Let her personal style shine at her Sweet 16 party
The 16th birthday has become iconic in nature and party planners feel the pressure. For those on a budget, the stress of planning this coming-of-age rite of passage intensifies. However, there is no need for worry because with forethought and ingenuity, it is easy to create a party she will appreciate. For sure success, consider her interests and create an atmosphere where she can shine. Does this Spark an idea?
The Beautiful Outdoors
Bring the comforts of indoors outside by providing lush seating, ottomans and side tables. Consider having a large-screen TV outside to watch classic coming-of-age movies or play favorite video games. Add mystique by stretching wire between support posts on your porch; then hang or drape sheer white curtains over the wires as partitions. Hang baskets of flowers from tree limbs or your patio. For a whimsical touch, make butterfly party lanterns as featured on marthastewart.com.
Asia
Prepare ahead for an exotic theme. Transport your guest to Asia by making origami lighting. Fold a 25-inch square of vellum paper following the illustration at marthastewart.com. Expand by blowing in the bottom section and secure a battery-powered candle inside. Hang lantern from a pole using an 18-inch string. Use simple white china, provide lacquered or wooden chopsticks and tuck flowers or food into colorful take-out boxes and you are ready to entertain.
Green
In lieu of gifts, have guests bring gently used clothing for a favorite charity, cans of food for a local food bank or books for an area school. Borrow real and fake plants from friends and neighbors for decorations. Consider hanging a "Hug Me" sign on one of the trees to add some humor. Decorate tables with party favors for guests by filling empty toilet paper rolls with candy or trinkets. Wrap by rolling in tissue paper. Secure the ends with ribbon.
Spa
If all she wants for her sweet 16 is a trip to the spa, transform your home into a healthy sanctuary. Borrow home fountains to create relaxing background noise. Group candles on mirrors and float flowers in bowls of water for spa décor. Invite your guests to bring their coziest robes and slippers. Be sure to have a pile of fresh, fluffy towels easily accessible. Consider beginning the party at a cosmetology school for discount manicures and pedicures, or hire a student to adorn the teens' nails at your home.
Masquerade Ball
Choose key colors to create cohesiveness from invitations to decorations. Visit a local dollar store for streamers, party plates and flatware. Transform the room by hanging streamers and grouping helium-filled balloons. Invite guests to wear their fullest gowns; they can rummage through gowns previously worn to formal dances or by shopping at thrift stores. Simple black or white masks can be bought at the local craft store. Be sure to buy the birthday girl her mask a week or two in advance so she can use glue to embellish it with rhinestones and beads. There is no need for a disk jockey if you borrow a decent sound system and have a play list ready to go on an MP3 player.
Other Tips
Hang white lights from ceilings, drape over fake trees and hang around door frames to add an instant party feel. Consider renting one key item, like a chocolate fountain or theme decoration from a local party rental store to transform a simple party to an unforgettable bash. Utilize resources in your inner circle by borrowing items to enhance theme decor. If live music is what makes her heart sing, talented local college students can often be hired at budget prices.
Tags: guests bring, your home