It’s all wigs, wine, and Wonder Woman costumes as Alysse Bryson, Libby Sundgren, and the Fun Table crew dive into the highs and hilarities of theme parties! The gang tackles the eternal question: are theme events a fabulous treat or a stressful trick? With stories of Tony Danza extravaganzas, Seattle’s unique dress codes, and tips for making everyone feel included (costume closet or not), this episode is packed with laughter, practical wisdom, and a dash of glitter. Walk away with fresh ideas to up your event game and new confidence for your next invite — no matter how wild the theme!
Resources Mentioned:
- Meet The Fun Table: Kristin Graham, Amy Liz Harrison, Dele Downs Kooley, Sarah Caples Noble
- Alysse & Libby: Bios & LinkedIn
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BEATS WORKING is a platform on a mission to redeem work—the word, the place, and the way. We believe that work is the most honorable act in the universe, and through inspiring stories and practical insights, we want to transform the way people think about work and help them discover greater fulfillment in their lives. We invite you to join us as we build community through sharing and actively demonstrating what we learn.
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Transcript
The following transcript is not certified. Although the transcription is largely accurate, in some cases it is incomplete or inaccurate due to inaudible passages or transcription errors. The information contained within this document is for general information purposes only.
Amy Liz Harrison [00:00:00]:
And I kind of really dig that now. But it threw me off in the early days because I just kind of was like, why are people in shorts at a gala? I mean, not a ton of people, but there are always a handful, right? My husband is, he is an airline executive. We are always at these fancy, fancy things and it really took the pressure off of me to be able to know someone’s going to be there in shorts. It really doesn’t matter what I wear because at the end of the day I think for women especially like, I mean a dude, it’s I’ll ask Andrew, what are you wearing to this thing? And he’ll go, a button down shirt and pants. And I’m like, yeah, because you’re a dude, what else are you going to wear? Halter top and a tube skirt.
Sarah Caples Noble [00:00:48]:
And pants.
Amy Liz Harrison [00:00:50]:
But for women, they’re given an instruction like smart casual at some of these things. Well, what the, what is that? Like, what does that mean? So I do love that vibe about Seattle is that you’re always going to find someone in shorts, so you’re probably okay.
Alysse Bryson [00:01:06]:
Welcome to Beats Working Winning the Game of Events where we share stories and strategies to turn any event or life moment into something unforgettable.
Libby Sundgren [00:01:15]:
Events are wild and the people who work in them are some of the most resilient humans on earth. If you know, you know.
Alysse Bryson [00:01:23]:
So come with us behind the curtain for a look at their most memorable experiences.
Libby Sundgren [00:01:28]:
As they say, the show must go on. So let’s get on with the show.
Alysse Bryson [00:01:39]:
Wigs, wine and Wonder Woman costumes, this episode dives headfirst into the glitter covered glory and chaos of theme parties. Do you love them? Do you hate them? For the next level creativity to cringe worthy execution, the Fun Table crew tackles the question, are themed events a delight or a disaster waiting to happen? Whether you’re a fan of full on costume commitment or prefer subtle vibes and strong cocktails, this chat explores the highs and the lows and hilarious in betweens of going themed. Welcome to the show everyone. I am excited to introduce everybody at the Fun table. But of course I’ll start first with my sidekick and work wife for life and co host Libby Sundgren.
Libby Sundgren [00:02:29]:
Libby Sundgren Beats Working events co host, lifelong event planner, Christmas party hoster and up until Covid theme party costume hoarder. So that’s my bio.
Alysse Bryson [00:02:47]:
I’m into it.
Libby Sundgren [00:02:48]:
Sarah.
Sarah Caples Noble [00:02:49]:
Well, mine’s kind of messy. I started a non profit music festival and street fair in my late 20s. In the 90s, that was my first event experience and it was, you know, I kind of just took on something too big for me and learned a lot of things the hard way. And the next thing on my bio is I was a board member of Providence O Christmas Trees and their fundraising is a three day extravaganza that revolves all around Christmas trees the day after Thanksgiving and talk about theme and then during hosting smaller parties and events. And I just recently, I work for a farrier company with my husband and we just recently launched a new company called Noble Media and Events. And those events are actually not the fun, exciting theme party kind of thing we’re talking about here, but they’re really largely for facilitating conferences and clinics for people in the horse industry. So I will be doing a lot of that.
Libby Sundgren [00:03:55]:
I love it. Who’s next to you?
Sarah Caples Noble [00:03:58]:
Amy.
Amy Liz Harrison [00:03:59]:
Hi, I’m Amy Liz Harrison. And kind of my whole life is sort of an event. I’ve got eight kids and so going to the doctor’s office kind of becomes an event. And also I spent a decade as the PTA president, lots of events there. And I, too, Libby, have a costume closet. And I’m definitely a hoarder. So there it is. Hashtag, we are one and we’re not.
Alysse Bryson [00:04:33]:
But yeah, birds of a feather stick together. Kristen, I see the glimmer of your crown.
Kristin Graham [00:04:41]:
Is it noticeable? Hold on, I’m parched.
Amy Liz Harrison [00:04:43]:
Oh.
Kristin Graham [00:04:45]:
So. Hi.
