How I Threw a Fab Party in My Backyard.

So my husband was all set to graduate on May 15th from the GWU MBA program. This calls for a celebration, I thought to myself. After my husband agreed to the idea of a party in his honor, I immedialty began to put a plan of action together. My goal: to plan a terrific celebratory event for my hubby and his friends to enjoy.

First thing on the agenda was to identify a venue for this event. I started by contacting the facilities that I've worked with in the past....all booked for May 15th. I then began to contact other facilties such as hotels, lounges, restaurants, country clubs etc. still to no avail ..... all booked for May 15th. After making a bigillion phone calls across the DMV, the light bulb finally went off- throw the party at home in my backyard! I couldn't believe I did not think of that any sooner.

My hubby was thrilled to know that the party was going to be held at our home. For him, it meant we would save money on renting a venue. But the issue then became how to make a boring backyard appear as fun and festive as a venue.

I had to consider the type of atmosphere I wanted for this event. For this party, I wanted the feel of a casual yet stylish barbecue similar to the the look of an outfit consisting of jeans, heels and a fancy blouse- casual but chic.

My husband's favorite color is blue so I used aqua blue and paired it with black for a trendy color scheme which became the focal point for the decor. I decided to decorate the backyard using cocktail tables in black and aqua to bring out the color scheme. I also used balloon bouquets as the centerpieces and lanterns for lighting.

For the food, I decided to call the highly regarded Famous Dave's to bring some of their finest barbecue and sides. Chicken, ribs, potato salad and baked beans were on the menu.

Next, we hired a DJ and set him up in the basement. My basement was then converted into a swanky U Street lounge equipped with a dance floor. I gave him a list of great BBQ tunes and allowed him to play throughout the night.

We invited some of my husband's family, friends, co workers and classmates and let the party begin. Everyone raved about the decor, food and fun. This was probably one of the least expensive events I have ever planned and one that I had the most fun planning. See, it does not require a swanky venue to plan a fab party. Just good food, great friends and a touch of creativity.

5 Simple Ways to Incorporate Color Scheme

There is nothing worse than walking into a party or wedding reception and the guests ask "what is the color scheme?" If this question is asked, it is typically an indicator that the color scheme of the event was never truly introduced into the decor or it somehow got lost in the original decor of the venue. Here are several ways to bring your color scheme to the forefront of your next event:

1. Backdrop/Pipe and Drape: Why not add a backdrop to spruce up your decor? By adding a pipe drape/backdrop arranged in your colors you will not only make a bold statement but you will also bring the colors of your event to the immediate attention of your guests. Materials can be purchased in an array of colors and hung in various ways to create as dramatic of an affect as you would like.

2. Lighting Design: Traditionally considered for the use of the super chic or fun at heart, lighting design is such a fun way to spruce up your decor. It can be as simple or complex as you would like for it to be. Adding something as simple as uplighting a few walls in your color scheme can be just effective as lighting the entire room.

3. Table Linens: When you walk into a room the first thing noticed typically is the linens. Offered in a variety of shapes, sizes, materials and patterns, table linens are a very popular method of incorporating your color scheme. Decorate your venue with table cloths in your color scheme to bring your colors to the eyes of your guests. Have a little fun with the linens by alternating colors between the tables. For a more sophisticated effect, use satin table linens. If you want a more subtle change, try using overlays. Overlays cover the top of the tables without draping all the way down to the floor. They provide a similar effect as a full table cloth at a less expensive cost. For those with smaller budgets for table linens, simply adding a napkin in your colors at each place setting can bring your color scheme to the spotlight as well.

4. Chairs, Chair Covers and Sashes: If your color scheme includes the color black, why not change the color of your chairs to black? Or perhaps place black chair covers over those ugly blue banquet chairs at your venue? A change as simple as chairs and chair covers can have a huge impact on your venue and color scheme. For a more simple yet sophisticated look, just add a sash to the top of your chair in your color scheme. This will add some appeal to your chairs and a splash of color to your event.

5. Accessorize: There are certain accessories that are needed for most events such as menus, table signs, tent cards and programs. Having these items created in your color scheme and neatly placed at each table setting will add a splash of color to your table decor. It also adds a very neat and trendy feel as well.

