This past weekend was my college reunion and it was such a blast to see everyone again! Some of the ladies (I went to a women’s college) I still see regularly, but for others it had been 20 years. Our campus was even more beautiful and I was so proud to introduce my girls to it.
We had two parties on campus in two nights. Of course my head was spinning with ideas of how to decorate for a Blues Brothers theme on Friday and a Family Fiesta on Saturday. But the reality was we had a tiny budget and only 30 minutes to set up for each party. So, I dramatically scaled back our plans. In fact, once we saw the party spaces, some plans changed even more. We did everything you see here for $208 (for 27 alums + families).
Blues Brothers Bash
The Blues Brothers concept came about because Elwood and Jake were our class mascots. Our party budget also had to pay for “spirit wear” — each class had to dress as their mascot for a convocation on Saturday morning. So, to save money, we incorporated spirit wear into our decorations.
Each dining table had a black placemat topped by a blue glass vase with a fedora at a jaunty angle. We circled the vase with sunglasses and blue votives. The PSMIYO ladies inspired me with their Bawls bottle vases. You can’t buy Bawls in Georgia (very sad because the bottles are very cute). I substituted Bud Light Platinum vases instead. (It was pretty funny in the liquor store, getting the clerk to help me search for beer by bottle color!) I learned how to tie a tie (thank you Pinterest!) and added black grosgrain ribbon ties to each bottle.
For this party, the plan was to decorate the buffet tables, as well. We had to scrap the buffet decorations, which was a little disappointing because we were going to cover the tops of the tables with a blue wrapping paper runner and hang bunting made of sunglasses. But it all turned out fine because, of course, the real attraction was seeing everyone again.
These ties make me happy!
Family Fiesta
On Saturday, we had an outdoor party with all our kids invited. The party was held in the quadrangle where we graduated, so that was extra special. Kathy of Tickled Peach Studio created our printables. I asked for a Scottie dog (our school mascot) wearing a sombrero, and Kathy took it from there.
I had carefully put all my supplies for Friday in one container and the Saturday supplies in another. Unfortunately, I left my party kit of scissors, adhesives, safety pins, etc. at my hotel in the Friday container. Fortunately, resourceful Scotties found address labels (thanks Kara!) and blue painters tape (thanks Susan!) that we used to attach the ribbons and party circles to the vases.
All the children took home a paper flower at the end of the night.
We had two kinds of signage because the buffet was supposed to be served from both sides. It wasn’t, but oh well, at least everyone was clear on what they were serving themselves!
Someone added these napkins to our mix, and the sombrero seemed like a good home for them.
(Photo: Amy Higgins Hulsey)
We had sidewalk chalk and games for the kids and Elizabeth organized a treasure hunt that was a big hit. On each table we also had fiesta coloring pages (free printables) and crayons.
My future Scotties!
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