Libby Sundgren [00:04:46]:
The accessories.
Sarah Caples Noble [00:04:48]:
It’s.
Kristin Graham [00:04:49]:
This is my everyday. So I am Kristin Graham. I spent over 20 years in corporate America doing lots of events around the world. It’s not an event if the technology doesn’t work in Korea. And also, like Amy said, have done a lot of the PTAs and philanthropies. I was on nonprofit boards. I’m a mama, but I don’t have closets that I hoard. I go over to Elise’s house and I just borrow stuff from her because I have been surrounded by brothers and sons.
Kristin Graham [00:05:22]:
So I have to go to these people here to even know what girl looks like.
Alysse Bryson [00:05:26]:
And deli, queen of monogramming, what about you?
Dele Downs Kooley [00:05:30]:
If it’s not moving, you do need to monogram it. I’m Deli Downs Cooley, and I guide high performers to own their voice, share their stories, and build powerful personal brands that inspire change and foster meaningful connections. And events are just a small part of the work that I do. And this is where the stories come alive, the ideas are amplified and meaningful connections are made. And isn’t that why we’re all here today?
Alysse Bryson [00:05:56]:
It is. But as I look around this room, I have Been going to events with all of you for a very long time. A very long time indeed. Libby. Probably the longest. But, like, we have all been each other’s plus one. Sidecars, Partners in Crime. For more events than I can count.
Alysse Bryson [00:06:20]:
So many events. Sarah. All of a sudden, I’m thinking of the time we went to the opera together and we left, and we were so confused at the ending, only to find out after we left that it wasn’t actually over, and we left too soon.
Sarah Caples Noble [00:06:35]:
A little backstory is that I had an online magazine and we were critiquing some Seattle arts events. And a couple of years into really being disappointed at the Seattle Opera. You know, we have a world class symphony, and I just was like, with the opera and the tweaks that they make and the rearranging of the story, and I never feel like it’s helping anything. Sometimes I feel like they missed the point of what we’re there to actually experience with that story.
Alysse Bryson [00:07:05]:
Story.
Sarah Caples Noble [00:07:06]:
And so this is in the back of my head, and Elise says, I’ve never been to the opera. And I’m like, I’m gonna take you. And my husband was like, I bought you tickets. What did we see? I already forgot.
Alysse Bryson [00:07:17]:
I don’t know. It was like, main one, though.
Dele Downs Kooley [00:07:21]:
Clearly, y’ all are not one of those main operas that I’m going to, because I was like, this guy has had to have been on drugs when he wrote this opera, because it was incredible. It was amazing. And I was like, I don’t even know what’s happening here, but I’m in.
Sarah Caples Noble [00:07:37]:
Oh, it was Carmen.
Alysse Bryson [00:07:38]:
Yeah, Carmen. That was it.
Libby Sundgren [00:07:40]:
Oh, yeah.
Sarah Caples Noble [00:07:42]:
So we’re sitting in the audience, and I’m watching it. You know, I hadn’t visited the story in a long time, but I’m getting really annoyed because it’s coming to an end. And I’m thinking, really? Seattle Opera. There you go again, messing it. Like, this isn’t right. I’m like, okay, let’s go. But I didn’t want to, like, be an with Elise and, like, make her feel bad about her first experience. So this is all in my head.
Sarah Caples Noble [00:08:07]:
We get up to lead because we’re. I’m thinking, let’s not get caught up in the rush and, you know, let’s get to the car and all this.
Alysse Bryson [00:08:14]:
Well, we really just wanted to beeline over to Dick’s for a cheeseburger. If I remember correct, we did have that, because everyone needs to go to Dick’s in an evening gown. Like, that is Marcus.
Dele Downs Kooley [00:08:24]:
After market success is when you can go to Dick’s Burgers.
Sarah Caples Noble [00:08:28]:
Afterward, we get out in the hall and the attendant was like, don’t you want to see the end? And at that moment, I realized that, yeah, I misdiagnosed the situation.
Alysse Bryson [00:08:41]:
You were mad, though. I remember you were like, because they.
Amy Liz Harrison [00:08:44]:
Won’T let you go back into the opera once you’ve left. Right? Because they don’t want you messing up.
Alysse Bryson [00:08:50]:
I think we might have been too.
Amy Liz Harrison [00:08:51]:
Embarrassed, but maybe it’s because I was drunk.
Sarah Caples Noble [00:08:55]:
Didn’t want to climb over people again.
Dele Downs Kooley [00:08:58]:
She can’t come back in.
Sarah Caples Noble [00:09:01]:
She’s falling down.
Amy Liz Harrison [00:09:01]:
Get her out.
Alysse Bryson [00:09:02]:
I mean, you got kicked out for other reasons. Yeah.
Libby Sundgren [00:09:05]:
Photos of Amy. Do not let in.
Sarah Caples Noble [00:09:07]:
But we did go to Dick. We did. I think we made a splash.
Alysse Bryson [00:09:12]:
We did.
Sarah Caples Noble [00:09:13]:
We got noticed. We got compliments.
Libby Sundgren [00:09:14]:
You looked like you had just come from a theme party when you showed up at Dick’s late night.
