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Safari/Jungle Party
- Giraffe Party - Zebra Party Ideas & Supplies
Party Resource Guide
Presented by Event & Wedding Planners
A Zebra party
is just the wild theme to bring out the fun! We had the
pleasure of decorating for a Sweet Sixteen celebration using
this theme, but this theme is also perfect for Girl's Night
Out, Bachelorette, Man Cave, Graduation, Birthday Parties, Bar
and Bat Mitzvah, Proms, & Homecomings.
Here are some great Zebra
Party Ideas & party supplies for throwing your Zebra
themed party.
PARTY
PLANNING IDEAS
Why develop a theme for a party in the
first place?
Themes tend to improve your overall event for you and your
guest. A theme will help focus attention on a main topic and
provides a unifying factor which will pull the whole event
together. The use of a theme will keep your affair from
looking disjointed or like it was planned haphazardly.
The key to pulling off a coordinated event: Evoke your theme
throughout the affair, it should be the subtle thread that
ties everything together. Incorporate your theme into all
areas of the event - the invitations, the publicity,
registration, food, decorations, & entertainment to reinforce
the overall effect. Then, get as creative as you can!
Setting the Tone
Setting the tone for your Zebra party can be easy with some basic
decorating tips. Choosing your colors is the
starting point to creating an inviting atmosphere.
Color Schemes
When using a color scheme use one to three main colors and
build around these. If you choose to use only one color for
your decorating, try to add little touches of another color
or a lighter or darker shade of the same color to create a
more pleasing effect. Adding little splashes of white,
black, gold or silver will not detract from your main color
choice, and the effect will be considerably more dramatic!
Our event planners
coordinated a Zebra themed event where the colors were Hot
Pink, Kiwi Green and Zebra-print. Both colors/prints were
incorporated into the decor wherever possible. Our client had custom hand painted
Zebra strip vases for each table as a centerpiece and
balloon topiaries to float above each table. Each topiary
was created using Kiwi, Black and Pink balloons and Black Zebra Print Balloons, with coordinating ribbon dangling below. For the
entrance we used two balloon trees that framed the sign in board and
place card table. The room looked absolutely stunning! Any
color could be substituted for the pink like: yellow, red,
purple or blue! So many choices!
The Motif:
The motif is the visual representation of your theme, which
is created by the use of objects or symbols. These symbols
may be repeated on your invitations, program, plates, or
decorations. Sometimes the use of several different symbols
will be used as components of the theme.
Develop your motif using a list of words related to the
theme. Brainstorm a list to create your pool of ideas. This
list is very important for generating ideas that can be
applied to all areas of the event. For a Zebra theme here
are some words to get you started: zebra print, jungle
trees, jungle plants, banana trees, exotic flowers,
butterflies, birds, wild animals, safari, pith helmets,
safari camp site, snakes, bugs.
The Mood:
Decide on what atmosphere or mood you want to create (funny,
romantic, chic, manly & etc). This
is where you want to refer back to the list of words you
brainstormed. Add words to the list that will portray your
mood.
Texture:
Incorporating texture will make things look and feel
interesting. Using textures will amplify the atmosphere you
are creating. For this theme you might use fur, burlap,
rocks & etc.
The Table Settings
Table settings are the backdrop for every meal, yet many
hosts often overlook the importance of making that backdrop
as appealing and functional as possible.
Rather than setting a uniform table, consider these
entertaining tips to add flair to your event look:
Remember the tops of the tables provide you with a very
large surface area and covering them with a beautiful
solid color tablecloth or zebra print tablecloth is the easiest way to change
the feel of a room.. It is also the most cost effective way
to decorate. Linens and cloth napkins bring a rich feel to
the table. Adding these accents in vibrant colors can make
your dinnerware pop and bring a fresh yet festive air to
your meal. A simple way to do this is to choose your
favorite color and build a theme around it. Use
monochromatic variations to make your decor shine.
When decorating the table, keep in mind that your dinnerware
is the star of the show. Create a designer look when setting
your tables by using a mix of solid colored and themed
tableware. When dinner is over, be sure you have the perfect
toasting flutes on hand.
You can use everyday dinnerware, but create a glamorous feel
by adding woven chargers, chic beaded placemats or zebra
print napkin
rings.
