Theme Styles

Courtesy of The Knot, Inc.


Come up with an original theme for your gathering. You can go with the timeless fiesta or luau, or kick up the class with a more sophisticated soiree. Decorations don't have to be excessive to get the full effect. Here are some suggestions for setting up in style.

MINIMALIST
Use solid color sushi-style plates. Combine centerpieces and mood lighting by filling globe fish bowls or oversize martini glasses with marbles, polished stones, or pebbles. Places votive candles around the house.

REGIONAL
A good party knows no boundaries! Think along the lines of a luau, with Hawaiian-style tiki torches, raffia skirts around the buffet table, and lots of flowers. Or have an Asian-infused celebration, complete with bamboo placemats and paper lanterns. Or say ole to a Mexican fiesta with sombreros and a piñata.

MODERN SOPHISTICATE
Go monochromatic with small bursts of color. Assemble candles of different sizes as one centerpiece. Float orchids or other flowers in a large shallow bowl. Use tiered cake stands to display hors d'oeuvres. Attach paper nametags to fruit or flower stems with twine or ribbon to label the names of the foods.