Alysse Bryson [00:09:20]:
Way to bring it back full circle, Libby. Way to bring it back in. Well, then, so tying it back together.
Sarah Caples Noble [00:09:26]:
Smart.
Libby Sundgren [00:09:27]:
Theme parties. Love them or hate them. I mean, everyone here is in costume, so. But I don’t want to assume.
Dele Downs Kooley [00:09:34]:
Love a good theme party. Hello. I mean, I’m all about alliteration, so I make themes up every day. Like, I’ll just make up a theme for the day. Taco Tuesday.
Kristin Graham [00:09:48]:
He didn’t make that one up.
Libby Sundgren [00:09:51]:
Deli. I hate to tell you, you didn’t crack that one.
Kristin Graham [00:09:54]:
I’m there for it. Yeah.
Libby Sundgren [00:09:55]:
Yeah.
Dele Downs Kooley [00:09:56]:
Oh, no, you support it. I didn’t say that. I’m making up new ones. I just love a good theme for my day, so. Hello.
Libby Sundgren [00:10:04]:
Okay. Got it.
Kristin Graham [00:10:05]:
Yeah, yeah.
Dele Downs Kooley [00:10:06]:
Finger Food Fridays. That one I made up on my own.
Libby Sundgren [00:10:09]:
I like that one.
Amy Liz Harrison [00:10:10]:
I’m here for that.
Sarah Caples Noble [00:10:12]:
Yeah.
Libby Sundgren [00:10:12]:
What is the most creative or unexpected theme you’ve ever seen, Amy?
Amy Liz Harrison [00:10:20]:
The Tony extravaganza theme party.
Sarah Caples Noble [00:10:24]:
Oh.
Amy Liz Harrison [00:10:24]:
Huh. And so you rolled up and the person had Tony’s van in the driveway. Like that blue kind of matte primer job on the van. And then you went inside and, like, you were instructed ahead of time either to be Angela or Tony or Samantha or Jonathan or Mona. And they had games, basically, where you had to do skits for. So they take a Mona and they would take a Tony, and then other people. This is the last thing I’ll say about it, and I’ll let somebody else have the floor. But they had Tony dressed up in all different versions of himself.
Amy Liz Harrison [00:11:05]:
So there was the baseball player, Tony. If you haven’t seen him out with.
Dele Downs Kooley [00:11:10]:
The right People, seriously.
Amy Liz Harrison [00:11:12]:
But I know. And then there was Tony in the apron. I mean, the whole thing. And that, to me, set the standard for a theme party. I was like, okay, I’ve seen it all now. It was amazing. And no, it wasn’t me who threw it.
Sarah Caples Noble [00:11:26]:
I never go back.
Dele Downs Kooley [00:11:27]:
I don’t think I can top that.
Libby Sundgren [00:11:29]:
When you’ve been extravaganza, I mean, how do you go back to a regular party?
Kristin Graham [00:11:33]:
Oh, my gosh. I just got it.
Amy Liz Harrison [00:11:36]:
Oh.
Kristin Graham [00:11:36]:
Oh, you’re so that’s why I’m the last one invited. Yeah.
Alysse Bryson [00:11:40]:
Here’s the thing. I think about a theme party, though. Like, be clear. Obviously, we all love them, but a lot of people don’t. And a lot of people don’t have the costume closet that maybe some of us have. So I do think when you’re thinking about a theme party, you need to come at it from the perspective of making it generic enough that anyone can participate. And that sometimes means having some props at the party. So if somebody shows up not in anything, they can just throw on something that, you know, some kind of prop to make them feel a part of because you don’t want.
Alysse Bryson [00:12:18]:
You don’t want people not feeling like they get to be part of the event and part of the celebration.
Kristin Graham [00:12:23]:
Kristen, I completely agree. I want to plus one with you on that. Having done corporate events for a long time where inclusivity is part of it, which we could talk about vegan muffins at another point, but I think it’s really important to do the communication before the event too, to say it’s. There’s opt out options because people will just opt themselves out if they’re feeling introverted or excluded or compromised anyway, like financially or not having somebody to go with and so saying no plus ones required. And I even like what you just said, having things there on hand. I did an event one time where we had a sash that just said this is my outfit. And so we just kind of handed that out for folks. So you.
Kristin Graham [00:13:04]:
Everybody has a place. And also think about whether there’s a role you can have for the people who aren’t dressed up. Maybe they’re the judges for something or. And then they feel included in the events without having to have been dressed to the nines. So I really loved your point.
Libby Sundgren [00:13:18]:
That’s a really good way to balance creativity and inclusivity in an event. I love that.
Amy Liz Harrison [00:13:24]:
Thank you.
Sarah Caples Noble [00:13:25]:
Do you think?
Libby Sundgren [00:13:27]:
Well, I mean, we think they create a better guest experience, but I guess they probably, for some people, create a lot of Unnecessary stress.
Kristin Graham [00:13:38]:
I think that’s a really fair point, though, Libby, Honestly, that I think it’s worth saying that it can bring up stress or anxiety.
Libby Sundgren [00:13:45]:
Yeah. Okay.
