Throwing a party is a lot of fun; unfortunately, it can also be a lot of work. You have to think of everything: what will you be serving, how many people are invited, what is your theme, etc. Though watching a party come together can be a gratifying experience, you may suddenly find yourself panicking over tiny details. Rather than fretting over whether or not burlap napkins match your table linens, take a step back and start from the beginning.
Your table linens will be the focal point of the room, so focus on them first. Let's discuss how the 3-2-1 rule can help you pick the perfect table linens and get your party off to a great start.
- Three T's: It's often easiest to start with what you know and are familiar with, so consider the type, time, and tone of the event. Is it a lackadaisical backyard shindig, or a borderline black-tie event? Will people be slinging bottles of beer or flutes of champagne? This detail-oriented way of thinking can keep your decision as practical as it is beautiful -- there's nothing wrong with opting for disposable linens if you're hosting a child's birthday party.
- Two C's: Now, it's time to move onto color and contrast. One main color will dominate the theme, while the other will contrast it; you'll want two or three supporting colors and a mix of solids and patterns, but be realistic about your pairing. There's a difference between complementary and blinding.
- One B: For the final step, you need to choose between busy or bold. The trick to the 3-2-1 rule is a buildup of color and design -- if you have too much of both, your guests will end up distracted or with fierce headaches. As a last touch, extend your color and pattern theme to napkins, centerpiece displays, and even the food!
Did you know that 85,000 people search for wedding decoration ideas on the Internet? Though you may not be planning a wedding, the 3-2-1 rule can help you avoid the billions of search results; it's time to get off the computer, and go find your perfect linens.
