Instagram-Worthy Party Ideas

by Kacey Bradley

It's Springtime, which means it's almost outdoor party season. Before you create an event on Facebook, you'll want to think about a theme. This way, you can put your best foot forward — and throw a warm-weather bash that everyone will want to post on social media.

Look at these Instagram-worthy party ideas

A New England Seafood Bake

There's no better way to spend an afternoon than enjoying a seafood feast. With a few select touches, you can put a unique spin on this classic New England get-together. 

You'll want to create the perfect menu for your seafood soiree. After all, what's a clambake without the lobsters and potatoes? You can either grill or boil your shellfish.

Once you've settled on food options, head outside and set up a few tables. Traditionally, clambakes are super relaxed and casual — so don't worry about place settings. Arrange a large sheet of paper across each table and serve the meal directly on it. People can sit down and dig in as they please. Guests will love to take photos of the delicious bites and coastal decor.

A Fancy Casino Night

If it's too rainy or cold to throw a party in your backyard, here's a fun idea. Put on a casino night with snacks, drinks and games.

After you put together your guest list and establish a dress code, it's time to get to work. Clear out your basement or family room so you can arrange game tables. Feel free to hire a service so you have attendants in each area. Blackjack and poker are the most popular casino games. Of course, you won't want to forget the chips or play money, either.

Create a self-serve bar with a mix of cocktails and alcohol-free beverages. Don't forget to whip up some hors d'oeuvres in place of dinner. If you plan to throw a large party, consider a bartender and caterer. This way, you'll be free to enjoy your night. You can also set up themed backdrops for photos.

A Delicious Dessert Soiree

If you've got a sweet tooth, look no further. You can skip the appetizers and dinners and focus on just the dessert. Don't worry — if you're not a baker, you can still have a ton of fun with this idea.

Put up a ton of fun decor. Arrange flowers in mason jars and set out unscented candles. Then, think about what you want to serve. A cupcake bar is super Instagram-worthy. Guests can choose their base and add icing and toppings. Serve pitchers of sangria or other springtime cocktails. A dessert party works well for birthdays and bridal showers alike.

A Relaxed Garden Party

Springtime calls for beautiful flowers and plants. You can celebrate this renewed season with a garden party, with or without a garden.

You can head outside or stay indoors for this soiree. As long as you have an array of vegetation, you're ready to go. Hang ivy on your walls and tables. Place vases of tulips and daffodils throughout the space. Then, set out antique plates and cups. Serve different teas and snacks instead of a heavy dinner. You can also use sparklers to create a few memorable photos -and don't forget the string lights, either.

The best part of this party is that your friends can come dressed in their most elegant attire. White dresses and fairy crowns create an ethereal atmosphere, or you can stick with pastels instead.

A Family-Friendly Barbecue

Here's a terrific way to get the entire family together. Once the weather's warm enough, there's no better time for a backyard barbecue. Invite your friends and their kids for a day full of yummy food and exciting games. 

You'll want to make sure there's enough seating for everyone — coolers can serve as a chair in a pinch. Your menu should be diverse enough for meat-lovers and vegetarians alike. Go for grilled chicken and black bean burgers, along with an array of veggies. Put our pitchers of iced tea and lemonade.

Set up basketball, cornhole and badminton for entertainment. Children love to play with chalk, too. If it's an especially hot day, water balloons are always a hit. Give your guests disposable cameras so they can take a ton of pictures.

Throw the Best Event Ever

Whenever you want to throw an awesome party, make sure to consider these ideas. You'll enjoy a memorable time as you capture a ton of Instagram-worthy shots.

Kacey Bradley is the blogger behind The Drifter Collective, an eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us. Kacey graduated with a degree in Communications while working for a lifestyle magazine. She has been able to fully embrace herself with the knowledge of nature, the power of exploring other locations and cultures, all while portraying her love for the world around her through her visually pleasing, culturally embracing and inspiring posts. Along with writing for her blog, she has written for sites like U.S. News, SUCCESS, Ruffled, and more!

