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Staying home instead of going on an exciting vacation doesn’t have to be boring. Gather your friends and family and get creative in finding various forms of entertainment in your home. The latest hot party idea is a stylish Denim and Diamonds party. What exactly is a Denim and Diamonds party? Use your imagination to get as fancy or country as you want, but a Denim and Diamonds party is an exclusive event with great food, drink and entertainment. Guests are asked to wear casual attire, such as jeans, but are encouraged to ‘dress up’ with diamond-studded accessories (also known as rhinestones!). Venues can include your home, backyard, or elegant country estates rented for major events or fundraisers.
Tip 1: Use what you already have on hand
When you throw a Denim and Diamonds party at home, you need to get creative. There is no point in going out and buying a lot of items that you will never use again. Look around your house, basement, and garage to see what you can reinvent or reuse for your party needs. Outdoor tables can be turned into indoor furniture with an inexpensive floor-length fabric cover that suits your theme. Spend wisely on a few key items you need to get a lot of bang for your buck. Visit discount stores and clearance sections in more exclusive stores to ensure particular finds. The vases for the table can be mixed and matched, just like the table and the glasses.
Tip 2 – Choose your theme colors
Throwing a denim and diamonds party – blue, white and anything that sparkles is a must! Integrate your colors in your tablecloths and decorations. Check out craft superstores to add sparkle to your table or buffet. Choose inexpensive glass stones, rhinestones or crystals and place them among your table settings to catch and reflect the light from your table candles. The colors for a denim and diamonds party can also extend to your decorations, invitations, centerpieces and party favors.
Tip 3 – Plan Ahead
Manage your time carefully and don’t put off shopping or decorating until the day before your party. Decide on your décor and estimate food and seating requirements at least a week or more in advance. If you need to hire a rental service for tables, chairs or other catering items, please plan at least 2 weeks in advance and make your reservations with the rental company. Prepare as much food as possible ahead of time – this will lower your stress level and help you enjoy your own Denim and Diamonds party! Planning to grill outdoors? Grill items ahead of time and keep them in your oven on “warm” so items can be ready when your hungry guests arrive.
Tip 4: No time to sit down for dinner? Think of the buffet!
Let’s face it, sit-down dinners are nice when you only invite 3 or 4 close friends over for an intimate gathering. Hosting a party for 20+ requires quick and easy service from a buffet-style setup. Presentation can be fun for a buffet. Create raised levels by placing pots upside down under the tablecloth to create a tiered look for your culinary offerings. This is also practical and allows your guests to more easily reach items around a crowded buffet table. Use baskets lined with denim-type towels for your cookies/breads. Scatter sparkly country-themed items, like inexpensive crystals, among your serving plates for an extra touch!
Tip 5: Candlelight and fresh flowers are a must
Whether you’re hosting your party indoors or outdoors, candles add special style and ambience. If you’re outdoors, add floating candles to your pool. Group candles of different heights, colors, and widths on your tables and aisles to create mood lighting for your guests to enjoy. Citronella candles are available in a variety of colors and styles to provide a functional and beautiful purpose for keeping insects at bay and guests comfortable.
Fresh flowers are a delight no matter what the occasion. But there is no need to splurge as new arrangements can be expensive. Roll up your sleeves and take a look around your garden… Black Eyed Susans, Daylillies, Sweet Peas and Butterfly Bushes and evergreen branches offer inexpensive yet fragrant bouquets. Set a glass in a cowboy boot and arrange your cut flowers for a true Denim and Diamonds centerpiece! Complement smaller arrangements in smaller conversation areas with a few store-bought white roses.
Tip 6: Bring the Inside – Out or the Outside – In
You’ll want to pamper your guests even when they’re outdoors. Add comfortable cushions to your patio chairs and match your indoor dining chairs with your outdoor country furniture. Glass pitchers, silver plates, and other metal (pewter) bowls create an elegant presentation for drinks and appetizers. Need a little fresh air…inside? Add several evergreen branches to your arrangements or consider using outdoor accent lighting, such as indoor string lights, to complement your Denim and Diamonds Party theme.
Tip 7: Make it personal
It’s your party, so add your own personal style! Email is a convenient communication tool, but a denim and diamonds party calls for a more elegant approach. Handwritten themed invitations are a perfect fit for what you need to send your guests. Your guests will be thrilled when they receive your Denim and Diamonds inspired invitation (Levi’s jean pocket invitations with red tag and all). Add a little ‘bling’ to make the ‘diamonds’ theme work by using crystals and accessories available at scrapbook supply stores and super craft stores.
Tip 8: keep it cool
Backyard Denim and Diamond parties can get hot in the summer and cool in the spring or fall. Secure small fans with misters and camouflage behind bushes and plants in your backyard. Use propane-powered portable tabletop heaters and provide blanket batteries (printed in the west, please!) to keep your guests cozy for hours.
Tip 9: Always have a plan B
Always have a contingency plan because Mother Nature can be unpredictable despite your best plans for your Denim and Diamonds event. Keep your supplies well-stocked for last-minute needs, and plan ahead for what you’ll do if you need to move the party indoors due to inclement weather. Outdoor seating can be moved inside and accented with cushions. Remember: these are your friends and they will have fun regardless of the weather!
Tip 10: Ask for help if you need it
Don’t be afraid to hire a party planner to consult with you about your plans before your party. If you can’t afford the planning, hire them for ideas, tips, and décor to help you get organized and make it happen on your own. Keep it simple! Hearty appetizers, fancy cocktails, and dazzling decorations will make your fancy Denim and Diamonds party event fun and stress-free!