Incorporate these ideas and be sure to get your color scheme noticed at your next big event. Don't forget to provide us with your feedback: askus@lefabuleux.com

New Restaurant in Northern VA

Cozy atmosphere, friendly staff and delicious food describes Columbus Grill. Located in Manassas, this moderately priced restaurant is a great location for after work dinner and drinks at the bar, family dinning on the patio or a romantic dinner for two in the main dinning room. Serving a combination of Mediterranean and American cuisine, owner Nuno Duarto brought a little something with him from Portugal; a chef that serves amazing dishes and a wine room stacked with wine from his private vineyard in Portugal.

If you are planning a private event and in need of a venue, Columbus Grill offers a private dinning room that can accommodate over one hundred people. Columbus Grill is a perfect location for parties, showers, receptions, and rehearsal dinners. Hosting a private event at Columbus Grill provides your guests with a pleasurable experience, enjoying fine wine and delicious food.

For your next dinner or event come out and have a glass wine and enjoy the food at one of Northern Virginia's best kept secrets. 834 Centreville RD Manassas, VA 20111

Planning an Event Without a Planner

Lately, I have designed several events in which a professional event planner was not present. I am sure that many people make the decision to nix the planner based on several factors, saving money being a primary motivator. While this is not a bad idea, there are some things that one should know about planning a major event without the assistance of a professional planner. I have compiled a list of things to consider regarding planning an event without a planner based on my experiences. So before you fire your planner, read on...

Who will Answer Vendor Questions on the Day of your Event?

I recently designed and decorated two events that did not have a planner. The events were a wedding and a quinceanera. As soon as I walked through the door of the venue of each event, I knew immediately that there was not a planner present to provide assistance. How did I know you ask? Well for one, when I, along with the other vendors, arrived there was no one present to provide instructions or answer questions. The musician did not have a current program or schedule of events and the cake baker did not know which table was being used for the cake table. The DJ was still trying to determine how to pronounce the names of some of the bridal party members with no assistance. These things may seem small but can make a major difference if your aim is to plan a seamless event.

Who will be your Representative on the Day of the Event?

Whether you are the bride or groom, or the host of a major party, or a parent throwing your child's right of passage celebration, you will most likely want to enjoy the event that you have put a lot of time and energy into organizing. If you are planning to transition from being the planner to being a guest at the event and want enjoy the festivities, then you may want to consider who will represent you during the event. Someone will be needed to communicate your wants and desires during the event to the vendors and venue staff. Your guests and vendors may have questions during the event, who should they speak with on your behalf? The person delegated to be your representative will make decisions for you while you enjoy the event. They will pick up the ball if something goes wrong. They will also assure that the event follows the pre planned timeline and goes according to schedule. Delegating a representative to act on your behalf will not only relieve a lot of stress but also allow you to mix and mingle with your guests with no worries.

Who will Handle the Details?

There are so many minute details involved in planning a major event. There are so many bases that you want to assure are covered. For the quinceanera that I designed, the parents called me, the decorator, to ask questions about everything from how will the guests know when to sit down for dinner to how should the cake cutting be handled. They even called me as my staff and I were setting up to tell me that the photographer had a flat tire on the way to the event and asked me what should they do. These are questions that are typically handled by a planner not a decorator/designer and unfortunately for these particular events I was hired to simply design. However the planner in me felt compelled to assist as each client seemed to be in a lurch.

You may want to do as much research as you can on event planning to find out what it entails before taking on such a task. Also think ahead about all the things involved to assure that all bases are covered.

Planning without a planner is not impossible but there is a lot to consider. I hope this article helps you to think about the details so that regardless of the direction you choose to take in planning, your event will be well organized and all that you imagined.

Eggplant Weddings

Eggplant is a very popular color for wedding decor for 2010. Check out the following ideas for eggplant colored weddings.

Table Settings

Ceremony/Reception Decor

Flowers

Pink Wedding Details

There isn't any other color out there that is as much fun as pink. Each shade comes with its own set of characteristics that are sure to make a splash at any wedding. Check out some pink ideas for your wedding:

Pink Bouquets & Flowers







Pink Decor

Pink Lighting and Lanterns

Pink Cakes and Cupcakes

Blue Weddings

Wedding Music Planning

Ever attended a wedding and the music put you to sleep or didn't seem to make sense? That is because the couple did not consider how important music is to the event. The music sets the tone for the wedding. As you are planning your wedding it is important to keep in mind that the music you select dictates each portion of your event. For example, the music played at your processional may be very different from the tunes played at the cocktail hour. You can leave the music selection up to your DJ and musicians or take control of it yourself. Here are several spreadsheets that you can use as you plan your music for your big day. It also has examples of selections for each genre that have been a hit at weddings.

