After hosting a black and white southern theme wedding shower for my sister-in-law Michele, I realized many of my favorite details of the event were a part of the drink station. I based the unique design of the personalized water bottle labels on my Bridal Shower Party Invitations and Favors, which were not only black and white but also matched the southern theme by including the Charleston logo (the palm tree and crescent). Don't foget to take a look at our other Bridal Shower Theme Ideas for more party inspiration, too!
I kept the labels simple with a black and white color scheme, congratulations to the bride and groom, a silhouette of the Charleston logo (which matched our southern theme), and the wedding date.
I displayed the bottles in a large white metal tub, which we've used at other family parties. It was easy for guests to just grab one and go! Make sure to take a look at my other posts on this black and white theme wedding shower as well as our tips and tricks at Party411.com:
I recently hosted a wedding shower for my sister-in-law who is getting married in July. (Check out my inspiration boards I made and other Bridal Shower Theme Ideas I looked at during the planning stage.) I ended up choosing a black and white theme with a South Carolina twist! I wanted to include southern elements into the menu, decorations, and even the favors because the couples’ first vacation together was in Charleston. The bride loved it, and I received a lot of compliments from guests (especially on the flowers). Below, you’ll find pictures of my decorations, which had a clean, classic look. Don’t forget to take a look at our other Honeymoon Travel Bridal Shower Ideas, too, for your destination themed shower!
I chose white hydrangeas for my centerpieces and display arrangements. On the corner of the bar, I put pictures of the couple on their trip in South Carolina (see above) along with a larger arrangment. I used all clear glass that either my mother or I owned (which saved quite a bit of money). I also enjoyed adding sweet white and black touches like the little duck hidden among the flowers above.
I interspersed hydrangea arrangments in circular and square vases along the tables. I only used three stems of hydrangea for each table arrangment - they looked full but didn't cost a lot of money! See the gold-striped table runner? I reused those from my wedding, and put them over white tablecloths to create a classy vibe.
One of my favorite details were these monogramed napkins. We made biscuits and cornbread muffins (to go with our Charleston brunch buffet) and put them in baskets lined with the napkins. After filling the baskets up, we placed one on each table for the guests. Later, we gave the napkins to the bride as a gift from the hostesses.
We didn't forget to decorate the side tables either! This white framed illustration of two girls dancing the Charleston was a subtle nod to the theme.
We wanted to decorate the mantle because it was the backdrop as the bride opened her gifts. I based the banner off of the lyrics from the famous Beatles song "All You Need Is Love". We added some classic white wedding bells and poms as well as a picture of the couple on their South Carolina vacation.
If you have a letter die-cut, it's easy to make this black and white banner. Follow my banner tutorial to create your own!
Along with hydrangeas, I placed tall vases filled with beautiful white iris on the dessert table. They fit perfectly in my black and white color scheme.
Another great detail, these black and white drink labels looked sharp wrapped around large glass jars. We had iced tea, lemonade, and white sangria! Yum!
Here I am with the happy bride after throwing a successful shower with my family! Congratulations, Michele!
Don't forget to take a look at my other posts for this wedding shower along with all our shower ideas at Party411.com:
Keep the kids entertained this summer AND get some little hands to help you make some 4th of July Party Ideas at the same time! These activities will not only keep young guests busy (and help you decorate), but they are danger free, which is great for those who are too young to play with sparklers or fireworks. After trying out a few of my ideas below, make sure to take a peek at our Summer Party Ideas for more inspiration, too!
Five More Fun Patriotic Kids Activities
Patriotic Wreath: Cut a hole in the center of a paper plate to create a "wreath". Have the kids decorate it with red, white, and blue paint and star stickers. Hang the wreaths with paper ribbon. An easy craft that serves as party decoration, too! (see above)
Firecracker Bottles: Remove the labels from empty plastic water bottles and fill them with red, white and blue beads, ribbon, and star confetti. Put the cap back on the bottle, and secure with hot glue or duct tape. Younger children will especially enjoy these fun and colorful noisemakers!
