Ever walk into your home, glance around, and feel like something’s missing? I’ve been there. My space was fine; it just didn’t feel right. It lacked personality, flow, and, let’s be honest, a little bit of wow factor. Instead of spending hours scrolling Pinterest or hiring an expensive decorator, I opted for a creative (and fun) solution—I threw an interior decorating party. Spoiler alert: it completely transformed my space, and the best part? I didn’t have to do it alone.
Here’s the full story of how it all came together, from planning the party to implementing game-changing ideas, and how you can do it too.
Why Host an Interior Decorating Party?
Every home has a story, and every room has potential, but sometimes we get too stuck in our own heads to see the possibilities. Hosting an interior decorating party brings fresh perspectives into your space, turning your home into not just a personal sanctuary but a collaborative canvas. Plus, involving others adds a layer of creativity and fun that decorating solo just can’t match.
But why stop at creativity? There’s also the practical side. Whether you’re working with a tight budget or tackling a space that has you stumped, the insights and teamwork from a decorating party can be invaluable.
Here’s how I planned mine and the steps you can follow to completely transform your own space.
Planning the Party
Setting the Date and Time
First, I picked a date and time that worked for my friends who love home improvement as much as I do. Weekend afternoons were perfect since we could take advantage of natural light and keep the energy upbeat and casual.
Pro Tip: Avoid lengthy sessions. Two to three hours is ideal for keeping everyone engaged without feeling drained.
Guest List Who to Invite
Be intentional with your guest list. I invited close friends and family members who had different tastes, a knack for creativity, and an understanding of my personality. A mix of perspectives can lead to innovative solutions.
Who to Invite:
- The friend who always has great design ideas.
- The family member who notices small details.
- The Pinterest enthusiast who lives for DIY projects.
Budget Considerations
Whether you’re splurging on chic decor or sticking to a strict budget, decide on your spending limit early on. I budgeted for snacks, supplies (like painter’s tape and brushes), and a few decorative accents we could use during the party.
Money-Saving Hacks:
- Use items you already have for decor ideas (old frames, candles, throw blankets, etc.).
- Keep the snacks simple and homemade to avoid overspending.
Setting the Stage
Preparing the Space
Before my guests arrived, I cleared out as much clutter as possible to give us a clean slate to work with. It’s amazing how a blank canvas can spark creativity.
What I Did:
- Removed unnecessary furniture and decor to open up the space.
- Gave the walls and floors a quick clean for a fresh feel.
- Gathered all my existing decor so everyone could “shop the house.”
Theme and Ambiance
Every great party needs a theme, and mine was “cozy and eclectic.” Think warm tones, comfortable seating, and unexpected pops of personality. Setting the tone immediately put everyone in a creative mindset.
How to Set the Mood:
- Use ambient lighting (strings of fairy lights are a go-to).
- Play a killer playlist with relaxing but energizing tunes.
Supplies and Tools
Having everything ready before your guests arrive saves time and keeps the momentum going. My essentials included:
- Painter’s tape, brushes, rollers
- Notepads and markers for brainstorming
- A tape measure, level, and screwdriver for quick fixes
The Decorating Party in Action
Icebreaker Activity
We started with a fun icebreaker where everyone shared their home decorating fails or dream spaces. This got everyone laughing and relaxed, paving the way for open communication.
Example:
- “I once tried to DIY wallpaper with a glue stick… never again!” (True story from a friend.)
Collaborative Brainstorming
Next, we did a walk-through of the space. I shared what wasn’t working for me, and my guests flooded me with ideas. We created a brainstorming board with sketches, sticky notes, and inspiring concepts.
Task Assignments
Delegating tasks ensured everything ran smoothly. One friend helped measure the furniture layout while another noted color palette suggestions. Dividing responsibilities made the process feel effortless.
Implementing the Ideas
Paint Selection and Application
Once we decided to add a color accent wall, everyone rolled up their sleeves and got to work. After hours of debating (and laughing), I finally chose a soft sage green that tied together my earthy vibes.
Pro Tip: Test swatches on the wall before committing to a color. Seeing how the paint reacts to different lighting is a game-changer.
Furniture Rearrangement
We tackled furniture placement right after painting, following the sketches we brainstormed. Just shifting my couch closer to the window and angling my coffee table created a more open, inviting room.
Quick Win:
- Move bulky furniture pieces to free up pathways and create flow.
Accessorizing and Personal Touches
Accessories really brought it all home (pun intended). From grouping a trio of candles on the coffee table to layering textured blankets on my accent chair, these little changes made a big impact.
Post-Party Reflections
Lessons Learned
Hosting this party taught me so much about design, collaboration, and how small changes can have a big impact. Most importantly, I learned the value of fresh opinions. What seemed impossible to me as a homeowner came easily to a friend with a different perspective.
Unexpected Benefits
Other than the design glow-up, the party brought people closer together. Sharing creative energy and food with friends was a bonding experience I didn’t realize I needed.
Recommendations for Future Parties
Planning your own interior decorating party? Here’s what I recommend:
- Keep the atmosphere fun and collaborative, not overly formal.
- Be open to ideas but stay true to your style.
- Always have snacks. Hungry decor consultants aren’t as helpful.
Why You Should Host Your Own Decorating Party
Would I recommend hosting an interior decorating party? Absolutely. It’s more cost-effective, fun, and impactful than hiring a decorator. Plus, the memories and laughs you’ll share with friends as you transform your space are priceless.
So, are you ready to host your own interior decorating party? Grab a group of friends, sketch out your dream space, and turn your vision into reality. Trust me, your home will thank you.
