Hello sweet friends! Wow what a weekend it was. I got up before the sun to watch the coronation and then joined in the fun later that night at a Retro Inspired Cocktail Party celebrating the engagement of Sweet Guy and his Sweet Gal.
Setting the Scene
The day before the party I created several floral centerpieces to add interest around the bride’s parents home. The color palette included retro favorites such as avocado green, burnt orange, and harvest gold.
Vintage cocktail shakers and highball glasses were used as vases.
Black tablecloths and mirrored chargers harken back the classic décor of Studio 54 .
Isn’t this Wurlitzer jukebox fabulous?
Guests loved being able to select favorite songs for the party music.
Cards for the happy couple were collected in a vintage suitcase that belonged to my Grandma Mary.
The vintage bridal book and cake toppers were so charming!
Kitchen island décor included 1930s shot glasses and vintage Libbey Frosted Oak Leaf glasses. Sweet Gal’s grandparents had selected this pattern for their 1964 wedding registry.
It also included a portable bar set that belonged to my Papa Jack.
Retro Inspired Cocktail Party
For the menu the bride’s mother, Michele, took a cue from Betty Draper’s Dinner Around The World.
There was a taco bar.
The dessert bar included lemon French macarons and English banana trifle. Plus no retro party is complete without layered Jello.
Michele created an amazing Italian buttercream cake.
It was delicious!
Signature cocktails included a classic Champagne Punch, Heineken and Hugo Spritz.
Toasts were made by both future father in laws.
Party Favors
Michele, is a baker extraordinaire. She hosts cookie decorating classes in her home. (You can contact her HERE.) Guests loved the individually wrapped decorated cookies.
The classic matchbooks were found at a vintage shop.
Photo Backdrop
The photo backdrop was so fun, but a bit of a beast to create.
Michele and I zip tied 12 x 12 squares of faux boxwood together. She then placed two green pool noodles together along a plastic gridded base to which we inserted faux flowers into.
It took the strength of both Mr. Décor and the Music Man to lift it onto the metal holder.
It was an ode to Strawberry Fields and Flower Children everywhere.
All you need is LOVE.
The happy couple were the first to use it. (You can read about the bride’s heirloom ring HERE.)
Guests were encouraged to wear retro inspired fashion.
They understood the assignment!
Miss Benny and Mr. Jim brought good vibes. They have been married for 60 years!
Such glamour!
Everyone had the time of their lives!
Best wishes to these amazing sweethearts!
I’ll be back on Sunday.
Laura
Laura, what a fun party. Congratulations to you all. I can’t believe how grown up your son is. How time has flown. I remember when he was in Boy Scouts.
The best engagement party ever. Congratulations.
Oh wow–that looks like so much fun! Congratulations to the happy couple.
Wow! Now those are some cool in-laws! It looks, Laura, like between the two of your families, you are all going to have some great times together. The oak leaf cocktail sets being part of family history was beyond fabulous.
Wow!!!! What a wonderfully creative and so-fun party. This is definitely a match made in heaven, not just between Sweet Guy and Gal, but between the two families. Thank you for sharing all that vintage goodness. Gotta say, the frosted oak drink ware is my favorite.
Ann
Oh Laura, I was about to write to you — I was worried as I hadn’t seen a word about the Coronation or the royals on your blog and thought something must be wrong. Now I can see everything was very right indeed–just intensely busy getting ready for this grand event! And what a party! I know everyone invited had a wonderful time and something the wedding couple will never forget. I loved every little touch!
Bowled over by this fabulousness. The desserts are are out of this world. Every happiness wished for all of you.
Darling couple and FAB party!
I must be older than I thought! Looks current to me! Hahahaha!
Laura,
I LOVE this!!! Everything is so wonderful and darling. Congratulations to your son and future daughter-in-law and all of you!! You’re such a beautiful family.
Blessings always,
Linda
What a fantastic party. Congratulations to the happy couple. Looks like everyone had a great time. The decor and food is totally amazing.
WOW, how fabulous!!! This is so amazing. But knowing you it totally would be!! So fun!! Love it all, Laura! I’m sharing this on AAH on Monday evening!!