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Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Dear Just Be: I'm not very good at decorating for parties, but graduation, Memorial Day and more are coming up. Help!

With many upcoming special events, such as Graduation and Memorial Day (not to mention the annual birthday parties, baby showers, bridal showers) - parties are in full swing!

Don't let the stress of organizing and decorating for a party get to you though-it can be kept simple. The main idea behind decorating is to create a comfortable atmosphere for guests and emphasize the reason for the party.

Here are some simple tips to keep in mind when decorating for your next party:
* First, keep in mind the space you will be using...more space typically means more decorations to keep the "theme" in sight and so it doesn't look too sparse. Less room, means less decorations, as you don't want the decorations to overwhelm the party and guests.
* Think about the mood of the event- funky and fun for kids, or festive but elegant for adults?
* Think of the decorations as accent pieces. Make sure that your decoration does not look overdone. Even minimal decoration if done in a strategic way is quite helpful in giving that 'extra' zing to your party.
* Create a budget and keep to it. Again, decorations are accent pieces to help draw out the mood of the party- so you need not spend a small fortune on them. Besides, what are your plans for the decorations after the party? (Will they only be used once?)
* Try to avoid using too much extra furniture. Have seating available, but also make sure there is enough space for guests to move, mingle, dance, etc.
* Lighting can also be helpful when decorating- it can create atmosphere and ambiance, it can highlight the food or the decorations.
* Plan ahead- go shopping well before hand to find the right decorations and the amount of decorations you want to use. (Should the decorations be weather resistant? Will they be used inside or outside?)
* Give yourself ample time to decorate on the day of the event. Unwrapping the decorations, sorting them out, determining where they will be hung & placed and actually putting them up takes time and patience to be done well. Be sure to have tape, tacks, a small step ladder, and a extra set of eyes and hands to help out.

Have a great party!

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