The Holidays are coming and that means fun, food and parties!!! It also means stress for the person hosting it! But don't fret - we got you covered! Just purchase a design board and we will help you design your very own party! With shopping list links, carefully planned out ideas and information on a few DIY's to make your holiday event or holiday decor as easy and as economical as possible, these inspiration boards are a MUST HAVE!

The Thanksgiving Inspiration Board will show you how to design your table with class and elegance in the colors and textures that are all common and traditional in Thanksgiving and Fall Decor. 
$50

The Winter Wonderland is our most popular board yet! It reminds people of a White Christmas.This design  features soft blues, silvers and white to make up a gorgeous home decor or event that shimmers and shines in holiday glamour. 

$50

These 2 Traditional boards are full of Traditional Christmas inspiration, traditional colors of red, white and green and sophisticated glamour all wrapped up in one.

$50

But what are Inspiration Boards?

Inspiration Boards are an essential tool to the event planning process. For weddings, baby showers, children's birthday parties and everything in between. Generally speaking, they are a collaboration of photos, colors, fabrics, textures and anything else that can inspire an event idea. These are mixed together to create a concrete visual idea of the design the client would love to have. 

Whether you have a small or large budget we can help by providing you with photos for inspiration and links to resources to purchase products or instructions to do-it-yourself-projects.

INCLUDES:
• Photos of inspiration plus links to products. These may include invitations, party favors, place cards, centerpieces, etc.

What I will need from you: event, date, theme you need help with, any other information that would help in the planning, an email for communication

Please allow 3-6 days to research photos and product information.

, 

Thanksgiving Inspiration Board

Let us help plan and design your Thanksgiving Holiday Party with Party in a Box! It wasn't in our plans or even thoughts of doing Holiday PIB's but a few people have messaged and requested for one so we thought, "What the hey?"If it means helping our followers and clients, we're game! 

So here is the offer and order link to the Thanksgiving Party in a Box!!! 

For those of you that don't know what PIB's are - Party in a Box is essentially just that. I know putting your theme together can be nerve wrecking - not to mention time consuming. With a Party In a Box, you'll get everything you need to make your theme come alive. And all you have to do is just put everything together on the big day. 

Party for 30 People or less. - $350  

What You'll Get:


- A custom design board (for more information, look at our inspiration board listing)
- Custom made invitations (minimum of 30 invitations. If more are needed, please convo for pricing.)
- Party favors (i'll do a few and give you instructions on how to do the rest)
- Sample of dessert designs and cake designs
- Tablecloths and table runners will be purchased but sent to your home (minimum of 15 of each.)
- Any other little party decorations that we discuss in your inspiration board.

ORDER NOW IN TIME FOR THANKSGIVING! 

Please allow 3 weeks for your box to be sent to you. 

Want to enjoy the shopping yourself but don't know where to start looking? Purchase an inspiration board instead. 

So you've decorated your home and all ready to receive trick or treaters? But how do you get them there?  Instead of just handing out candy, here's a few tips to entertain them.

Source

1. Lighting is crucial!!! Here's why? If they see your front entrance is dark, they will assume you have no candy for them and they will move on to the next house. If what you are creating is a creepy atmosphere, just leave something on - a pumpkin with a light on..a dimly lit porch light, a skull head with lighted eyes (you get the picture) - ANYTHING that will let them know you are interested in their knocking.

SHOP AT TOUCHED!!

2. Decorate, decorate, decorate. Nothing beats a non-knocked on door than no decorations. Have something up and make it as creative as you can.  I suggest making it visual to all aged kids since you might scare the little ones off. Here's a cool trick: Have something interactive such as a scary witch (or any interactive creature) in front of the door that will either say something to greet your guests. Jut remember, don't make it too scary!

3. Have some good candy! Nothing will stop the train of trick-or-treaters knocking on your door than bad candy! Trust me, word gets around. Don't give out healthy items like raisins and granola bars. I'm sure their parents will look through their baskets anyway and it's Halloween..it is what they look forward to. 

Source

4. Dress the part but don't act too creepy! Halloween is a time for fright but don't scare the kids away. Jumping out of bushes or opening the door as Michael Myers is going to garnish nothing but screams and runs and like I said before, word gets around...they will NOT come back!! 

