Cupcakes and Cocktails Party Decoration

A cupcakes and cocktails party does not require over the top decoration, but choosing a color scheme you can stick to will help everything look stylish and cohesive without being 'themey.' Here are some fun decorating ideas that will help pull the look of your cupcakes and cocktails party together:

1. Use similar trays, platters and cake stands for all food and beverages. Even if the items are different, a similar finish (silver, for example, or all glass) helps create a cohesive style.

2. Purchase a budget-friendly roll of patterned wrapping paper or scrapbook paper from a place like Paper Source, and cut it into shapes that will line the bottom of each tray and platter. If you feel comfortable with your inner designer, choose two to three different papers that have a unifying element (color, pattern, shape) to mix and match as the tray liners. This trick can also help pull together trays and platters that aren't matchy-matchy to begin with.

3. Integrate some small florals or other table decor. Succulents are seeing a huge revival in parties, and they are an affordable and sustainable choice as well. Create modern terrariums by potting a few grayish-blue succulents low in a glass container, and then covering the top layer of the soil with colored gravel (the kind that goes in a fish tank). White gravel will give the terrarium a very modern vibe that pairs well with bold prints (if used to line the trays).

4. Incorporate the patterned paper into the labels for the cupcakes and the cocktails. Either use the paper to back a flat card with the cupcake or cocktails name and frame it, or mount the flat card directly onto a tented piece of patterned paper.

5. Create custom coasters for the party that will look beautiful as well as prevent water marks on your furniture. Simply purchase very thick cardstock and a 3.5" or 4" hole punch. Cut out the patterned paper and gluestick or double stick tape it onto the thick cardstock, or use a stamp with a quote or image (with archival quality, non-smear, waterproof ink) to turn blah coasters into a conversation piece.