Farewell Parties

[Julie-Ann]

I have 2 parties/lunches I need to organise in February. They are for our families to get a chance to say goodbye to Mr18. So they are 2 parties I really would rather not have. But if I am going to do this I want it to be very special. DH is going to cook the entree and mains and I will do the desserts the day before. And of course I am in charge of decorating. The first lunch will be Spanish food and the 2nd will be Asian food.
So I am looking for ideas for decorating the dining table. I'm not sure if I do a Farewell theme - whatever that maybe - or a theme that relates to Mr18's interests. I want to be able to use the same decorations for both days to keep the cost down. Any ideas?

[rosierose]

I would not try for a theme.....just keep it nice and simple so you and guests can focus on your boy and spending time with him before he leaves (I am sad for you sweets......)

Although this website has fab ideas...this is such a cool asian table setting

http://www.hostessblog.com/2008/02/asian-affair/

[Julie-Ann]

That is a lovely asian tablescape Rosie. Yes I could keep it simple but I would like to have a little fun with it even if it isn't a theme as such. Maybe I should just decorate with boxes of tissues in the middle of the table. We have decided to have the lunches at home as we suspect certain family members may shed a few tears. And let's face it once they start I won't stop.

[rosierose]

Ok so yes have fun with it you shall!!!!! Make it special....

I would suggest a shopping day to see what accessories are available before you choose..... it is hard when you choose colours and then spend ages trying to find things to match.... try asian grocery strores, lincraft, spotlight and even k-mart or target..... when you see something you like then work your theme around this..... I never have a plan for my tablescapes just put things I have together and have fun creating.....

For Spanish I keep thinking Sangria jugs.....

[thisisme]

I've never attended a tablescaped dinner party so not sure how it works. Do you remove all the decorations during dinner? Because, I am thinking... if they stay... where does the food go? Or does it only work with buffets?

[rosierose]

Oh yes you do end up moving some larger items.......does work best with buffet or plates served up rather than all put in middle of table.....

[Abigail]

I love these pom pom type decorations. Apparently they come in lots of different colours. I might do something like this next Christmas if I have it outside.

[Julie-Ann]

TIM a tablescape can be very simple or very elaborate. If you are going to have a few big dishes in the centre of the table you just keep the table simple so you have room. Often it is really just about coordinating the placemats, napkins, a table runner and a few decorative items. It's lots of fun to play around with simple ideas.
I am thinking maybe the tissues boxes for a bit of humour, or a uni style theme, or maybe an ANU theme if they have certain colours, or just Bon Voyage.
I love the pom poms Abigail. You can buy them on the internet in lots of places. Eli may even sell them on her website Spotty Napkin. I would use them if I head something to hang them off but we have cathedral ceilings in the dining room and downlights. Do show us if you ever use them.

[Eli]

No pom poms for Spotty as yet, just haven't been bothered getting into them

Definitely agree with RR about checking out accessories first as I nearly came unstuck with the Christmas table, do you know how hard it is to find a gold tablecloth?

Love the idea of the tissues

[Julie-Ann]

Even though DH and I loved the humour of the tissue boxes - he thinks the only person needing them will be me. So the joke may be lost on other guests.

So I am thinking of doing an ANU uni theme. Their colours are charcoal grey and white. I can buy an ANU tablecloth for $169. Maybe not. So apart from using their colours I want to add the ANU logo to the table somehow. Any thoughts on how?