Everyone wants to be known for hosting legendary get-togethers, whether you're dining by candlelight on vintage china or washing down homemade BBQ with some DC Brau. But with so many small details to consider when planning a soirée, sticking with your big-picture plan of throwing the most amazing party ever can be a challenge.
We asked Julie Shanklin and Marielle Shortell, the pros behind Gaithersburg party-planning company Syzygy Events International, to give us their best advice for creating a memorable shindig. We got the scoop on table settings, lighting, and more. Read on to learn from two gals who really know how to throw a party.
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Take The Indoors Out"Bring your dining table outside! Use a basic linen tablecloth, or go to the fabric store and rummage through the remnant pile to find something beautiful to throw across the table."
Photo: Courtesy of Syzygy Events International
Don't Worry About Matching
"Surround your table with eclectic, mismatched chairs or benches, and let the food be the centerpiece."
Photo: Courtesy of SyzygyEvent
Keep Comfort In Mind
"To stay cool, place a basket filled with paper fans near your party setup. There are tons of colors available online to fit your theme, and you can choose between accordion or paddle fans."
Luna Bazaar Fuchsia Pink Paper Paddle Fan, $2.50 each, available at Luna Bazaar.
Try DIY Lighting ...
"Tie string around jars with citronella candles and hang them from tree branches for ambient light."
Photo: Courtesy of Syzygy Events International
... Or Keep It Old-School
"Buy Edison-style string lights and drape them through tree branches or along an existing trellis."
Restoration Hardware Vintage Light String, $160, available at Restoration Hardware.