Home entertaining expert and party stylist Chris Nease loves a good party.
For more than 17 years Chris Nease has been planning parties. And, then six years ago, she took to the web to create CelebrationsAtHomeBlog.com. It is filled with delightful tips on entertaining, full party themes, and recipes, as well as DIY projects. From researching a theme to planning the perfect menu to crafting those special touches that everyone talks about long after the event, she loves everything about her passion-turned-career.
The most important factor for a successful party, she says, is a great guest list that can mix well and create interesting conversation.
“January or February is a great time to host a party. People’s calendars aren’t as full, and they’re usually looking for something to do after that break from the holidays. Let the season be your guide, and host a game night or a fondue by the fire—or do something totally unexpected and host an indoor luau in the middle of winter! The key is to do something fun and relaxed so guests forget about the cold outside,” she says.
Chris was asked to create a bridal shower, including a dessert table, using a color palette of aqua, red, and butter yellow. The gorgeous space and color combo inspired a rustic-modern bridal shower theme, which she shares below.
The flowers are simple stems of two-toned carnations—an unexpected but perfectly fitting addition. Bold and bright candies housed in tea-bag holders matched the theme and were fun ways to add pops of color.
For the dessert table, highlight one or two treats from a local bakery, and fill in with grocery-store or homemade items. Chris loves to create vignettes rather than line things up symmetrically. A rustic shutter, an empty frame, and the letter “C” for our bride-to-be, “Claire,” filled the bill. A mini fabric bunting draped on the shutter added some color.
A rustic wire cloche topped a simple floral arrangement to create a stunning display.
For more inspiration from this lovely shower, pick up a copy of our January/February issue, available on newsstands now or visit hoffmanmediastore.com.
Resources: Celebrations At Home; photography-Laura Gordon Photography; paper goods-The Paper Cupcake; cake pops-Candy Valley Cake Co.; event space -Studio 418
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