Dele Downs Kooley [00:13:46]:
I do love a good theme. I also love letting people be who they are, and sometimes that means they don’t show up in costume. Like, I. I am a fancy girl. I love to get fancy. I absolutely like you. Give me a reason. And it could be Tuesday is the reason, and I’m getting fancy.
Dele Downs Kooley [00:14:08]:
My husband, blue. That’s all he’s got. He’s like, blue, and that’s his color. If I am going to a football game, my college alma mater is purple. So, like, there’s a splash of purple in his closet, but. But that’s it. Like, he’s not. He’s not trying to play in my reindeer games.
Dele Downs Kooley [00:14:29]:
And so I have accepted that just because I want to be fancy, I’ll have a theme for everything. Not everybody is going to participate in my reindeer games. And I’m okay with that. Like, I would much prefer that you opt in as you are than not come at all. So I. I like to. And I think when I have an event, Kristen, you can correct me if I’m wrong, but typically when I send out an invite, I will give you the theme. Like, it’s a cookie party.
Dele Downs Kooley [00:15:03]:
It’s whatever. And I will have the socks on hand and aprons because I love the themes and. And the excuse to be fancy. I will also, I think somewhere there’s a disclaimer typically in my events that says, come as you are. Come and go as you please. Come as you are. Because I’d much rather you come when it’s right for you. Come as you are.
Dele Downs Kooley [00:15:27]:
Because if I had a theme and you could only be there based on the theme, my husband would never be participating in anything. Or we plan around my husband and his blue. Like, our entire family, we’re like, can we come up with a different Christmas party theme, pajama theme, or family photos? And everyone else will be wearing something that matches, and he will be wearing blue.
Alysse Bryson [00:15:52]:
Well, he knows his color.
Kristin Graham [00:15:53]:
It’s the color he’s on brand.
Libby Sundgren [00:15:55]:
And I think that’s a really good way to. To remove any kind of stress people feel about having to be on theme and be, you know, have an entire disco outfit instead of just like, you know, a sparkly bracelet or like a Mardi Gras bead necklace or something, you know, which we do always have at our parties. I make sure I have some flare that people can put on if they.
Alysse Bryson [00:16:22]:
Want Everybody loves a little flare.
Kristin Graham [00:16:23]:
One of the things I also want to point out is that the pre communication, again, is so important, especially for people who are neurodiverse or introverted. And one of the things I really like about the events I’ve gone to with Elise and Libby is there’s always an faq. And even if you think you know something, being able to say like, and then here’s where parking is, or here’s what this means. Anticipating questions in advance, I think helps people feel comfortable before they even walk in the door. Even if you think everything’s clear, that’s only coming from our heads.
Alysse Bryson [00:16:55]:
And I. I want to jump off of that. I want to plus one on you now, Kristen. It’s actually a lot of people are really good at providing those details. Unfortunately, there are people like me that skim over the details and that can sometimes end up being embarrassing. Sorry, Sarah, that you’re getting dragged into all of my embarrassing stories, but I guess I have the most embarrassing time with you in tow. But we once went to what I thought was going to be a 90s party, and I think when it was originally presented, it was a 90s party. I was so excited.
Alysse Bryson [00:17:35]:
I was dressed like Run dmc. Sarah was wearing the choker necklace. And like, she just looked very Seattle 90s. And then we got there and it was an early 2000s party and we did. We did not fit in.
Kristin Graham [00:17:52]:
That’s not one thing I want to say on that, though. Because of those of us who are skimmers, not just doing the pre communication, oh my gosh, could I be a broken record? Send everything out the day of. I am the person that’s always going to go back and search and be like, where is it?
Sarah Caples Noble [00:18:07]:
What is it?
Kristin Graham [00:18:07]:
And texting people, what time does it start? So even like down to two hours before, because somebody out there like me is like, I don’t know where I put that.
Amy Liz Harrison [00:18:16]:
So I love that. And I am a day of person. Also. I like to see everything day of. And I have to say, I wanted to loop back to when Elise was talking about Sarah being dressed up in sort of Seattle grunge or with the choker necklace. And I think Seattle is so interesting because those of us who aren’t really from here originally had a learning curve when we got here. At least I did, where it was like, people will show up in whatever they want. And I kind of really dig that now.
Amy Liz Harrison [00:18:49]:
But it threw me off in the early days because I just kind of was like, why are people in shorts at A gala. I mean, not a ton of people, but there are always a handful, Right. My husband is, he is an airline executive. We are always at these fancy, fancy things and it really took the pressure off of me to be able to know someone’s gonna be there in shorts. It really doesn’t matter what I wear because at the end of the day, I think for women especially, like, I mean, a dude, it’s. I’ll ask Andrew, what are you wearing to this thing? And he’ll go, a button down shirt and pants. And I’m like, yeah, because you’re a dude. What else are you going to wear? Halter top and a tube skirt.
Kristin Graham [00:19:36]:
Yeah.
Amy Liz Harrison [00:19:36]:
But for women, they’re given an instruction like smart casual at some of these things. Well, what the, what is that? Like, what does that mean? So I do love that vibe about Seattle and is that you’re always going to find someone in shorts, so you’re probably okay.