Star Cookie Cutter Art: Have the kids use cookie cutters to stamp red and blue stars on a sheet of white craft paper. Transform the paper into a table runner or placemats for your next patriotic theme event.
Smore Snacks: Most young children would prefer eating the marshmallow straight off the roasting stick rather than making a traditional smore. Make their sticky marshmallows more fun by providing fun dipables, like red and blue sprinkles, crushed graham crackers, and even melted chocolate!
Wooden Ring Streamers: Attach long lengths of red, white, and blue ribbon to basic wooden rings, like these. These streamers are as fun as sparklers but aren't as dangerous for young guests!
Check out these summer party tips to make your get-together a hit!
If you’re looking for simple Patriotic Party Ideas for this year’s July 4th, this easy-to-make red, white, and blue banner will look great blowing in the wind on your deck or patio. Last year, I made this patriotic bunting that will last for summers to come, but I thought I’d throw together a banner that is not only less time consuming but less expensive, too! Easy and inexpensive, sign me up! Make sure to follow my tutorial below to make your patriotic banner a reality, and make sure to check out our Patriotic Theme Party for some last minute ideas as well.
Materials
Red, white, and blue tissue paper
Red cord or twine
Scissors
Glue stick
Ruler
Directions
To make the banner squares, I first layered three sheets of tissue paper, folded them in half, and cut squares along the fold that were about 6x4”. I did this in each of the three colors (about 4-5 squares of each).
I then cut fringe about 1/2” wide along the bottom of the square, making sure to stop about 1 inch away from the fold.
Next, I unfolded the squares and glued the three tissue sheets together with a glue stick, so they wouldn’t fall apart when attached to the banner.
I cut the red cord to the length of the banner I wanted and liberally applied glue to the inside crease of each square.
I then attached the squares to the cord by hanging each square over it and pressing firmly. I placed the squares about two inches apart.
I hung my banner with thumbtacks and ruffled it before guests arrived to create a breezy, light feel.
Take a look at our other Summer Party Ideas for more decorating tips and tricks:
I made these simple patriotic theme toothpicks to match the party banner I created as one of this year’s 4th of July Party Ideas. I love the easy red, white and blue color scheme that will go with some of the store bought decorations I already have. All in all, this little frilly detail will make my buffet and drink station pop, while also adding a handmade touch to my party. Make sure to follow my tutorial below, and check out our other Summer Party Ideas to see more of what I plan to do at my patriotic theme bash!
Materials
Tissue paper (red, white, and blue)
Sandwich toothpicks (can be purchased at your local GFS)
Clear tape
Scissors
Directions
Cut a rectangle from the tissue paper and fold it in half. Make sure it is about 2-3 inches tall (depending how long of a fringe you want), and about 3 inches long.
With scissors, cut very thin fringes perpendicular to the fold. Leave about ½ inch between the end of each cut and the fold.
Wrap the end of the fringe around the toothpick, securing with tape. Then, continue wrapping the tissue completely around the toothpick and again secure the end with tape.
Don’t forget take a look at our other tips and tricks for hosting an unforgettable summer party!
Your guests won’t be able to stay away from these easy smore cup desserts, a fun twist on a classic favorite. These cups are a great option if you don’t have a fire pit to make traditional smores, and they can be made in advance, which is a huge bonus if you’re hosting a large party. Follow my recipe below to make these treats (which my family loved at our last barbeque), and check out our other Backyard BBQ Party Ideas for more inspiration!
Materials (makes 1 dozen)
Mini marshmallows
Chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers
6-7 tbsp melted butter
1/3 cup white sugar
Cooking spray
Cupcake tin
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375° F, and coat your cupcake tin lightly with cooking spray.
