I will admit, I haven’t always been the coolest host. I’ve never been taught to put together a Pinterest-worthy spread, or how to hang decorations to look chic and not like a ten-year old’s birthday party. For some reason, interior design and party planning just don’t come naturally to me. I know what I like when I see it, but I have a hard time executing it myself.
Once the boy and I moved into our new apartment, I really wanted to have my girlfriends over to celebrate the summer + my cross-country move. Also, after three straight weeks of building furniture, painting walls, and vacuuming dog hair, I needed some girl time and my friends at Palm Bay provided the perfect inspiration.
If you know me, you may have guessed that I was excited and anxious – I wanted to put together a memorable evening. So I did some research and combined my style with Palm Bay’s girls’ night essentials, and believe it or not, I pulled it off (if I do say so myself). For any of you with similar girls’ night anxiety, I’m sharing some of my favourite quick + easy hacks to make it look like you know what you’re doing 🙂
These tips may seem obvious and silly to some, but as someone who is décor-challenged, I found them so helpful!
1. COLOUR
Choose a colour palette and stick to it. It instantly makes the party look more put together and thoughtful. I chose white, light pink (!) and green, with slate + marble accents.
Indigo slate serving board + coasters
2. ADD FLOWERS
So easy, so simple. Just stick to your colour palette!
3. USE CANDLES (or tealights)
It brings a chic and bright vibe (anssoft lighting makes everyone look better too). I used Vancouver Candle Co. candles here because they smell like heaven and remind me of home.
4. BE SILLY
Even if it’s a very formal gathering, I love the idea of having some juxtaposition of the chic vibe with a fun game or some good old-fashioned penny candy for dessert.
Urban Outfitters rose gold serving dish
A big thanks to Palm Bay, my girlfriends + the Toronto sunset for making my first evening with friends in Toronto so amazing!
Photos by Andrew Cameron
Shot in collaboration with Palm Bay
I feel similarly to you when it comes to interior design and, in some ways, hosting. With interior design, I can make Pinterest boards of interior design that I like and from there I can figure out how to style my place. But if someone just said, “What do you like?” and I didn’t have Pinterest to gather and help me analyze my thoughts, I’d be floundering. As for hosting, I used to think hosting would be a pain (and maybe it is) but as I get older, I think it would be exciting! Combining hosting with great interior design just sounds like a good time!
PS: I got a little sentimental for you when you said the candles remind you of home. I know you moved far away 🙂
http://www.dressupchowdown.com
Author
Thank you Thuy!
xx Jill
The same happens to me. I’m not very good at decorations, it’s actually something I can’t do. Next time I will have on my mind your simple advices. Thanks a lot!
Author
These tips were super helpful for looking like I actually knew what I was doing 🙂 Let me know how they work for you!
xx Jill
Ahh! Jill, it’s been so long. You’re in Toronto! How amazing is that – Excited for your new journey in this wonderful city. All the best – Rima
Author
Thank you so much Rima, you’re so sweet! My #1 reader 🙂
xx Jill
I LOVE your style. May I ask where your necklace is from?
Author
Thanks Alex! It’s from Leah Alexandra, here’s the link: http://www.leahalexandra.com/products/tie-necklace
xx Jill
These are great tips! You definitely did a great job making a chic party! P.S. What are you wearing and how can we find it?? Love!