The Location: Their school
The Theme: "Cool" Hollywood
The Mission: Make the school not look like a school
I have done some pret-ty creative things in my life, but I must say that this was one of the most satisfying (and exhausting). So, to those curious about where the deuce I've been for the last 2 weeks or so, here is a photo-commentary of the outcome. Please note that I stupidly did not take any pictures - I was so busy, I plum forgot - I'll just have to use my mad descriptive skillz instead!
Part 1: Off the bus, and onto the Red Carpet
In order for students to feel as though they were the celebrities of the evening that they were (and you should have seen some of the girls' gowns - holy shamoley! Extremely Red Carpet worthy), there was a red carpet entrance, complete with plants, draping, glittery stars, and paparazzi-like lighting (the emcee of the evening was videotaping it, and asking the kids who they were wearing - funny!!)
Part 2: The Movie Hall
Students then came into the school, and down a hallway to get checked in. Lining the hallway were movie posters - some were real (we even managed to get a couple of v. cool 6' cardboard promotional displays for You Don't Mess With the Zohan and Wanted). There were also smaller ones that had pictures of the grads' heads substituted in for the real actors. The kids had a hoot looking for "their" movies.
On the other wall was a larger-than-life movie reel, with each frame being a color picture of the students' grad photos. They loved this, too (I think). OK, maybe they just loved seeing themselves on the wall. I don't know.
Part 3: The Casino
Just through the entranceway to the VIP lounge was the Casino, with 2 blackjack tables, and 2 poker tables:
Poker? Part 4: La Piece de Resistance, The LOUNGE
First, a little teaser - you can see the beginning of the lounge at the end of the casino area -
There is a vaulted ceiling at the entrance to the school, and a rotunda - this was draped off, first with black velvet curtains, then with white sheers. It was here that the VIP Lounge was located:
First, a little teaser - you can see the beginning of the lounge at the end of the casino area -
There is a vaulted ceiling at the entrance to the school, and a rotunda - this was draped off, first with black velvet curtains, then with white sheers. It was here that the VIP Lounge was located:
Chocolate fountains, wrought-iron chairs, centerpieces with movie film canister bases - think sleek and SHINY (this was my operative work throughout...).
The lounge area was complete with upholstered-tiled mocktail bar, polar bear skin rug (fake, of course - no red paint please), lounge chairs and faboo coffee table with LED lighting underneath (made by yours truly).
Now before y'all go and think I'm a decorating genius, let me say again that I was merely a cog in the the huge machine that made this evening happen. We had an amazing crew of volunteers (including my SIL, 2 nieces and Duke #2) to organize, set up, and take down.
And the lighting guy? HE was genius. An alum of the school, he came back from his new home in NYC to lend us his time and talents. He definitely made the school NOT look like a school.
Mission accomplished, I think. Baroness out!
The lounge area was complete with upholstered-tiled mocktail bar, polar bear skin rug (fake, of course - no red paint please), lounge chairs and faboo coffee table with LED lighting underneath (made by yours truly).
Now before y'all go and think I'm a decorating genius, let me say again that I was merely a cog in the the huge machine that made this evening happen. We had an amazing crew of volunteers (including my SIL, 2 nieces and Duke #2) to organize, set up, and take down.
And the lighting guy? HE was genius. An alum of the school, he came back from his new home in NYC to lend us his time and talents. He definitely made the school NOT look like a school.
Mission accomplished, I think. Baroness out!
11 comments:
Abfab darling, truly! What a transformation! Can I steal some of your ideas?
I'm sure they all appreciated it so much and they will look back and remember the night with much fondness.
Countess BA: Steal away, dearie - I doubt if someone from your neck of the woods is going to say "Wa-a-a-it
a minute - I've seen this before!"
I wish I'd taken pictures of the washrooms - they were my 2nd area of concentration after the lounge - metallic "wallpaper" over the tiles, muted lighting, tons of glittery ornaments (50cents/box off-season at Ikea!!) on the ceiling, stalls w/metallic wallpaper on the outside, flowers, baskets w/toiletries, prismatic hanging curtains. Near the beginning of the evening, I walked in to check to make sure nothing had fallen off, and 2 girls were taking their picture inside - high praise for a loo, methinks!!
Holy crapoly. I am hoping someone thinks of these wonderful ideas when my son and daughter graduate! Well done!
Looks great AuntieS!
I shall show my mother.
You're a smart cookie.
That is awesome! No wonder you have been napping so much lately;)
Um, that looks like an awesome party! I wish I would get invited to something like that. ....babspeapod
Um, that looks like an awesome party! I wish I would get invited to something like that. ....babspeapod
You are spoiling those kids.
Countess Tracey: TYVM!
Countess Schmee: Seriously, dudette, I couldn't have done this without the help of you, Schmoo and Schmuelly. And your mom. You RAWK!
Countess MPM: At the committee wrap-up, we all commiserated over how we all took about 2.5 days to recover - spring chickens, we ain't!!
Countess Babs: We'd love to have you for Duke #2's in another 2 years - you did get the "Dry" part of it though, right? No bellinis 'round here. Sorry, babe. But you could drink in the parking lot...
Count WP: Too late, babe. They're so Limberger.
I CANNOT believe that was the school! You guys did an AMAZING job! Holy cow!!
Countess NATUI: And you know what? These pictures hardly do it justice. It was just so freakin' cool. One of my better efforts, if I do say so myself...
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