Christina Clark - Inspired Event Planning and Design

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Welcome to my blog! Here I talk about all things that inspire me and my events. So glad you stopped by!

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Category: Cocktail Party

Great Gatsby Gala

“She refused to be bored chiefly because she was not boring.” — Zelda Fitzgerald, wife of The Great Gatsby author, F. Scott Fitzgerald and the “first American flapper”.

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With a much anticipated theater release of May 10th, Hollywood’s modern adaption of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic tale is sure to excite all audiences. So, in preparation for the release of what is sure to be one of the year’s hottest and best movies, why not have a “Great Gatsby” themed viewing party! 

 

gatsby

 

The theme of any “Great Gatsby” party is sure to reflect the period of time in which the novel took place; the Roaring Twenties and the Prohibition Era. In a time where gangs and the mafia reigned supreme and speakeasies were a mecca for lawless behavior, the best word to describe this crazy time period is: EXCESS. And, whoever has taken a peek through history by means of Fitzgerald’s book knows that Jay Gatsby and his famous parties were known to encourage and foster excess in all manners. 

 

So, where do you start in planning a “Great Gatsby” themed affair? Well, first and foremost, prepare a to-die-for cocktail list! And, because of Prohibition, add an element of fun with a secret password each guest needs to score a delicious beverage. 

 

cocktail 1 cocktail 2 cocktail 3

 

Once you’ve nailed down the beverages and food (because the drinks were the main event at any of Gatsby’s soirees, tea sandwiches and other finger foods are perfect for this occasion), the decorations come next. When designing your centerpieces, remember to keep it FLASHY. Diamonds, lace, pearls, furs, big feathers, sparkle and other extravagant objects were totally characteristic of the time. Check out these AMAZING spreads!

 

gatsby party

 

gatsby party table

 

Almost as important as the cocktail list and decorations, the music should be as “Great Gatsby” as the rest! The Grey Orchestra recently released a Roaring Twenties inspired album sure to get the flapper inside you twitching to boogie and move. Click the link to hear sample songs and put together your Gatsby party playlist; my favorites are Rumor Has It, Paparazzi and Let’s Misbehave! So fun!  

 

 

Now that the party is ready to hop, donning the perfect “Daisy Buchanan” outfit is an absolute must. The clear object of millionaire Jay Gatsby’s affection, Daisy is known as a fashion icon and, arguably, was the first “American flapper”. Whether you wear a short or long dress, make sure that the fabric will shimmy and shake along with you! Just want the dress? Need inspiration for a whole outfit? Check it out here! 

 

flapper dress 1

flapper dress 2

gatsby outfitgatsby outfit 2

After the cocktails have been consumed, the music danced to, and the flapper dress retired for the evening, I am confident that yours will be an absolutely memorable gala to rival even the great Jay Gatsby’s parties!! Roar on!   

 

Photo credit: Pintrest

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Sequins and Selena….smashing!

As an event planner, I am obviously a huge fan of big, flashy events televised for the entire world to see and admire. This past weekend’s MTV Movie Awards were absolutely no exception. While some are watching for the music performances and others tune in to see who will snag “Best On-Screen Kiss”, I love to see how the evening flows and goes off, seemingly, without a hitch. Oh, and the fashion isn’t too bad, either!

 

While I always admire the classic stylings Hollywood’s royalty — Reese Witherspoon, Brad Pitt, Victoria Beckham, etc. — I was pleasantly surprised by the younger members of Hollywood’s elite. To name a few, MTV Movie Award winner Emma Watson and performer Selena Gomez wowed the audiences with their demure yet sassy duds. Emma rocked a lovely black and white cut-out frock, while Selena was a sass machine in sequins. Let’s focus on Selena, blazing the way as a young fashion icon.

 

 

Sequins and sparkle are components of any awesome party outfit. However, the key is to downplay shoes and accessories as to avoid seeming too busy. You want your extras to add to your outfit, not distract or confuse the viewer. That’s what I love about Selena’s look; she went all out with her flashy minidress but downplayed her jewelry and wore some adorable nude peep toe pumps. And, by keeping her hair swept away from her face, she ensured that all eyes would be on her sequins number by Julien Maconald. Check out my favorite ways to wear party sequins below!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Crazy for coral!

Spring is in the air and, evident with the duds at the recent ACM (American Country Music for you pop/hip hop lovers!) Awards, all over the airwaves, too! The show was filled with celebrities donning bright colors, floral patterns and fresh styles. There were so many dresses I loved but one definitely stood out above the rest. Jewel was absolutely stunning and stole the show in a gorgeous, form-fitting light coral dress. The delicately sequined gown, designed by Georges Chakra Couture, was a perfect mixture of class and sass and definitely left me breathless! 

 

How can you incorporate one of spring’s hottest colors into your upcoming event? Check out these amazing ways below! 