Dele Downs Kooley [00:19:53]:
I love that so much because, Amy, I moved here 11 years ago and I have a military background. So we’re all about the uniform of the day and costume changes throughout the day based on the event. And I got here and went to a wine tasting with a friend of mine who said, oh, yeah, it’s business casual. So I show up with a cardigan and pearls and ballet flats and everyone is there in jeans and sweaters. And I was like, I feel so out of place right now. It didn’t stop me from having fun. And what I love about this group is because I’ve gone to events with most of you, I know that Kristen will tell me if I show up at her house, oh, there was a change of plans. Or like the two comms people over here, Amy and Kristen, like, I’m channeling my inner Martin Solvang right now with the plus ones.
Dele Downs Kooley [00:20:52]:
Having that person that comes with you, I can’t even. I’m like, ooh, baby, can I be your plus one? Totally taking us off vibe here. But like, that’s the thing is having the, the right plus ones that either you all show up in the wrong outfit together and it’s fun, fine. Or you have someone that did read the instructions or read the two hours before so that you at least know when you walk in that you’re like, I will not be on vibe here, but my vibe is good. So it’s okay.
Kristin Graham [00:21:27]:
Well, and let’s just agree that confidence is the best theme of all.
Amy Liz Harrison [00:21:31]:
Right.
Kristin Graham [00:21:31]:
If you want to walk in and everybody else is dressed up and you’re just like, you’re welcome. I’m wearing a Nirvana shirt.
Libby Sundgren [00:21:37]:
Like, snaps to that.
Kristin Graham [00:21:38]:
Kristen, I’m here, and you’re welcome.
Dele Downs Kooley [00:21:42]:
I don’t know that I have the confidence to rock a pair of shorts and Birkenstocks, but I do applaud anyone who does have the confidence to be wearing that at the wedding reception. Like, I got offered a job by a dude that was wearing Birkenstocks, A holy T shirt and shorts.
Amy Liz Harrison [00:21:59]:
Were there socks with the Birkenstocks? Oh, it’s a wedding sandals.
Dele Downs Kooley [00:22:04]:
I love that.
Kristin Graham [00:22:04]:
But I mean, let’s also talk about the dot com scene where I went from Chicago, buttoned up, still wearing pantyhose sometimes to coming into coming in hot to the dot com world. And I’m like, y’ all wore that to work, not just to take out the garbage. Okay, that’s cool. And. And, yeah. So letting everybody have their own level of comfort, I think we’re all in violent agreement on.
Sarah Caples Noble [00:22:26]:
So one of the fleeting thoughts I had while you guys were expounding on the comfort. The comfort of living up to a theme. I had been going to theme parties in my early party days in Seattle when I first moved here. And I was also a fashion stylist. So I was having this experience of dressing people who are in tech who are high level. So they were going out of their comfort zone, like, oh, I wear pajamas to work, but I don’t know how to dress when I go to this country or this place. And so I kind of became the right hand for a few people where I was making sure that they walked into rooms appropriately and with great success. I was getting a lot of good feedback, like, oh, I went to this thing and everybody knew what I was wearing and complimented me.
Sarah Caples Noble [00:23:13]:
And they, like, have no idea. Like, I don’t know. But so that was cool. And then I would go to theme parties and have the experience you guys are talking about where, you know, I’m bringing it because I’m a stylist and I need to represent and I need to hold this up and then walking in the room and going, oh, interesting. But I thought it didn’t make me feel like I shouldn’t. I wasn’t uncomfortable with my level. I was just feeling like, what is going on? And this. During that time, a new person came to town, Like a socialite who had this amazing, beautiful apartment in Bellevue, like, like, kind of penthouse and really gorgeous.
Sarah Caples Noble [00:23:52]:
And she just moved in with her family, and she really wanted to throw a party, and her invitations were just. I mean, it was like, very New Yorky feeling and just beautiful. And her theme was polka dots and stripes. And it was one of the most like, you know when something just lands and you’re like, oh, thank God. This felt like. No, this theme speaks to me.
Alysse Bryson [00:24:15]:
Yeah.
Sarah Caples Noble [00:24:17]:
And I thought, who is this woman and how do I make her my best friend? And I went and I got my polka dots and stripes outfit. No pressure. It was just easy. And it was easy to dress my husband and he was into it and he’s like very busy and so taking the time to sort this out is a lot for him. So I kind of had this mentality of oh, I’ll have to do all the work. But he actually, it was so simple and he thought it was fun that he was a lot more engaged in the process. And when we got there, it was so incredibly fun to see all of the different ways that polka dots and stripes showed up. And some of it was very subtle and very elegant and some of it was over the top and costumey and it just worked.
Sarah Caples Noble [00:25:04]:
And I thought, okay, this is a whole another way to think about a theme. And the other thing to add to that, that I’ve also had hit me the same way for different reasons. And that’s when the theme is around something so singular. Like back in college, someone threw a party and it was John Wayne. That was it. It was just John Wayne. And I thought, well, what do I do with that? So I don’t know why, but that’s just like I liked it. And I also went to a Sharpies mustache and wife beaters.
Sarah Caples Noble [00:25:44]:
And that also was a lot less stressful to me than parties that had like a really dialed in theme. I don’t know why, but breaking things up to like a singular individual or ideas that are just kind of like adjectives or. I don’t know, I, I really like that. And I like it more than I like the, the traditional themes.