Follow Kacey on Twitter and subscribe to her blog to keep up with her travels and inspiring posts!

How to Stay on Budget When You're invited to Several Weddings

It almost becomes a rite of passage that when you reach a certain age, those wedding invitations don’t seem to stop rolling in. Some years it will feel like a wedding rush, your calendar is quiet for the most part, then all of a sudden there’s six different invitations in the mail. One wedding can be costly enough, but those years where you’re riding a wedding wave can be even tougher to manage. Should you get the special honor of being in any of these weddings, your demand for time and costs just went up even more. Get ahead on planning and try out these tips to help make the next wedding season an enjoyable one!

Jump on Registries

Once you get invited to a wedding be sure to keep tabs on their wedding website. Many couples can now consolidate a lot of information on their website which would include links to their registries. You’ll want to be one of the first people to shop for them so that you have the flexibility of options. If you wait too long you might get stuck sifting through gifts that were out of your price range. While you always have the option of writing a check, you might feel a lot of pressure to give more money than you would’ve spent on a gift. 

Photo by jordi pujadas on Unsplash

Closet Cheat Codes

Depending on your current rotation of clothes you own, you might feel the need to spruce up your wardrobe before wedding season hits. Maybe you want more comfortable shoes that are dressier than what you wear in your day to day. Or, perhaps you feel you are missing more formal styles appropriate for wedding events. Instead of having to splurge on clothes, you could try getting a group of girls together to do a clothing swap: wedding edition. This way you can extend your selection into that of your gal pals. If sizing or style issues arise, consider thrifting on an online consignment store. You could be the breezy, chic girl who shows up dressed to the nines, topped with a radiant smile all because you stocked up on discounted Free People styles before the start of wedding season. 

Photo by Stephen Leonardi on Unsplash

Room Rates

No matter where you are headed for the weddings, room rates rise and fall due to a number of factors that are out of your control. If you find that you’ll be having to book quite a few rooms during wedding season, you might want to think about joining a rewards or loyalty program. If you register with a booking agency, your points can be used toward many different chains whereas, if you sign up for a loyalty program you will be restricted to finding that specific hotel wherever you are traveling to. But, maybe by the end of wedding season, your last room will be free! When possible, utilize the discounted room block rates that couples will set up for their guests. If the wedding is within driving distance, you could ultimately avoid the costs of the room altogether.

Photo by Esther Driehaus on Unsplash

Combining Forces

Hopefully, you can find others to endure the busy season with. If money starts to get especially tight, take advantage of the fact that others may be feeling just like you. Offer to share rides when possible and split the costs of gas. If you and a friend are both traveling to a wedding, ask them if they’d like to share a hotel room and divide the cost in half. Better yet, if you know quite a few people who all would be interested in lowering the costs of an overnight, consider finding a rated rental house near the venue.

Party Planning: Ways to Celebrate Your Child's Next Birthday

by Kacey Bradley

Kids look forward to a few main events every year. They want to celebrate the start of summer vacation and open gifts during the holidays. Outside the time off of school, they also anticipate the fun that comes with their next birthday.

As a parent, there's pressure to meet the expectations of throwing a birthday party every year. You have to think about which of their friends will come over, who has food allergies and if they're old enough to go home without expensive goodie bags.

It's a lot to handle. Nevertheless, you can switch things up to make it fun for everyone. Discover party planning tips that will help you celebrate your child's next birthday with ease. 

1. Take Them to a Movie

Is your kid a movie fanatic, ready to go to the theater the moment a new trailer drops? If so, they'll love going to see a new movie on their birthday, especially if it happens to be when a favorite premieres. Take them out to dinner afterward or eat something at home for a simple celebration that requires nothing more than buying tickets.

2. Let Them Pick a Vacation

Kids dream about going to different places, like a new campsite or the beach. Why not let them spend their birthday at their favorite vacation spot? Give them a list of options within your budget and say the decision is up to them. They'll experience a fun activity, and you'll get to head out of town for a bit.

