{Pin}spiration: Arrested Development Party

Last week was Mr. Lemon’s birthday.  Like many years, I came up with an elaborate theme and details for a birthday party.  And like every year, Mr. Lemon preferred to do something more low key, which is much more his style and *totally* fine.  But, I realized that just because Mr. Lemon doesn’t want a party doesn’t mean I can’t share my ideas with  all of you!

About a year ago ago, we finally got on the Arrested Development fan wagon.  And as you may know, Netflix will be releasing new episodes over Memorial Day weekend!  The cult following is going frozen bananas while they wait for the release.  The show has so many quotable moments that translate very well into a party…

- For drinks, the number one requirement for any party to be off the hook is, of course, unlimited juice.  Go with straight juice boxes for a kitsch factor or an alcoholic jungle juice for the adult crowd.  Other drink options include Cloudmir Vodka, martinis, smoothies, or pop pop (from the attic).

- AD also gives a lot of inspiration for party food.  Chocolate covered Bluth frozen bananas are a must!  Other show inspired snacks are cornballs, mini grilled cheese sandwiches (I was made to understand they’d be here…), candy beans, muffin-sized portions of Skip’s Scramble, ice cream sandwiches, and chicken wings…with club sauce.  Smaller portions are perfect for a viewing party.

- One of the decor ideas I was most excited to execute were blue handprints a la Tobias all around the house.  I’m thinking if you got some washable tempura paint it would (hopefully!) come off after the party.  And I would definitely create a banner to hang – perhaps with “Family Love Arrested Development” or “Season Accomplished” or “You’re Killing Us, Fox” on it.

- With such amazing prop ideas, I can’t imagine *not* having a photo booth at an Arrested Development party.  Give me a pirate hook, a bow-tied stuffed seal, a giant rock and giant pair of scissors, a dead dove in a bag, and most definitely a sheep profile!  Pick props from you favorite episodes and make them into photo booth props.

- If you aren’t doing an actual viewing party or just feel like you need some activities, I would recommend something inspired from Army – marksmanship, sand racing, etc – the winner would get put in Hero Squad, naturally.  Alternately, a chicken dance-off could get the party going strong!

Arrested Development Party Pinspiration | This Nest is Best

More ideas on Pinterest!

If you haven’t gotten on the bandwagon yet, it’s not too late!  Check out Hulu for free episodes.

Buster & Sheep | Frozen Bananas | Blue Hands | Hook | Juice Boxes | Cornballs

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An Evening in Verona – Spring Gala

Back in March I shared my decor ideas for the Grand Rapids Ballet‘s Spring Gala, An Evening in Verona, with a mood board.  I had been asked to co-chair this event last year and I have felt so fortunate to be apart of it!  After months and months of planning, just two weekends ago Mr. Lemon and I attended the gala and I was thrilled with how everything turned out!  Looking back on the mood board, things stayed pretty true to the plan.  We did have to drop the boxwood runners to keep room for family style serving, so I’m definitely keeping them up my sleeve for a future event!

An Evening in Verona - Grand Rapids Ballet Spring Gala | This Nest is Best

Colors stayed in the peach, pale pink and gold family and candelabras were everywhere.

An Evening in Verona - Grand Rapids Ballet's Spring Gala | This Nest is Best

I really loved the long tables for a change at a gala event – most everyone does round tables for these events and it was interesting to mix it up.  I must admit there were some challenges but I definitely would try it again!

An Evening in Verona - Grand Rapids Ballet's Spring Gala | This Nest is Best

An Evening in Verona - Grand Rapids Ballet's Spring Gala | This Nest is Best

We were able to rent chiavari chairs which I think made a huge difference in the room’s overall feel.

An Evening in Verona - Grand Rapids Ballet's Spring Gala | This Nest is Best

An Evening in Verona - Grand Rapids Ballet's Spring Gala | This Nest is BestBeautiful custom designed menus from a staff member at Grand Rapids Ballet!  So lucky to have graphic design talent on hand!

Such a wonderful night for a great cause!

Photos by Wende Clark | Clark Art
Rentable Decor and Chairs from Events by I.Candy
Linens from Martha’s Catering

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April in Review

I’ve been a horrible blogger over the last two weeks!  Last week Mr. Lemon and I ran off to Florida for a long weekend – did you follow along on Instagram?  But, I already have another post scheduled for you tomorrow so look out for May!

2013-04 April Recap

Miss a post this past month?
Inspired by Mad Men Season 6 Bikini
Dining Room Update: The Before
Dining Room Update: Laying the Foundation
Hanging the DIY Map Art
Speakeasy Party Playlist

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