Libby Sundgren [00:26:10]:
The very specific ones.
Sarah Caples Noble [00:26:11]:
Yeah. And I didn’t know that.
Alysse Bryson [00:26:13]:
And when we were at that early 2000s party, like how many Britneys were there? Like all the Britneys were there. Which was really cool to see. All the different, all the different Britneys. Okay, I know I gotta like make sure we stay on time because if we don’t, we could make this a three hour episode which I don’t know that our audience would love. Maybe they would, I don’t know. Before we get to dream party, so think, start thinking about if you could have any dream theme party, what would it be? I would like to first rabbit hole us on trend. I’ve seen on the tik tok and the gram, and that’s where you’re keeping us on track.
Libby Sundgren [00:26:50]:
But now. But you’re rabbit holing. At least you’re.
Alysse Bryson [00:26:53]:
It’s good. Just stay with me. Just stay with me.
Kristin Graham [00:26:56]:
She’s claiming the rabbit hole.
Alysse Bryson [00:26:57]:
I’m claiming the rabbit hole. And you don’t have to dress like a rabbit for this conversation. Plus, you know, I’m really fond of rabbits since I have six in my front yard.
Kristin Graham [00:27:05]:
Now you’re doing a thing that.
Alysse Bryson [00:27:08]:
So that thing where women are traveling together or a group of people are traveling together and they swap names beforehand and they buy each other either a really terrible T shirt or a really terrible phone cover. I am here for that. Like, I am 100% here for that trend. Let’s. I need. We need to go somewhere so we.
Libby Sundgren [00:27:29]:
Can do it next episode.
Dele Downs Kooley [00:27:31]:
We’re gonna swap names and do terrible T shirts or phone covers.
Kristin Graham [00:27:36]:
Why can’t we all just be Britney’s and then we all have the same shirt slave?
Dele Downs Kooley [00:27:43]:
Oh, yes.
Libby Sundgren [00:27:45]:
Okay. That was good deli.
Alysse Bryson [00:27:47]:
All right, well, anyway, I just. Okay, I’m done with my rabbit hole. Back to the dream theme party. I’ll go first. I am a Kardashian watcher judge if you want. I’ve never missed an episode. Now, I’ve never watched an episode more than once, but I’ve never missed an episode. And in the current season that’s currently airing on Hulu, Khloe Kardashian had her 40th birthday party, and it was Chloe Wood in the theme of Dollywood.
Alysse Bryson [00:28:12]:
And I thought I was going to lose my mind because it was theme park and denim and rhinestones. Literally thought I was going to lose my mind. It was like I would do anything for that dream theme party. So there’s mine.
Libby Sundgren [00:28:26]:
Okay.
Kristin Graham [00:28:27]:
So I’m having a big birthday this year. I’m just saying.
Alysse Bryson [00:28:31]:
I am that. I’m already going Golden Girls theme.
Libby Sundgren [00:28:35]:
I love that. That’s good. Yeah, that’s good. Who else has a dream theme they want to share? Kristen.
Kristin Graham [00:28:41]:
The Matrix.
Sarah Caples Noble [00:28:45]:
Interesting.
Kristin Graham [00:28:46]:
I want curtains with ones and zeros coming down it. I want everybody in. In leather, all the things.
Dele Downs Kooley [00:28:51]:
Glasses.
Kristin Graham [00:28:52]:
But. But when you arrive, you get a card that says whether you’re an agent.
Alysse Bryson [00:28:58]:
Oh.
Kristin Graham [00:28:58]:
And then there’s things, and there’s things and there’s.
Sarah Caples Noble [00:29:01]:
I love it.
Kristin Graham [00:29:02]:
Let’s make it happen.
Alysse Bryson [00:29:03]:
Okay.
Dele Downs Kooley [00:29:04]:
I’m coming to that party.
Amy Liz Harrison [00:29:07]:
Yeah.
Dele Downs Kooley [00:29:08]:
Amy, what’s your dream? Your party?
Amy Liz Harrison [00:29:10]:
Me or Kristen?
Dele Downs Kooley [00:29:11]:
I’m in for the Matrix. But Amy, what’s your dream party?
Kristin Graham [00:29:16]:
Amy?
Amy Liz Harrison [00:29:17]:
I’m stuck between a couple. So obviously the Golden Girls party that we’re going to have for Elise’s Big Five Zero is hot on my list. I already have all of my caftans laid out. But also.
Kristin Graham [00:29:33]:
That was plural. Yeah, yeah.
Amy Liz Harrison [00:29:35]:
It’s also, I think you’re. You guys have gone and taken this to the Tony extravaganza level, which I have mad respect for. I didn’t quite go that far. When I saw the question, I thought to myself, you know, I’m obsessed with the 80s. I’m stuck in the 80s. I would love an 80s party that has cool, great food. So of course, the outfits, the music, that’s all easy, low hanging fruit for the 80s. But when you get to the food part, it leaves a little challenge for me usually because once I get beyond crystal Pepsi, which they don’t make anymore, I’m here to tell you, I’ve tried to find it.
Amy Liz Harrison [00:30:15]:
Tater Tots and Pop Rocks. Then it’s kind of like now what. I mean, what.