A crystal vase for the centerpiece can elevate the table's
elegance quotient. Fresh exotic flowers can be pricey, we
suggests filling the vase with small colored rocks or
seasonal fruit (limes, lemons, kiwi fruit & etc) for a
festive yet sophisticated decorative piece. You could also
use custom hand painted Zebra strip vases.
Personalizing your table is another accessory tip that will
go a long way with guests. Add reminiscent decor to your
setting with items such as vintage pictures. Not only will
your table look festive, it will also be a fun way to spark
conversation.
Filled Glassware like: flutes, goblets, snifters, votive
holders and mugs provide a gorgeous addition to any
tabletop. Set one at each place setting on tables, or group
several together in the center of the table. To create a
colorful tabletop, place different sizes of glasses, vases &
cylinders filled with colorful sports drinks (food coloring
stains glass) down the center of your banquet table. Fill
glasses to the top (this keeps the focus on the glassware,
not the liquid inside). Add colored plates to match.
An apple or pinecone with a small slit in the top make
perfect cardholders.
Dress up place settings by stacking dinner and salad plates.
Tie them together with a decorative zebra print ribbon.
Napkins will serve several purposes … great decorating in
disguise and a delightful memento of the party that can be
saved in scrapbooks for years to come!
Show your guests just how much you care by offering
Personalized Napkins , that complement your theme. Imprint
napkins with a design that matches your theme.
Bring color to the table via cloth napkins. Give each person
two napkins slipped into one napkin ring. Use two different
colors, two coordinating patterns or one patterned and one
solid-colored napkin. A colorful setting can be achieved
with little effort this way.
Wrap napkins with a simple ribbon and set a large polished
stone on top for the perfect finishing touch.
Have your linen rental company fold your napkins in a
special fold.
Napkins can be laid out on a buffet table, or can be
displayed at each place setting. Place napkins in the center
of each place setting at an angle, or unfold them and place
them in glasses for a tall dramatic look.
Tuck a single exotic flower bud down into a napkin.
Napkins can also be tied and bundled with cutlery. Tie with
curling ribbon, gossamer streamers, ric-rac, strings of
pearls, beads, ribbon, or a multitude of other items to
match your theme, get creative! Try zebra print sunglasses
with napkins tucked inside.
Table setting refresher
Lastly, don't forget the basics. With a full house and full
table, you'll want to be sure the proper etiquette is top of
mind. Here is a table setting refresh for the season:
Forks go to the left of the plate.
Knives go to the immediate right of the plate, with spoons
situated to the right of the knife.
If you're using a bread plate, position it above and to the
left of the main plate, and lay the small butter knife
diagonally across it.
Beverage holders such as water goblets, wine glasses and
cups, go above and to the right of the plate.
Top
Decorating with Balloons
Decorating with balloons, is an inexpensive but powerful way
to transform your party area into a festive space in
minutes.
On our
Balloon Decorating Tips page, we offer instructions
on how to make balloon clusters, balloon garlands, balloon
arches, balloon columns, balloon clouds, balloon palm trees,
balloon fish and balloon flowers. You can also find
directions for making rosettes from crepe streamers.
Fun with Glassware
Create custom glassware by painting a simple pattern onto a
plain wine glass, using egg whites and a small paintbrush –
immediately sprinkle fine sugar over the egg white pattern.
Fill drinking glasses – stemless wine glasses work great –
with decorative stones, then place a tea light inside. Or,
turn traditional wine glasses upside down and use them as
candleholders. Use different heights and group them together
for an elegant look. There is no such thing as too many
candles. Candlelight is very flattering on everyone.
Fill beer pilsners with nuts, mints and other candy and use
zebra print ribbon to tie a bow at the stem. Place glasses throughout
the house so guests can munch while mingling.
Use clear martini glasses or margarita glasses to serve
desserts, mashed potatoes, sorbets or other side dishes and
tapas.
An inexpensive way to dress up your party is to pick up some
specialty barware like unusual martini glasses or stemless
wine glasses.