Mix the crushed graham crackers, butter, and sugar in a bowl. Take 2-3 tbsp of the mixture, and put it in each cupcake tin. Mold the graham cracker crust into a cup with your fingers.
Bake the cups for about 5 minutes, and pull them out of the oven to cool.
Add about 8 marshmallows to each, and top with chocolate chips.
Bake again for about 5 minutes or until the marshmallows are golden brown. Allow the cups to cool before carefully removing them from the pan.
Enjoy snacking down on these fun treats with your family and friends, and don't forget to save a few for the Party Girl! Try some of these other Summer Party Ideas, too:
Make an “explosive” favor for this year’s Patriotic Theme Party! I put these easy candy fireworks favors together for a family party, and they were not only easy to make but also a hit with kids and adults alike. Follow my easy tutorial below to make your own, and take a look at our other Patriotic Theme Party Invitations and Party Favors for more ideas, too!
Materials
Candy packaged in a round tube
Tissue paper
1 sheet patriotic craft paper (12x12")
Red and white ribbon
Scissors
Clear tape
Directions
Cut a square of tissue paper which is wide enough to wrap twice around the candy roll and at least two inches taller than the candy roll.
Cut a fringe along the top of the tissue paper, wrap the tissue paper around the candy roll, and secure with tape.
Cut six lengths of ribbon about 15" long (three red and three white). Wrap and tie off the ribbon above the candy roll, and curl the ribbon ends with scissors.
Add a 2-inch piece of patriotic decorative paper around the middle of each "firework", and fluff the tissue at the top. Stack in neat rows on a tray for a punch of color.
A summer party is not complete without a delicious bowl of freshly made pasta salad! Pasta salad is my absolute favorite party staple, and over the years, I’ve developed a recipe that has become a party must-have. I’ve included my recipe below as well as a few mouthwatering photos. After trying my recipe, make sure to check out our other Summer Party Ideas for more tips on how to throw an unforgettable event!
McCormick's Salad Supreme is the essential ingredient for this pasta salad!
Don't make this recipe without it! :D
Ingredients
1 lb box of rotini pasta
1 bottle Wishbone Light Italian Dressing
3-4 tbsp McCormick's Salad Supreme
1 lb block of colby cheese
1 green pepper
1/2 red pepper
1/4 lb of sandwich pepperoni
1/2 head of cauliflower
1 cucumber
Directions
Cook the pasta, rinse, and drain. Place the pasta off to the side until it reaches room temperature.
Rinse the cauliflower, cucumber, and peppers. Cut each into small chunks, mix, and set aside in a large bowl.
Cut the cheese into chunks, and the pepperoni into 1/2 inch squares. Set aside.
Layer half the pasta, veggies, cheese and pepperoni into a large bowl. Sprinkle 2 tbsp of Salad Supreme spice onto the pasta and add half of the dressing. Mix thoroughly, and repeat with the remaining ingredients.
Allow the pasta salad to cool overnight before serving.
Take a peek at our other awesome summer party tips, too:
While the #1 July 4th kids’ activity continues to be running around the yard waving sparklers, there are a bunch of other fun (and nonflammable!) 4th of July Party Ideas for your younger guests. I especially love these underwater fireworks, which require few supplies and little setup. These “fireworks” are also great if you’re stuck with a rainy July 4th. Follow my easy tutorial on how to make your own underwater fireworks, and take a look at five more easy activities to keep the kids entertained at your Patriotic Theme Party, too. Also, don’t forget to check out our other Patriotic Party Games for more ideas!
Ingredients
Water
Vegetable oil
Food coloring
Clear container
Directions
Fill your container 3/4 of the way with water, and add vegetable oil until there is a 2 inch layer on top of the water.
Drop food coloring into the container. The drops will slowly fall through the oil and pop through to the water, where they will "explode".
Replace the water and vegetable oil once the water becomes saturated with color.
Enjoy your colorful underwater fireworks, and Happy July 4th from everyone here at Party411.com!
