Hosting an outdoor party can be a daunting task. There are so many elements you have to deal with. This week’s Party Tip focuses on 5 tips that will help you be a fabulous host of outdoor parties.

Top Trends in Prom Corsages & Boutonnieres
The big night is coming. It’s the peak of your high school life, and it should be perfect. If you have your dress, you’re ready to pick your flowers. Your florist is ready to take a look at your colors and create a corsage and boutonniere just for you! Here are the top trends in corsages and boutonnieres (don’t forget the boys!):
Classic Style
Popular prom flowers are much the same varieties as wedding flowers, as prom is usually a romantic night spent dressed to the nines. Roses and orchids have topped the prom flower list for a very long time and don’t seem to be going anywhere. Pair them with classic fillers, like baby’s breath, for a time-honored look.
Mix It Up with Succulents
Dare to be different! Succulents are funky and fun, and highly varied in style. It’s easy to pair succulents with either flowers or other succulents. Combine them with pearls and jewels for a modernly elegant look or vintage lace for rustic charm. The best part is that succulents require very little care, so you can keep your corsage and boutonniere for a long time after the prom.
Add a Little Bling
One of the best ways to stand out is to sparkle as much as possible! Your florist has incredible varieties of bling to choose from. Beaded and rhinestone cuffs can be combined with jewels, lights, pearls and glitter to create a custom corsage that will show up brightly under the prom night lights.
Alternative to the Wrist Corage
Seeing wrist corsages all over the dance floor and in every magazine photo…and not really feeling it? Ask your florist about floral jewelry and hairpieces. There’s lots of inspiration out there for floral necklaces, rings, belts, headbands, hair picks, and even flowers for your handbag. Flowers can be incorporated into just about any sort of wearable.
Matching
Consider going with your date to pick out flowers. On one hand, it’s a joy to be surprised by your date’s pick. But on the other, it’s also really fun if you perfectly match! Bring fabric swatches or photos of your outfits (taken in natural lighting for the best color match) and be the most coordinated couple on the floor.
It’s your special night. Whatever you want, you should have. Your choice in flowers will reflect the person you’ve become over your years in school, and your florist is ready to create your vision! Try to give plenty of prior notice – remember, your classmates are heading to the florist shop, too. Make your prom night the most memorable night of high school life!
Trending Tuesday – Tissue Flowers
Tissue flowers are literally great for every occasion! Whether you are planning a wedding, baby shower or any type of party, these are perfect for event decor. They come in various colors and styles so you can find the one that best matches your decor. These are even a fun little DIY, which you can find here. Planning on using tissue flowers in your decor? Share with us how you used them.
Party Tip of the Week – Checklists
Don’t underestimate the power of a checklist. It’s essential to any party planner. Start creating your checklist atleast 2 months out. You can start with a basis and then add to it when you think of new things. This makes sure you have everything in line the day of. Trust us, it’ll make your life a little less stressful.
DIY of the Month – Tissue Flowers
Tissue paper flowers are an easy, inexpensive way to add some decoration to any event. This simple tutorial with pictures, will walk you through how to make them step by step.
What You’ll Need:
- Tissue paper (whatever colors you like)
- Pipe Cleaners
1. Lay out materials2. Begin by measuring and cutting your tissue paper into 10-12” squares. You can do smaller or bigger, but this is for a medium sized flower. You will need 5 pieces of tissue paper. Extra tip: Use different colors for multi colored flowers!
3. Stack the tissue paper
4. Start to fold like a fan
5. Wrap pipe cleaner around folded tissue paper
[Read more…]
Tips for Hosting a Barn Party
A picturesque field surrounded by a fence filled with horses, complete with trees, bales of hay and an old barn can be the perfect backdrop for a party. A spring wedding, a barn barbeque, or a fall hayride are all options to consider if you have access to a barnyard and like the challenge of planning an outdoor event.
Get a Feel for the Land
Once you have selected the site for the party, the first order of business is to walk the property. Depending on what type of event you are hosting, you need to bear in mind the layout of the land. An outdoor party can be as simple or as detailed as you choose. Decisions will need to be made involving food, flowers, decorations, and music, all while considering your budget.
What’s on the Menu?
It is always good to plan your menu in coordination with the party theme. A barbeque or fish fry with all of the fixings is a perfect compliment to a gathering at a barn. S’mores around a campfire or firepit can be entertaining and fun.
