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You are here: Home / Do It Yourself / How to Decorate for a Party; Advice from Two Pro Decorators & Authors

How to Decorate for a Party; Advice from Two Pro Decorators & Authors

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You have a party, shower, rehearsal dinner, or reception to pull together and are not exactly sure how to create a cohesive theme? The book Decorate for a Party by Holly Becker and Leslie Shewring can help. Here I take you through how the authors delve into 10 distinct looks, plus show you examples from the book.
How to decorate for a party...book review with tips about pulling it all together and some examples. Would be good for wedding reception, bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, etc.
Note: I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher, Jacqui Small LLP,  in exchange for a review (good or bad). I got no money to write this post, nor do I receive a commission if you purchase.

This book is chock full of photos. At first, I found it old school to look at pictures in a book instead of on Pinterest. But I quickly found the difference: the book shows exactly how to create cohesion whereas clicking around online shows you one-offs with no clear path to melding your projects into a unified look.

The authors provide that path by walking you through 10 themes, one per chapter, and specifically explaining how they accomplished each. Their approach is about making the most of what you have and adding a creative twist. The result is easy projects that come together in an elegant way, leaving time for joy- and love-filled celebrations.

Each theme begins with an overview of suggested seasons and types of parties; colors and patterns; specific elements they used to create the look; and a suggested music playlist, followed by a photo of the overall look. Next, they break it down, explaining how to create each item. All are easily achievable, but the most complex project in each chapter is accompanied by a simple, step-by-step DIY.

My favorite sections are the “6 Ways” demonstrations. Who hasn’t run across a project image you like in general, but there’s something not quite to your taste? Here, the authors take you through different approaches to creating the same similar look. They address stamping napkins, putting together place settings, creative wrapping, napkin rings, name cards, drink stirrers, chair backs, goody bags, food to go, party hats, and balloon décor.

The six approaches to drink stirrers, for example, are: use mint as a skewer and thread on berries; tie a lollipop stick with ribbon; attach a paper flag to the stirrer and write a one-word message; thread edible fruit onto a skewer; decorate the stirrer with beads and a heart; and attach a gumball to the end as a decorative handle of sorts. There is a photo of each so you can explicitly see the different vibe each gives off and easily choose your favorite variation.

The book is a quick read, chock full of photos. The text is to-the-point without a wasted word (which I love) and a focus on help. Holly and Leslie explain how they accomplished each element, plus share related advice. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for ideas on how to pull together a specific event theme.

An Example DIY: Tin Can Lanterns

How to make lanterns from tin cans. Supplies: cans, nails, hammer, and wire for a handle. Decorate with colorful or wasabi tape, glitter, glue, and tealights.

Buying Decorate for a Party

Decorate for a Party by Holly Becker and Leslie Shewring
Decorate for a Party by Holly Becker and Leslie Shewring is available on Amazon in hardcover and for Kindle.

Photo Credits:

Post Title Image: Holly Marder, avenuelifestyle.com (marshmallow skewers); Janis Nicolay, janisnicolay.com (calligraphy candles and wrapped vase); and Leslie Shewring, leslieshewring.com (forest cake).

Tin Can Infographic: Leslie Shewring

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  • Wedding Planning & Budget Blog
    • All My Online Wedding Help Blog Categories
  • Popular Posts
    • Free Wedding Planning Checklist
    • 35 Non Traditional Wedding Ideas
    • How to Effectively Manage Your Wedding Budget. 5 Must-Do Tips.
    • 5 Ways to have a Posh, Luxury-Look Wedding on a Small Budget
    • 23 Wedding Food Ideas on a Budget. Chop Costs!
    • How to Make Rustic Burlap Flowers (Tutorial and Video)
    • Wedding Venue Contract Tips & 13 Q Checklist
    • How to Make a Wedding Veil. DIY bridal veil.
      • How to Attach Your Veil To a Headpiece
    • 25 Elegant Country Rustic Wedding Ideas You Will Love
    • How to Sort of DIY Five Favorite Rustic Wedding Centerpieces
    • 78 Unconventional Wedding Ideas to Help You Stay Within a Wedding Budget
    • 19 Mason Jar Centerpiece Ideas for Weddings
    • Suits or Other Groomsmen Attire Ideas? 5 Guys’ Wedding Outfit Questions Answered
  • Planning Guide, Subscribe
  • Shop
    • Men’s Christian and Cross Wedding Bands
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