5. Enjoy yourself!! Bring out your inner child - at least for one day and enjoy the trick-or-treaters that come to your door. For one day, forget your worries, your troubles, your stresses and just let go and have fun!! If the parents allow you, take pics of the coolest costumes and if they are neighborhood kids, make a collage and place it outside your door for them to enjoy the week after.

Question for you: Will you be entertaining trick-or-treaters? Share with us some tips on how you do it. 

As always, if you enjoy our posts,please take a moment to subscribe to our blog down below so you don't miss a post! 

Happy Halloween, friends!!!

Summers are all about partying! Why not bring the party outdoors? Read on for ideas on how to decorate an outdoor summer party.

• Set the scene regardless of the size of your outdoor space - by using table linens, paper lanterns, ribbons and fresh flowers. Cushions and pillows on chairs can invite guests to sit and relax.  

• This one's a no-brainer.  If you don't own any patio furniture or have very little, bring your indoor furniture outdoors. (weather permitting, of course.) You can use a dresser for a cake table, dining room chairs for extra seating, dining room table for guests to eat, and pillows and throws from around the house in the palette you've chosen and glassware and utensils from your kitchen cabinets. 

Source

• It's easy to go overboard with colors but if you follow a simple rule: Choose three main colors and incorporate them through out the decor in napkins, plates, lanterns, cookies, and any other party accessories. 

Source 1 Source 2 Source 3

• Create areas for your guests to gather. Decide on what you'd like the guests to do - is it a dinner party? Will they be sitting around a table or will you have just appetizers where guests would be doing more lounging than formal sitting? Make sure you have enough spaces for people to sit. It's not okay for people to be standing around because they have no place to sit down and enjoy your party - especially outdoors with the sun on them. Trust me, they will leave!  If you don't have enough sitting, encourage guests to B.Y.O.C. (Bring your own chairs.) 

Source 1 Source 2

• Make sure cakes, cookies and anything food related is covered and free from bugs! The last thing you want is for your guest to find a creepy crawler in their cake. Use cake plates with dome covers, marquees to cover up the cake area and keep them free from sun exposure and plates for desserts that have covers. 

Items seen here are available at Touched: Online Home Decor Store 

• Make sure you have plenty of lighting. Same rules apply to when you're just decorating for everyday. (See post on Decor For Outdoor Spaces )

Other important tips:

• Make sure you have bug repellent candles and bug repellent anything you can find for outdoor use. Guests once again will leave if they are being bit or are uncomfortable. 

Hope you enjoyed this June series on Summer Decor. Stay tuned for our newsletter on what's coming up for July!! 

Question for you: Have you ever attended a summer outdoor party or decorated one of your own? 

In case you missed it...

Other Summer Decor Topics:

- Easy Summer Decor Ideas for Your Home

- Designer's Eye: Bold Green

- Easy Summer Outdoor For Outdoor Spaces

- Designer's Eye: Coastal Look

THE FUNNICKS COMIC STRIP by HAROLD GEORGE

FOLLOW THE FUNNICKS BLOG | ARTIST BLOG | ARTIST WEBSITE

I've had so much work in the coming months and more to come as I embark on a few new projects and while I love planning events, I have dialed down the job description or what my company stands for from event planners to event designers.   This makes more sense for everyone involved in working with me - because let's face it, interior design and event design resemble each other and go together quite nicely and we just don't have the time to plan big events anymore. 

But what is the difference between an event planner and an event designer?

Event planners are all about the “logistics for the day”. Who is the DJ, when will the florist arrive? How many rooms do I need to block at the local hotel for the out of town guests? Event Designers are all about the “look and feel for the day”. Does this flower go with the rustic outdoor event the client wants? Is lighting going to make a difference in the ballroom? What color linens best look best for this type of venue? Event Planners have a tougher job in ensuring your day whether a baby shower, wedding, child's party - goes well and runs smoothly. They work with you to choose vendors and venues that will fit into your big day nicely. Event designers on the other hand are hired to make sure your day looks well put together. From invitations, to flowers, to linens and lighting - Event designers are the fashion stylists of your event!! 

So our services will now include:

-  Interior & Event Design 

- eDesign 

- Online Home Decor Store

- Beauty Lounge and Forum (Coming soon)

In the future, please look out for our Beauty Lounge and Forum where we discuss new beauty items and where you can shop for vanity decor items and also Touched is coming to a mobile truck stop near you as we take our online shop on wheels and straight to your town!!  