3. Try Old-School Fun

When you're bored of throwing birthday parties at home, call your local bowling alley for some old-school fun. Most offer discounts for large parties and provide food for the cost of renting out space. You can also invite your child's friends to meet you there and head back home for food after. It's always fun to host a bowling alley birthday party, especially when it's ultra-affordable.

4. Go Big With Entertainment

This year, go big with entertainment at your child's party. Get everyone outside with something fun, like water balloon fights or backyard races. If you want your child and their friends to use up all their energy, consider setting up a bounce house where they can jump for hours on end. You'll entertain everyone and give them something new to experience.

5. Countdown With Daily Activities

Make your child's birthday a month-long event when you create a daily countdown with special activities for each day. Think about what makes your kid happy, then decide what the surprises will be. You might give them an extra scoop of ice cream one night or let them have 30 more minutes with their electronics. They'll feel extra special each day, and you'll stretch out the birthday fun.

Give Them Extra Love

Everything you do on your child's birthday is a way to show them your love. Give a little extra this year by using a few of the tips above. Take them on vacation, rent a bounce house or do something fun each day. They'll shine in the attention, and it will quickly become the best birthday yet.

About the Author

Kacey Bradley is the blogger behind The Drifter Collective, an eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us. Kacey graduated with a degree in Communications while working for a lifestyle magazine. She has been able to fully embrace herself with the knowledge of nature, the power of exploring other locations and cultures, all while portraying her love for the world around her through her visually pleasing, culturally embracing and inspiring posts. Along with writing for her blog, she has written for sites like U.S. News, SUCCESS, Ruffled, and more!

Follow Kacey on Twitter and subscribe to her blog to keep up with her travels and inspiring posts!

An Event Planner's Guide to Engaging Room Layouts

by Kacey Bradley

It's often a challenge to navigate the design aspect of a room, especially for an event. You want to create a space that works for its specific purpose but also sparks interest and engagement. Several variables go into every meeting and gathering, so before all else, it's necessary to consider how those factors into your potential layout. Here are a few ways to produce the best possible atmosphere for whatever occasion you're planning.

What's the Theme?

What matters most is the overall goal of the event, so first, consider what you want guests to get out of the experience. Are you throwing a birthday party? What about a concert at a smaller venue? Everything depends on why you're using the space. 

For instance, designing a conference room for a company is going to be a lot different than a wedding reception. In the first room, you'll require a communal desk space with comfortable chairs and technology hook-ups. In the second, a seating chart with multiple tables is almost always the case. Take a look at what elements you'll need in the room to make it work.

Consider All Attendees

The number of people that are expected to attend matters significantly. Most venues adhere to local fire codes that limit the number of guests that can be in a room at any given time. Check to make sure you're aware of this so you can plan accordingly. 

If your event is open to the public, have a surplus of tables and chairs, just in case more guests show up than you originally estimated. You'll also want to allow space for people to move around. No one wants to feel cramped, especially in the case of an emergency. Remember, there's a good chance that guests with disabilities will attend, so be sure to accommodate them, as well.

Think of Every Scenario

To make the most of your event, you'll want to ensure everything is taken care of. Will you need to serve food and drink? If so, figure out the best way to do this — buffets are great for social interaction, but a conference with speakers or talent could work better with a wait staff. 

Are there emergency exits? What's the bathroom situation? Are there pieces of furniture that can't be removed? Are the tables organized in a way that promotes conversation? There's a list of possibilities you should tick off as a part of the planning process. The more you cover your bases, the better engaged your guests will be.

Determine the Vibe

How your event space feels matters just as much as how it looks. A hip, romantic restaurant is a wonderful place for speed-dating, but not so much for a national business conference. Again, consider the space in relation to the purpose of the gathering. Open and bright areas help create an environment of positivity and cheerfulness, which is essential for networking. A dim and intimate lounge is ideal for jazz and acoustic musicians to perform. 

The furniture matters just as much, so don't hesitate to rent pieces if the place lacks the appropriate decor. 

Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

When the day of the event comes around, you'll want to have done your homework. Choose a space that works specifically for your event and guests. Construct everything in a way that allows for interaction and engagement. In some cases, the more amenities you provide, the better the experience your guests will have — it all depends on the purpose of your gathering.

