Creative Women’s Holiday : Novi Town Center Edit. This post is sponsored by Novi Town Center. For more about NTC go HERE.
Ok ladies and gents. Tuck in because this is probably my favorite blog post EVER!!
Today on Curls and Contours I am bringing you into my home and sharing how I planned and put together a “Creative Women’s Holiday Party” by shopping at Novi Town Center. Everything from my outfit to the food was picked up at Novi Town Center, positioning this mall NOT ONLY as Michigan’s Size Inclusive Mall but also as truly a one stop shop for everything you might need for the holidays. But before I start to gush, I want to take you back to the beginning, when Liz (With Wonder and Whimsy) and I started dreaming up ways to draw Novi Town Center into our holiday posts, we have talked about the center as a fashion destination, a place to get the perfect gift, the mall to find all the fall fashions and so much more. What we had never talked about was how the diversity of shops within NTC made it an easy place to get everything for a party! This idea is probably the biggest one we have ever tackled with NTC and for me nerve racking. I would be bringing my blogger gal pals, and all of you into my little cobblestone home. AHHH. Luckily I had the support of my very best friend, Liz was there to help me whenever I needed it.
Blog Post Break Down
We are starting with outfits, then jumping into decor, take home gifts, and ending with food! So if you have a specific interest in one aspect of the party feel free to hop around the post! Included in this blog is some party planning and hosting tips I have picked up over the years.
What We Wore
Liz and I took over the Novi Town Center Instagram the day we shopped for the party, its all in their highlights so you can go and watch! We each wanted to wear something special for this holiday event and you can read more about the Torrid outfit Liz picked out by going to her blog With Wonder and Whimsy.
I shopped at Lane Bryant for this “Girl With Curves Pleated Lace Dress” I wanted to wear something that was dressier(you know I am the hostess) but also comfortable! I love how this dress looks high end but is also super comfortable for entertaining. I styled this dress with my most comfortable heel and some hoop earrings I picked up at Charming Charlie at Novi Town Center. The ladies at the Novi Town Center Lane Bryant are ALWAYS ALWAYS so helpful and interested in whatever I am shopping for. I often stop into this store to shop alone, and I feel like I can come out of the fitting room and get opinions and really work with the sales associates.
All of the clothing stores at Novi Town Center offer plus size clothing, either the store entirely or they have a section. Its great to have the inclusivity and the ability to go in and out of multiple stores to shop!
Hosting Tip
I have found that I need to be comfortable when I am busy entertaining and hosting. BUT at the same time as the hostess your outfit can set the tone for the whole evening. Go for comfortable silhouettes in elevated fabrics, like this lace pleated dress. AND always wear your most comfortable heels!!
How We Decorated
When Liz and I were planning for this party we knew immediately that we wanted to seat everyone in my long and skinny sunroom. This space features exposed stone, 20+ windows and hardwood floor. Usually the sunroom is a place I keep my plants, and have some cottage style furniture. But for the holiday party we brought in a banquet table, chevari charts and some bistro lights(from Hobby Lobby at NTC).
We shopped exclusively at Hobby Lobby to build out this tablescape. And our vision came perfectly to life. We started with white and ivory linens, and then layered butcher paper(craft paper) over the top, from there we added candles, rustic bud vases, faux gourds and woody elements. We wanted the decor to be a mix of both harvest and winter, I worked to bring out those elements by playing up the pumpkins and adding in some faux fur trees. During our IG takeover I fell in love with these tin houses and added them in to increase the cozy winter vibe.
One of the benefits of shopping IN PERSON is being able to handle different parts of the decor and actually see what is going to work well together. The Novi Town Center Hobby Lobby is spacious so we actually ended up utilizing a table in the store to set things out and see how they worked together.
For a personal touch, I used my hand lettering/calligraphy skills to add each attendess name to their place settings. The old and new vibe of my home was continued through the pottery(new) and the flatware(antique).
Hosting Tip
The best types of party decor feel organic to the home they are in. Consider the theme and overall vibe of your home when planning your decor. When it all goes together, your everyday decorations become party decor and vice versa. This easy trick is one that I have followed for years. Always consider your venue FIRST.
Gifts We Gave
I love shopping at Novi Town Center for everything, and truly you can see how NTC can provide so much when it comes to planning a party. Something that we wanted to make sure to include for each of our guests is little gifts from NTC, and WHAT does every girl love during the cooler months? Blanket scarves and holiday candles! The Novi Town Center Charming Charlie has such a huge selection of scarves to choose from AND who doesn’t love a Bath and Body Works 3 wick candle. Seriously.
The “Gift table” was actually my real dining room table, which is almost ALMOST a vintage piece. My parents bought it in the 80’s and when we moved into this home it found its perfect place. My home was originally built in 1875, and then completely renovated in the early 2000’s. When Keith and I moved in we completed the renovation by redoing the kitchen. The concept of “Old and New” really resonates with me and this home, we try to have that play out in all aspects. From handmade items, to almost vintage pieces my home is a reflection of its history and future.
Hosting Tip
From showers, to dinner parties. Ladies love a little present! If you can plan up something for each of your guests to keep and take home! The BEST little gifts are on theme with your evening.
Food We Served
One of the best, and I mean it BEST aspects of Novi Town Center is the diverse group of restaurants that occupy the space. There is everything from fast casual to high end steak restaurants. When we were concepting this event having delicious and holiday themed food was one of our first ideas. We got all of the food from Honey Baked Ham and The Big Salad, and Nothing Bundt Cakes located at Novi Town Center.
We served a harvest inspired Sangria, had wine and sparkling water for those babes that didn’t want any alcohol.
From Honey Baked Ham we ordered the Ham(obviously), Sweet Potato’s, Mac and Cheese and the Green Bean Casserole. We got the California salad and rolls from The Big Salad and for dessert we had Carrot Nothing Bundt Cake, and a variety of Bundtinnis.
Ordering the food was easy and fast, then on the day of the event everything was ready and waiting to be picked up and warmed up(if needed). My favorite part of the food ordering process was taste testing the bundt cakes lol. This time saver made it easier to really invest in the decor AND saved time once the party had started! More time to chat and catch up with all of the creative babes!
Is it even a holiday party if you don’t have these essential foods? lol
Hosting Tip
When selecting and inviting guests make sure to take note of any dietary restrictions! Its best to have a menu with a varied selection of food, it can be as simple as leaving the cheese off the salad. These small changes customize the menu and your guests are SO grateful!
I hope you enjoyed this little(big) peak into my home! It was such a pleasure having so many creative women here for the party AND it was so easy planning an event because I had a one stop shop like Novi Town Center in my area!
Thank you Novi Town Center for Sponsoring this fantastic “Creative Women’s Holiday Event!”
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