Boost the Mood
Being surrounded by flickering candles is a sure "fire" way
to boost the mood. A room in any condition will look great
illuminated by the glow of candles. Candles are a great way
to pull together a sophisticated color theme. They add mood
lighting.....Use candles, candles, and more candles in a
shade to match your color theme. Use pillars, tapers, balls,
and votives, fill all the tables with various sized candles
and keep them lit throughout the evening. Custom paint
your candle holders with zebra strips.
Use unscented candles, so they don't compete with the aroma
of the food. Remember that cooler candles will burn for a
much longer period of time. Prior to the party, put your
candles in the refrigerator or freezer.
Floating candles can be placed in a glass bowl, or several
different sized wineglasses filled with water on a mirror
and look absolutely lovely. Color the water with food
coloring to match your color theme for a unique effect.
(food coloring can be mixed to achieve just about any color
you need!) Add candles, and colored or clear gemstones and
enjoy the dreamy look you have created!
Use Curling Ribbon for accenting
your decor:
Curling ribbon is a necessity when decorating! It can be
used to anchor balloons, attach curling ribbon clusters to
accent balloons. Make into curls and scattered over
tabletops for an inexpensive and easy decorative touch.
Curling ribbon is available in a multitude of colors, and is
easily "curled" with the blade of a pair of scissors.
Decorating with Gossamer
Transform any drab venue with gossamer
(gossamer is available in a multitude of colors and theme
patterns, and there are different widths to fit any of your
party decorating needs).
Zebra Theme Gossamer is a great option for this theme. Gossamer is a
beautiful, lightweight "fabric" that creates a stunning
dreamlike setting for your party when it is draped or hung.
You can create fabulous decorating touches for your party
with gossamer and it is very reasonably priced and holds its
shape beautifully. You are in for a
delightful surprise, if you have never used gossamer in the
past for decorating.
Gossamer can be used in a variety of ways when decorating.
If you are decorating a large area, or want to make any area
look more intimate and festive use gossamer.
It is perfect for hiding the supports, corner posts and
steel frame that often show inside of a tent
Hide unsightly walls, ceilings and doorframes with gossamer
by draping, swaging, or covering just about anything. Wrap
gossamer around columns, stair rails, or balloon arches in
your theme colors. Twist or braid two colors together for a
stunning look. Transform any room into fantasy location.
Create a tent-like appearance in any room by gathering the
gossamer at a central point in the ceiling and draping it to
the walls.
Use it to accent your table by swaging it at the top edge of
your table skirting. Make bows out of gossamer streamers to
hang on table-ends, chairs, doorways, stair rails or
anywhere. Gossamer holds its shape beautifully and can be
used at a fraction of the cost of wired ribbon.
Use it to cover banquet or reception chairs. Drape a piece
of gossamer across the top of each chair back, and then
tie a gossamer streamer bow around the back of the chair.
The bows can be cut to any length, and even look lovely with
tails trailing on the floor.
What can I do with Streamers?
Decorating with streamers is fun, and it's an easy way to
add a flourish of color to your party room with just a few
simple steps.
Instantly transform your room by draping streamers in your
theme colors from the ceiling's center to the room's sides,
then attach a cluster of balloons to the ceiling where your
streamers meet. For added effect, twist the streamers after
they are anchored to a ceilings, walls or a table. To create
colorful two-tone streamers, place two different colored
streamers back-to-back, and twist for a unique look. Simply
twist them as you walk toward the wall, or anywhere you
think a good place to attach your streamers would be.
Streamers can also be used to accent tabletops by making
rosettes that can be attached to the corners of table, they
can also be used to make bows for gifts.
Light fixtures are a good place to attach your streamers,
add a small cluster of balloons and some curling ribbon
clusters for a marvelous effect.
Ideas for using Background:
For a zebra party transform any large room into a spectacular party place by
covering a wall with a
Jungle Trees Background.
Themed or solid colored background paper can also be used to
cover walls, doors, floors, and windows. Background paper is
available in rolls of
seamless paper, decorative flat paper, or poly vinyl. The
paper and the poly vinyl both come in a stunning array of
colors, and patterns: stars, marble, brick, checkered,
cobblestone, and water.
Transform ceilings into a starry night sky with a star
background paper in black or blue with gold or white stars!
What can I do with Corrugated
Paper?
