Location, Decoration, Entertainment and Food

You know how many people you are inviting, you've picked lovely invitations and you know what your celebrating. Now it is time to get into some specifics! Places, food, entertainment, and decorations are the fun part of entertaining if you ask me! Once you have narrowed down how many people will be attending it is easier to start planning these things. 

The first on the list is location. Without a good location the best and most important parties can fail. However, I have found that with a little help and a lot of creativity, you can make any space into a good one. The only rule that can not be broken in my opinion is having enough room with seats for everyone in attendance. People will feel uncomfortable and will lose enjoyment if they can not even find a place to take a seat.

I currently live in a rather small apartment but I love to entertain. So when I have a party pushing over ten people I get creative with my space. I will move furniture around, rent or borrow chairs and utilize the outdoor space that I have. This allows me to entertain a little larger group even in my small setting.

If you have the money to rent a location, go for it. It helps with the clean up but can make set up a bit more challenging. It also gives you a restriction on length and time for your party if you do no rent for the entire day. Hotels, churches, libraries, and banquet hall are all options to consider when planning. Always choose one that fits the purpose of your event. (I would not likely put a cocktail party in a church or a dance party in a library!)

Once you have chosen a location you can move to entertainment and decorations. Nearly every party requires at least a little background music. Some parties require much more like a DJ or band. Look at the size and budget for your party. Remember when choosing a band or DJ you are paying for so much more that a night of entertainment. You are paying for their set up, equipment, and take down. Decorations are the fun part. Once you have a reason to party it is usually fun to chose a theme as well It makes buying invitations and party supplies easier. A few of my favorite themes include:

• New York City
• Luau
• Masked Balls
• Colorful

There are hundred, maybe thousands of themes to choose from so don't feel limited. Do a little internet searching and if you have the time play around with a few ideas before settling on one. You can find ideas on my Pinterest boards: Unplanned Party Plans and Renew and relive I DO.

Last but certainly not least you have FOOD! I feel like I could have spent an entire post on this subject alone. I love to prepare the menu for my parties. I always look to find creative ways to serve and prepare my food. The only rule of thumb here is to keep it simple enough when you are cooking that you are not spending your whole party in the kitchen. Other options include pot lucks and catering, all depending on the formality of your party.

If you are looking for a few fun party food ideas you can check out my Pinterest Boards: My "Julia" Project, Cooking Crafty: Nummies, and Cooking Crafty: Starters.

1. Paint Your Nails

Get them done or do them yourself, it doesn't really matter. What matters is that you take a little time for yourself to look and feel beautiful. I personally prefer to do my toes rather than my fingers! If it makes you feel good, do it.

To add to the rejuvenation factor you should do a bright, fun color or go for something completely different from your usual hues! Bringing the unexpected in can add to the whole experience!

If your  really adventurous you can get shellac, acrylic, silk wrapped nails! Get a full mani-pedi if you have the time and money. This tip is all about pampering yourself!

If you would like some fun ideas for your nails you can check out my beauty board on Pinterest- Miss Piggy Would Agree.

Back in Action

My apologies for the length absence. I have been helping my husband feel out some rather lengthy applications. We hope these applications turn out to be a new start and some great news. Until then, I am reminded that the school year's start is just around the corner. Some schools are starting as early as a week or two from now! Although I am looking forward to the new year, I am also dreading it. I get very spoiled by all this extra time with my kids and the hub-a-lub. However, I have some great inspiration to start the new year fresh, no matter where it sees me. Over the next few weeks, we will be discussing these lovely ideas, assuming we don't have a big change in plans.

I know you have missed me here on my blog, but on Pinterest I have been able to play off and on during the day. I have been finding some pin-spiration! If you want, you can check it out!

Until then, what is you favorite part of back to school? As a child I loved getting new clothing. It made me feel like I was getting a fresh start. I wont lie, it made me feel cool!

Stay "Too Cool for School" my friends!

Day Three: Starting a New Week

Happy Sunday my friends! I hope today was a great start to your new week. I feel certain that this coming week will be wonderful! Church today was rather inspiring at River Church. I like Sundays for several reasons; a full day off with my family, a chance to wear my nicest clothes, and a wonderful time at church are among a few. I was rather proud of my ensemble this morning. It took several revamps throughout the morning, but it finally settled on one I think was very flattering. The inspiration for the entire outfit was based on my lovely new peacock bracelet. It is so bold, it makes a great statement piece and outfit starter.

Starting from top: Plum silk cowl neck blouse, black high waist belt with Gold buckle. Peacock statement bracelet, turquoise clutch, simple black pencil skirt, peep toe black heels.

A shout out to my new favorite hair accessories from the (you guessed it), Dollar Store! Goody's simple styles "modern updo". After church this look was dressed down with jeans, flats, and taking my hair down.
 
My unofficial goal for this week is to do one random act of kindness a day. I've suddenly had a great urge to give others a simple smile. Even though I don't have everything I would like to have, I have so much more than many others. I am very thankful for my many blessings and its time to spread the joy. My challenge to you this week is the same as my own. Do one random act of kindness a day, and see how YOUR life is changed.

If you enjoy my fashion, thoughts, and ideas you can check me out on Pinterest or on Polyvore. I am sure you will find much more of my randomness to enjoy!