I was so privileged design and execute Milestone Birthday Party Ideas for a woman who is a local journalist, a friend and a fan. Violet Spevack, who turned 95, is entertainment columnist for a Cleveland newspaper since 1965 that has missed only one of my "personal" special events since 1985. Whether I was doing a lip sync party to benefit the pre-opening of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame or a "revival" to poke fun at the slew of televangelists that were in trouble in the early 90's to events much more off the beaten path than that--Vi was always there and always gave me rave reviews. She also participated--singing, dancing, whatever--and she was 65. Thirty years ago, I thought that was old!
Naming and theming this event was the easiest job I've ever had. The name came to me as I perused words that started with the letters v and i. And there it was...vivacious. Perfect... that word alone describes Vi in a nutshell--outgoing, creative, funny and over the top. Thus I titled the event Vi-Vi-Vi-vacious and still can't get over how well that worked out for the party and the theme. Throughout the program book and throughout the evening, we introduced her every which way that started with those two little letters--vi-brant, vi-tal, vi-able and more while we watched and enjoyed her reaction vi-cariously (I had to say that, sorry).
The theme had to be violets, of course. Violets were used on all printed pieces and signs and even on the name badges. Using different shades of violets for linens and napkins plus African violets on the stage and buffets, we screamed Violet wherever we could to our over 700 guests and they all got it. And since this was a benefit for her newly-named foundation, we used birthday cakes as centerpieces to save on budget but to promote the fact that this was a birthday party indeed. And Vi not?
Here are some of my pictures of the event, before all of the party guest arrived:
Guests were greeted by custom signs with a violet theme and then picked up their seating cards at a purple linen draped table.
An enormous custom 3 part sign thanked the sponsors that made this birthday celebration happen!
A bar with a beautiful view was flanked by a large collage of the guest of honor.
A slideshow rotated on a large screen in the partyroom, showcasing special moments in the fun and full life of Violet Spevack.
Each table had a birthday cake as a centerpiece and fun purple linens! Table numbers had a violet theme (of course).
Check out these wonderful violet table decorations!
Throwing this violet theme birthday was great fun and a great honor!
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