Pearls of Wisdom Party: Part I

My grandmother turned 81 years old young last week. To celebrate, I planned a pearl themed party to honor  the pearls of wisdom she has provided our family and showcase her love for pearls (which also happens to be her birthstone)!

This party also marks the first time our small family has been together in more than a decade, so I hired a photographer to take family portraits while I snapped candids.

I incorporated several old photos into accent decorations. Pictures of my grandmother were adorned with floral stickers and placed next to small containers filled with pearls and filler beads. They also served as favors, since many family members did not have any family pictures.

The party was hosted in our dining room where we draped tulle, pearl strands and silk flowers over cupboards, buffets, and on our dining room table. On our antique mirror, I hung a "81" sign that I created from cardboard and small pearls beads.

Guests were greeted by pearlized banners graced with lace and ribbon.

The food table's centerpiece made an elegant statement with pearlized silk flowers and branches. The base was surrounded by flowers and wrapped with polka dot ribbon.

I created tissue paper pompoms to drape the foyer. I also draped pearl garland.

My cousin's pup was pretty and patriotic since we hosted the party on Independence Day! I had to share this adorable pic of Mercedes...

It was a wonderful celebration that created smiles, nostalgia and joyful tears; which was the greatest gift a hostess could ever ask for. While this celebration took months to plan and hours to create, those memories will last a lifetime and that's more than a granddaughter could ever ask for.

Hope everyone enjoyed their 4th of July weekend!

Part II with food deetz coming soon!


UPDATE: See Part II here.