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!