About the Author

Kacey Bradley is the blogger behind The Drifter Collective, an eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us. Kacey graduated with a degree in Communications while working for a lifestyle magazine. She has been able to fully embrace herself with the knowledge of nature, the power of exploring other locations and cultures, all while portraying her love for the world around her through her visually pleasing, culturally embracing and inspiring posts. Along with writing for her blog, she has written for sites like U.S. News, SUCCESS, Ruffled, and more!

Follow Kacey on Twitter and subscribe to her blog to keep up with her travels and inspiring posts!

Tips that Help You to Be Stress-Free on Your Wedding Day

Because this is something you will cherish for the rest of your life it is very important that you plan it properly. Even though weddings are a joyous occasion, all the planning, expectations bring the most stress. But don't let it get to you, don't get obsessed over the perception because you will make yourself miserable and lose track of your plans. Take a moment and look around at the people that are there to support the love between you and your partner. No dress, cake or decor is more important than the success of your marriage.

Pick The Perfect Wedding Venue

There is no doubt that the most challenging part of wedding planning is finding the perfect venue. By all the visiting and researching pays off when you finally book the wedding venue that is perfect for your needs, budget and fulfil your visions. But unfortunately, most people don't really know what kind of venue they would like to get married, and what will be right for their needs.

Searching for the perfect wedding venue is often presented as a super easy and fast choice, and unfortunately, that is not true. Not everyone has been dreaming about their perfect wedding venue and know what they need and want.

Yes, people can help you by suggesting venues and themes but when it comes to choosing the venue it is a personal choice and no one can tell you want to choose.

Have The Perfect Makeup

It doesn't matter how good you are at doing makeup, you don't want to wait till your wedding day to try out your wedding day makeup look. It is important that you practice until you have it processed and until you are pleased with every detail of it. Don't feel stupid, take notes of what and where you are putting on what makeup to help you master your look.

While false eyelashes are not necessary and most times they look really fake getting eyelash extensions will definitely benefit your whole wedding makeup look. Not only will it accentuate your eyes, but it will also make you feel super confident and it will actually help get rid of the stress of wondering if your mascara is going to run or if your fake eyelashes are going to fall off.

They are great because they aren't fake and they fit in with everyone's style and look fairly natural. Even the photographers said that long luscious eyelashes will accentuate your look in photos and real life.

Have A Proper Diet

Because your wedding is one of the most important days of your life, it is not worth listening to the gossip meal plans and low-calorie diets that are in all the magazines. You should always be eating well and healthy, especially on a big day like your wedding.

Hydrate and refuel. Your wedding week is no time to underestimate the importance of drinking heavy amounts of water and eating healthy nourishing foods. Staying hydrated and eating healthy is crucial for giving your body straight to manage the nerves and emotions. Don't think your dress will fit better if you start skipping meals.

Relax

Because wedding planning comes with so much to do and think about it is unavoidable that you will get overwhelmed at some point. Clear your head, sleep well, meditate by taking deep breaths in and out for a few minutes during the day and it will help slow down your heat and make you feel relaxed.

Before you start getting ready for the big day, go take a walk, go for fun or jog or just dance around the house to get your body moving. Physical movement will help you lower your stress levels.

Your wedding is your time to shine, don't let stress ruin your magical day. At the end, it won't matter if a storm comes sweeping through or your zipper breaks, you are marrying the love of your life and nothing can get in the way of that.

Author bio:

Maggie Holmes is a passionate blog writer who is keen on writing about beauty, wedding, technology and design. Her hobby is to surf the net to find amazing articles that can inspire her with some fresh ideas for article writing. She loathes being a common person who wastes her time. Follow her on twitter at

3 Self-Care Tips for Brides-To-Be

The days, weeks, and months leading up to your wedding will be filled with many emotions. While most of these will be happy, this busy time can also bring on feelings of stress and anxiety, especially if you don’t take care of yourself.

