The Super Bowl has cemented its place in history as the most watched TV show and with good reason.  What’s not to love? Hilarious commercials (or at least we can hope for them), exciting football, and endless amounts of delicious appetizers, all enjoyed with your friends and family. If you’re hosting a Super Bowl party this year, here are 5 party ideas just for you:

1) Go Potluck. Don’t spread yourself too thin. Ask friends or family to each bring a dish or drinks. As the host, supply one of the main dishes, beer, and the serving utensils, plates, glassware, extra chairs etc.

2) Astro Turf Coasters. I love this idea. It’s simple and so clever. Here is the link: Astro Turf

3) Use Linen. Using table cloths is a great way to dress up your party without spending much more. Choose your favorite team’s colors or go with football/tailgate colors, such as green mixed with a fun black and white stripe overlay.

4) Football Cookies. I like this Pillsbury recipe because you know the dough will be delicious and that’s less time you have to spend in the kitchen (I’m all about saving time). Sugar Cookie Football Recipe

5)Use Pilsner Beer Glasses. Frosted pilsner glasses will definitely keep the men happy and you’ll be happy knowing they’re using your astro turf coasters!

I am especially excited about the Super Bowl this year, as Indianapolis is the proud host of Super Bowl XLVI.  If you have not visited the Super Bowl Village, I recommend you race downtown asap.  You do NOT want to miss this experience.  If you still prefer the subdued nature of your living room that’s fine too; I hope you find the above tips helpful for your party.

-Gina

You’ve probably heard the news by now… Tango Tangerine is Pantone’s color choice of the year. While this is a bold and vibrant choice, I must admit, I like it! It’s uplifting and fresh! However, we do not want you diving into a deep orange abyss. The bright tangerine does not need to be included in every aspect of your wedding nor do you need to try to stick to a specific shade of orange, it will only drive you crazy! Since you are already going bold, mix shades of orange through out your wedding to keep the look fresh.

Try an orange tie for the guys paired with a neutral dress for the girls and orange flowers. Or, orange floral arrangements with a neutral table linen, like an ivory or silver. Finding a rental table linen or napkin in this color might be hard to find, so don’t stress yourself out searching in your orange abyss to find it. Go a different direction. Too often brides get stuck on one idea and forget to jump outside the box. Nobody knew what your original idea was except you, so nobody will miss it! Or, you can click here to see A Classic’s version of the tangerine tango linen.

A little bit about how Pantone chooses the color each year…
Leatrice Eisman is Pantone’s Executive Directory who spearheads the Color of the Year project. Not only is she a color genius, but her psychology background is helpful too: “There’s a lot of homework that goes into it. But it’s also, what is it that people are needing? There are a lot of concerns out there and serious issues we are facing. Color, from a psychological standpoint, can be uplifting. We arrived at this particular orange because it’s hopeful and optimistic and also has sophistication.” We believe Leatrice is right. The electric color instantly uplifts you and what bride does not want her guests instantly (and subconsciously) hopeful and optimistic?!

visit Pantone’s Website to learn more.

Happy Planning,
Gina

Holiday Hours

December 30th- 9a.m. to 5p.m.
December 31st – Closed
January 1st & 2nd – Closed

After basking in the happiness of your engagement, for let’s face it – maybe a day, I’m sure you have started looking for reception and ceremony sites for the big day. Once you’ve chosen both sites, you need to start thinking about how your wedding is going to reflect your personal style, oh and your fiance’s. Are you the sparkly type? Vintage? DIY? Or glam? If you are not sure, browse through magazines and websites and save what you like. Once you have decided upon the look you want, it’s probably time to stop by A Classic to look at linens, chair covers, and chiavari chairs.

If you decide you need/want chair covers, satin self-tie chair covers are our newest addition to our chair cover collection AND we love them! They bring life to big open ballrooms, such as the Indiana Roof Ballroom or Crowne Plaza at Union Station. The chair covers do not need a sash, which make setting up the room a breeze…just knot and go.

Happy Planning!
Gina

As I have said before, and I’ll say it again, I love fall colors, but as I help people plan their holiday tablescapes, the same colors are chosen and paired again and again. This will not wow your family or friends nor will it leave an impression. Gold, brown, and lime are an interesting color palette choice…I have to admit. However, I wanted to show a table design that is outside the box and may push you to pair colors you may have never thought to pair, like lime green and gold. If you typically choose red with silver accents, try red and gold this year.

Don’t forget about the details. Notice the gold sunburst attached to the mahogany chiavari chair and how it adds an element of surprise to the table decor. If it is not in your budget to dress every chair, do every other one!

So, my challenge is… as you plan your holiday events, don’t get trapped in the same cliche color palettes. Dare to pair colors that you normally wouldn’t! What’s the worst that could happen? If you decide that it is just not for you, next year play it safe.

