Well, this party is automatic, it's systematic, it's hydromatic; why it's Greased Lightning!
Last weekend, on Father's Day, Carmelina and I through a Greased Lightning party. With my birthday, the Friday before and mom's the week after, the reasons to celebrate were so overwhelming they were hard to ignore. Especially since, now, more than ever, we need to rejoice in the little things in life. With all the tragic events happening in the world, filling our feeds and minds with doubt, pausing to remember the positive is so important. Birthdays, milestones and holidays remind us that life is continuing even with such uncertainties present.
It is that very positive energy that a party brings, which makes throwing one so worthwhile. The feeling of accomplishment that comes from seeing the smiles on your guests' faces, as they take comfort in being with one another. Of course, it's not the decorations they will remember or even the food, it's the experience they had that will stay with them forever. How they laughed so hard that they spilled wine on their new dress and didn't even notice. The way they danced without a care, as they sang along to the song that was playing when they didn't know the words. The feeling of joy so visible on their faces. The way how everyone feels at ease. Knowing that you created that bliss is an exhilarating feeling because after all the hard work, seeing your guests enjoying themselves is the greatest reward.
In our video, Carmelina and I explain how we incorporated the 50s into an average movie night to make the day extra special. Watch the video here or on our YouTube channel. Comment on any suggestions to improve the theme or different party ideas you'd like to see Carm, and I tackle!
Carmelina and I started planning the party the week before. Knowing that we wanted to move forward with the Greased Lightning theme, we first headed to the dollar store, seeking inspiration and value deals. My sister and I learnt the hard way to start the search by thrifting, having spent significant amounts of money at Micheal's craft store in the past, only to go to Dollar Tree later and see a similarly styled party banner. At the dollar store, we were able to purchase the confections required to set up a concession stand, checkered placemats, diner-style severing baskets, napkins condiment cups and liners, as well as paper flowers and garland.
After purchasing the necessities, Carmelina and I scavenged the house for additional props we could tie into the tablescape. Carmelina found ice-cream cone-shaped candy bowls and diner-style glasses stored away in the basement. In the kitchen, we found several appliances that matched the diner setting, including Salton's popcorn maker, a novelty slushie machine and a hot dog toaster, both branding the Coca Cola logo. We used a leather jacket and cat-eye sunglasses, resembling pieces worn in the movie, in replace of photo props. I pulled out my recorded player to stage on top of the table. Lastly, to add to the backdrop, we used a framed chalkboard for which Carmelina wrote the evening's menu in 50s pricing.
It's wasn't until the day of the party that Carmelina and I decided to go to Party City. Having set the backdrop and table, we felt something was missing to really unite the two together. While searching the isles at the store, Carmelina spotted red and white paper lanterns that match what we had purchased from the Dollar Tree. Hanging the paper lanterns behind the table blended the colour palette perfectly to make the whole room feel coordinated.
Once the decorations were set and our guests arrived, we started serving dinner. We wanted to keep the menu to diner food, which included corn dogs, french fries and onion rings as well as cut veggies. Mom made the corn dogs from scratch and we'll leave you the recipe card here.
I swear for a moment the party was pure magic. My aunt and I were dancing to La Bamba teasing Micheal to dance with us, Carmelina filming us, Melissa and mom off to the side trying to disguise their laughter. I cherish those moments the most, the ones for which not a single thought is running through my mind, and all I have is to be caught up in the present. Overall, I think the party was a complete success. Danny and Sandy would've cut a rug!
For the S + C family, Carmelina and I crafted a compilation of 50s classics, soundtrack originals, and 2000s tunes that fit the theme. So you can dance along with us by listening to S+C's "Summer Lovin'" playlist here on our website or stream the playlist on Spotify. I hope you can capture some of the magic I did that night!
Sincerely,
Sara
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