Here’s a sneak peek at the inspiration board for the Swiffer SocialLuxe Lounge – a BlogHer kick-off party that I’m styling and co-hosting with these 5 wonderful ladies on July 23rd. (…which is suddenly right around the corner!)

This event is a “pampering party” but it’s also a place for socializing, checking out tech demos, taking photos, and sipping cocktails, so it was a bit of a struggle at first when trying to come up with a plan for the decor.  I definitely wanted to work the spa element in, but also have a good mix of “hip lounge” style in there as well so that the atmosphere still feels a bit glam too! So after playing around with things for a while, here’s where I ended up…

The colors are inspired by the party’s logo & invitation. Fortunately, the key colors – orange, vibrant purple, and black – work very well for both “spa” and “lounge” vibes, and they’ll be accented by punches of lime green (in honor of our title sponsor – Swiffer) and white.

Decor elements will include black linens, “zen” rocks, custom signage, “beautified” beauty tools (think blowdryers + rhinestones) and floral arrangements featuring varieties of white, orange, and purple orchids.

I’m also planning to do some floating and branch-themed accent arrangements featuring dahlias and azaleas or whatever other great color-coordinating blooms I can get my hands on from local florists when I arrive in Chicago. Ah, the joys of DIY arrangements for out of town events! (Sourcing for all flower images is at the bottom of this post.)

For the party’s signature drinks, we’ll have custom-labeled Orange & Cream and Fufu Berry Jones Soda, which can be enjoyed with or without a vodka kick, and a few other fun options like the Swiffer “Clean-tini” (a.k.a. “green apple martini”).

Custom signage & cheeky phrases will be another key element of the party. I love working a bit of Anne Taintor-style humor into parties whenever possible… so look for more of that to appear in the post-party pics! And if you have any ideas for witty phrases to feature at a party that’s specifically full of blogging women, feel free to send them my way!)

Floral Image Sources:
Image 1 (clockwise from top left): The Knot (real wedding); Brides.com – (real wedding); The Knot (real wedding); The Knot – (real wedding); The Knot (real wedding); Image 2: Brides.com – Paradise Found; The Knot (real wedding).