Expert: Jeannie-Marie Dunkel - 8/11/2008

Question
QUESTION: I am the 2009 Gala Chair and I am looking for some interesting theme ideas..2008 was a Cuban theme with cuban food,music,dancing and 6foot palm trees on the tables. I had thought about Fly Me To The Moon...but am running into a dead end for decor...Sinatra music, but what to do for decor??? thought about space decor...I dont think so; hot air balloons??...but not sure that it would go with "Frank"
Wanted a late 30s 40s feel, glamour, long flowing dresses, ballroom dancing, big band...fred and ginger...but I think the are from a different era than Fly Me..which was written in the 50s....any thoughts would be appreciated.

ANSWER: Kathie, I like you're "Fly Me to the Moon" idea and love the 30's/40's idea but you're right, they don't go together.  Either one I think could be classy and glamorous.  I'm not sure what type of venue you use for your gala but....for the Fly Me theme I was thinking of black on black with lots of white twinkling lights to simulate stars.  Tables draped with black sateen cloths with black napkins and black chair covers with thick black satin ribbon tied around the chair back and a small cluster of silver glittery stars hanging from the ribbon.  Centerpieces can consist of fiberoptic stars (depending on your budget) mixed in with flowers.  You could indicate on your invitation that it's white tie instead of black to add a little interest as white is the color of a space suit.

Have fun with it and good luck!

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: What do you think of any of the following as themes:
"Moon Beams and Starlight" /Starlight and Moonbeams
"Swinging on a Star"  
"Moonlight and Martinis"
"Up, Up and Away"(Hot Air Balloons).

ANSWER: Kathie, I like the Swinging on a Star and Up, Up and Away themes.  Depending on your budget you could have some really beautiful decorations.  If you do an auction as part of your event you can auction off having a star named for the highest bidder through the Star Registry or a Hot Air Balloon ride.

I'd love to know which you chose and how you ran with the idea.

Jeannie

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I am  going to talk with my committee...Ill keep you posted as to which or what we choose!
Meanwhile... I would love to hear you ideas for decorations...for SWINGING ON A STAR and UP UP AND AWAY...My budget is decent and have party planning company I workd with last year that was very generous with donations for decor.

Answer
Kathie, I just re-read your follow-up and realized that you had asked for my ideas.  I'm sorry that I either misread or read right over that part!  I love that you have a decent budget and have a company that is generous with donations!!  The Swinging On A Star theme I envision lots of glittery, sparkly starts hanging from the ceiling on fishing line and all the things I listed regarding your "Fly me to the Moon" theme.  Have you ever been to Epcot in Orlando?  For some reason, for Up Up And Away I keep coming back to the decor you see when you enter The Land Pavilion with the hot air balloons hanging from the ceiling and the giant ribbons cascading.  Those are some thoughts.  If you hire a part planning company, they should have a bundle of their own unique ideas as well.  Good luck!

Jeannie