Turn this Painting into a Party!

Andy Warhol Flowers, 1970

Earlier this week I was delighted to guest blog for always-inspiring Mimi & Meg, and wanted to share the post here. I designed a Mod-themed party inspired by Andy Warhol’s screenprint entitled Flowers.  The bold yellow and upbeat tone are the perfect springboard for a swinging 60’s soiree with a 21st-century twist.  Updated comfort food, retro dinnerware, and pops of color are what it takes to make it happen.

Yellow balloons have never looked so chic… these were from a wedding photographed by Erin Heart’s Court, featured on Style Me Pretty.

Vivid martini glasses and graphic-print napkins elevate serveware to decor status.  Clockwise: Dotty Cocktail Napkins, CB2; Gem Martinis, CB2

Hanging tons of bright paper lanterns from trees adds surprising pops of color to the party backdrop, and provides lighting that allows guests to linger way after the sun goes down. Credit: Erin Hearts Court.

Displaying a single bloom in a bold vase is a cost-effective way to make a major statement.  From left: Ada Hanging Vase, Beaker Wall Vase, & Teardrop Hanging Vase, CB2.

A dessert buffet created with a bold orange & yellow palette transforms sweets into pop art.  Lemon cupcakes, meringue tarts, and tons of bright candies in clear glass jars pack a punch.  Photo credit: Adrianne Bonafede.

From left: Citrus Slice Candy, Dylan’s Candy Bar; Lemon Drops, Groovy Candies.

Every retro-inspired party needs a signature cocktail.  The Harvey Wallbanger was popular in the sixties, and its bright hue and fun citrus garnish make it the perfect libation for a mod-inspired affair.  Here’s the classic recipe.

Give guests a taste of the mod-ness to come by sending invites that pair bold patterns in a graphic yellow & gray palette.  Credit: Erin Heart’s Court.

The sweetest ending: packaging favors with stripes and polka dots lends a playful presentation to the candies waiting inside. Credit: Martha Stewart Weddings.