Between booking a venue, finalizing your guest list, dress shopping, and mentally preparing for your big day, wedding planning can quickly become overwhelming. However, it doesn’t have to be a daunting task! With a little pre-planning and self care, you can prepare for your big day with ease.

Here are three ways you can incorporate self-care on your pre-wedding to-do list:

Give Yourself a Break

Wedding planning can occupy your whole schedule, leaving you little time to focus on anything else. And, just like a full-time job, there will be times when you’ll need to take a break from all the craziness. You may want to get everything done at once, but planning for your wedding shouldn’t push you to your limits.

When planning becomes more of a stressor than an enjoyment, consider stepping away to relax and rejuvenate. Set aside at least one day per week to take a mental break and focus on things other than wedding planning.

Plan a weekend trip with your bridesmaids, read a book by the fire, or head out for some retail therapy. Whenever possible, limit wedding talk on these days, and fully immerse yourself in an activity that you enjoy. If you’re not sure what to do, refer to this list of ways you can take a break from wedding planning.

Tend To Your Beauty

As you know, pre-wedding stress can take a toll on your mental wellbeing. But did you know it can also affect your physical appearance? Regularly tending to your physical well-being will help ensure you look your best ahead of your nuptials so you won’t have to stress when the day finally arrives.

Be sure to plan ahead and schedule an appointment with your dermatologist to determine the best course of action for your skin. For ongoing care, consider treating yourself to regular spa treatments, such as facials, body wraps, and deep tissue massages. Or, plan at-home spa days for mental and physical relaxation. Run a warm bubble bath, use a face exfoliator, and apply a moisturizing sheet mask to keep your complexion healthy and hydrated.

The stress of planning can also have you figuratively, and literally, pulling out your strands. This can lead to unintentional beauty blunders and unhealthy looking locks on your big day. To avoid any mishaps, consider starting a fortifying shampoo and conditioner early in the planning process to ensure a thick and full head of hair on your wedding day.

Spend Time With Your Partner

Getting engaged is exciting! You and your partner are getting ready to build the rest of your lives together. However, the wedding planning process can quickly disrupt the peace. During this time, the focus of your relationship may shift from each other to all your pre-wedding responsibilities.

That’s why it’s smart to establish relationship-strengthening habits that keep the bond strong through these trying times. Don’t lose sight of the reason behind all of your planning, and make a conscious effort to keep the romance alive. After all, you are getting married.

During the planning process, make sure to schedule regular date nights. Go out to dinner or plan a movie night in, and avoid discussing anything pertaining to your big day. Use this time to reconnect with one another and fall in love all over again. Reassuring each other through gratitude and affection will help give you both peace of mind through all of the chaos.

Preparing for your wedding is a lot of work, but it shouldn’t lead you to burnout. With these self care tips, you’ll ensure you look and feel your best in time for your wedding day!

How to Create a Unique Winter Wedding

Even though we’re still living in the wonderful time of fall, before we know it, winter will be here. Along with enjoying typical winter activities such as sledding and skiing, winter is also another great time for gorgeous weddings. It’s less popular than some other wedding seasons like Spring and Fall. But it has just as much beauty to offer! If you’re planning on having your wedding during the time of winter wonderland, here are some ways to make your big day as unique as possible.

Have a Hot Chocolate Bar

We all know that wintertime is the best and most enjoyable time to indulge in a delicious cup of hot chocolate. If you really want to make your wedding extra special, set up a hot chocolate bar for your guests. With toppings you can offer such as coconut, chocolate chips, marshmallows and perhaps alcohol for those of age, this will be a great addition to your wedding and will keep your guests both warm and hydrated throughout the night.

Katya Austin courtesy of Unsplash

Add in Unexpected Color

While winter weddings are common for including typical colors such as green, white and silver, if you want to add uniqueness to your wedding, include unexpected colors! This can be done in several ways. One way is through adding in colorful wedding accessories. If you want your jewelry to stand out, dare to include a pair of emerald or purple earrings and pair it with a multi-colored necklace. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, think about including bright colors into your hairstyle. By applying a hair coloring conditioner, you have the option to dye your hair whatever color and however intense a shade you desire! Whether you want to include a colorful shawl into your outfit or add in color throughout your makeup and bridal hairstyle, adding in bright colors will be a great way to add a little something extra to your day.

