Decorations for the Ball

[The Major]

It is a scant two weeks before our Ball and I'm not quite sure if I have a problem or not, but thought I better do something if for no other reason than to make sure.

My NCO in charge of decorations has not communicated with me for a few weeks and doesn't answer his phone or respond to email. The last time we spoke he had ideas but there was still much to do. So I think I should start planning at least some decorations to be safe rather than sorry. I have already taken care of the officers table, the hors d'oeuvre table, and the guest book table, but that's about it so far.

I will probably visit a couple party supply stores this weekend, but I'm not confident they will have much for a historical event like this. Does anyone know of any websites that are good general purpose party decorations?

There is one item in particular that I am looking for. I would like to get a half dozen swags. I think they also call them fans or half fans. Just like the Red, White and Blue ones that hang from porches, balconies, windows, tables, etc, at patriotic events except I need them in other colors such as green or gold/yellow. Made of bunting would be best, but this late in the process I am more flexible on the material. Every Google search I've done lists window treatments or flowers & twigs. Does anyone know where I might find something like this? Or maybe even make them?

[dawnluckham]

There is yellow and white under "papal fans".
www.gettysburgflag.com/fansbanners.php

I came up with quite a few sites by using search words "bunting, zig-zag (like boat flags on a string) and fan"

Modified to add, table decorations can be baskets or bowls of brightly coloured fruit. Start with a pineapple and build around it. The pineapple is an 'old' symbol for hospitality. At least this way if your volunteer guy shows up with decorations, the fruit is still good to eat and use for decoration.

[Mme de Beaufort]

They're also known as flag bunting. You can get that online in various places. www.nextag.com/bunting-flag/search-html

((oops -- edit, I didn't see that dawn arleady mentioned that))

I also recommend you go to goodwill or some other such organization and get a bunch of silk flowers, they have them there in profusion and you can put them around on tables etc..

You can also just get streamers in r/w/b too.

[The Major]

Thank you ladies, that is very helpful. If I can't get a hold of him this weekend, I will should be able order and receive these in time.

I did not know that about a pineapple. That's easy to get and I can build something around it as well. And yes, it looks I'll just have to go to the thrift stores next week, that's too bad

You are helping me out here big time. I really needed some female suggestions. You know us guys, splash some paint on the wall or not and we're good to go

Thank you so much.

[Mme de Beaufort]

It's too bad I'm so far away; I'd have been delighted to help you hands-on with your ball, Major.

[Val]

themajor said:

There is one item in particular that I am looking for. I would like to get a half dozen swags. I think they also call them fans or half fans. Just like the Red, White and Blue ones that hang from porches, balconies, windows, tables, etc, at patriotic events . Does anyone know where I might find something like this? Or maybe even make them?

I've bought those swaps, in red/white/blue, at our party store during patriot holidays. But I have no idea if they carry other colors. Since you're going there, good luck!

[The Major]

admin said:

It's too bad I'm so far away; I'd have been delighted to help you hands-on with your ball, Major.

Believe me kind lady, I would welcome your hands with open arms. I have a feeling I'm going to be very busy this last two weeks. Don't be surprised if I ask a few more questions in the meantime.

I may get a bit stressed leading up to it, but it will be a lot of fun! And also let me know if I'm willing to do it again

[The Major]

val said:

themajor said:

There is one item in particular that I am looking for. I would like to get a half dozen swags. I think they also call them fans or half fans. Just like the Red, White and Blue ones that hang from porches, balconies, windows, tables, etc, at patriotic events . Does anyone know where I might find something like this? Or maybe even make them?

I've bought those swaps, in red/white/blue, at our party store during patriot holidays. But I have no idea if they carry other colors. Since you're going there, good luck!

I found a number of the red, white, & blue swags. And I found a couple places that can make custom, but not too affordable for as many as I want to have. I'm hoping to find someone or someplace that can tell me how to make them. Or to get lucky and find something affordable locally.

[Mme de Beaufort]

If you can't find the swags online in the colours you desire, I recommend you hit your local fabric store and buy the cheapest coloured muslin you can find, and make them yourself. Cut it into a rectangle, pleat the center of the long side on the top, fix with staples if need be, and then grab the bottom corners and then pleat the sides and bring the corners of the short edge together.

[The Major]

My Dear Allseeing,

You are simply the best. I know I can make those and I think there may be a sale at the fabric stores this weekend.

I have a small quantity of ostrich feathers in the regimental colors, I was thinking about some silk tulips and jonquils with the ostrich feathers sticking up in the middle for center pieces. Or I can make about 6-7 small feather fans.

I believe I mentioned this before, but this is my regiment's Bicentennial of its creation. So I am trying to make sure all the soldiers and their dependents that are traveling here have a wonderful experience.

Thank you so much!!!