Ever since Truman Capote’s Black and White Ball in 1966 Black and White Parties have been slowly becoming the “it” party. It might seem a little risky, but when done properly a black and white party will put you on the map and everyone will want to attend. Follow these tips and you are sure to have an unforgettable party that will have your friends asking for another party just as incredible.
Black and White Invitations
At the beginning of the planning stages you need to make sure to send out an invitation that will set the bar high. Your guests have to realize right off the bat that you are serious about everything only being white and black. You can either purchase white and black invitations or you can make your own.
Cut out small squares of white cardstock and cover them with black lace. Cut a smaller square of the cardstock and glue on top of the lace in the center. On the small piece write the event, date, time, location and RSVP by. Also inform the guests on the invitation that they must arrive only wearing white and/or black…absolutely no color. Seal the invitations in either a black or white envelope and mail them out to all of your friends and family.
Black and White Decorations
Decorations
Decorating is the fun part of throwing a black and white party, although that may be more of a personal opinion. There are literally tons of ways to decorate for a black and white party dependent on your supply of decorations. The first step is to find a venue that is perfect for the party. It can be in your backyard under a tent or in a great room with high ceilings and white walls. Make sure the guests have sent RSVP before you choose the venue so that it is large enough to hold everyone who is attending. If you are holding the event somewhere where the walls are painted white there is less decorating you have to do and the same goes if the event is under a white tent. If you are holding the event in your home and there is color on your walls you will want to cover it. There are a few options for hiding the color and transforming your room: cover the wall in the
VIP Backdrop
or black or white wrapping paper. Also, if you have the resources drape a sheer white fabric from a central point on the ceiling to the edges of the venue. Your guests will absolutely love this look.
At the entrance of the venue it would be best to hang a
Blank Sign Banner, but one that has been customized. You can do it yourself, or ask a friend who is artistic to draw on the banner with black paint “Welcome” or something more personal about the party. Around the edges draw paisley or an abstract floral pattern because it will automatically add elegance to the sign. The great thing about the blank sign banner is that it is made of all weather material, so if you use high quality paint the sign will withstand any whether in case there is a surprise rain storm. As the guests enter the venue they should immediately be engulfed by black and white. More than likely most of the guests will arrive wearing black because it is harder for people to find white outfits that appeal to them, therefore the overall overwhelming look should be white with black accents.
Because the walls will be white, it is like working with a blank slate adding detail after detail. When the guests enter the venue they should be able to notice the contrasts between the black and white. To enhance this contrast, hang
Black Firework Stringers along the walls equal distance apart from one another, but make sure it is no more than three feet or else the black will be swallowed by the white. Also, whether you draped sheer fabric along the ceiling or not, you can do the same with Black Flame Retardant Crepe Streamer. Have them radiate from a central location on the ceiling out to the edges and let the streamers fall gently to the ground. This will add even more elegance to the venue and it will amaze your guests as soon as they enter.
For a creative twist to the decorations and something none of your guests will expect, purchase some fake plants. They can be large potted plants or smaller ones that would be placed on a table and also make sure to grab some silk flower of different styles. All you have to do is spray paint all of the plants and flowers black. The pots can also either be black or they can be spray painted white, as long as the paint as a high gloss. Place the large plants around the room in the corners and near seating areas. As for the smaller flowers, place them in solid white vases as well as black vases to really push for a dark detail. The vases should be placed on side tables and can also be used as part of the centerpieces for the tables.
Black and White Table Decoration
Table Decorations
When it comes to decorating the tables for your black and white party you should have fun with it. Cover the tables in either a Black or
White table cover and if you are able, use chairs that are the opposite of the table cover. For the centerpieces, use the black spray painted flowers you made and place them in either a black or white vase opposite of the table cover. You can also use other cheap black and white objects found at thrift stores because they will add a fun touch to the décor and will also make the centerpieces interesting. Another creative touch would be to take Black and White party beads and drape them around the vase and also have the beads hanging from the vase or the other objects. By using party beads you not only save money but they can also act as party favors for the guest. For some added shine, sprinkle Black and Opalescent Fanci Fetti Dots around the centerpiece and have them radiate from the center to the rest of the table. The black and white masks from the Ultimate Fanci Feather Masks will also make great fun touches to the centerpiece and would also make great party favors.
As for the tableware you want to choose something that is elegant but not too costly in order to save some money. If you are holding the event at a venue which provides tableware just make sure everything is either white or black, although most likely it will all be white. If the event is at your home, you can either rent tableware or purchase some. The
Persia Tableware has a gorgeous black pattern on a white plate and these Designer Disposable plates are extremely sturdy and any liquid will not be able to seep through. Your guests will honestly be amazed at the high quality of these plates and the best part is that you don’t have to worry about washing them. Another option would be to use black plates on the tables with white table covers and white plates on the tables with black table covers.
If you are serving the guests then keep the tableware back in the kitchen, but if it is buffet style lay the tableware out on the tables. If the food is being served buffet style, the buffet table needs to also comply with the black and white theme of the party. Cover the tables in either a long white or black table cover and sprinkle more fanci fetti along the entire table to add some shine. Unless you are deeply invested in this party do not worry about the color of the serving dishes as long as they are silver because this will not detract from the décor.
Black and White Food Ideas
The guests should arrive hungry, but also nervous and excited about what they will be eating. Many will think that the black and white theme will not follow through to the food, but this way you will be able to surprise them. When the guests arrive, hand each person who is of age a glass of white champagne, preferably in a white champagne flute but our regular
clear champagne flute works just as well.
As for the food, have small hors d'oeuvres such as Herbed White Bean Dip and Black Caviar Olive Bites. These should float around the room so that each guest gets a chance to try them. Next, serve up a salad made of escarole, frisee and Napa cabbage with peeled apples for some crunch, feta cheese and light vinaigrette. To cleanse the pallets, serve a white gazpacho which will most definitely entice your guests. For the main course serve a blackened steak, poultry and a white fish such as halibut. Flavor these to your taste and serve them in small portions so that everyone is capable of tasting them, but try to serve them with a vegetable such as white asparagus and a pasta like linguini alfredo.
As for dessert, this is when you really get to be creative. You can keep things simple and make a candy buffet with various shaped jars filled with different types of candy all in black and white. Have a stack of black or
white bags for the guests to fill so that they can snack on the candy there or take it home. You could also make desserts, which could be as basic as black and white cookies or something more elegant like black and white detailed cake pops. No matter what you serve, as long as it is black and white, your guests will be in awe at your entire event and it will definitely be one they never forget.