Kelly Sikkema courtesy of Unsplash

Offer Your Guests Blankets

Whether you plan on having your wedding ceremony inside or outside, with wintertime, it’s extremely easy for your guests to be cold. In order to add a cozy touch and for your guests to not have to rely on their winter coats, offer each and every one of your guests a blanket. Not only will these blankets help to keep your guests warm throughout the night, but they can double as wedding favors as well. You can offer plaid blankets to fit the cozy winter theme or have each blanket monogrammed with you and your partner’s name. Whatever you decide to do, offering your guests blankets will definitely be useful throughout the night.

Have a Carriage Ride

What could be better to include in a winter wedding than a romantic, seasonal carriage ride? This won’t only give your guests a chance to enjoy the beautiful outdoor scenery, but it will be the unexpected and unique experience your guests will never forget. You can choose to have it during the wedding reception, at the end of the night or even possibly use it as a mode of transportation for your guests from the ceremony to the reception!

Hair, Nail & Makeup Tips For Special Occasions

Contributed By Helen Bradford

We are slowly but surely approaching the time of the year most known for its special occasions. They are called special occasions because they do not happen every day, and we thought this was the perfect time to start prepping for the big event(s). Whether you have prom coming, a wedding, someone’s birthday, or simply want to know what to expect this Christmas and New Years, keep on reading to find out the best and easiest ways to look like a super star!

Hair

Your outfit is not the only thing that can influence your overall look. Deciding on what to do with your hair can make or break your look. It all depends on the type of face and hair you have.

If you have heart-shaped face, opt for a softer hairdo. Curly or wavy styles will frame your face perfectly. This shape of face is perfect for a bold, pixie haircut, so if you have been thinking about it - now may be the time to go for it, and leave a really strong impression! Show off your pretty face to everyone! Another great style for this hair is layered, long bangs. For a more formal look, go for a low messy bun with lots of hair accessories.

If you have a round or square face, the best thing for you is long hair. Anything that is longer than your chin will help soften the sharp lines of your face. Side bangs will also help soften your face and give it more dimension. The perfect hairstyles for these types of faces are voluminous up-dos with natural-looking fly-aways to frame your face. Or, for a more relaxed look, you can always opt for a half up-do with lots of big, soft curls.

Nails

Having your nails done is almost a must these days. Manis and pedis have become a norm that you can rarely avoid. And why would you? Treating yourself once or twice a month with having healthy and beautiful nails is not something you should be against. If anything, your nails will be stronger, grow faster and look more polished if you do treat yourself.

Similarly to hairdos, there are plenty of choices you can make in the nail department, too. You can opt for natural nails, or go for acrylic, if you are not patient enough to wait for your natural nails to grow. When you make that choice, the next is to decide on the shape of the nails - whether you want the square, oval, rounded, almond, stiletto or ballerina shape is up to you.

The next thing to choose is the color, whether you want glitter or not, do you want the rhinestones or not. If yes, do you want them on every finger, or just have one or two accent fingers. Do you want your fingers matte or glossy? The options are endless. And if you are feeling a little overwhelmed, you can always reach out to a professional nail salon. However, be careful that they have professional nail care, such as Jessica Cosmetics, for example.

Makeup

When it comes to makeup, it is almost as important as your outfit and hairdo. However, makeup can be changed throughout the night, and you can always fix it, add more, or remove something. When it comes to makeup, there are plenty of easy, yet formal looks that you can do yourself. If you are doing your own makeup, shimmery eyeshadow will definitely be your best friend - even if you make a mistake, no one will know, since it is mostly see through. If you have little or no experience in doing formal makeup, stick to the basics. Don’t try to contour, put highlight and false eyelashes if you haven’t done it yet. Or, if you do want to do all or some of it, we suggest doing it in daylight to avoid overdoing it and looking like a clown. Another suggestion is definitely to have a practice run beforehand, to learn from your mistakes, while there is still time to fix it.

