As I planned the girls’ 9th birthday party this year, I was going for an eclectic look: white, black and gold with a variety of textures in burlap, lace and sequins. That mix meant my place settings could go any number of ways. And I really don’t think there was a wrong choice. So I just decided to wait until we were setting the table to see which combo hit me.

I kept most of the table elements the same: plates, napkins and place cards. This look is all about layering contrasting colors. (Though you also can create a stunning place setting with monochromatic colors… that’s just not what I was going for here.)

My layers were:

1. White tablecloth
2. Gold sequin runner
3. Place mat
4. Black charger
5. Gold napkin
6. Gold plate
7. Microphone with placecard

And to the side, I added a 45 single as a coaster for my burlap and lace covered mason jars. (My assistant asked how I got the mason jar lids gold. The answer: I bought them here.) What I changed out was the place mat, trying a gold circle style, a rectangular doily, and a piece of vintage sheet music.

And just for 23-year-old Stephanie, who held a vinyl album for the first time, and didn’t understand how the big hole in the 45 worked:

A single is a song that is released separately from an album, but it usually appears on an album…. The most common form of the vinyl single is the 45 or 7-inch, the names are derived from its play speed, 45 rpm and the standard diameter 7-inch.

– From Wikipedia

So here’s my first video tutorial for you!

It’s very short and I’m not it it. I meant to get my hair and makeup going on before I shot the video, but that didn’t happen, so enjoy my disembodied voice. Promise to get better at the video thing!

And please tell me if you like the idea of video tutorials. I’m kind of excited about the idea of doing more, but want to know that you’re into it, too!

Vendor Credits

Party styling: Double the Fun Parties

Photography: Viridian Images Photography

Gold sequin table runners: Floratouch