 

Jewel at the 48th Annual ACM Awards in Las Vegas.

INSPIRATION ALERT: Jewel at the 48th Annual ACM Awards in Las Vegas.

 

The perfect collection of colors for a spring bouquet.

The perfect collection of colors for a spring bouquet.

 

These coral bridesmaids dresses are a classy must!

I can’t get enough of the traditional style of these amazing bridesmaids gowns.

 

I adore this Essie classic!

I adore this Essie classic.

 

I love the coral neckwear on the groomsmen; the light suit-combo is perfect for spring.

I love the coral neckwear on the groomsmen; a combo perfect for spring.

 

Almost too pretty to eat!

Almost too pretty to eat!

 

Add a touch of coral beneath your dress for a subtle pop of color.

Add a touch of coral beneath your dress for a subtle pop of color.

 

Gorgeous table setting in shades of peach, pink and coral!

Gorgeous table setting in shades of peach, pink and coral!

 

These coral MAC lips are totally kissable, mwah!

These MAC lips are totally kissable….. mwah!

 

This 50's style coral party dress is ideal for any spring or summer event!

This 50′s style coral party dress is ideal for any spring or summer event!

 

Pretty coral invitations will tickle your guests pink.

Pretty coral invitations will have your guests tickled pink.

 

Adorable basket for the flower girl and pillow for the ring bearer... Aw!

Adorable basket for the flower girl and pillow for the ring bearer… Aw!

 

Beautifully crafted Cartier earrings.

Beautifully crafted Cartier earrings.

 

Delicious springtime drinks, perfect for any event!

Delicious springtime drinks, perfect for any event!

 

Photo credit: Pintrest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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‘Tis the season….for Tulle!

If you’ve been paying attention to any televised bridal or event show, you know that tulle is hot, hot, hot for the spring season. Martha Stewart recently released a whole line of bridal and party dresses for 2013 and the material has absolutely exploded on this season’s runway. Whether you go short and flirty or long and luxurious, tulle can turn any drab dress totally fab….as long as moderation is considered to avoid looking like a ballerina gone wrong! Here are some of my favorite looks fresh from the spring runway that will inspire you to incorporate this foxy trend into your next party outfit!

 

Tulle. Bustier. Color-blocking. Zac Posen. Need I say more!?!

 

Badgley Mischka takes tulle to new heights with these unique sleeves in the 2013 spring showcase.

 

This adorable Dior dress adds the perfect amount of tulle to give it a flirty, spring feel.

 

This classic tulle-drapped Marchesa also seen on Hayden Panettiere at the Emmy’s.

 

Huge props to Jason Wu on his daring black swan-esque tulle gown for the 2013 season!

 

Sherri Hill is perfection with this gold and tulle combination party dress!

 

These Christian Siriano ethereal dresses are sweet, flattering and fairy-like.

 

Lazaro incorporates tulle to add length to this wedding-inspired gown.

 

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Mellow Yellow

With spring fast approaching, bright colors are all the rage right now! It’s almost the sunniest time of year and there’s no better color than bright, sunshine-inspired yellow to beat the lingering winter blues. 

 

Here are some great and innovative ways to include this vibrant color into your wedding or next gala!

 

A gorgeous yellow table decoration, perfect for all spring events.

 

Slip these on to feel “footloose and fancy-free”!

 

An adorable party invitation idea.

 

A darling wedding cake with yellow accents.

 

Unique wedding bouquet arrangement.

 

Delicate flower earrings.

 

A neat idea for party seating! LOVE!

 

Yellow-accented wedding gown.

 

Chanel wedding nails…the best!

 

Creative boutonnière options…only for the studliest of men.

 

Gorgeous yellow wedding ring…I DEFINITELY do!

 

A delectably sweet cake, perfect for any shower, christening, party or wedding.

 

Sunny spring bridesmaids!

 

Photo credits: Pinterest 

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Events: Gluten-Free Guidance

Serving food at a gala, party or wedding can be tricky. The options are endless and whether you serve pasta or meat, you’re bound to run into some complications. Aside from the traditional “picky eater”, a whole new sector of guests with meal issues has emerged. Gluten intolerance has skyrocketed to existence and popularity in recent years and, whether your guest is avoiding it for diet or medical reasons, men and women alike are looking for gluten-free options to eat and enjoy. 

 

Obviously, this makes creating a menu a bit difficult. However, with a few slight meal tweaks, even you can put together a savory plate that everyone can delight in. Check out these delicious four-course, gluten-free meal option recipes! 

 

Appetizer option #1: Gluten Free Fruit Appetizer

 

Appetizer option #2: Gluten Free Dip Appetizer

 

 

Main course option #1: Gluten Free Pasta Dish

 

Main course option #2: Gluten Free Meat and Potatoes

 

Dessert option #1: Gluten Free Cakeball Recipe

 

 

Have a fantastic event and enjoy these delicious gluten-free eats! 

