Last Saturday, the Husband and I had an intimate dinner party to celebrate the birthdays of both his mother and father. Being the food-lovers we are, we decided not just to host a dinner party; but to serve a formal, five-course dinner. To add to the challenge, I promised the husband that all non-food expenses wouldn’t exceed $50!
The color palette was determined primarily by items I had on hand. I fell in love with this grey pinstripe silk years ago and purchased 5 yards. This is the first time I had an opportunity to use it and I loved it!
I guess I really like pink, because I had a bunch of it in the house. I used the pink napkins I dyed for the tea party last month, as well as some scrap flannel to make fabric flower arrangements and additional scrap fabric for a table backdrop.
I’m so incredibly lucky because my in-laws let us borrow their amazing china. The dinner plates are all from my husband’s grandmother, and were all made in occupied Japan. We finished off dinner with my mother-in-law’s Limoges that she inherited from her grandmother’s bridal set from 1910. I absolutely love the traditional patterns of older china, and these patterns are both just so special and beautiful!
The best part? I got to use my Christmas gift from the Husband…a Silhouette SD! It took some time to work out a few kinks, but I was able to cut out a bunch of different flowers to create a runner and to add to the backdrop.
Here’s a rundown of all the decor costs:
Tablecloth: $0 (on hand)
Silver Chargers: $0 ($36, but purchased with gift card)
China: $0 (borrowed)
Centerpieces:
Candlesticks:$0 (repurposed from tea party-glued & painted, a la JC’s Loft)
Fabric flowers: $4 (most styrofoam was on-hand, purchased 1 additional from Dollar Tree, fleece was on-hand, tulle purchased for $3)
Square Vases: $8 from Michaels
Pink Paper Flowers: $7 for Silhouette pattern downloads
Backdrop Canvas: $5 for a pack of dark paper.
Total Decor Costs: $24
Any and all savings from decor was completely blown on the dinner budget….mmmmmmmm!
OMG I'm gasping that those flower arrangements are made from fabric! You go girl, awesome!!!!!! My friend got married last May and her colors were Pink and Grey so I LOVE these colors.
It looks gorgeous, I'm running out the door so I'm going to have to come look at this closer again : )
Paula
Ok so I came back to look again, haha, I just noticed the candlesticks, awesome! I'm requesting a tutorial on those fabric arrangements, which I'm sure you will do, but just wanted to make sure!!!!
Paula
This is beautiful! I love the color scheme and that you decorated on a $50 budget! Love!!
Oh my goodness! PartyMom, you are amazing! I'm viewing this now on my phone so will check again tomorrow, but those tulle flowers are inspiring, and you made me FEEL like throwing a party 🙂 great job!
I LOVE IT!!!! now i cant wait to see the menu :))
CUTE! CUTE! CUTE!
I love pink and gray together! The Silhouette looks like it would be fun to have.
Susan
Gah, I am tardy for the party! This came out great and I am soooooo impressed that you pulled it together without blowing the bank. Bravo! And what about the silhouette flowers? Your hub is a sweetheart!
This is gorgeous, I love the color combo! How did you make that pink fabric flower? I must make it…hope it doesn't involve sewing!!
Gorgeous and i'm speechless 🙂
love the colour, love everything. how do u do the fabric flower? i hope i can do diy too for my wedding in june :)..