Stars & Stripes Inaugural Ball

Well, if you’re interested in celebrating Mr. Bush’s inauguration you have come to the right place. You can choose from this patriotic theme or check out our Texas theme or then again, why not mix the two?!

Saturday night, January 20th, Washington D.C. will be ablaze with party lights. The Texas Ball will probably be the biggest and the best…but it probably also costs more than $900 to attend. And chances are the only reason it will be the best will be because George W. will be there most of the time and it’s his home state. On the other hand, Florida may come in a very close second! I’m not sure whether they are hosting a ball or not…but if they are, George owes it to them to show, no?

On the other hand, if you are interested in celebrating for Mr. Gore because he won the popular vote, you can hold this mock-inaugural ball in his honor. Or if you are truly non-partisan, celebrate inauguration day with a party in honor of both! We won’t tell.

Anyway, if you are feeling patriotic (which is a great theme for any), we’ve come up with an idea or two we think you’ll enjoy.

Invitations

No matter what the theme, you should really go formal with this. Inaugural Ball invitations are usually printed on white cardstock and a formal print style is used. You can easily do it on your computer! Or, if you have some leftover July 4th invites, use those. Who’s to know?

Decorations

Easy enough. Red, white and blue. Now, there’s a concept!

Lining the edges of the driveway or sidewalk to your door, put red, white and blue pinwheels. At the door, put a sign with Uncle Sam attached that says, "We WANT You to HAVE A GOOD TIME!" As people enter, pass out skimmers and flag top hats (makes for great pix).

Cover the buffets with blue linens or plastic table covers and drape flag banners across the front. At your local party store, you can find flag lights—they are a great addition to bars, tables and doorways.

Hang red and blue stars from the ceiling anywhere and everywhere using fishing line. Mix in donkey and/or an elephant political party mascots (too cute in red, white and blue with tissue accents).

Fill, and I mean FILL, the room with red, white and blue balloons. Either put them in bouquets or just fill them with helium, add long ribbons, and let them float. A great look, I promise. On the windows, hang a US flag window shade (cool!).

Centerpieces can be American Flags or go all out and use patriotic skimmers with balloons coming out. Don’t forget red and blue star and/or flag confetti around the base.

And don’t forget to decorate yourself. There are some great patriotic vests you can use (especially if you plan to bartend!)…

Favors

Besides hats, you can distribute red glow jewelry, red, white and blue wrist streamers, inflatable flag-striped baseball caps and more. You can even use red stars for nametags as people enter…unless they all know each other. If they do, blow off the nametags.

Activities

Well, what do they do at an inaugural ball? Eat (very little), drink and be merry. They dance and dance some more and stand around and wait for the president-elect to show. You can do the same except don’t hold your breath. While your guests are waiting, why not start a trivia game about our new president? Did you know that he has two cats named India and Cowboy? Well, you do now!

Return to Bush Inaugural Balls and Galas

© Party411®