REAL PARTIES: Global Lounge Style
categories: birthday party ideas, bridal shower ideas, real parties, thanksgiving
I’ve been admiring this swanky party theme from the ultra-creative Joanna of Lotushaus for a while now. She created this fun “Global Lounge” theme for Thanksgiving (yes, Thanksgiving!!), but don’t you think this look would also work beautifully for a variety of occasions? I’m thinking bridal shower, engagement party, or milestone birthday for starters…
What I love about Joanna’s designs are that they’re always so hip & contemporary – but also very “doable” – which is the perfect recipe for inspiring others! Here are some details on how her Thanksgiving “Global Lounge” came to be…
The inspiration: A bolt of blue and brown satin ribbon that Joanna already owned is what kicked this whole thing off! She wanted to give the dinner a “hip hotel lounge” vibe incorporating these colors.
Design Elements: Global design accents such as origami, rattan, Chinese knots, classic patterns (like woven cane and circle medallions); DJ uplights were also used to jazz up the ambiance and provide mood lighting.
Joanna fashioned paper cranes (which carry a subtle resemblance to the shape of a turkey) from gift wrapping paper and used crimped silver wire to hang them from kiwi vines (available at Michaels stores and other florist/craft supplies). To keep the kiwi vines standing upright, they were inserted into floral foam placed inside of a drinking glass, which was wrapped in turquoise tissue paper. LED tea lights were dropped into the glass as well and gave the arrangements a cool, magical, “loungy” glow!
Cane patterned fabric was used to create the napkins. (Joanna sewed the napkins herself, but you can also find similar designs in pre-printed paper or fabric napkins…no sewing skills required!)
Homemade bookmarks that read “Happy Thanksgiving!” and featured inspiring quotes made for a thoughtful touch.
Every hip lounge needs a fabulous drink! Joanna’s husband whipped up a signature blue mocktail featuring blue raspberry lemonade – which was served to guests in swanky martini glasses. Custom monogrammed drink tags made from scrapbooking supplies were attached to the stem of each glass and doubled as place cards. {For blue cocktail ideas, try a Blue Bird Martini or a Blue Champagne Cocktail.}
The blue-trimmed rattan placemats used at each place setting were a true score at a local discount retailer – only $1 each! Gotta love it when you stumble on great finds like that!
For the party favors, Joanna wrapped up yummy iced gingerbread cookies in a kraft pillow box, then decorated the box with satin ombre ribbon, a custom gift tag, and a Chinese knot (details, details!)
Fantastic party, Joanna – thanks so much for the fabulous inspiration, as always!
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oh my, i looooove those centerpieces!
Jan 19, 2009 at 8:42 am -
What great details! Simple and do-able. And I love that it doesn’t stop at the dining table. The whole room is inviting!
http://www.celebrationsathome.blogspot.com
Jan 19, 2009 at 9:06 am -
Hi Jennifer, Thanks for all you do! I am awarding you the Blog Luv award for your fabulous creativity! Check it out here:
Jan 19, 2009 at 12:58 pm
http://lotushaus.typepad.com/lotushaus/2009/01/blog-luv-award.html -
Yay for spreading some Joanna love around. Everything she does makes me want to simultaneously crawl inside her brain and into her parties and live there forever.
Awesome, J.
Jan 19, 2009 at 2:42 pm -
What a terrific shade of blue! I love the idea of using LED tea lights!
Jan 19, 2009 at 3:13 pm -
Thanks so much, Joanna!! I will be sure to spread the Luv around too
Jan 19, 2009 at 3:51 pm
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I love those centerpieces. I feel some inspiration coming on!
Jan 19, 2009 at 5:24 pm -
What an awesome color palate!
-Sarah from Create Studio
Jan 19, 2009 at 5:56 pm
http://www.createstudio.blogspot.com -
what a wonderful twist to the traditional thanksgiving decor! LOVE it!
Jan 20, 2009 at 5:46 am -
Wonderful, colors, details, calligraphy, light… I love all of it !
Jan 21, 2009 at 8:31 am -
This feels like a scene from a 50’s movie. I expect to see Dean Martin seat himself at the table! Great theme that can be used for so many gatherings. I noticed the very cute Kraft Pillow Favor Boxes that set off the nice ribbon trim.
Jan 21, 2009 at 8:57 pm -
I like the rustic touch of the centerpieces and of course the cool, refreshing blue color. The modern setting reveals it global lounge style – love it! This is definitely a good idea for bridal showers. I want to include this to my list of option. I also visited americanbridal.com where I saw lots of bridal shower ideas.
Feb 5, 2009 at 6:11 pm -
Can anyone tell me where i can get those centerpieces? whether it is online or at a store . Thank you
Feb 6, 2009 at 9:19 pm -
I adore your site. This is such a great idea for Thanksgiving. It is all so inspiring I can’t wait to get started on my next party!
Feb 9, 2009 at 3:04 pm
