A global field guide to design, (life)style and secret finds est. 2007
First Look! Decorate for a Party
Decorate for a Party is a result of a genius collaboration between two of my favourite bloggers: Holly Becker (of decor8) and Lesley Shewring (of acreativemint). The new book, which officially launches on September 15, is packed with decorating ideas for planning a party, event or special gathering.
This isn't the kind of decorating book filled with stunning yet, a) overly-ambitious projects that, b) don't really look the same when you make them yourself. Instead, you'll find lots of simple, original and really beautiful ideas that are achievable and don't send you into a flap over your lack of crafting skills. Of course, if you're already creative and crafty, you'll find it all a cinch.
Split into ten different themes, there are creative ideas and step-by-step projects for decorating any kind of celebration or occasion, from birthdays and children's parties to bridal showers and dinner parties. You can cherry-pick the best ideas from the book and create your own unique celebration, or simply be inspired by some very nice ideas on how to welcome guests into your home and make any occasion feel special.
Here is an exclusive excerpt from the new book, which I've cherry-picked just for you:
New + Romantic
This soft, tactile look is a warm mix of organic materials and textures, handmade details and a touch of vintage glass. It is relaxed and feminine, perfect for a party with girlfriends. Napkins were dip dyed for the table and a wall hanging assembled with eucalyptus, string and a painted branch. Delicate garden roses are a beautiful contrast to rustic wooden tables.
WHAT INSPIRED US … chalky bleached colours; the smell of eucalyptus in Golden Gate Park; long conversations while drinking rose; handwritten notes; summer gatherings; roses in porcelain vessels; driftwood from the beach; natural fibres, creamy-toned Heath ceramics; and realizing that creating a wonderful evening for a special person is worth the effort.
This soft, romantic theme works beautifully for this casual bridal shower and would also be lovely for a summer birthday party or an all-girls evening to celebrate friendship. All our details are thoughtfully done to give some warm, homemade, feminine charm. Many can be made ahead of time and set aside for the day of the party.
Eucalpytus wall hanging
This eucalyptus and branch wall hanging was created easily on the day of the party. We simply tied eucalyptus sprigs to both ends of 20 pieces of fine white string cut to various lengths, and then hung them over a sprayed white branch. Fine wire wrapped around each end of the branch created loops for hanging the piece up exactly where we wanted it.
CALLIGRAPHY CANDLES
Basic jar candles are made special thanks to Canadian artist Kate Campbell’s calligraphy, done with a black ‘for glass’ pen. Our idea here was to have words that represent positive wishes or intentions. Each guest lights a candle and gives the wish to the guest of honour.
Decorate for a Party is a result of a genius collaboration between two of my favourite bloggers: Holly Becker (of decor8) and Lesley Shewring (of acreativemint). The new book, which officially launches on September 15, is packed with decorating ideas for planning a party, event or special gathering.
This isn't the kind of decorating book filled with stunning yet, a) overly-ambitious projects that, b) don't really look the same when you make them yourself. Instead, you'll find lots of simple, original and really beautiful ideas that are achievable and don't send you into a flap over your lack of crafting skills. Of course, if you're already creative and crafty, you'll find it all a cinch.
Split into ten different themes, there are creative ideas and step-by-step projects for decorating any kind of celebration or occasion, from birthdays and children's parties to bridal showers and dinner parties. You can cherry-pick the best ideas from the book and create your own unique celebration, or simply be inspired by some very nice ideas on how to welcome guests into your home and make any occasion feel special.
Here is an exclusive excerpt from the new book, which I've cherry-picked just for you:
WHAT INSPIRED US … chalky bleached colours; the smell of eucalyptus in Golden Gate Park; long conversations while drinking rose; handwritten notes; summer gatherings; roses in porcelain vessels; driftwood from the beach; natural fibres, creamy-toned Heath ceramics; and realizing that creating a wonderful evening for a special person is worth the effort.
This soft, romantic theme works beautifully for this casual bridal shower and would also be lovely for a summer birthday party or an all-girls evening to celebrate friendship. All our details are thoughtfully done to give some warm, homemade, feminine charm. Many can be made ahead of time and set aside for the day of the party.
This eucalyptus and branch wall hanging was created easily on the day of the party. We simply tied eucalyptus sprigs to both ends of 20 pieces of fine white string cut to various lengths, and then hung them over a sprayed white branch. Fine wire wrapped around each end of the branch created loops for hanging the piece up exactly where we wanted it.
Basic jar candles are made special thanks to Canadian artist Kate Campbell’s calligraphy, done with a black ‘for glass’ pen. Our idea here was to have words that represent positive wishes or intentions. Each guest lights a candle and gives the wish to the guest of honour.
‘Furoshiki’ is the Japanese term for the fabric-wrapped gifts we made for our guests. We added a sprig of wheat with the natural cotton.
Extracted from Decorate for a Party by Holly Becker and Leslie Shewring, published by Jacqui Small (£20). All images © Janis Nicolay.
More information on the book can be found here.
