitation – created and sold by PaperFoxStudios on Etsy

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star Food Display with Chalkboard Backdrop – spotted on Pinterest

Star and Moon Photo Booth and Props – spotted on Pinterest

Gold Glitter Star Invitation Box – spotted on Pinterest

Tiered Star Cake – shared on Events by Kristin

Gold and Black Sequin Food Display – shared by Hostess with the Mostess

Glitter Star Garland – shared on POPSUGAR

Need more ideas for a star and galaxy themed party? Stop by my Pinterest board dedicated to all things star and galaxy party ideas HERE.

What’s one of your favorite baby shower themes you’ve seen?

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Moonlight Masquerade Ball in Black, Purple, and Silver

There’s never a dull moment in life, and there is always a reason to celebrate. With fall right around the corner, I thought I would take this week as an opportunity to do something different for the season. While I’m no serious fan of Halloween (gore is just too over done for my liking), I do like the idea of a thrilling dress up party, and so why not have a marvelous moonlight masquerade ball?

Now, it’s important to note that this is not just any masquerade ball. No, this is a moonlight masquerade ball. It’s darker, a bit mysterious, and a heck of a lot more dramatic. On any given day when you google “masquerade party” or any variation, the go-to images that come up are gold, green, purple the majority of the time. While that is a great combination, with a warm and inviting sense to it, I think it’s over done. So to mix things up, I’ve created a masquerade ball idea board in black, purple, and silver.

Here’s what I have in mind:

Moonlight Masquerade Ball in Black, Purple, and Silver

Moonlight Masquerade Ball in Black, Purple, and Silver

Be sure to find out where each of this masquerade ideas were found:

Black, Silver, and Purple Tablescape and Centerpiece – shared by Lake Receptions

Sparkle Corner / Tinsel Photo Booth Backdrop – shared by James Wagner

Purple, Silver, and Black Masquerade Mask – shared by Damn Right, Masquerade on Tumblr

Grand Draped Entrance – featured on Ashley’s Bride Guide

Glamorous Masquerade Centerpiece with Purple and Silver Mirror – designed by Red Carpet Events & Design

Star Drop Silver, Purple, and Black Invitation – created and sold by DIYPartyInvitation on Etsy

Silver Candelabra Centerpiece with Crystal Accents and a Black and Silver Masquerade Mask – shared by Kapture Vision

Black Chivari Chair with Purple Ribbon and Rhinestone Accent – found in the Style Me Pretty Vault

Would your masquerade ball be more silver or gold?

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Girls Backyard Mini Golf Party Ideas

This week I have a great party idea board in store for you! Channeling the last few weeks of summertime sunshine, green grass, and sunny skies, I’ve put together a girl’s mini golf party idea board, perfect for hosting in your very own back yard. Easily scalable for girls of all ages, and even adjusting for boys as well, this fun and easy party theme will surely be a hit at your next soiree.

Here’s what I had in mind:

Girls Backyard Mini Golf Party Ideas

Girls Backyard Mini Golf Party Ideas

Be sure to see where I found each of these great party idea elements:

Girls Golf Silhouette Centerpiece – shared by Mazel Moments

“Thank you for coming to my par-tee” Golf Party Favor Hang Tags – created and sold by Formytwogirls on Etsy

Homemade DIY Backyard Mini Golf Tutorial – shared by eHow

Personalized Mini Kids Golf Cart – shared by A Little Slice of Swank

Preppy Pink, Blue, and Green Girl’s Golf Birthday Banner – created and sold by Tickled Glitzy on Etsy

Colorful Mini Golf Food Buffet Display and Dessert Bart – shared by Hostess with the Mostess

Golf Flag and Grass Party Centerpiece – shared by Perfectly Unplanned

Pink and Green Preppy Golf Birthday Party Invitation – created and sold by misspokadot on Etsy

Need more golf themed party décor? I’ve got an entire board dedicated to all things golfing themed party, with plenty of ideas for indoor and outdoor events. Check out my golf themed party ideas board HERE.

 

 

Do you like preppy events? Or do you live for more bohemian and eclectic styles?

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Tropical Backyard Engagement Party

Are you the first person to toast to a good time?

I know I try to stay as upbeat and positive as I can, and never really need a reason to celebrate. But when I do, I like to do it in style! Thinking back on engagement party ideas I’ve done in the past, a lot of them seem very…serious. And when I say serious, I don’t mean the parties are happening in the library. No, I mean more along the lines of: the parties seem like more structured events. That are very official, with a specific start and end time. And an MC could direct the event if need be.

Maybe it’s the summertime sunshine that’s gotten into my brain, (or my cup!) but I’d like to see a more laid back, tropical backyard style, out on the patio engagement party. The vibe is relaxed, great music in the background, and of course….. some tiki torches!

Here’s what I had in mind for this tropical backyard engagement party:

Tropical Backyard Engagement Party

Tropical Backyard Engagement Party

Be sure to see where I found each inspiration for this idea board:

Curved Patio Bench Around Fire Pit – shared on HomeBNC

Tropical Cake Display – shared on 100 Layer Cake

Vibrant and Tropical Centerpiece – shared in a styled shoot on Bespoke Bride

Green Tropical Palm Leaves and Wood Food Buffet and Display – spotted on Pinterest

Palm Tree Cutlery Display – also spotted on Pinterest

“We love the nights we can’t remember… with friends we can’t forget…” Painted Sign – sold on Etsy

Floating Pool Décor with Tropical Foliage and Tiki Torches – featured on Jet Fete

Tropical Beach Invitation – sold by Nou Designs on Zazzle

Backyard Tropical Patio with Hanging Lanterns and Banana Trees – shared on Traditional Home

Brown Wicker Charger with Green Accents – spotted on Pinterest

To party, or not to party? Are you a fan of engagement parties? Or do you think they are unnecessary?