Funk Up the Party

Unique focal points are great for outdoor parties. The make great photographs too! Well, here are a couple of ideas to get you started.

Buy an artificial tree without any leaves or a real one if you can. Tie up little plastic bags filled with water to the branches. Now place a couple of halogens below the tree. The effect is nothing short of dazzling.

If you happen to have a small pond in the garden, set afloat water lilies and tiny diyas in it. It's a sure winner.

You could think up your own ideas as well and give your party that personal touch.

Swing to the Beat

Don't forget to make space for music speakers. You might want to set them up in the corners behind the seating area. Also make sure that the wires don't get in the way.

If you are worried that your music system and speakers won't be enough to get the guests grooving on the dance floor, hire a DJ. They charge approximately Rs.1500, which is inclusive of the equipment and set up.

Dancing in the mud can be quite uncomfortable. So arrange for a wooden stage area of about 4 inches. You can have it covered with carpets. It will work as a great dance floor.

Set Aglow

If yours is an evening party, you better make good lighting arrangements.

Rice lights look very pretty on little bushes in the garden. And for those big trees you could hire the lights. Go with green, blue, red or yellow for the lights.

But don't use all colours unless it is a festival because it tends to look gaudy. Choose two colours instead.

You could also have hanging paper lampshades across the garden. They look beautiful and are pretty effective too. For summer parties, you might want to include a couple of pedestal fans as well.

Sit Pretty

The guests may be burning up the dance floor but once they work up an appetite they need to sit back and enjoy the feast. So seating is of primary importance at any party.

You could hire plastic chairs in colours that match the theme of the party. They cost approximately Rs.5 per chair. Tie a pair of balloons to one arm of every chair. But avoid gas balloons as they have a rather unpleasant smell.

Something to Remember

Depending on the occasion you can have special table decorations made. From scented candles in glass holders for a wedding anniversary to a silver key for a 21st birthday, you can take your pick.

The idea is to give your guests something to remember long after the party is over. So even though you may be tempted, don't settle for something cheap.