Baseball themed centerpieces are one of the most popular types of centerpiece requests we receive year round. Several centerpiece bases or variations are available, although a square base is the most popular. A wide assortment of embellishments is available to further decorate the centerpiece and further support the baseball theme.
Most of our baseball centerpieces start with a square Styrofoam® base. The square represents the diamond figure of a normal baseball infield. A lot of times we cover square base with colored metallic paper. You can also add a terrific enhancement by covering the base with a piece of green indoor/outdoor carpeting. It is a little more difficult to work than metallic papers but it is quite striking and almost looks like real grass.
The indoor/outdoor carpeting is readily available in home improvement stores. It can be purchased off rolls and cut to various lengths. It generally comes nine (9') wide but is sometimes available in remnants.
We cut a carpet square somewhat larger than the Styrofoam® base to properly cover it. Low temperature glue is used to secure the carpet to the base. (Note: Do not use high temperature glue since it melts the Styrofoam®.) Trim the excess off with a sharp scissors.
Next we cut out small white cardboard squares for first, second, and third bases, and the traditional home plate design. These are glued onto the carpeting, again with low temperature glue. We might add small baseball figures in two separate colors to represent the baseball players. These are available from toy and hobby stores and occasionally dollar stores. Sports ribbon is available to cover the sides of the base.
Other decorations you can use include small plastic bats and balls, pop cans, pop corn boxes, carmel corn boxes, fake hot dogs, peanut bags, trophies, candy, fake cotton candy etc. We have used real baseball caps, gloves, pennants (both large and small), baseball cards, etc. Even full sized jerseys can be used on larger centerpieces. Beer cans can be added for an adult party.
In addition, there are 12" baseball figures available, or you can cut profiles of caps or gloves from pieces of Styrofoam® and paint or even glitter them. All of these items can be attached to wooden dowels or plastic picks to add height and bring them above the simulated playing field. (Note: If you use the indoor/outdoor carpet since the backing has a rubber base, you will need a sharp, pointed hobby knife to penetrate it.)
Have fun putting your baseball centerpieces together. Use these ideas and your imagination to find other interesting variations on this great theme table decoration. If needed for place card settings, use player or team names or even baseball stadiums.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Decorate Your DIY Baseball Theme Table Centerpieces with Common Items or Easy to Make Enhancements
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Consider Going "Green" For Your Bar, Bat Mitzvah Or Other Event - Table Centerpieces And Decorations
Some families have gone away from disposable items to decorate their Bar and Bat Mitzvah events. Instead they choose to donate centerpiece items to charities and worthy causes. Gift baskets filled with donation items are another alternative for both Bemah (raised platform in a Synagogue) baskets and centerpieces.
Our daughter was a Bat Mitzvah in 1993. I bought some dolls and crocheted outfits for each one of them. Every one had a different colored dress and hat. We used them as table centerpiece decorations, as well as associated place cards for seating our guests. We placed a small note on each table telling our plans to donate the centerpieces and asking that they be left in place.
PARTY DECORATIONS
Shortly after the party we brought the dolls to a local children's hospital. The girls were delighted to receive the dolls as presents. The joy of the party celebration ran over to the recipients and to us as well.
I do not suggest you spend two years making doll outfits as I did. However, here are some product ideas which can be donated to use on your centerpieces. You can also consider gift baskets in place of flowers to decorate the Bemah at your service or as a centerpiece.
Food is always a popular consideration for your table centerpieces and Bemah baskets as well, especially in these days. Food pantries accept donations of long life shelf items such as canned goods - fruits, vegetables, meats, milks, juices, etc. Paper (facial, toilet tissue and towels) goods, boxed cereals, rice, and noodles are also accepted. Baby formula, diapers, baby food, and other infant products are also a consideration.
You might contact the local food pantry or nearby charitable agency to determine current needs before you decide. My husband volunteered for several years at a food pantry and there are times when they run short of certain items, and other times when they are inundated.
Other items we have used in either centerpieces or Bemah baskets, or you might consider include stuffed animals, books, CDs and DVDs, crayons, coloring books, and other art items. Board games and puzzles as well as electronic games, bats, balls and baseball gloves, footballs and soccer balls, as well as other sporting equipment can also be used.
Going "green" is a popular ecological movement nowadays. To us it means doing things that are of benefit to the earth and mankind. This movement has been afloat in the Bar and Bat Mitzvah scene for a while. Perhaps it will fit into your party planning plans as well.
Consider Going "Green" For Your Bar, Bat Mitzvah Or Other Event - Table Centerpieces And Decorations PARTY DECORATIONSThursday, September 1, 2011
Decor For Your Themed Party - It's About More Than Just Centerpieces
I have come across many people over the years that tell me they are going to host a themed party or event. I ask what type of decorations they will use and, invariably, they tell me all about their centerpieces... and not much more.
The purpose of a themed party or event is to transport your guests to another place or time -- for the illusion to become their reality for a short time. To accomplish this, you have to think about more than just centerpieces. Yes, they are an important piece but by themselves they won't transport anyone into your theme.
PARTY DECORATIONS
A theme (i.e. Victorian, Tropical, Vegas, Country Garden, Western, etc...) should trigger visions, moods and feelings in your mind as soon as you say it or write it. If it doesn't, pick another theme. You need to be vested in the theme in order to decorate for it.
Search those triggered visions, moods and feelings and write a list of the items that come to mind. Free association can be a tremendous help when planning decor. For instance, some of the things a "Tropical" theme brings to mind for me include:
beach/sand palm trees ocean/waves bright colors (i.e. hot pink, yellow, lime green, orange, royal blue, etc...) salt air, floral smells a dock an island with a waterfall carefree, relaxed coconuts, bananas, mangos, pineapples, papaya grass huts with thatched roofs hula skirts/dancers Tropical flowers
Creating vignettes (small themed areas) is a lot of fun and great way to build your theme ambience for your guests. Use dead areas of your venue as an opportunity to be creative with a themed vignette. For example: a hallway, atrium, corner of the room, foyer, etc... Build vignettes around a "must-have" item in your event like: an escort card table, food area, bar area, auction tables, photo area, stage, etc...
There are tons of resources online and locally that you can use in creating your vision. Don't get stuck in just the party store either. Home improvement stores, discount superstores, thrift shops and garage sales can supply the perfect item you need! Build things, order kits, murals and lighting. All these things combined can make your theme come to life.
Plan your theme as a Hollywood set designer would plan scenery. Props and scenes are built to take film watchers along on the ride. Involve, entertain and transport your guests into your theme!
Decor For Your Themed Party - It's About More Than Just Centerpieces PARTY DECORATIONS