Read more

It is easy to get caught up in the party scene with all the fun of designing elaborate settings, positioning exquisite accent pieces, adding the final touches to a tablescape for that picturesque dinner party, but for me, being an event stylist and planner goes a lot further. Moving past the glitter and glamour – which trust me, I am quite fond of – there’s a profounder purpose for what I do.

Yes, this post is about to get deep.

This past weekend, I attended a meaningful event hosted by ChristianWorks^® for Children. It was the “27^th Annual Celebrate the Children Dinner and Auction.” This phenomenal local organization aims to help children and their families meet and overcome difficult challenges in their lives, from divorce to the loss of a loved one, by providing a myriad of outstanding therapeutic programs. Not only did I attend, but I saw this fundraiser as an opportunity to give back. I was able to (and honored to) donate a special entertainment package to the silent auction this year on behalf of my new business Sarah Combs Events – up to five hours of my event planning and styling services for an event of the winning bidder’s choice. This is an important reminder to me about why I do what I do. I believe God blesses each of us with unique strengths and talents, and I can’t think of a better way for me to use the particular gifts and abilities God has given me than to share them with others, particularly during special occasions in people’s lives.

Colossians 3:17 – “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord…” Ultimately my “deeds” are done in His name, to glorify Him. My goal is not only to light up a room for a party, but to be a shining light to others around me so that they may see my “good works” and glorify Him, as it we read in Matt. 5:16. My favorite part and the key motivation in my job is when a client’s vision is actualized and everyone’s faces light up with joy in that moment. I view my work as helping people celebrate life and create memorable, positive experiences that leave them smiling.

I’ve made it a priority to use my skills in a way that benefits others through volunteerism and donation efforts in the past like doing design work for the American Heart Association’s Young at Heart program and decorating for the Thanksgiving dinner at CitySquare for the past couple of years, but being able to do so at this fundraiser not as an individual but as a business owner solidified this commitment that I intend to carry with me moving forward professionally.

My hope is that the money raised through my donated event package, along with the other spectacular items up for auction, will enable ChristianWorks^® to continue its amazing efforts in the lives of many more families. Plus, I am already looking forward to working with the winner bidder! Stay tuned for a follow-up post about how the donated event services get put to use in the coming weeks.

Cheers!

Read more

Fall is right around the corner, and that should be reason enough to celebrate. Maybe it’s just me, but I’m ready to throw a welcome party for our friend autumn.

For you, it could be hosting friends specifically to watch the football game or you may be more focused on having the ultimate watch party for your favorite TV show that’s back with new episodes this month. Whatever the occasion – laidback or more formal – often after you have made the decision to throw a party, the only thing you feel like throwing are your hands up in the air as you question your sanity. Creating a spectacular event doesn’t have to be that overwhelming. I’m sharing some basic pointers regarding a few of the most important steps involved in party planning. It’s all about knowing where to start.

1.  First things first: Location. Location. Location.
   Determine where you want the event to take place, and ideally confirm that space before publicizing the date. People often plan around a date only to find no availability at an appropriate venue. As a general rule: don’t base all of your plans around the date unless you’re planning extremely far out. Confirmed availability of the place needs to be the priority.
2.  Before you get carried away with endless party possibilities, be sure you have set a budget, and stick to it. That can be in an entire process in itself – budget development. My suggestion is: Make a list of everything you must have and prioritize. *Be watching for a separate post coming soon on realistic budgeting for events.
3.  Send the message effectively. A party is only as fun as the people attending, right? So get your squad the deets and get them there. Guests need the specifics – date, time, location as well as an efficient way to RSVP. Be sure you don’t leave anything out and use suitable phrasing to give them clear expectations. The invitation should provide an accurate preview of the event incorporating the event’s theme.
4.  Always have a contingency plan, for rain if it’s an outdoor event for example, and have practical solutions for other hypothetical issues. This is when it is undeniably beneficial to have hired an event planner who can think about those factors for you and shield you from some anxiety.
5.  My last bit of advice goes back to a specific element mentioned on #3 above. An important and often overlooked aspect of an event involves the RSVP message. This abbreviation RSVP comes from the French phrase, “Répondez, s’il vous plaît,” or, “Please reply.” The guest count is crucial, but we all know that guests often don’t…we’ll say, speak French. The rule of thumb is no matter who does or doesn’t RSVP, plan for 80 percent of invitees to attend and expect 20 percent regretfully to decline. I think this step tends to be disregarded, but it’s critical to plan accordingly. A good host/hostess should always be overly prepared.

Those are my suggestions. Let me know yours: would you agree with these as some of the most important steps in planning a party? Any experience forgetting an aspect of these?

Photography by: Chasing After Dear

Cheers!

Read more

Last weekend I styled a bakery photo shoot for Steve’s Bakery! We did a series of three different setups with the first being fall theme, because let’s face it who doesn’t love fall decor and pies?! I centered the decor around the delectable looking pies.Seriously, mouthwatering.The table setting really added a nice touch with a fall embellishment and custom ‘Give Thanks’ tags by Love Nest Creative. The next setup was a woodland theme/rustic wedding. The cake was a gorgeous two tier masterpiece with cocoa powder and an adorable bird’s nest atop. I decided to go simplistic with the setup and let the cake be the star! I put moss around the cake to give it a woodland feel. The wooden calligraphy vows went perfectly along side the cake. The third setup was a Parisian theme birthday! The cake was exquisite with the Eiffel Tower and a vespa being the top focal point. The pink balloons with custom calligraphy went perfectly in the background. Chasing After Dear captured some excellent photos! Check out the details below!

Bakery: Steve’s Bake Shop, Calligraphy by: Love Nest Creative, Photography by: Chasing After Dear

Read more

To celebrate the start of my business I decided to do a launch party a few weeks ago! The party was fabulous! The event was at Noah’s Event Venue in Plano. Guest entered through the foyer where a gorgeous calligraphy chalkboard by Love Nest Creative sat with beautiful florals by The Pearl Petal. When I first saw the event room I decided that pinwheels would be the perfect backdrop behind the window at the front of the room! I hung over 40 pinwheels in mint, and pink ranging in various sizes to bring the focus to the center. The gold foil balloons added a nice touch to string across the front of the pinwheels. Around my table sat pens and other promotional items and a chance for guests to subscribe to the blog and other social media.  Since the party was in the evening I decided to do a coffee and dessert event. Sweet Bri’s Bakery provided the tasty cake balls and mouthwatering marshmallow treats. Lattes on Location spent their time making delicious iced lattes and custom cream sodas. Cocktail tables with blush linens centered the room with exquisite florals atop of them from The Pearl Petal, accompanying framed pictures of some past events I’ve done. Around other parts of the room was a photo booth where guests could take as many fun pictures with props to their hearts desire. Other preferred vendors had tables setup around the room as well that guests could stop by and see their services offered. On the way out guests could grab a thank you bag filled with business cards and macarons. It was such a great night and was even published in the Plano Courier! Thanks to my PR Consultant, Gabrielle Wallace. See the article and details of the event below! Gorgeous photos taken by AE Photography.

Calligraphy by: Love Nest Creative, Florals by: The Pearl Petal, Photography by: AE Photography, Desserts by: Sweet Bri’s Bakery, Lattes by: Lattes on Location