See this party featured HERE by the high priestess of all all things party herself, Amy Atlas! I am so honored to have been featured on Sweet Designs, I can't even say.
Sherlock Party dessert table. Photo: Stella Dolce Photography. |
We've explored a few pun-ny themes for our parties (VOL-lywood, CarniVol), but a couple years ago, we decided to stick with book-based themes. We are a library, after all. This year's party was inspired by the great Sherlock Holmes.
Invitation made in MS Publisher with Picaboo free background and Sherlock font. |
You should know that I love Sherlock Holmes. I'm currently rereading The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes on my Kindle (and listening to these fantastic audiobook recordings by Ruth Golding). I love most modern incarnations of Holmes, too. ABC's Elementary is part of our regular TV rotation at home, and my husband and I are on pins and needles for the return of the BBC's Sherlock. In the UK, Sherlock returns on January 1; while here in the states, we have to wait just a little bit longer--January 14th. Luckily, that's plenty of time for you to plan your own Sherlock Soiree. Any or all of the ideas from this party would be perfect for your at-home viewing party to celebrate the return of Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman to 221B Baker Street.
The party was in a large conference room, and I wanted something to fill the vertical space. I planned to hang large decorations from the light fixtures, and magnifying glasses seemed like the obvious choice. I made these with embroidery and quilting hoops, wooden dowels, and a little spray paint (tutorial to come soon!). These were a little tricky to capture in photos, but they added visual interest in person.
Photo: Stella Dolce Photography |
Photo: Stella Dolce Photography |
One of many centerpieces: assorted Sherlock-related items on men's suiting fabric table runner. Photo: Stella Dolce Photography. |
Centerpieces and props. Photos: Stella Dolce Photography. |
Photo: Dipti Vaidya. |
Photo: Stella Dolce Photography. |
On to the dessert table, the centerpiece of any party!
Photos: Stella Dolce Photography. |
- Mounds of the Baskervilles
- Elementary, My Dear Waffles
- Licorice Pipes
- Sherlock Cake Pops
- Fingerprint Cookies
- A Study in Scarlet red velvet cupcakes
Photo: Stella Dolce Photography |
For entertainment, the staff (including yours truly) performed a very silly murder mystery, interspersed with our usual volunteer awards. I had to write the script myself, as I had a hard time finding anything pre-written that would fit our needs. I'm happy to share it, if you are in an oddly similar situation (volunteer coordinator, library worker) and it would help you. Just let me know!
The library's Associate Director for Branch Services is "murdered" and carted off by our our Teen Services Librarian. Photo: Dipti Vaidya. |
Two members of our panel of suspects present their defense/alibis. Photo: Dipti Vaidya. |
My coworker Ryan and I award some of our amazing volunteers while wearing goofy hats. |
We had a wonderful time, and I have no idea how we will top it next year. But for right now, I'll let myself be excited for the premiere of Sherlock: Series 3, in just a few days. Happy New Year, everyone!
Credits and thanks to our generous donors:
Photography: Stella Dolce Photography, except where Dipti Vaidya is credited. Thank you, ladies!
Cake pops and cupcakes: donated by Nashville Sweets. Thank you for supporting our volunteers!
Cookies and other assorted desserts: donated by Whole Foods Green Hills.
Waffle cookies: purchased at Trader Joe's
Licorice pipes: Amazon.com
Notebook favors: Branders.com
Suiting fabric: Hobby Lobby
Coffee: donated by Provence Breads
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This is so cool! Awesome party concept! :)
ReplyDeleteThis party looks amazing! I am directing an English language camp called 'The Epic Adventure' in Bulgaria this summer, and our theme will include a different story every day. One day is Sherlock day, and I'd love to see your script to possibly use for a murder mystery. If it's possibly, please send it to karajoy@ya.ru. Thanks, I appreciate it so much!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great idea! I'm on our local library board and we are wanting to do the same concept! I would love to see your murder mystery script if possible. Please email to jennlynnpa@hotmail.com Thank you so much in advance!
ReplyDeleteYou did an awesome job here! I would love to borrow your script for the same concept. Email to Lucy.hales@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteTHANKYOU so much!
Can you send me your Sherlock script? I'm doing a party in 2 days and my primary game fell through. aieastland@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteThis is an excellent idea. We are small library but I think we could do this. May I please have a copy of your script? Thank you for any help you may give us.
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