Alysse Bryson [00:30:20]:
What do I actually term for Domino’s?
Amy Liz Harrison [00:30:22]:
Yeah, it’s what I always borrow back to is Domino’s. Usually sausage pizza from Domino’s, but it’s either that or like Hamburger helper or casserole and none of that really a party pleaser type food. So I would like to go to an 80s party and have someone bring back some really good 80s dishes.
Kristin Graham [00:30:49]:
Like, is what you’re saying pizza rolls? I do.
Alysse Bryson [00:30:54]:
I’m thinking Jello mold.
Sarah Caples Noble [00:30:56]:
Pizza rolls.
Alysse Bryson [00:30:56]:
I think Jello molds.
Amy Liz Harrison [00:30:57]:
I think that might have been. Was that 70s, though? Like with the suspended marshmallow?
Dele Downs Kooley [00:31:02]:
I can’t tell you when that era was because my grandmother made a lot of Jell O with vegetables in it and I was there for it. I’ll still eat Jell O with carrots and pineapple.
Kristin Graham [00:31:16]:
Okay.
Dele Downs Kooley [00:31:16]:
That might also be a Southern thing. I don’t know what decade that was.
Alysse Bryson [00:31:22]:
Carrots.
Dele Downs Kooley [00:31:23]:
Like, where did the jello with fruits and vegetables even come from?
Libby Sundgren [00:31:27]:
That might have been a church dream theme.
Sarah Caples Noble [00:31:29]:
A lot of pasta in the 80s.
Dele Downs Kooley [00:31:32]:
Pasta, SpaghettiOs.
Sarah Caples Noble [00:31:35]:
Ew. In the 80s that was gourmet. Like fettuccine Alfredo. If you were going to someone’s house and you got fettuccine Alfredo, you were eating.
Kristin Graham [00:31:42]:
Oh my gosh. Just get a catered by Olive Garden.
Libby Sundgren [00:31:44]:
Boom.
Amy Liz Harrison [00:31:45]:
Done.
Sarah Caples Noble [00:31:46]:
Yeah, all will get you there. That was a Sizzler.
Kristin Graham [00:31:51]:
Sizzler. Y’ all were fancy. I was rap in the 80s. Yeah, go on.
Dele Downs Kooley [00:31:54]:
Golden Corral.
Kristin Graham [00:31:56]:
Fancy. Also fancy.
Alysse Bryson [00:31:59]:
How much is too much when it comes to committing to a theme as.
Sarah Caples Noble [00:32:03]:
The partygoer or as the event planner?
Alysse Bryson [00:32:06]:
Either one.
Dele Downs Kooley [00:32:07]:
Can you really have too much though? Cuz I’m like I. My ideal party is like Breakfast at Tiffany’s type vibe. Like I love. Like I said, I’m a fancy girl, so I love something fancy. We just had a baby shower for my nephew that may have been a little over the top. We turned the dessert table into the Hundred Acre Wood.
Sarah Caples Noble [00:32:30]:
Yeah.
Dele Downs Kooley [00:32:31]:
Like we actually ordered a box of moss and put it on the table as the floor of the 100 acre wood and had tree slices of trees to put the cakes on. And like little honey pot cake pops with bees everywhere. We had solar powered butterflies that were flying around the flowers on the table of the Hundred Acre Wood. And then we had Winnie the pooh, the actual 100 acre wood story playing on a television behind the dessert table. I don’t know.
Kristin Graham [00:33:13]:
Like, I think she just answered that question.
Alysse Bryson [00:33:16]:
Yeah.
Dele Downs Kooley [00:33:18]:
Like really? Can you be too much? I don’t know. Am I extra or are you just basic?
Alysse Bryson [00:33:25]:
Yes.
Dele Downs Kooley [00:33:26]:
Well no, no, no.
Kristin Graham [00:33:27]:
I think that that’s delightful as a guest to truly delight in all those little things and as the party thrower or the event team trying to answer it. Logistically it’s when the cost outweighs the creativity. I think you can really. And especially if we get into talking about for. For causes or fundraising that it can become. Elise, I remember you. How much are you going for on a cubicle decorating contest one year.
Alysse Bryson [00:33:52]:
Oh man, don’t get me started. When I was at King 5, we would decorate our cubicles at the holiday time and it became a competition and we it it every year it just got crazier and crazier and we started like building infrastructures. Like one one POD brought in beauty bark and filled their entire area with beauty bark and then brought Christmas trees to make it look like a Christmas tree farm. Like it just. I. We made a drive through Starbucks and.
Dele Downs Kooley [00:34:26]:
Was bringing Christmas with the cranks vibes.
Alysse Bryson [00:34:29]:
It was a lot.
Sarah Caples Noble [00:34:30]:
Yeah.
Alysse Bryson [00:34:30]:
So yeah, people can overdo it.
Sarah Caples Noble [00:34:33]:
I. One of the things that I can’t stand and it viscerally upsets me to my core. And it’s when I go to a party and I become very aware of like so much stuff that feels wasteful. Like when there’s. When there’s a gilding the lily but with crap. And I hate that feeling. I would rather go to something that’s elegant and simple where the money that’s put into it is impactful, as opposed to lots of. Lots of stuff, lots of junk.