If you are not confident in your own makeup skills, or you need a highly formal look, consider hiring someone who will do your makeup instead of you. If this is a truly special occasion, having someone pamper you will take off some of the stress away.

Conclusion

Hopefully, you have taken away some inspiration to create your perfect look, what to avoid and where to splurge. These tips and tricks will come in handy the next time you have a special occasion.

About the author:
Helen Bradford is a journalism student who always seeks new ideas to write about. She enjoys blogging about beauty, health and style trends for women. When she’s not writing, she spends her spare time being active through fitness and traveling.

How to Throw the Most Memorable Corporate Party

Contributed by Nina Simons

Image Source

Parties are always a bit stressful during the organization - you want it to be perfect and for each guest to be amazed by it. With corporate parties, you are trying to create a great evening for various types of people who may not know each other that well. But it doesn't mean it's an unachievable task - the following tips will help you throw a great corporate party that the staff will talk about for months to come. The key is in the unexpected party details.

Party time is not just any time!

It's important to schedule the party well ahead of time but it's also important to be smart about the period you choose. Many companies prefer parties in December just before the New Year or after Christmas. However, the holidays can be quite exhausting so it will be a better option to throw a party after the New Year when the staff had some time to recover. People feel more energized in January, at the start of a new year.

A place where the magic will happen

The venue should be one of the first things to decide on. Bear in mind that you will have a lot of difficulties changing it if you realize you've made a mistake. You will have to work with what you have, so choose carefully. Make sure the venue isn't too large - you don't want to be surrounded by too much empty space so that the party looks like a failure. On the other hand, you don't want the space to be too crowded so that the guests feel claustrophobic. Another thing to bear in mind is that the venue should have available parking space. If it's too complicated to get there or there's no room for the cars, many guests could easily pass on the invitation.

Image source

Every man to his taste - take the saying seriously

When it comes to food and beverage, the most important thing to have in mind is that not everybody is the same. So, you need to come up with a menu that offers both various types of meat and vegetarian meals. It would be a disaster if any of the guests would go home hungry because their allergies or food preferences were not taken into consideration. Inform yourself on this before you draw up the menu. Finally, decorating food is a must - you want to make your guests smile when they look at the foods, right?

Similarly, not everybody will drink alcohol, so offer them interesting non-alcoholic beverages like fresh dark grape juice or fresh lemonade with lime and mint. The wider choice you have, the more people will be pleased. As far as alcoholic beverages go, don't stick to just two or three options but try to include unexpected choices like gin, tequila and rum, too. Of course, one cannot throw a party without offering cocktails as well.

Let this party started - party themes

Every part should follow a specific theme. There are many options to choose from, just keep in mind

what type of people the majority of guests will be. Let it be something unexpected, fun and surprising and you'll definitely have a lot of attendees.

Elegant lounge party

People like fancy parties so why not create a feeling of luxury and elegance? Providing furniture for cocktail lounges around the venue will allow guests to form small groups where they could comfortably sit, enjoy chatting and drinking. Adding lovely rustic carts that can be pushed around will create an impression of having a party in an expensive Victorian castle.

Summer BBQ party

You can go the opposite way by organizing a summer barbeque party (if you opt for a summer party) - it instantly creates a familiar atmosphere. Everybody enjoys a good summer outdoor party. Your guests will feel like they are in somebody's backyard, having a relaxing evening with colleagues. Add white tents around the venue, place picnic tables covered with traditional table cloths and add checkered blankets and balloons.

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Carnival-themed party

Every once in a while, people like to be reminded of their childhood. That's why a carnival-themed party would instantly bring joy. Hire a professional clown or a magician to wander around the venue, entertaining the guests. Add fun game stations, for example, a ring toss and a photo booth.

Luau

Even if it's the middle of winter, why not bring a bit of sunshine to your employees? It will feel like being

on a vacation, at least for one night if you use tropical florals as decoration, pink flamingos and leis. And it won't complete unless you get grass table skirts for those who want to "get into the role".