 

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The Grammy’s, Gucci and (Mint) Green

It’s no secret that Sunday night’s Grammy Awards captured the hearts and attention of millions of people across the planet. What many consider to be “music’s biggest night” was documented by the musicians and spectators alike; Twitter was bustling with activity and the hot topic was, you guessed it, Grammy’s fashion!

 

Some watch for the musical performances, while others tune in to see which artist will win the different awards. I love watching The Grammy’s for those reasons and also to see who’s wearing what and how well they rock their wardrobe choice. Whether working it in a suave “suit and (bow) tie” like Justin Timberlake or making waves in a unique cutout dress like Rihanna or Kelly Rowland, the most important aspect is having the CONFIDENCE to strut your stuff. And, no celeb did this better than Katy Perry in a divine mint green Gucci gown. 

 

Do you love this popular, icy green color but don’t know how to incorporate it into your own wardrobe or wedding? Check out how Perry’s gorgeous Gucci inspires me and see how it is just PERFECT for the upcoming spring event season!

 

Inspiration Alert: Katy Perry in Gucci…Love!

 

 

Photo credit: Pintrest, Katy Perry 

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NYE: Pop Fizz Clink

New Year’s Eve is right around the corner and that means two things: sparkles and sparkly cocktails. I am excited to say the least. Whether you are going out or staying in, here are a few fun sparkly cocktails to get the evening going. Also, don’t forget your sparkly dress. 

This is a must try, a champagne cocktail form The Glitter Guide

Not certain you are going to get a New Year’s Eve kiss? Don’t worry, just have a French Kiss cocktail instead. 

Ring in the new year while pretending to be on a tropical island with this Tropical Paradise Martini

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Tips for looking like a hot babe before your wedding day!

Hi dolls,
 

 

Today I have Lauryn from The Skinny Confidential on the blog!! Lauryn is always full amazing tips on looking and feeling fabulous. I totally adore her and enjoy reading her fabulous blog.  
Without further ado, here she is….

 

 
 
 
 
 
Hi! I’m Lauryn from The Skinny Confidential. I’m sharing tips + tricks for looking super hot before you big day ; ). For any further questions e-mail me at Lauryn@TheSkinnyConfidential.com. Enjoy babes!

 

Tips for looking like a hot babe before your big day:
 

{Drink up} Guzzle this natural hot lemon diuretic before your big day. If I bare my legs/belly/etc., I’ll drink this in the AM & PM. This lemon diuretic flushes out the system, which takes away bloat. Think of it as a ‘mini cleanse.’ Also, try this juice cleanse four days before the wedding; it will leave you feeling energized & slim!
 

{Tan} Spray tanning makes everything look better. If you do it right. Stay away from anything with red undertones. Think bronzed  & sun-kissed, not Oompa-Loompa, Snooki orange. Find more tanning tips here.
 

{Eat} Before you walk the aisle, eat a piece of low-carb toast with soy butter or avocado, cottage cheese & fruit, or scrambled eggs. If you’re drinking, these types of foods will help absorb the alcohol.
 

{Light on the carbs & sugar} For the day [& maybe the day before ] cut your carb intake in half. Also get rid of any processed sugars & ditch the salt. Too much salt can make people appear ten pounds heavier. Two weeks before the wedding cut carbs after 5 pm.
 

{Vodka/water} If you’re wearing a tight dress, the best alcoholic beverage on the planet is vodka/water + three lemons. It’s light & has no bloating soda water in it.
 

{Lotion} Wear firming lotion. It tightens everything up & make your limbs look smooth and sleek. My favorite: Olay’s Quench Plus Firming Body Lotion.
 

{Shimmer} Adding a bit of bronzed shimmer to your chest & arms [ be careful of your white dress though! ]. I die over this bronzer/shimmer.
 

{Workout} Yeup, yeup, yeup. Make time for fitness. People look way more toned after a workout. Try to squeeze in an AM workout before your big day. Kick it up a notch & workout at least six days a week, two months before your nuptials.
 

{Posture} throw your shoulders back & stand tall. Evoke your inner sex kitten {!!!}.
 

CONGRATS to brides everywhere ; ). XO. Lauryn
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At Home Beer Tasting Party

Looking to throw a fun fall party that is totally guy approved and relatively easy to put together? Then you should throw an at home beer tasting party! I saw this great party idea on Style Me Pretty and just had to pass it along. For the beer lovers, this is a great way to taste local beers, rate them and have fun with all of your friends wile doing so. Throwing in some soft pretzels and hot mustard wouldn’t hurt either.

While this couple had their party on the roof, you can have this party anywhere it permits. I do suggest making it a couples night though, talk about a super fun date night! I also suggest tasting local beers that your city offers making it more unique.

All photos courtesy of Style Me Pretty.

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