Sarah Caples Noble [00:35:07]:
And it’s like doubling down on the theme to the point where it’s like, okay, I get it.
Dele Downs Kooley [00:35:12]:
I’m with you on that, Sarah. That’s like the. Keep it simple. And I hate giving swag that people won’t use.
Sarah Caples Noble [00:35:20]:
A little bit of that I can. I can totally handle. But when it gets to be like this and this and this, and it’s like, you know, you had me with the first thing. We didn’t need to have 25. Yeah.
Kristin Graham [00:35:31]:
I go to deli’s house just for the swag. I bring, like, a reusable shopping bag and I sit there by the door when people aren’t looking. I put in more like, angular socks. So it’s kind of, what’s your brand? Oh, she didn’t know that, but she does now. So she’s like, why did that?
Dele Downs Kooley [00:35:43]:
That’s what they’re there for. Like, I don’t want it to still be there when I. When everything’s said and done. I do. Like, Elise, you asked me about monograms. You were both at my wedding, Kristen and Elise. Everyone got a monogrammed champagne flutes and a monogrammed coffee cup and then a hangover. Recovery kits with Tylenol, a different kind of an ibuprofen, a granola bar, a bottle of water.
Dele Downs Kooley [00:36:15]:
So, like, when I do the swag, I don’t want. I don’t want it to be something that someone’s going to throw away because I don’t like to buy things for people that they’re going to throw away. So I’m with you, Sarah, on the waist, like something that you’ll take with you, that you’ll actually enjoy.
Sarah Caples Noble [00:36:30]:
And when you get good swag, when it’s really thoughtful and it really hits the spot, it’s. I don’t know, it’s amazing. I feel it in my heart and then I’m yours for life.
Kristin Graham [00:36:41]:
I love that you said that because switching tactics a little bit, at a funeral I was at, they gave out flower seeds with the handouts and I went and I. I’m not a gardener, but I sprinkled them around and it just became something that was. I like how you said that. Really. It hits you in the heart and it’s clever and you feel like you’re taking something away. But it wasn’t just a tchotchke. So there’s. There can be really deep meaning, even with fun themes or things that seem light.
Kristin Graham [00:37:08]:
And I Think that’s where creativity comes in. Back to Elise’s question. When creativity comes into it more than cost and stress. And I think the short answer to Elise’s question is when is it too much? It’s when it stops being fun. It’s a stressful thing to throw the party. And we’ve all been on the other end of that, too.
Alysse Bryson [00:37:26]:
Or like, no one should be going in debt over a party. Like, you just. That’s not. That’s not smart. So it is about having fun and being smart and being sustainable.
Dele Downs Kooley [00:37:36]:
And I love that you’re bringing that up because we’re coming from a little bit of a place of privilege. Like, we all have been to the corporate parties where extravagance is kind of a thing. I remember when I moved here from Germany, I was a single mom with three kids and didn’t have a lot. And I still love to have a good party. So I think there’s something to be said about the. You can keep it really simple and have a lovely atmosphere when you’re really focused on the details, the guests, the conversation, those sorts of things. So you can still have a really good theme party. Like.
Dele Downs Kooley [00:38:14]:
Like I said, First Fridays were a thing for me where it was just the first Friday of the month. Everybody come to my house, throw your kids in the backyard. We’ll have beverages, we’ll have bites. And I think those were some of my favorites. In the military, we called them Friday afternoon wine drinking and cheese eating. A FA Daisy.
Kristin Graham [00:38:35]:
Okay. Because an acronym has to go with that party. Yes, it’s required.
Alysse Bryson [00:38:39]:
And I think, you know the queen of events, Martha Stewart, if anyone’s watched her documentary, like, she set everything up so that it was scalable that everybody could be hosting something significant, regardless of what they had or didn’t have or what their budget limitations were. Sarah, you and I talked about that recently after watching the documentary, I believe.
Libby Sundgren [00:39:06]:
Well, all hail Martha Stewart and all hail theme parties. And if you ever are invited to a theme party and you need some tips, or if you want to dig in our costume closets, you can just email us.
Kristin Graham [00:39:19]:
Well, you’re plus six.
Libby Sundgren [00:39:21]:
Yeah, we’re on it.
Alysse Bryson [00:39:22]:
Plus six. That’s cute.
Kristin Graham [00:39:24]:
Could the fun table.
Libby Sundgren [00:39:26]:
The fun table. Okay, that’s a wrap for this episode of Beats Working the Fun Table. If you’ve got an idea or want to reach out, email us at infoatsworking show. Remember, every detail matters, every moment counts, and no matter what, the show must go on.
Alysse Bryson [00:39:45]:
Thanks for listening to Beats Working. Winning the game of events where we explore what it takes to make money. Moments Unforgettable.
Libby Sundgren [00:39:52]:
If you’re leaving with a little more inspiration, a little more perspective, and a big sideache from all of the laughing at our funny jokes, then we’ve done our job.
Alysse Bryson [00:40:01]:
Beats Working is a work. P2P production if you’ve enjoyed this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review us on your favorite podcast platforms.
Libby Sundgren [00:40:12]:
Your support helps us keep the magic going.