Corrugated paper can be used to "build" props and setting
pieces like nothing else. Use it to make columns, faux
staircases, structures (pirate ships, a fairy castle, a tiki
hut, an enormous basketball. Let your imagination run wild).
Cut out shapes and 3-D designs to fit your theme. Huge
geometric shapes are perfect for a general color theme.
Corrugated paper can be cut or folded, stands without
support, and comes in a variety of basic colors. It is also
available in different patterns like: brick, cobblestone,
bamboo, lattice, shingles, & marble.You name it!
Using Columns & Arches in
decorating:
Columns & Arches as shown on this page, provide an elegant decorating touch.
Columns look sleek and sophisticated
standing alone or grouped together. Columns & Arches can
provide a grand entry-way or a great photo backdrop, and
also work well to section off a large room (food area,
mingling area, etc.)
Photo Murals
Transform a room into a large scene by using a giant
Jungle Dreams Photo Mural. If your budget is low, but your
dreams are grand, consider the depth of a giant photo mural.
They fill an entire wall, and better yet, they provide
guests with the most realistic setting imaginable. They also
make an excellent photo background too. When else will your
guests have the opportunity to enjoy the scenery of a Jungle in the
company of friends?
Add sparkle with Twinkle Lights:
Add twinkle lights to arches, balloon strands, columns, to gossamer swags and ceiling tents, table edges,
around the perimeter of a room, and to hi-light signs,
banners and corrugated cut-outs.
If there are trees around (even indoors), add twinkle lights
to the trees or make twinkle light balls by wrapping the
lights around Styrofoam balls and place them in the trees
(with an extension cord). This makes a really unique round
light effect.
Twinkle lights look lovely when strands are placed down the
center of a tabletop. While a white cord blends well with
most color schemes, if you want to stick with your color
theme, try this idea. Remove the bulbs from the light
strand, and spray-paint the cord to match your theme color.
Tape dangling light cords to the underside of the table or
to the floor. Lots of oohs and aahs will follow!
Tissue Decorations an economical
choice:
Tissue balls, tissue flowers, & tissue fans, will never go
out of style! Hang them from the ceiling over your party
area in a color to match your theme. They look terrific
mixed in amongst balloons. If you are using just one
predominant color in your decorating, they will look
especially good as they provide an interesting mix of
textures. Tissue flowers are a wonderful complement to the
balls and fans. Attach tissue flowers to walls, doorframes,
table edges, or tabletops. Tissue decorations are perfect
for those working with a limited budget as they add bold
splashes of color at economical prices.
Garland a must-have for any party
setting!
Garland is ideal to mold around centerpieces, outline the
edges of tabletops, wrap around candle bases and votives,
garnish gift packages, twine through balloon bouquets and
wind around columns.
Sprinkle it with Confetti:
No respectable party tabletop should be left without a
sprinkling of confetti ! However, confetti isn't just for
tables anymore! Try sprinkling confetti or sparkle powder in
a color to match your theme on a dance floor, an outdoor
pathway leading to your party location, in party
invitations, or even inside balloons for a great, unique
touch at a budget price.
Luminaries an affordable
alternative:
Luminaries provide an easy, very inexpensive tabletop
decoration. The candlelight glows softly through the slits
for a dreamy effect. Set three or four down the center of a
table, with confetti scattered between them, or set one at
each place setting. Line walkways, entry paths, room
perimeters or stage fronts with these simple but popular
decorations.
Top
The Music
What’s the most important element of the event? The answer
is simple: The music!
Music can make or break the party and finding the best music
within your budget should be a top priority.
Ask your friends and relatives for referrals for good
entertainment because this is not the time “to let your
fingers do the walking…” When you find a DJ or band, etc.
you like, ask for references and check them out.
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The Food & Drinks:
Children's Parties:
As the excitement is so high at children’s parties, most
children under the age of 10 will eat very little, and the
waste can be disheartening. If you are entertaining a
younger crowd, schedule your party during a time when
parents will not expect that their children will eat a
meal…and serve only cake, ice cream, and a few other
munchies such as mini chocolate chip cookies, pretzels,
popcorn, cheese balls, and grapes (cut in half for
toddlers). If you decide to serve a light meal, serve food
that you would typically find at a mall food court -- pizza
by the slice, nachos, burgers and fries, and soft pretzels.
