Informal

Glamour and elegance can be delightful, but for some party planners, it’s far more fun to go with flip-flops than wingtips. Informal events, whether held at home, a pizza joint, or even on a cruise around one of the area’s lakes, can deliver the sugar smack of summertime.

Although informal events can be glitzed up with elements like wine tasting or posh food, in general they have a comfortable feel that puts the focus on lively music, plenty of laughter, and maybe a Hawaiian lei or two.

“When it comes to throwing a really great party, what beats being on the water?” asks John Lambin, co-owner of the Queen of Excelsior boats, two yachts that have been designed and built with parties in mind. Each has the capacity for a sitdown dinner, sun decks, and in-house (or rather, onboard) catering. Admitting a bit of a bias when it comes to middle-of-Minnetonka parties, Lambin does believe that boat-based events convey a sense of fun before even leaving the dock.

“We live in Minnesota. How can you not appreciate being on a lake?” he says. “People remember functions that are on boats; they’re just a great time.”

The benefit of a venue like the Queen line is that the boats can be transformed into whatever the hosts desire. Like tofu or sponge cake, the flavor is all in what’s added to it. “You can go from really informal to lavish,” Lambin says. “We’ve had elegant events with tuxedos, and we’ve had people who just want to hit the disco and drink piña coladas.”

Another zesty option for an informal party is a venue that promises plenty of jaunty activity, and what’s more rife with high fives, embarrassing moments, and unquestionably fashionable footwear than bowling? At places like Park Tavern in St. Louis Park, hosts can rent out a block of lanes, or even the whole joint, and celebrate special occasions with suds, pizza, and strikes.

Able to accommodate up to four hundred guests, Park Tavern also has karaoke, pool tables, video games, and “sports viewing packages,” so if anyone would like to dare blending a wedding reception with a fantasy football draft, this is the place. And the in-house catering corps is happy to whip up a variety of foodstuffs, including a “Big Easy” buffet with Cajun cornbread, gumbo, and andouille sausage.

Invitations for informal events are often an anything-goes kind of look, geared toward the event but also showing an ample helping of humor, says Papeterie’s Harrison. She’s even seen an exquisitely fancy and elaborate invitation to a barbeque, done to poke fun at upscale soirees.

In addition to activity-based events like cruising or bowling, at-home parties create an informal feel and let hosts deck out their dining rooms or backyards in a range of styles, from warm, no-place-like-home decor to somewhat swanky surroundings.

For example, HomeGoods, with locations in St. Louis Park, Roseville, Plymouth, Eden Prairie, and Burnsville, has a wicker bistro table-and-chairs set with bright, patterned chair cushions to add style and comfort to a backyard get-together. For a hip way to keep the drinks cool, the store also offers a tall, vintage-inspired red cooler.

Much like the decor, food can run the gamut from mouth-watering barbecue, artfully whipped up by Famous Dave’s catering (which has several metro locations) to a fabulous Greek feast provided by Christos of St. Paul and Minneapolis. Or, hosts can tweak their level of humble elegance through a caterer like Simple to Grand, part of the Lunds and Byerly’s family, which stays true to its name by providing everything from party platters to elaborate buffets.

For those who want to introduce a bit of posh spice into an informal affair, wine tastings have become a popular option, says Kris Igo of France 44 in Minneapolis. “Bringing in a wine and food pairing component can be really fun and memorable,” she says. “You could pair up sparkling wines and dessert, for example, or have a wine expert give a presentation about what the guests will be drinking with dinner.”

Another option, Igo says, is to play off a regional theme and throw Spanish wine together with tapas or complement Italian fare with Chianti or Barbera.

Hosts can play amateur sommeliers by stocking up at stores that feature a wide selection of carefully chosen wines, such as Chicago Lake Liquors in Minneapolis, and creating their own regional flair.

Flowers, too, can set the scene in a home as much as they can in a ballroom or rented space. However, it’s usually best to choose arrangements that pair well with the look of the house even more than fitting the theme of a party. For a home filled with antiques and dark wood, for example, edgy or funky designs might not feel quite right, says Wisteria Design Studio’s Toscano.

“You don’t want flowers to look like they don’t belong in the setting,” he says. “At the same time, they should stand out. There’s no point in creating an arrangement that doesn’t knock your socks off.”

Just like the blooms, music should be tailored to fit a house. Having a multi-piece band in a rambler can feel pretty claustrophobic and inspire conversation a bit too rife with cries of “What?!” But the size of the band is really the only restriction,. Matching the food, décor, and venue, music can encompass an array of styles, from rock and roll to jazz to karaoke.

Whether an informal event goes upscale with vino and cheese, or pursues hilarity through bowling contests and country-themed karaoke, planning a night of comfortable fun can throw a bit of summer swing into any party.

The Favors
CorAzoN, a paper, art, gift, and home store carries several informal party favors. Here are some examples:
• Perfect for a bridal shower, these Colorful Switch Rings can be pulled apart and put back together in different color schemes. Switch colors with your friends, too, for maximum possibilities. $4.95
• A set of three votive candles  is a great gift on its own, or, to save money, split it up and give each guest a single candle. $28.95 CorAzoN, 204 Washington Ave. N., 612-333-1662

The Jewels
Jewelry is rarely just an accessory—it marks moments and people that have come through your life. The same goes for every event. For men, a watch is a great opportunity to look for fashion and function. Helain Pesis of Continental Diamond recommends the Ebel Classic. It comes in many looks, including stainless steel, two-tone, and gold. Continental Diamond, 1600 Utica Ave. S., Ste. 130, St. Louis Park, 952-593-5602