As always, thank you for being a part of KG STYLE DESIGNS and Touched!! Make sure you keep it locked right here to your favorite design blog by subscribing to our newsletter!! 

P.S. Check the right hand side bar for any giveaways and promotions we have going on!!! 

Before you leave, check out the ad space deals under the page header tab! 

Enticing the Guests To Stay

By: Bobbi Klein

(Photo by: Diana Elizabeth, Event Planned by Princess’ mother, Nicole)

It’s our job as event planners and designers to produce an event that is both to the client’s liking and attracting to the guests. Many times we believe that our clients are the only people that we should be worried about; however, the guests make the event a success. Have you ever been to an event with a high percentage of invited guests? How did you think of the event? It probably was a success.

How about the opposite situation? I’m sure you have been to an event too that had a low percentage of guests in attendance. What were your thoughts about that event?

See how the guests can affect the outcome of the event sometimes more than the client’s desires.

How can you accommodate both the clients and the guests at your next event?

It’s pretty easy actually. Just tell your story.

We hear about storytelling all over various industries outside of writing lately from marketing, branding, sales, teaching, and now it has arrived to events.

We are conditioned to relate to stories from the way we learn since we were young children. Everything was told to us as a story. This is the key to having success not only in event planning but also in life. If you can make your event tell a story, it will take off and no one will want to leave.

Storytelling your event starts with meeting your clients. Find out what the event is going to be. The theme of the event here can spur your story. With the theme, find a way to tell the story. This is not going to be action items of what to include as the details of your event, but three main points that move your story along.

For instance, let’s say that our client wants to have an extravagant princess birthday party  for her daughter who is turning 5 years old.

The theme is princesses.

Three Main Points:

·       Welcome to the Castle

o   This can be an interesting way to greet the guests upon arrival. Make everyone feel like they belong to the royal family.

·       A Royal Ball

o   This is every girl’s dream to be part of a royal ball dancing the afternoon away with great music and possibly her prince charming.

·       Cake and Presents

o   Children love opening their presents that they receive and showing them to their guests. Make it an enjoyable experience for all, and as the birthday girl is opening her gifts, have the royal court hand out a gift to each of the children for coming.

Once you have the main points decided as to what is going to happen at the event, then it’s time to add the details to make the event flow. From colors to party favors to the music, these are the finishing touches that will set your event a part form the rest.

The guests will love the event and will stay to the very end.  Guaranteed!

What story are you going to tell at your next event?

Bobbi Klein (@bobbiklein) is the CEO of Splendore, an au courant marketing firm specializing in event experiential marketing and event services. Sign up for her newsletter today! 


Thank you to Bobbi for writing this wonderful post for KG Style Designs. 

Don't forget to link up your events on this month's Linky Party Hop. Link up here. 

Stay tuned for more insights on the event planning business from fellow event planners each week in May on the blog. So stay in the loop by subscribing here. 

Check out KG Style Design's gallery of children's parties:

**I LOVE LUCY**
**SUPERMAN**

Learn to Plan the Perfect Party with this easy "How To" guide written by Catherine Holt. Buy today! 

Children Party Planning Tips

By Brittany Champion 

When planning a party for your child the details can become extremely overwhelming. Parents, unavoidably, stress over details such as choice of theme, cake, invitations, and child attendees. These stressors are very similar to those experienced while planning a wedding, anniversary party, or any other social gathering, with the major difference being appealing to your child and making sure the party makes him/her jump with joy. It’s always a great idea to allow the party boy or girl to participate in the planning of their event. Remember, children have wild imaginations and are bursting with ideas. 

One of the biggest responsibilities is creating the guest list, and no one can offer a better idea of whom to invite than your little helper. If your child has a best friend, start with listing him or her first, then move to classmates and family members. You should know, there are no set rules for inviting classmates. For pre-school aged children, I would suggest inviting all classmates if the class consist of 8 or less. With such a small number of classroom buddies you don't want a child feeling left-out or excluded. If the class size is 9 or more, choose children based on your child's exact age or invite the schoolmates your child enjoys associating with (the last thing you want are a bunch of children bickering and wrangling). Your child has a “voice”, so trust their opinions and preferences in this stage of planning. They are capable of offering much needed guidance when allowed to dictate their guest list. Also, consider having the party at his or her school. Some pre-schools will allow parents to bring cake, candy, games, and a few family guests for a two hour celebration. This will cut cost and eliminate all classmate-inviting woes.

