Can’t get away on a fancy trip this holiday? Why not bring the destination to you?! This is the concept behind the “Staycation!” feature in People magazine’s special Holiday 2008 Extra issue, which included  3 “dream destination” vacation spots – Aspen, London, and The Caribbean – and I was super excited to be asked to create the London theme!

I think the issue only went out in the mail, but you can click here to view a jpeg of the full spread at a legible size – or check it out online at people.com (although most of the images are only in the print version).

I also designed some printable invitations to go with this party theme, which are pictured in the top image. You can download them below for free (pdf format). There are 2 versions – the first is exactly like the version pictured in the article and says “HAPPY HOLIDAYS” at the top – and the second says “YOU’RE INVITED” instead of “Happy Holidays” so that it can be used anytime of year…

Get the links to download both invites – and additional British-themed tabletop & party decor ideas – after the jump!

LONDON/BRITISH STAYCATION PARTY IDEAS

• Greet guests with UK flags placed outside your front door.
• Wish You Were Here: Hang a few posters of popular historical landmarks like the London Tower, House of Parliament, and Big Ben clock tower, and take close-up shots of guests “visiting” their favorite hot spot. Upload the photos to an online gallery so everyone can see them, or – for instant gratification – use a Polaroid camera and let guests take their photos with them. Be sure to include a sharpie to scribble “wish you were here!” along the bottom of the Polaroid.
• Hang a Union Jack umbrella in the entryway for guests to walk under when then arrive.
• Create an “English Flag” table cover: Start with a white tablecloth, then add strips of red fabric, ribbon, or gift wrapping paper in to emulate the look of the flag of England.
• Feature replicas of British Double Decker Buses and London Taxis as table centerpieces, along with small framed  pictures of London hotspots.
•  For table settings, feature gold leaf beaded edge charger plates and red and white dinnerware and linens.
•  Adorn drinkware with crown-shaped rhinestone stickers fit for a queen.
• Create British-themed napkin rings from 1” strips of red scrapbook paper and UK Union Jack mini buttons.
• Decorate food & drink tables with framed pics from a London calendar. Splurge on a fabulous wire model of Big Ben if you really want to go all out!
• Hire someone to dress up like a Royal Guard for more fabulous photo opps!

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DOWNLOAD & PRINT THE INVITATIONS {Adobe PDF}

Version 1: “HAPPY HOLIDAYS” {Preview Online}  {Download Now}

Version 2: “YOU’RE INVITED”  {Preview Online}  {Download Now}

*Invitations are sized to fit in a #10 envelope and would look fantastic in Paper Source’s #10 Button & String Envelopes (color: Red or Night) – or in Stardream’s shimmery metallic #10 envelopes (color: Mars, Sapphire, or Silver).

Inviting LOTS of guests? Check envelopemall.com for fabulous prices on all sorts of specialty envelopes – including #10 Stardream metallics!

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Enjoy! Please let us know if you end up hosting a Staycation party of your own – or if you have any ideas to contribute!