Host a London Staycation Party!
categories: get inspired, in the news, theme parties
Can’t get away on a fancy trip this holiday? Why not bring the destination to you?! This is the concept behind the “Staycation!” feature in People magazine’s special Holiday 2008 Extra issue, which included 3 “dream destination” vacation spots – Aspen, London, and The Caribbean – and I was super excited to be asked to create the London theme!
I think the issue only went out in the mail, but you can click here to view a jpeg of the full spread at a legible size – or check it out online at people.com (although most of the images are only in the print version).
I also designed some printable invitations to go with this party theme, which are pictured in the top image. You can download them below for free (pdf format). There are 2 versions – the first is exactly like the version pictured in the article and says “HAPPY HOLIDAYS” at the top – and the second says “YOU’RE INVITED” instead of “Happy Holidays” so that it can be used anytime of year…
Get the links to download both invites – and additional British-themed tabletop & party decor ideas – after the jump!
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LONDON/BRITISH STAYCATION PARTY IDEAS
• Greet guests with UK flags placed outside your front door.
• Wish You Were Here: Hang a few posters of popular historical landmarks like the London Tower, House of Parliament, and Big Ben clock tower, and take close-up shots of guests “visiting” their favorite hot spot. Upload the photos to an online gallery so everyone can see them, or – for instant gratification – use a Polaroid camera and let guests take their photos with them. Be sure to include a sharpie to scribble “wish you were here!” along the bottom of the Polaroid.
• Hang a Union Jack umbrella in the entryway for guests to walk under when then arrive.
• Create an “English Flag” table cover: Start with a white tablecloth, then add strips of red fabric, ribbon, or gift wrapping paper in to emulate the look of the flag of England.
• Feature replicas of British Double Decker Buses and London Taxis as table centerpieces, along with small framed pictures of London hotspots.
• For table settings, feature gold leaf beaded edge charger plates and red and white dinnerware and linens.
• Adorn drinkware with crown-shaped rhinestone stickers fit for a queen.
• Create British-themed napkin rings from 1” strips of red scrapbook paper and UK Union Jack mini buttons.
• Decorate food & drink tables with framed pics from a London calendar. Splurge on a fabulous wire model of Big Ben if you really want to go all out!
• Hire someone to dress up like a Royal Guard for more fabulous photo opps!
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DOWNLOAD & PRINT THE INVITATIONS {Adobe PDF}
Version 1: “HAPPY HOLIDAYS” {Preview Online} {Download Now}
Version 2: “YOU’RE INVITED” {Preview Online} {Download Now}
*Invitations are sized to fit in a #10 envelope and would look fantastic in Paper Source’s #10 Button & String Envelopes (color: Red or Night) – or in Stardream’s shimmery metallic #10 envelopes (color: Mars, Sapphire, or Silver).
Inviting LOTS of guests? Check envelopemall.com for fabulous prices on all sorts of specialty envelopes – including #10 Stardream metallics!
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Enjoy! Please let us know if you end up hosting a Staycation party of your own – or if you have any ideas to contribute!
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Jenn, this is AMAZING! Congrats! What a great party.
Dec 30, 2008 at 10:35 am -
Love it, Jenn! How awesome that you were in People!!!
Dec 30, 2008 at 11:34 am -
Bloody awesome.
It was that or Austin Powers.
This is great, Jenn. All of it….love.
Dec 30, 2008 at 12:12 pm -
Wow, I am LOVING this. It might be my favorite party theme that you’ve put up here. Ever. So great!
Dec 30, 2008 at 5:38 pm -
Yeah, baby, yeah! Love the idea! Must get my hands on the mag, to add it to my file book. Congrats on another amazing spread! http://www.dawnypoo.blogspot.com
Dec 30, 2008 at 6:02 pm -
Amazing! I love all things english
Dec 30, 2008 at 11:22 pm
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Fun idea! Now you’ve got me thinking of other fun “destination” parties!
Dec 31, 2008 at 9:21 am -
Great ideas! This would also be a great theme for a bridal shower, based on where the couple is honeymooning or if they got engaged while on vacation.
Dec 31, 2008 at 10:06 am -
What fun to stray from the norm for a destination themed gathering. Mmmmm roast beef and yorkshire pudding is right up there with fish and chips on the menu.
Jan 7, 2009 at 8:18 am -
I just wanted to say thank you for the fabulous London-themed party idea. I had a few ideas together for a tea party for my daughter’s first birthday, but I couldn’t have done it without you!
You can see pictures here…
http://kensingtonblue.blogspot.com/2009/01/ellas-tea-party.html
Thanks so much!
Best,
Lesley Colvin
Jan 15, 2009 at 3:18 pm
