How to Host a Memorable Event

Hosting my graduation party in 2023 made me discover a love for event planning. It was a joy to be intentional with the details. One of my main goals was to create an experience for my friends & family members. I wanted to cultivate an atmosphere of relaxation, sophistication, & fun.

Tips on how to plan an event in a beautiful space or home

La Villa was the best venue to host my graduation party. The stunning space was once used as a church in the 1920’s & features crisp white walls & arched windows. Time seems to stop when you step foot into this interior.

CREATE A WARM WELCOME

The entrance to La Villa was filled with natural light during my graduation party, adding to the grandeur of the 30-foot ceilings in the main area. Guests were able to place their cards & gifts on the long white table stationed directly in front of the door. I loved the convenience of the event's layout, a type of functionality that I'll always keep in mind when hosting future events.

PLAN ACTIVITIES FOR ALL

At my party, I set up mini stations with writing prompts. I kept every card I received, & it was a joy to read what my guests wrote.

Kids & adults enjoyed the framed prompts. Each prompt was placed on its very own high rise table, so guests could comfortably write their responses. Multiple people expressed their adoration for the fun activity.

Whether it's writing prompts inspired by the event at hand, a Polaroid camera, or an array of coffee table books guests can leaf through, activities can be both interactive & decorative.

FIND DECOR THAT SPARKS CONVERSATIONS

Memorable and sentimental decor for gatherings and events

Meaningful memories are meant to be displayed at graduation parties & special events. I decided to collect frames from around our home & showcased some of my favorite photos throughout La Villa.

As an homage to my scholarship pageant experience, I brought my Swarovski crystal shoes that featured one of the titles I had received.

Another favorite piece of decor I selected was a large wall print of "The Swan." Placing ballet slippers & pointe shoes next to Melane & Co.'s wall print made the swan fit perfectly with showcasing my childhood at the party.

P.S., you can order any of Melane & Co.'s wall prints in measurements ranging from 5" X 6" to 20" X 16."

Watercolor decor for events and parties at home

CURATE SIMPLE, YET MEANINGFUL PARTY FAVORS

I was blessed to have plenty of friends & family members at my graduation party. Because of this, I was not able to personally greet everyone upon their arrivals, so I decorated a bulletin board that hosted my handwritten notes for each guest who had RSVP'd after receiving my graduation invitations. On front of the note cards, I wrote my guests' names, & on the back, I crafted a personal letter.

Desserts are some of my favorite party favors. An event is even better (& arguably, not complete without) some sweets. Guests were treated to Crumbl Cookies & Fluffy Fresh Donuts on reflective silver plates. Because desserts should be both savored & saved, guests could take home the cookies & donuts in mini transparent bags that were placed on the far left of the table full of goodness. This was especially helpful to reduce the amount of leftovers post-party.

ADD PERSONALITY

I care about the little things, especially when it comes to special occasions. Because of this, it was a delight to hand-paint mini cards to serve as labels for the donuts & drinks. As a detail-oriented watercolor artist, I loved adding a personal touch to the table of desserts.

Implementing personality into an event or home is what makes it memorable:

I have a friend who loves color, & she has a variety of hues on her front room's bookshelf.

In our office, my mom has hung up some paintings I made as a toddler.

I visited a house whose bathroom had a guide on how to survive all kinds of natural crises, complete with sketches.

Whether it's comedic or fanciful, it's always gratifying to incorporate character into occasions.

Also... because we were on the topic of writing with watercolors: I can paint your pet's name on their watercolor portrait or a customized message on any original painting or wall print.

Hand-painted dessert labels for an event

IT'S THE INTENTIONALITY THAT COUNTS

For this party, it's a joy to say that there are very few things I wish I could change. That being said, that's not the case for every social event or life circumstance. However, intentionality goes a lot further than we often realize. Even if there's slip-ups, people will recognize what is done with the heart. How memorable is that?