This Ramadan has been so much fun. I’ve had a great time soaking up all the great ideas for home décor, party ideas for kids, and meeting the creative women and men behind design inspiration that caters to the way we Muslims celebrate and value our holidays in a colorful and beautiful way.
Rana Bacaloni is one of those women. She is the owner of ‘Eid Creations, a party supply company that caters to the Muslim community by providing party supplies with vibrant and pertinent designs for special occasions, such as Ramadan, ‘Eid and Aqeeqa (celebration when a baby is born). In this article, Rana gives us some practical tips on how we can make our next ‘Eid party easy, fun, and stress-free. Insha’llah… (There’s also a wonderful giveaway at the end)
Everyone loves parties! But while many of us love to be invited, we dread it when we have to reciprocate, because we know all too well what it entails to coordinate between food, decoration, and entertainment; and all this has to be done on a budget, for most of us.
As a party planner for school fundraisers for many years, I have applied my experience to my own personal parties. Here are some tips to make your party a success while on a budget
Tip #1: Choose a Theme
Pick a theme or occasion which will dictate your décor and menu. A theme does not necessarily imply bollywood, western or any other. A theme can simply be color coordination or inspired by what you have in your home. For instance, winter evokes colors such as white like snow or branches and twigs as accessories. Spring is inspired by multiple colors and flowers as accessories. When I think summer I see bright crisp colors such as teal and turquoise like the sea, and for fall the orange and yellows and dried leaves as accessories are inspiring…
If you are doing flower centerpieces, check with your local stores such as Trader Joes or Costco and see what flowers are in season and chose your tableware according to what is in store.
Tip #2: Accessorize
Once you have your theme going, look around your house, and your garden to see what could be utilized as a table décor. If your event is a formal one, always have on hand basic tablecloths colors such as black, white and cream. They can be found at any discount store such as Ross, Walmart and TJ Maxx. I have also at times used twin size sheets that were on sale when I wanted an interesting pattern and no guest noticed the difference, on the contrary, I received a lot of compliments!
If your event is semi-formal, you can visit your local party supply store and look around for napkin designs. You can use them along with white porcelain plates and they will bring in color and patterns to your tableware.
For more formal events, I usually have basic white linen napkins and alternate napkin rings from my home or when I am feeling creative, I head out to Michael’s for some arts and crafts and create my own. For ideas, I look on the Internet. Martha Stewart is a favorite of mine and I also like Living Locurto, which has printables and party ideas.
Tip #3: Feast with the Eyes
Let food also serve as decoration. Voltaire once said: “Nothing would be more tiresome than eating and drinking if God had not made them a pleasure as well as a necessity.”
It is all in the presentation. For example, instead of laying a vegetable tray on the table, I have put vegetables on bamboo skewers and put them in a pot as a centerpiece. I also have a multiple tier plate juxtaposed next to each other which I often use as a centerpiece for appetizers. The possibilities are endless.
Tip #4: Give Yourself Time
If you are cooking your own home made food. Have your menu prepared ahead of time. Purchase all ingredients a few days in advance and try to pick food that does not enslave you to the kitchen yet it must look impressive. I have found that slow cookers make my life easier. I can make pot roasts and all sorts of stews without having to spend hours preparing. It also keeps my food hot and ready to serve to those guests who go by the motto, “Les gents chic sont toujours en retard,” meaning that classy people are always late! Also refrain from making pasta at events, especially if you are planning to host some Italian friends who like their pasta straight from the stove to their table and always “Al dente”! I learned that the hard way. So, if your theme is Italian, go for the baked pasta such as lasagna and cannelloni. They can be prepared a day ahead and taste even better the following day!
Tip #5: Don’t Forget Yourself!
Last but not least, don’t forget to prepare ahead of time what you will wear. You want to make sure you look as stunning as your tableware!
Having party supplies stores everywhere make our lives easier. However, when it comes to Islamic Holidays one has to be a little more creative and resourceful. I have seen many beautiful ideas online which have inspired me; and luckily now those who are not very creative can get some help from Eid Creations, our party supply company for all your Islamic occasions!
Happy partying!
About the Giveaway
Eid Creations is giving away a few of their most vibrantly-colored products for your special ‘Eid party. This giveaway extends thru ‘Eid ul Fitr and ends just before the beginning of Hajj season so that you can have them for your ‘Eid ul Adha gathering, insh’allah…
To enter, please read our Official Giveaway Guidelines page first then add a relevant comment to the question below in order to be entered. Entering indicates you have read them. Giveaway ends at 12:01 am on October 19, 2012.
How do vibrant party goods change the ambiance and feel of your ‘Eid parties?
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