Second is choice of theme. This is one of the easier areas of planning because it usually involves fun, bright colors, and the kiddie menu options. For younger children, I typically suggest choosing their favorite movie, character, hobby, book, or cuisine (for those pizza lovers). For example, what child doesn't love a great movie? This “Vintage Movie Themed Birthday Party” serves as a great gender neutral option. Another option would be this “Ice Cream Shoppe Birthday Party Theme” perfect for sweet-seeking kiddies. A lot of young children are into the “Angry Bird” game, so consider this as a possible theme as well, they'll love it!

Next is the choice of cake. Don't "break-the-bank" trying to present a ginormous cake that guests will gawk at with no intention on devouring it. Children are satisfied with simple and are completely open to homemade options. This allows them to further participate in the process by choosing their preferred flavors and toppings! If ordering a cake, really consider one slice per guest (no sense in ordering more than necessary). Also, consider a cupcake tower if you dislike cutting and serving. It will give guests a bit of freedom to enjoy their sweet delight when they're ready!

Lastly... food for the adults. I suggest building a menu with food options for ALL attendees. Serve foods that are easy to eat, serve, and clean up. Some adult guests may not accompany a child, but are attending because they adore your child. It would be proper etiquette to offer them some refreshment options and included them in the cake-slice count (if applicable). Adults want to feel included in the function and are less likely to become agitated with the rambunctious children if their tummies are tended to.

Brittany Champion is a Wedding & Event Planner/Coordinator, based out of Chicago, IL. Brittany specializes in weddings and both formal and informal social affairs. Brittany is also available to help you plan your dream marriage proposal, from the moment you decide to pop the question to the moment your significant other says "Yes"!  
Contact Information:
Email: Events@TailorMadeAffairs.com
Website: www.tailormadeaffairs.com

Thank you to Brittany for writing this wonderful post for KG Style Designs. 

Don't forget to link up your events on this month's Linky Party Hop. Link up here. 

Stay tuned for more insights on the event planning business from fellow event planners each week in May on the blog. So stay in the loop by subscribing here. 

Check out KG Style Design's gallery of children's parties:

**I LOVE LUCY**
**SUPERMAN**

Learn to Plan the Perfect Party with this easy "How To" guide written by Catherine Holt. Buy today! 

We are at it again - another interactive month. This time we are going all PARTY  up in here...! Link up your favorite events or someone else's..it doesn't matter. We would just love to see the amazing way we all put a party together and what better way than to link it below for all of us to enjoy!! 
. 

In the month of May, our blog will be filled with interesting and helpful topics all on the event planning business.  Stay tuned! And be kind and visit your fellow linky participants - after all, this is a PARTY! 

Don't forget to SHOP for everything for your EVENT at our online store -Touched. From custom invites, custom inspiration boards to bring your event to life, Party boxes, cakes and more - you can find it all at under Event Essentials. 

Happy Linking!! 

Mother's Day is almost here! Give Mom a magical box full of thoughtful little gifts with this Mother's Day gift box from Touched, our online home decor store.

Learn to Plan the Perfect Party with this easy "How To" guide written by Catherine Holt. Buy today! 

here's a little aqua and pink birthday bash I threw together for one of my best friends. She's very girly and so I envisioned girly things like jewelry, pink and tiaras. I gave it a little vintage style a la Marilyn Monroe. Since it was outdoors, I couldn't catch the best lighting so I don't have many pictures. 

The Inspiration

The Decor

The Best Dressed Table in the Park

Party Details

The outdoor birthday bash was to be simple - maybe prop a cake on a small table with some balloons to let the guests know where we had stationed ourselves. But why be simple and boring when you've got an event planner as a best friend? My sentiments EXACTLY!

I went with a whimsical shabby chic decor - most used in my interior designs. I designed a cake trio and with the help of her friend, it was nicely executed. Bought some tiara and jewelry from a costume jewelry shop. The aqua vase found it at Homegoods as well as the 2 pink champagne glasses. I stuffed the glasses with jewelry and fake flower leaves. I did use my own pearls to wrap around the main cake stand. 

What do you think of this event design?

If you have a theme in mind for your next event and need help executing it, we can help you create an inspiration design board. For more info, visit our etsy shop. 

Best.