WHAT IS A CONCEPT?

WHAT IS A CONCEPT?

When you think about ‘theming’ an event, it can sometimes sound a little over organised and gimmicky, it can put pressure on your guests who feel they have to conform to the theme and can very quickly over complicate proceedings. If we consider an event ‘concept’ rather than an event ‘theme’, things become a little more straight forward. It is an idea, and a plan. A concept can simply tie everything together from the start so the event is seamless, considered and effortless for both you and your guests. A concept will assist your decision making process along the way and gives you a goal to work towards keeping you on track so your event is consistent.

CREATING A CONCEPT - BLANC ET NOIR

Blanc et Noir is really just a snazzy way of saying a black and white party, but that’s been done before, so let’s think a little outside the box on this occasion and do things a little differently.

Despite sounding like a solid, one dimensional concept, it is in fact incredibly versatile and can be used for almost any type of event. It is perfect for a milestone birthday celebration or engagement drinks with hand written font invitations, elegant outfits and delicate black and white linens. Equally with a little change in direction, it can be an ideal theme for a children’s birthday lunch, with zebra and panda print decorations, oversized white balloons, a picnic tea and a pop of colour.

Pinterest offers the perfect platform to draw together your inspirations and to get planning. Add and delete as your concept develops and include some graphics and print images which will help tie colours and styles together.

DELIVERING A CONCEPT - THE ENGAGEMENT PARTY

You’re happily engaged and are celebrating with close family, its a Spring evening and you’re hosting 25 for a drinks party…….

Family invitations often circulate like wildfire so this doesn’t need to be too formal. Paperless post offer a simple yet well designed method of sending beautiful invitations straight to your guests inbox, you can see who has opened them, (who’s ignoring you!) and your guests can reply directly back to you. 3 - 4 weeks is generally about the amount of advance notice you should give your guests.

Being Spring, Peonies, Tulips and Sweet Peas are in season and are perfect blooms for your BLANC ET NOIR engagement concept. Cluster stems together in large bunches and always ensure there is a focal piece on the centre of your table. Engage a florist to create the arrangements for you or source the flowers and enjoy arranging them yourself. Whilst the flowers will provide some fragrance, add a burst of scent to your home by teaming them with The White Company NOIR candles which have notes of Mandarin and Sandlewood, a perfect accompaniment.

Dressing yourself can be as much fun as dressing your house. Think back to your concept and incorporate this into your outfit. I would advise not taking this too far but reflect BLANC ET NOIR in your garment choice. Dress fabulously (all eyes are going to be on you and the new addition to your ring finger!), but remember to be comfortable whilst you host. I think shoes are a must, but only a small heel, or flats.

Always prepare your catering in advance to allow the time for you to get ready before your guests arrive. Spend the afternoon setting the house and prep your food and any catering so this is simply ready to pull out and serve when needed.  Ensure any cold drinks are chilled for a minimum of 3 hours, that you have plenty of ice and any garnishes are chopped in advance. This is your event, so any and all preparation that can be done in advance, do it. This allows you to be present, enjoy yourself, chat and engage with your family.

Champagne or something sparkling is a must when celebrating. Champagne is always a winner, but so are some of the local sparkling wines available, and why wouldn’t we support local English produce when it tastes so good (I’ve done some research). FITZ sparkling wine is crisp and delicious as is Camel Valley, you’re celebrating so ensure you have enough for a couple of glasses each.  Have an ice bucket and Champagne coupes ready to pour as each guest arrives and rotate the cold bottles from the fridge when each one runs dry. And why not have an Espresso Martini Bar set up for later in the evening. This ties in with your sophisticated concept perfectly, and who doesnt love an Espresso Martini later into the evening.

For canapes and finger food don’t forget to have serviettes or napkins on hand to clean fingers and rescue rogue bits of canape. Whether you decide to go linen or paper, Etsy has some amazing designs perfect for this concept. For a special touch, have you and your partners name and your engagement date printed onto the serviettes, or for a more permanent momento The Embroidered Napkin Company embroiders your personal monogram, names and dates onto your choice of linen. 

(I will be posting my favourite dinner and drinks party canapes soon, so keep an eye for my recommended recipes.)

For ambience and atmosphere, order some giant white helium balloons to have at your entrance and a large cluster in a corner of the main party area. Keep main lights off and put on floor and table lamps for atmospheric lighting and always light lots of candles. Have music on from the start at a low background level, this can always be turned up later in the evening (hopefully you get on with your neighbours). Finally, as it’s a special occasion, why not finish the concept with a caricaturist and ask for black and white drawings. Hire them for a couple of hours at the beginning of the night to capture the joyous occasion and as a keepsake your guests and family can take home to cherish.

Enjoy, Sarah x

BEYOND THE TABLE CONCEPT BOARD - Images from Pinterest.