10 Style Tips To Throwing A Pop Up Party

I am sure most people are well versed in entertaining at home

but what to do 

when the location of the celebration 

takes you somewhere else?

We were in Avila Beach this weekend

to celebrate my daughters graduation
from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

so planning a party far from home

was the top of my agenda.

Here are my top ten tips 

to making a pop up party

far from home a success.

Like any good party
it's first and foremost important to know your W's.

The
 Who
What 
and 
Where
of the party.

as well as any foreseen complications.

Our party was an intimate gathering
to celebrate a graduation
with a beach location.

For me that meant bringing any props and fluff
I wanted to use
and
 making the compromise to use disposable paper products.

My original idea was to host the party on the beach
but our suite had such a beautiful balcony and view
there was a destination change the day of the party!

For the graduation party
I knew for sure
a congratulations toast was on the top of my list!
So I was on a hunt for
the best disposable glasses I could find!

I knew I wanted appetizers to be served
for a mingling intro
with dinner to follow
finishing with dessert.

This is where throwing a pop up party
changes from the normal at home entertaining.

I knew I wanted to stick with a pink color pallet
as a take off of her graduation announcements.

I stayed with all white paper products
with the exception of the napkins
as I didn't want to clash with unknown decor.

Textiles were also packed in my vintage picnic baskets.
The vintage baskets did double duty
not only are they perfect for transporting items
but when stacked they became part of the table decor.

Every party needs some props
to carry out a style feel
a pop up party is no exception!

I packed jam jars with votives inside
grabbed a collection of vintage bottles for vases
an easel
and
 slate tile for signage
as well as a couple of
cake stands for instant presence.

In the spirit of improvisation
I misplaced my chalk pencil
but the morning beach walk finds
did the trick instead!

My stacked vintage baskets
made a perfect focal point
for the food table.

Of course this party like so many called for presents!
I made life easier on myself
and
shopped and wrapped before leaving home!
Being sure to wrap in a manner that would make the trip
and
still look fresh!

Originally the party was to take place on the beach
so flip flops all around it was
for party favors!
Even with it actually taking place in the room
the flip flops
were still a fun take away.
I bought plenty
so the right sizes were insured!

A pop up party
has the same space planning needs
as at home.

I arranged a food table
drinks station
plenty of seating
all the regular party necessities!

I had packed wooden beach chairs
when I thought we would be on the beach
but the set up worked just as well inside the suite.
With some furniture movement
there was plenty of room for everyone.

When we first got to town
we started our search
for the local markets
Lucky for us
a farmers market was right outside our hotel!

I found fresh lavender
that I bought right up!

Besides champagne and wine
my husband chose
805 beer …
which hails from the area!

We found places to order food for the party
within walking distance!

Our desert was a perfect ending to the party!
We all walked down the street for
hand scooped ice cream
and
 a sunset stroll  on the pier!
Probably one of my very favorite
parts of the evening!

When entertaining without the comforts of home
embrace improvisation
and
make it your friend!

Without my regular arsenal of styling pieces to pull from
I ended up ever so happy with
my white paper cup vases!

After all the
 planning
packing
and
prep
are done

A Pop Up Party

is like any other party.

Let go of expectations
and
remind yourself

in the end
it is always about the people
and time shared.

As always my friends


I wish you love and joy
as you style your life