When you plan a party, which stage do you enjoy the most? Planning out the details can be stressful and time-consuming. Clean-up is depressing and tiring. Besides actually attending the party, most people would say they enjoy decorating for the party. The last item on your “My First Apartment Checklist” is to have fun decorating. Here are some suggestions for doing just that.
DO decide on a theme
When planning a party the first thing you do is decide on a theme. The theme sets the tone for the rest of the party. You wouldn’t use Halloween décor at a Hawaiian Luau pool party (that would just be scary!) and you wouldn’t use birthday decorations at an anniversary party. The same is true for your first apartment.
Maybe you're a minimalist who likes modern art. Maybe your main color is red. Or maybe you are grateful to just have furniture given to you from friends and family, so you’re going for more of an eclectic theme. Whatever your style is the look and feel of your first apartment should be something you want to come home too.
DON’T get carried away
Planning a party can be exciting especially when you start brainstorming ideas. For example, if you’re having a Hollywood-themed party, it would be easy to roll out a red carpet, rent a spotlight, hire paparazzi, book limousines, rent an entire movie theater, and promise that Tom Cruise himself was going to make an appearance.
When decorating your first apartment, it’s easy to get lost in the details and want everything to be just perfect. It’s okay if your dining room table doesn’t match your sofa or even have matching chairs. Maybe you can pass on the wall art and end tables for now, and instead use the framed pictures of friends you already have.
DO research ideas
The best place to find tips and tricks for decorating is online. Pinterest is the best place ever to get ideas for both parties and apartment decorating because you can create a pin board titled “Decorating My First Apartment” and save all the cool ideas you find. Some ideas you can use now and some you can save for later. You might even find that you like colors and styles you’ve never even considered before.
DON’T be afraid of a bargain
Since this is your first apartment, you’re no doubt on a budget. Be willing to visit local thrift stores and yard sales to see what treasures you can find. Some items can be restored beautifully with a little sanding, primer and chalk paint. Plus, you’ll be totally rocking the vintage shabby-chic look. Some of the best party decorations are found at the dollar store. While you probably won’t find furniture for your apartment at the dollar store, places like Walmart, Target, and IKEA offer some great deals.
If you’ve ever planned a party you know how much effort goes into making it a good time. It’s important for a planner in the midst of the celebration to take a look around and enjoy the festivities too. Once you have decorated to your heart’s content, be sure to take a step back and think to yourself “wow, I did a phenomenal job decorating my first apartment.” Then, plan a housewarming party and enjoy your newly decorated living space!
Still unsure exactly what you should do with your new apartment? Don't fret! We have the perfect eBook for you to use, even if you've been in your apartment for a little while. Find out the 13 Things you should've down immediately after you moved in!