Final comment

A memorable corporate party involves the element of surprise, a carefully planned menu of food and drinks and practical elements which help things run smoothly. Your hard work will pay off if you include all of these elements - the smile on your employees' faces will be worth the trouble.

8 Ways to Prepare your Outdoor Space for an At-home Wedding

Contributed by Kacey Bradley

Nothing is quite as intimate and cozy as an at-home wedding in the great outdoors. But, there's a few tips you should keep in mind to turn tying the knot outside into a breeze. Here's a look at 8 ways you can prep your outdoor arrangements for the upcoming big day.

1. Personalize Your Space
One of the biggest perks of throwing a wedding at your home is having the freedom to customize your space entirely to your needs.

Let your style and personality reflect your outdoor decor and arrangements. Because it's your home, you can add any details you please! Whether you decide to hang up personalized banners or trickle rose petals across your front lawn, one of the best ways to prep for an outdoor wedding is to let go of boundaries and fully customize your space.

2. Get Organized
You don't want your guests to fumble over hoses and rakes on your wedding day, right? Never underestimate the importance of giving your outdoor area a good ol' cleaning.

There are many different ways to organize the outside of your home, so you can add a touch of personalization to your sense of organization, too. Use flattering furniture that doubles as storage to store away tools, lawn equipment and general outdoor accessories.

3. Incorporate the Theme
You may have your indoor decorations down to the T, but can you claim the same for your outdoor arrangements, too? Establish a theme that is apparent both indoors and outside.

If you don't have a theme already in place, now's the perfect time to brainstorm one! Themes contribute to a memorable experience. As an added bonus, they make your wedding day photos even more personal, too.

4. Invest in a Tent
No matter where you live, the weather goes by its own schedule. While outdoor plans may leave you vulnerable to the elements, an easy way to safeguard your wedding from unpredictable weather is to set up a tent to comfortably protect your guests.

Tents provide shade in hot temperatures and protection against water when it rains or snows. Do a headcount of your guest list to invest in the perfectly proportioned tent for your festivities.

5. Check for Pests
Make sure that your guests are the only ones digging into your delicious dishes on the day of your wedding by ridding your outdoor space of pests and bugs beforehand.

If you notice any bee or hornets nests, you'll want to remove them safely with the help of an expert. Remove any free standing water, leaves or piled up debris in your yard to deter small animals from visiting your lawn.

If you plan to eat outdoors at your wedding, light some citronella candles to ward off insects and other pests. On your wedding day, your human guests should be the only one enjoying your food!

6. Prep the Furniture

Chances are, you won't have enough seating or tables available on-hand to accommodate all of your guests. To minimize your costs, consider hiring a rental company to supply you with all of your outdoor furnishings required for the event.

7. Don't Forget the Lights
The darkness may be romantic and mysterious, but nothing spells disaster quite like navigating through an outdoor space without lighting.

Make a landscape lighting plan and decide which area of your space you want to brighten up during your big day. Common areas that often require additional lighting include dance floors, dining areas, pathways and anywhere guests will be seated.

Soft lights add to the ambiance and can really tie together the look of your wedding. You don't have to settle for harsh lights. Consider using Chinese lanterns, candles or string lights when possible.

8. Envision Your Wedding Day
The best way to prepare your outdoor space for a wedding is to create a mental image of how you picture your actual wedding day. Never go into your preparation blindly to avoid potential confusion or unwanted arrangements.

Discuss your plans with your soon-to-be-bride or groom and come to an agreement on your outdoor must-have accessories, decor and festivities. Then, the next step is to put these actions in motion so that you can successfully enjoy the big day!

Kacey Bradley is the blogger behind The Drifter Collective, an eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us. Kacey graduated with a degree in Communications while working for a lifestyle magazine. She has been able to fully embrace herself with the knowledge of nature, the power of exploring other locations and cultures, all while portraying her love for the world around her through her visually pleasing, culturally embracing and inspiring posts. Along with writing for her blog, she has written for sites like U.S. News, SUCCESS, Ruffled, and more!

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