Many details may go overlooked when planning a tent event in Indianapolis or anywhere for that matter, simply because there are so many factors to consider. It’s important to discuss every detail with your event planner or representative at the tent rental company to ensure that nothing is forgotten, especially if this is your first time planning an event inside a tent.

Please note that we do not rent tents throughout the winter. All tent rentals will resume in April. However, for larger events it is ideal to begin planning ahead of time.

Here are 7 important tent atmosphere details to consider:

1. Tent Pole Drape Covers – This is an inexpensive way to dress up your tent without spending too much money.
2. Tent Water Barrel Covers – If your tent needed to be water barreled, tent water barrel covers are a necessity!
3. Tent Perimeter Lighting – If your event is in the evening, you will need lighting. Ask your party rental company what type of lighting your size tent will necessitate. Our perimeter lighting will work for tents up to about 40 x 40. If your tent is larger, you will need an extra lighting source. Try Evans Audio Visual
4. Tent Flooring – Tent flooring is only recommended for extremely large events, such as corporate galas or university graduations.
5. Tent heaters – If your event is in October through November, please consult your tent representative for the appropriate size heater. Indianapolis weather is too volatile to not consider heating options.
6. Fans- On the contrary, if your event is in the summer, fans will help circulate the air in a tent if you are using side walls. We can rent fans to you, or you can invest in a fan by purchasing from Costco, Wal-Mart, etc.
7. Drill & Fill Tent Filling – If your tent is was set up on the asphalt, tent hole filling will eliminate holes in the cement.

This past Spring and Summer, I have planned or helped plan several wedding showers, engagement parties, and bachelorette parties. Just when I thought I was finished, I somehow found myself planning yet another shower… It ‘s at the end of November, which challenged me at first. Is it Fall or Winter? Do pumpkins and orange palettes still work? So, I needed some new inspiration and something to get me excited again. I found my inspiration when I saw these pics on the Perfect Palette site.

The wedding shower will combine both Fall and Winter using a warm palette of neutrals, white, and browns. Burlap tablecloths provide a nice backdrop. Hot chocolate served in Irish Coffee Mugs at a station with doughnut holes, gourmet marshmallows from 240Sweet, chocolate and cinnamon sticks, and whipped cream. Mmm mmm mmm. Hot chocolate with all the extra goodies adds the sense of warmth we will definitely need in a few weeks. Also, stations give guests an activity and provide entertainment for events that have a reputation for being mundane (not that this shower will be!).

The mini coconut cupcakes are adorable and look delicious, but when the gust list for the shower is at 100 people, “mini” does not sound appealing to me. Instead of cupcakes, coconut cakes purchased at a local bakery seems convenient and will still add to the overall theme.

Coconut Cupcake Recipe By Barefoot Contessa

For the favor, candied pecans bagged, tied with a ribbon and a hole punched tag that says, “They’re nuts about each other. R & D 2|18|12.”

For centerpieces, small amber hurricanes or glass hurricanes surrounded by scented pine cones. Candlelight and cinnamon scented pine cones will finish the room and atmosphere.

And voila! Pictures to come…

Photos from The Perfect Palette

Fall is my favorite time of year! What’s not to love?….football season is in full swing, the trees are shades of burgundy, orange, and gold, and the weather is crisp and perfect. Not only is Fall a perfect time of year, you can get extra creative with the party favors. After a short questionnaire on Facebook, candied pecans was the overwhelming winner of our fans most wanted party favor with candy apples at a close second. So, the moral of the story is – if you are going to spend money on a party favor, you can’t go wrong with candy pecans or apples!

Here are links for brides who need to order in bulk, but of course we always recommend looking locally first…

Daffy Candy Apples

Beaucoup Wedding Favors

Nuts Online

After spending countless hours looking through wedding blogs, real wedding photos, and attending about 7 weddings this year, I truly believe the only way to create a memorable wedding is to focus on the details. Otherwise, it is just another ho hum wedding… and who would want that?! It does not cost too much money, maybe time, but not money. After all, your guest will be dedicating an entire day to your wedding, plus money for a gift, not to mention having possibly attended the shower, bachelorette, and/or engagement party.

Start with the ceremony, guests notice the details like walking down the aisle to a modern song rather than the traditional wedding march. Or, using an alternative to a ring pillow, like this vintage ring bearer box (pictured) is an awesome example of how a little bit of money and few hours hunting through antiques will leave you with just one more detail that your guests are sure to notice.

Pale Fall colors will always be in style. Yes, they are a safe choice, but classic and traditional at the same time. The neutrals can be used to decorate your home, at dinner parties, or a wedding. If you aren’t sold, use this palette as your base and add a splash of color like orange or terra cotta. Use maple syrup as a party favor or a small bright orange pumpkin. The possibilities are endless.

To use this palette at A Classic, our burlap or ivory linen will get you started. For your splash of color, try a terra cotta napkin.

Inspiration Board By: Postcards and Pretties