The type of party, along with the guests you will be hosting must be considered. A caterer may also be used to assist with food and can be a great asset, especially for larger groups or more formal events. If food is to be served, tables, chairs, dinnerware and drinks must be a part of the planning. Serving beverages from a wheelbarrow filled with ice or napkins tied with gingham ribbon are some of the perfect touches that fit so well with the barn theme.
Decorations & Flowers
Flowers and decorations are essential when planning any party. The theme of the party along with the time of year can help jump start ideas. Using hay, pumpkins and mums is perfect for fall. A western theme might require bandanas, burlap and mason jars with candles inside for a simple yet suitable way to set the scene. Lighting is a must for any party. String lighting may be purchased to hang in and around the barn to create a festive mood. Consulting your local florist is essential, as they can provide guidance regarding flowers or plants that are in season for your particular event. A good florist can take your party to the next level by recommending the right arrangements or making design suggestions.
Don’t Forget…
There are other critical things to consider when planning an outdoor barn party, including checking your access to power sources. Electrical outlets need to be tested for lighting and for playing music. Whether you hire a live band or DJ or choose to use your own personal playlist, the right music can set the perfect mood. Finally, because the party is outdoors, it is wise to have a second date or a rain plan in the event of inclement weather. Advance planning makes for less stress on party day.
Keeping an organized list of things that must be accomplished is the key to success. A barn bash is a great way to entertain guests or celebrate with friends. This type of party is fun, festive and unique…a gathering that won’t soon be forgotten!
Party Tip of the Week – Setting Up a Buffet
Are you setting up a buffet for your party? Keep in mind these tips and tricks when doing so. It’ll make your buffet that much better.
- Plan Ahead – Arrange dishes beforehand to ensure you have enough space for the food. Tip: Adding a table skirt allows for extra storage underneath. You can place extra cups and plates there.
- Create a Flow – Where will your guests start? Will your buffet only be accessed from one direction, both directions or both sides? Place the flatware and dinnerware accordingly to where guests will begin.
- Keep Drinks & Desserts Separate – This will ensure you have enough room for your food. Guests can only carry so much on their plate and hands. Also, this encourages your guests to move around.
We hope these tips help when setting up your next buffet.
Our Favorite St. Patrick’s Day DIYs
Planning some DIYs for St. Patrick’s Day? Wedding and Party Network searched Pinterest and found some of our favorites. Maybe these DIYs will bring a little luck to you.
Apothecary Jars via Uncommon designs
These apothecary jars are such a great addition to any home or party. Plus, the rainbow color scheme, clover and green bow makes them so adorable and perfect for St. Patrick’s Day.
Painted Burlap Banner via Landeelu
We love this painted burlap banner with the green stripes and gold polka dots. You can hang this on your mantel for your St. Patrick’s Day decoration or use it for a party.

Lucky Penny Letters via Made By Marzipan
This lucky sign is such a fun DIY. We can’t get over how great it looks.
DIY Shamrock Button Art via Happy Clippings
This shamrock button art is so great. We love the various colors of green buttons to make the shamrock and it definitely pops against the chevron background.
These St. Patrick’s Day DIYs are absolutely wonderful. They are all absolutely perfect for this lucky holiday and would look great around the house or even as an accent to your St. Patty’s Day party.
Thank you to Uncommon designs, Landeelu. Made By Marzipan, and Happy Clippings for letting us feature them on the blog.
Trending Tuesday – Ombre Color Scheme
Ombre has been around for a bit now and yet it’s still around, meaning it’s here to stay for awhile. What exactly is ombre? It’s where shades of the same color or tone gradually fade into each other from dark to light or vice versa. It is seen throughout cakes, backgrounds and various wedding and party decorations. This color trend is definitely an eye catcher and will make a statement at your next event.
Party Tip of the Week – Hosting a Dinner Party in a Small Space
Are you wanting to host a dinner party? However, you are hesitant about the fact that your place is such a small space. This week’s Party Tip of the Week will give you some great tips on hosting one in your small area.
- Rearrange your furniture. Don’t be afraid to swap out your couch or coffee table for your dining room table if you have more room. This may give you enough adequate space and you won’t feel so cramped. You can also take out furniture. The next morning you can easily move it back.
- Create a mood with your lighting – Use lamps to create warm lighting, as well as candles. The softer lighting is more inviting and just cozy.
These 2 simple tips will help you host a dinner party, even if your space is a little tight. Don’t be confined by where you live. Your party will be just as great even if you had more space.
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