In my last article, I spoke about the five senses and incorporating them in events. I touched on sight and how having a beautiful entrance can make or break your event. For those DIY who are on a budget, and want to use the ideas that I posted on themes for an event you have in mind, here is how you can apply it to your event without going over budget. I will give you basic ideas and leave the rest to your creative minds.

First, when planning an event that requires space, always look at the obvious before looking outside for ideas. You might ask, “What is the obvious?” The obvious is your home. You can use your personal space to hold your event and create the same effects. Besides, with personal spaces there is no additional cost to you, which is a positive; however, there is minor work that you need to do to get it in tiptop shape for that day.

Second, let us move on to decorations. First impressions are lasting, and, by that same token, set the tone in your guests’ minds on what to expect on the inside. Consequently, you should make sure the entrance of your home, which is the entrance that your guests will be using and seeing, looks memorable. For example, a nicely lit walkway can give you that “WOW” factor and more. How so? For great lighting effects on a budget, you can use simple luminaries for this area, along with potted plants for additional décor. The luminaries you could do yourself (I will give instructions on how to make them at the end) or you could purchase them as a set for as little as $42.00 plus shipping (I will list the link at the end of the article) and the potted plants you could get them from your garden or go to a Produce Junction (check your listing to find one near you). You can purchase them in groups of four or more for around $10 to $20, to use on your buffet tables, and as alternates between the luminaries to create the desired effect. Right there you have saved on lighting plus décor for the outside of your home. Oh, one more thing; please make sure that the outside of your home is clear of trash, debris, garbage and so on for your event. Remember, “First impression is lasting” and can make or break your event.

Lastly, let us look at how we can create an effective décor as welcoming as the outside for the inside. Your living area is ideally lit. What I mean, you can adjust your lighting to match your theme and décor. Just by changing the bulbs in your lamps or ceiling, you can create an evening to remember. You could temporarily change the current bulbs to color bulbs, and set the mood with your dimmer, or if you are not up to changing bulbs, or you do not have a dimmer, you can use small luminaries –you know them as Christmas lights, instead. Place these lights in areas you intend on having your guests lounge, dance, eat, and gather for the evening; just be creative (each area can have luminaries with a specific color and votives). However, keep in mind, your buffet areas should be properly lit, but not with too much because too much light will dry out the texture of your food and make it seem old; plus, you need your guests to see your lovely buffet and see what they are eating. I realize that we are living in an economy of need, and not want as before. Therefore, I hope this piece is helpful to you all, until then!


Things you will need:
• Measuring Tapes
• Sand
• Votive Candles
• Measuring Cups
• Paper Bags – any color or colors
• Pencil with an eraser to draw on sides of bags
• Lighters
• Pointy object/pin for piercing bags
• Paper bags
• Measuring cups
1. Determine where you want your luminaries to be located.
2. Measure the length of the area, and multiply by two, as you will need luminaries on both sides of the path.
3. Determine how many paper bags you will need. Luminaries are usually spaced between 6 inches and 2 feet apart, depending on the length of the area you want to decorate and the desired look.
4. Purchase an equal number of green and red lunch-size paper bags. These are available at most craft and paper stores and range in price from about 15 cents to 35 cents each.
5. Purchase a small votive candle for each paper bag.
6. Purchase sand to weigh down the bags. Each bag should have about a 2-inch base of sand - about 2 c. for lunch-size bags.
7. Take pencil (this will prevent soaking of ink through to the other side) and draw a design on each sides of the bags. Make sure drawing is close to the top as possible, but not too close. Thereafter, take pointy object/pin and start piercing (small holes) the designs that you drew. Then take eraser and erase any lines you see of your drawing. Once finished, you should only see a silhouette of what you drew from the small holes you made.
8. Fill each bag with about 2 c. sand, make sure you place enough sand in bags so that the lights from the candles will illuminate through the holes. Place bags along the pathway you want to decorate, alternating with potted plants from your garden.
9. Twist a votive candle into the sand in the middle of the bag, making sure it is secure.
10. As dusk falls, light each candle for a striking effect.
Links for luminaries:
http://www.lumabase.com/categories/wedding
http://www.bizrate.com/party-supplies/luminary-lighting/