2011 New Beginnings

This past Wednesday we had our YW New Beginnings. I don't know why but for some reason, this year, I was having a mental block. I had NO IDEAS when it came to themes, invites, decorations, refreshments or handouts. The more I thought about it, the more frustrated I got. Usually I have some theme that I have found months before the "big event" and have had time to brainstorm thoughts/ideas about that theme. This year...I HAD NOTHING!! After we met together as a presidency, we had come up with a theme..."More Priceless than Rubies." I thought it had great potential but still, the wheels were not turning. I wasn't to worried because I had 2-3 weeks to think about it before the event. Natalie was in charge the refreshments. Tina was in charge of the program. I was put in charge of the decorations. Which, if you know me, you know is my favorite part of ANY event.
After weeks of thinking about decor ideas for this theme...I still had NO IDEAS 3 days prior to our New Beginnings and I was finally starting to panic. Until I talked to a friend of mine and she gave me the idea to decorate in an "Arabian Nights" theme. YES!!! Why didn't I think of that?? It was perfect and would tie into the "More Priceless than Rubies" theme perfectly. SO THAT WAS IT!! I took the idea and ran with it. I had 2 days to collect decorations and buy the remaining supplies that I needed.
We all met at the church on Wednesday morning to set up our stuff and here's how it turned out...

Front table for the speakers

To the right of the front table. We used this gorgeous screen to hide the ugly piano.

To the left of the front table

Dessert serving table. We made red velvet cupcakes in foil liners and topped each one with a gem.

Water table and entrance area.

Table between the entrance doors for programs.

 I turned out FABULOUS!! I couldn't have done it without the help of the other YW leaders and also my friends Emily & Holly who came to help with set-up. It really was impressive...I don't say that to gloat...But it didn't look like a RS room when we got it all done.
For hand outs, I made each of the girls a beaded bookmark, which also tied into our "Rubies" theme. They are fairly easy to make and the girls can use them for their scriptures or PP books. The trick with the bookmarks is to tie them up cute with a cute label on them.