Pop/Rock Wedding Music Planner
http://app4.websitetonight.com/projects/6/6/8/5/668530/uploads/Wedding_Song_Spreadsheet_Pop.Rock.xls
R and B Wedding Music Planner
http://app4.websitetonight.com/projects/6/6/8/5/668530/uploads/Wedding.Song.Spreadsheet.Rap.R_B.xls
Christian/Gospel Music Planner
http://app4.websitetonight.com/projects/6/6/8/5/668530/uploads/Wedding_Song_Spreadsheet_Gospel.Christian.xls

Tell us what you think of the planners: askus@lefabuleux.com

Murder Mystery Party: Your Next Big Event

As you are planning your next big event you may be thinking, "I'm tired of the same old thing, I want an event that will provide a unique experience for my guests." If so, then you must consider a murder mystery party for your next big event.

A murder mystery party is a great fit for anyone that wants a lively, fun party that guests will truly enjoy. Perfect for any party size, murder mystery parties are great for fundraisers, corporate events and dinner parties. Murder mystery parties come in two different forms: box games or live games.

The boxed games are great for smaller parties. This is typically held in a dinner party atmosphere. The game comes with rules in which guests can easily follow as they act as the players. Some boxed games provide scripts which the players must follow. Others allow you to create your own script as you play the game.

Live games are typically produced by murder mystery production companies. It involves actors that will join you at your party with the plot ready to for delivery. The format allows your guests to feel apart of the show and encourages them to mix and mingle. Live murder mystery games can be held almost anywhere and in some instances, your guests get to dress up in cloths from another time period or country.

Murder mystery parties are tons of fun and are a great break from the typical dinner party or corporate function. A murder mystery party will also assure your party is an enjoyable event for all.

Check Lists to Help you Organize Your Wedding Day

So you are getting married and you have all of these things that you need to do and purchase for your wedding. Your biggest fear? Leaving the favors that you have paid so much money for at home or providing the limo service with the wrong times for pick up. Well, worry no more! We have created several check lists to help you organize the items needed for the event and keep you on schedule. You may also use these as templates as you create your own. You can share these with your photographer, coordinator and other vendors so you are all on track. I hope these are helpful at minimizing the stress as they keep you on task.

Reception Items Checklist
http://app4.websitetonight.com/projects/6/6/8/5/668530/uploads/Reception_Items_Checklist.pdf

Ceremony Items Checklist

http://app4.websitetonight.com/projects/6/6/8/5/668530/uploads/Ceremony_Items_Checklist.pdf

Day of Timeline:
http://app4.websitetonight.com/projects/6/6/8/5/668530/uploads/Sample_Day_of_Timeline.pdf




Comments or Questions? Email us:askus@lefabuleux.com

Dressing Up Your Chairs

When planning your wedding you may fall in love with the your venue for its size, ambiance, location and spacious floor plans but you may have one problem; the chairs. Many facilities have outdated chairs in their ballroom or you may find that the color of the chairs clash with your wedding colors. The solution is simple: dress up those chairs! There are many ways to dress up your chairs from chivari chairs to chair covers. Each will add something unique to your space and change the look and feel of your venue.

1. Chair Covers- These are great way to not only hide the unattractive chairs of your current facility but also to add a classy new look to your venue. Chair covers have the power to drastically change your venue and have been known to leave guests in awe. Chair covers fit most banquet style chairs and they, along with the sashes, come in a variety of colors that can help to bring out your color scheme. They are easy to put on and relatively inexpensive.

2. Chivari Chairs- Get rid of your venue's chairs all together and add chivari chairs. Elegant and sophisticated describes the chivari chair. Made of wood or steel with a padded seat, they can hold their own in style or can be dressed up with a sash. This is the most expensive chair starting at $6 per chair.

3. Folding chairs- Folding chairs are perfect for an outdoor celebration. Folding chairs provide a clean and simple look for an event. Typically found in white, brown or black, folding chairs are the least expensive costing as low as $1 per chair.

To determine which chair would be a fit for your celebration, consider the style of your wedding and the look that you are aiming to achieve. They each will have different effect but will provadd the final touch needed for your decor.

A Simple Fall Wedding in Southern Maryland