Begin Planning

 Using a mix of glitter paper, cardstock, and copy paper, we found colours that worked for our theme from materials we had on hand.  Non-recyclable papers (such as the glitter) were only used to make banners or garlands that would be stored and used for future decorating.  These colours also helped narrow down other decorations to keep everything on theme.

Banners + Garlands + Décor Oh My!

  

 You don't need a ton of graphics for multiple décor elements.  The only shape we used was this monstera leaf I designed and then utilized for garlands, confetti, and food table accents.  Part of my crafting journey has taken me to a place where I feel confident in my ability to create my own graphics but there are plenty of free-use options out there, especially if it's for personal use.  There is also the option of paying graphic artists on platforms like Etsy for the use of their illustrations (such as svg files). 

We cut the leaves out on different papers + strung up with different strings (stay tuned for photo booth section), which then added variety and cut down on cost (such as using copy paper that can then be recycled after, guilt-free!).

 Other décor elements and tips below were used for creating simple but impactful pieces, working with my skill level (spoiler alert, I'm terrible at origami but still knocked out a few good origami diamonds with some internet tutorials help).  We also used décor already in the client's house, including on-theme games and toys!

Fun With Dress Up + Props  

    

 I was paid to design graphics like the speech bubbles and wigs so these specific shapes are not available (if I get any interest, maybe I'll add some free for personal use printables, leave a comment below!), but I saw plenty of examples online of other prop bundles available to purchase or draw, cut out, and glue your own shapes to a wooden skewer, I have faith in you!

Photo booths are a great way to create an impactful and useful decoration.  As mentioned before, we used our studio backdrop for simple set up and tear down.  The monstera leaves are again on display but this time they are larger, strung vertically, and the string used was a lovely light green ribbon (still using the cost effective and expendable copy paper).  Merrie Prairie loves to take donations of craft supplies that are no longer serving you so this ribbon was donated and then used in such a unique way, we were very pleased with how it turned out.

Close up picture of the photo booth, below, in all its glory (man, I wish I would have ironed that white backdrop, ohhhhh welllllll!)

    

 I hit up garage sales and second-hand sellers for some inexpensive pieces that party goers could then take with them.  I tried to make some 'candy necklaces' with Mentos candies (to make it look like they were a pearl necklace), it didn't work as well as I'd hoped, next time I'll try with a different candy, like gum balls or even marshmallows! 

Having a polaroid camera has come in handy so many times.  I decided to purchase the Instax Wide Camera long ago to be able to give people a larger photo but the narrower version works great too.  It's nice to have a memento from the celebration, especially since a lot of peoples' photos stay on their phones or computers these days!

Food + Drink

  

The host came up with some excellent (and simple!) food and bevy choices, including: microwave mini pizzas, Swedish meat balls, tortilla chips with a southern spicy dip, cheesecake shots, and individual bags of Ms. Vickie's Kettle Cooked chips.

Our wonderful host wanted to keep things local wherever possible; hiring the events side of Merrie Prairie, purchasing her outfit from local thrift store owners, and the most show-stopping of all, this 'stay golden' cake from local baker The Sweet Side (handle above)! 

Check out the pic below of us in all our Golden Girls Glory:

Thank you @jannike.matlock (Instagram) for allowing my imagination to run wild on your unique and personal theme!