Parties and Soirees Archives - Elizabeth Duncan Events

Off to the Races: Kentucky Derby Party

May 6, 2017 by Elizabeth

Spring has finally arrived, and if you live in Kentucky you know exactly what that means… It’s time for the Kentucky Derby!

One of the most famous horse races, the Derby is held annually on the first Saturday in May. It’s a time to dress up and gather with friends while celebrating Kentucky racing traditions. No Derby Day is complete without fancy attire, big hats, betting, and good ‘ole Kentucky bourbon!

Good News! You don’t have to make the trip to Churchill Downs to celebrate the Derby. It’s just as fun to host your own party with friends. We teamed up with Brittany Hardin at Eden Bliss Weddings to bring you some at-home Derby Party inspiration.
The Kentucky Derby is a long-standing tradition that dates back to 1875. So, if you’re going to host a successful Derby party, you must keep to tradition..but that isn’t to say you can’t add your own personal flare to it!

We switched out those red roses for some white and coral beauties and created a spin on the traditional Bourbon cocktails you might find in the Grandstand. We were inspired by bright colors, fun girl time, and big derby hats to create an at-home party that made us want The Derby to be a year-round event!

Creative Partners:

Design, Styling and Custom Paper: Elizabeth Duncan Events

Photography: Brittany Hardin with Eden Bliss Weddings

Dresses/Hats: AJS Casuals

Shine Bright

January 20, 2016 by Elizabeth

inage by Abby Jiu

We had so much fun celebrating our 5th Anniversary last night with our clients, colleagues, friends and family. What an incredible adventure it has been so far. Our business continues to flourish and evolve and we are so excited to see what the next five years will bring!

image by Abby Jiu

Thank you to our fabulous event partners:

Abby Jiu Photography

Amaryllis Event Design

Bialeks Music

The Dandelion Patch

DC Rental

Frost Lighting

Kendall’s Cakes

Longview Gallery

MJ Valet

Philippa Tarrant Floral Design

Sarah Bohl Designs

Well Dunn Catering

Petite Parties: Little Birdie

April 24, 2015 by Elizabeth

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Believe it or not, every little girl’s birthday party doesn’t have to be Barbie or Disney Princess themed. To celebrate the arrival of spring and her daughter Charlotte’s 2nd birthday, our good friend Suzi Molak with Longview Gallery threw the most charming Little Birdie themed birthday party we’ve ever seen.

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The earthy elegance of the party was created through a variety of DIY projects. A large stick found in the back yard was hung from the ceiling and adorned with birdhouses found at Michaels , which Suzi painted and hung with twine at varying lengths. Potted plants, small floral arrangements and mini chalkboards embellished the tables and decorative bird ornaments translated the theme throughout the room. Suzi’s husband did the calligraphy of each child’s initial on the gift boxes, which were filled with bubbles and bird stickers.

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Guests were treated to delicious bites catered by Windows Catering Company and the memories were captured by lovingly by Susan Hornyak Photography.

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Are you planning a party for your little one, or hosting a baby or bridal shower, and don’t know how to create a unique and personal theme? We can help! Stay tuned for an exciting announcement we’ll be making next week about our new Petite Parties packages.

Happy Birthday, sweet Charlotte!

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Featured: Say Squeeze!

March 26, 2015 by Elizabeth

We had so much fun designing this citrus-inspired “Hello, Sunshine!” branding party with a few of our industry favorites, which is featured on Greenvelope.com today. The signature bar highlighted local obsession, Don Ciccio e Figli artisanal Italian liqueurs, and the custom suspended shelves featured another local superstar, Jrink Juicery cold-pressed juices. Decor of bright pops of yellow, orange, green and pink, with geometric patterns added zest to the party. The custom Step and Repeat by Winifred Paper and custom swag boxes by Gift and Gander are two brilliant examples of how great design can make a lasting impression for your guests.

We are so grateful to our incredible vendor partners:

Longview Gallery

Syzygy

Abby Jiu Photography

Philippa Tarrant Floral Design

Winifred Paper

Sarah Bohl Calligraphy

Want to try some of our DIY projects at home? Here you go:

DIY Citrus Fruit Garland/Chandelier

Materials:

Cardstock or similar weight paper in citrus colors

scissors

fishing line

wooden dowels

brass fasteners

Either make a template or free-hand cut in a pointed oval/leaf shape:

4 pieces of Yellow: 5″ long x 2″ wide

4 pieces of Pink: 6″ long x 3″ wide

4 pieces of Green: 4″ long x 1.75″ wide

Repeat to desired amount of fruit. We also cut small green leaf accents. Attached paper fruit to fishing line at desired intervals. Attach garlands to wooden dowels. These can be hung linearly to create a backdrop or clustered together as in the photo to create a “chandelier.”

DIY Geometric Floor Pattern

Materials:

1 roll gaffers tape, orange

1 roll gaffers tape, yellow

measuring tape

We measured and cut the tape to create 4 squares that were 2ft x 2ft with 1 ft in between squares on all sides. We then measured and cut the opposite color tape and centered for a 3ft x 3ft square.

Sweet Soirees: DIY Sugar Plum 1st Birthday

December 26, 2014 by Elizabeth

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December birthdays can be tough and I know, first hand, because I have one- and now, so does my daughter. I want her birthdays to feel as special as those “lucky” kids who get to have pool party birthdays in the summer. We celebrated Courtney’s first birthday by embracing the holiday spirit with a theme of Our Sugar Plum is Turning 1! It was a festive affair that lent itself well for a little girl’s birthday party. My favorite details included the paper-doll ballerina garland, a tulle tutu for my little one, ballerina cupcake toppers, Amazingly Good Eggnog, and party cracker favors.

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Most of the party was DIY, but I could not have done it without a little help from these sources:

Paper Goods from Meri Meri and World Market

“More Merry Please” Disposable Cups from Pier 1 Imports

Custom Onsie from Etsy Shop, Ortinau Art

Tutu from Etsy Shop, SimplyElegant93

Happy Birthday Banner and Snowflake Garland from Etsy Shop, EMTsweetie

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Happy Birthday Courtney!!!

~ Hillary

#BTS: A Touch of Velvet

December 5, 2014 by Elizabeth

We’ve been busy getting in the holiday spirit and have been drawing so much inspiration from gorgeous velvet. An incredibly versatile fabric that is equally comfortable in elegant, luxurious or modern, playful designs. For more holiday inspiration, visit our Happy Holidays Pinterest board.

EDE Trend Velvet

Photo credits: Dress, Pants, Bow Ties; Wreath, Placesetting, Tablescape; Ornament, Gift, Gift, Boxes

#TBT: Creme de la Creme

November 20, 2014 by Elizabeth

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One year ago this week we were seeing this beautiful Creme de la Creme Party come to life at the National Museum of the Women in the Arts.

Featured: DIY Sip and See on Style Me Pretty Living

February 28, 2014 by Elizabeth

We are beyond excited to have our Heart Full of Love Sip and See featured on Style Me Pretty Living today. This was such a sweet and fun party to plan!

Click here to check out the post and learn more about the DIY details. Thank you to all of our fabulous vendors!