7 Simple Ways To Prep Your Party!

From formal dances and masquerade balls to light-hearted garden parties on the lawn, celebrations at Biltmore House were always held in style.

Ready to host your own elegant soiree or homespun hoe-down? Here are our top picks to make your party preparations easier and your event memorable:

1. Choose a theme
The easiest way to kick-off your party prep is to choose a theme. Be inspired by the life and times of Cornelia Vanderbilt who grew up in the Jazz Age and consider a 1920s era Gatsby Party or a Downton Abbey-style garden party or festive tea.

2. Color palette
Just as brides select wedding colors to help keep things coordinated and under control, a pair of pretty colors will make some of your choices easier. For example, we love the fresh look of green and yellow together for a summer-themed party.

3. Party favors
Get creative! Add a meaningful quote to a print you love and roll it up gently, like a scroll, and tie with a pretty ribbon. Your guests can frame them for display in their home or office as a reminder of a wonderful gathering with friends and family.

4. Make it memorable
Offer one or two truly distinctive elements that get people excited and keep them talking about your party. Ideas include renting a Photo Booth to preserve all those fun faces or providing old-fashioned lawn games to fire up a competitive spirit.

5. Do it differently
Use your garden statuary as a stunning centerpiece or use your birdbath as a temporary wine chiller. Our Hospitality Pineapple is the age-old symbol of hospitality and our Ramp Douce Tortoise is inspired by the stone turtles at the terraced stairway at Biltmore. 

6. Take it outside
Make a statement by moving some of your favorite furniture pieces outside, like we've done with our Beverage Cart. It will really change the “landscape” of your yard or garden and surprise your guests. Also, don’t limit yourself to paper and plastic just because you’re in the yard—enjoy your pretty serveware outside, too. 

7. Simple & Personal
To keep the party prep simple while still adding your personal touch, consider easy additions to something you pick up ready-made—like fresh fruit for the sorbet or crushed candy bars as an ice cream topping.

Here’s a summer party idea we love: turn plain iced tea into a refreshing Southern Raspberry Iced Tea!

Get the recipe here. 

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Here's to a great party!