Name all the food and beverages to match your theme.
Adult Parties:
A beautiful table sets the stage for an evening of delicious
food and warm conversation. Plan ahead and prepare most of
the food in advance, rather than trying to cook everything
at once. You'll feel less stressed and will be able to enjoy
the party. Try to leave only one item for last minute prep -
this brings everyone into the kitchen and sets the tone for
a cozy, comfortable evening.
Simplify the menu, by selecting foods that can be served at
room temperature. Try a red pepper or basil cheese cake that
can be made ahead of time, and will be fine sitting out
before the party even begins. While foods like fish or
shrimp are delicious, they are hard to keep fresh if you are
serving food buffet-style.
Depending on what time of day you will be serving food and
how much you want to spend, you have several options for
great food. The sky is the limit for choices, but here are
some fun ideas: Choose foods that match your theme, if you
will be hiring a caterer they can give you assistance with
your menu selections.
Dessert Bar – perfect for afternoon or evening parties
instead of a full meal.
Set up make your own food stations. Mexican
(burritos, nachos, tacos, and more!), Baked
Potato Bar, Pasta Buffet, Salad
Bar, Loaded Hoagie Sandwiches Bar, Ice Cream
Sundae Bar. Have all of the fixings and let your guests
create there own favorites.
Serve all of the guest of honor’s favorite dishes.
Hold a potluck where everyone brings a dish and a recipe
card. It’s never too late to start a new recipe collection.
Keep everyone happy. Make sure you check with your guests
about possible food allergies and phobias, and then plan a
well-rounded menu that keeps everyone happy and not hungry
Set a trend by offering a signature drink. Pick one that
matches your party theme or colors. For non-alcoholic
options -- and to make an eye-catching centerpiece -- try
lining up colorful bottles of all-natural Sparkling Juice.
Brew up personalized specialty coffee drinks. Make it
special. Many specialty coffee drinks are also easy to make
at home, such as mocha coffee, gingerbread coffee, almond
coffee and Irish coffee. Once you've brewed your coffee,
personalize it further with coffee creamers.
In addition to coordinating your tables in a complementary
manner, we recommend paying attention to the beverages
you're pairing with the foods you're serving. Food can be
great-tasting as is, but you take it to another level when
you enjoy it with an accompanying beverage. "For a flavorful
appetizer, buy smoked salmon. Slice it and serve it up on
small toasts or crackers with a bit of cream cheese mixed
with scallions. Salmon is delicious paired with citrus-based
beverages, so serve it with Sparkling Grapefruit and your
guests will enjoy the complementary flavors."
To engage your guests, set up a do-it-yourself bar. Instead
of the old standby, make it a hot cocoa or eggnog bar. Offer
different liquors, toppings and recipe starters.
Get creative with garnishes. Dip the rims of cocktail
glasses in colorful sugars and complement the colors and
flavors of a drink with fruit or candy. Freeze fruits like
strawberries or grapes and pop them into drinks before
serving for unique and delicious "ice cubes."
For creative, simple and fun bar table decorations, think
sweet and savory. Line up martini or margarita glasses and
fill them with multi-colored candies, small fruits and nuts.
For a more cohesive look, use snacks that are similar in
color and coordinate with your food table decor.
An inexpensive way to dress up your party is to pick up some
specialty barware like unusual martini glasses or stemless
wine glasses.
Create custom glassware by painting a simple pattern onto a
plain wine glass, using egg whites and a small paintbrush -
immediately sprinkle fine sugar over the egg-white pattern.
Use clear martini glasses or margarita glasses to serve
eggnog, desserts, sorbets, condiments or other side dishes.
Fill beer pilsners with nuts, mints and other candy and use
ribbon to tie a bow at the stem. Place glasses throughout
the house so guests can munch while mingling.
Top
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Custom Creation Circle Arch Zebra Each
Stylish Zebra Arch Each
Stylish Zebra Column Each
Personalized Stylish Zebra Sign Each
Stylish Zebra Daisy Standee Kit
Stylish Zebra Peace Sign Kit
Jungle Trees Background Each
Monkey Tree Each
10' Balloon Tree Each
8' Balloon Tree Each
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