The Royal Soirée (2024)

08/03/2023

Goodbye for now! 💛✨

I am so proud of the work I have done with this venture, dedicating well over a year of my life to try out my unique approach to event design - however, the time has come for me to change direction! This journey taught me so much, and challenged me in ways I hadn't imagined, and I am so proud of what I accomplished.

Yet I also learned how important work-life balance is to me, and running The Royal Soiree entirely by myself on my off-hours while also working full time was not manageable in the long term. I'm looking forward to having more time with my husband and loved ones, and to giving myself time to ponder what is next.

I am so grateful to my fabulous clients for choosing me to help with their special celebrations, and I'm honored by all of the kind feedback and positive reviews - I am proud to say that each and every event truly went exactly as I had envisioned. I may continue later on in a different way, but this will be "goodbye for now" to The Royal Soirée, my biggest adventure so far.

I'll be keeping this page up because I think it would be a shame to lose the documentation of all my hard work, but I am no longer accepting bookings. Thank you all for your kind support, your likes, comments, and words of encouragement - they mean more to me than I can say!

Wishing you happy, meaningful, beautiful celebrations.

With Luck and Pixie Dust,

Gretchen 💖
Image Description: Five slides which showcase the above provided text, with a gold background.

20/11/2022

The Royal Soirée - where we bring the castle to YOU! ✨ I custom painted this fun dollhouse castle and I love how it turned out. 🥰 It makes the perfect centerpiece!
Image Description: We see a party set up in a beautiful garden, the dessert table decked in stunning gold and blue! A large white and gold toy castle is the focal point of the table, ready to frame in a lot of fun desserts, with many elegant dessert stands that are waiting to filled to the brim. A dress form holds a delicate yellow princess dress to the side of the table to complete the look!

Beautiful photo by the always-amazing ! 💕

26/07/2022

Just princess things 💖 Our Cinderella theme might just be my favorite - there is something so timeless and whimsical about her colors. Can you spot our little mice friends? 🐭🧵✨ Fabulous photo by 💖 Venue is the lovely 💎
Image Description: Gretchen stands next to a Cinderella themed party dessert table, complete with a dress form stand and tiny carriages. Small golden castles and jewelry accents being the table to life! A large painting of Cinderella and her godmother creates a backdrop.

16/07/2022

Summer is the perfect time for a pirate adventure! ⚔️🏴‍☠️🌊 However, it’s a little toasty outside - but we have the perfection solution! Our fabulous custom pirate mast statement piece was designed to stand juuust under 8 feet tall, so it will fit in any standard home or building! 🎉 DM us to book your indoor pirate adventure and beat the heat! 💎
Image Description: A photo of a party set up outdoors in the colors black, gold, and red. It is decorated in a pirate theme, and behind the dessert table stands a huge pirate mast, complete with sails!

15/07/2022

Hello, Royals! We’re officially back from our summer break - just in time for this wild weather 😂 How has your summer been so far? Hope you had time to enjoy some fun times with friends. 💖 A peek back on our themed photoshoot this spring. Photo by the wonderful
Image Description: A close up photo of a fancy antique dessert table, with a pale blue velvet linen. Vintage glassware holds delicate desserts and are framed by golden candle holders, against a garden background.

19/05/2022

Think Pink! 💖🎀💖 Looking back on our Perfectly Princess launch shoot at … this is one of those themes that you wish you could just leave up forever! 😍 This has been very popular for 🎀 Who else thinks you can never have enough pink? 🙋🏼‍♀️
This balloon display was made by the awesome Mini Social team! Their venue is perfect for any event. Stunning photos by 💖
Image Description: We see several photos of a party set up in shades of light pink and gold. The dessert table features a large frame reading “Once Upon a Time,” and the guest tables are decked in pink rosette linens.

26/04/2022

Announcing Princess Picnics! 💖👑💖🌟 Featuring the stunning as our perfect Cinderella 😍
It’s so amazing how collaborating with another creative soul can build a small idea into an outstanding one - it started when and I sat down to coffee to discuss a photo series inspired by our beloved princesses. The concept at first was just for us to have fun and make a gorgeous art collection, with me dressing the set and Beth working her photography magic. By the time our conversation was done, I knew I had to offer small, intimate and regal picnic rentals for everyone to enjoy! I couldn’t just keep this to myself for a single photoshoot! 💖 Our picnic services will launch on our website in May - stay tuned, dear Royals, and for now enjoy this stunning photography by Beth!
Image Descriptions: We see a series of beautiful photos showing our Cinderella Picnic concept. Symone, our model, wears a gorgeous pale blue off the shoulder dress, and her lovely black hair is pulled into a regal ballerina bun. She sits on an antique chair nestled into the picnic setting. The picnic blanket is a soft ivory, dressed with golden mirrors used as trays to hold delicate tea cups and antique dining ware. Little nods to Cinderella’s story appear everywhere, with pumpkins and “glass” slippers, and a giant blue satin bow makes a gorgeous backdrop against the garden exterior.

15/04/2022

Happy ! We are “hopping” that everyone has a wonderful day. 👑 This little fellow was hand-painted by our awesome team as the perfect nod to our beloved Frog Prince in our “Frog and Princess” party theme! We believe that high quality details like this make an event truly memorable. 🌟 You’ll always find lots of fun little treasures like this at a Royal Soirée celebration!
Image Description: We see a closeup of a tiny frog prince statue on a tabletop. He is dressed in a royal purple cloak with a regal white ruffled collar, and holds a teeny tiny golden crown! He is nestled in amongst floral centerpieces and scattered gems to add a touch of magic to the table!

08/04/2022

We are ready to sail the seven seas with our new Swashbuckling Pirates theme! ⚔️ Gold, red, and black are the perfect colors to celebrate any “piratical” occasion in style. This design includes an 8 foot tall pirate ship mast with sails for a showpiece your guests will always remember!
Image Description: We see a close up of a guest dining table, decked in black linens and red cloth napkins. The center of the table features a red and black damask table runner, and lots of gold treasure trails along the table, giving the effect of a pirate’s lair!

02/04/2022

It’s almost time to gather your dearest royals and attend our fabulous one-day only collaborative event at the marvelous ! Tomorrow, we travel back several hundred years to an era of elegance and grandeur at this exciting soirée… don’t forget your tiara! 👑💖 Gorgeous photos by 🌟
Image Description: We see several images of friends dressed in light-colored formal attire, all gathered around a fabulous tea party. The tea party is decorated in pale blues and gold, with lovely vintage china plate settings and whimsical green topiaries for centerpieces. They look like they are having a fabulous time!

20/03/2022

The table is set for tea! Only FIVE days until Bridgerton Season 2, and in just two short weeks we shall be celebrating a Bridgerton inspired tea with ! Did you know that they offer a delicious, plant based menu, and even themed cocktails? It is so much fun to have these delights to look forward to! 💖💖👑 Dreamy photo by 🌟
Image Description: We see a snapshot of a table set for tea. The linen is pale blue velvet, and the plate settings are all different vintage floral china. Several guests are seated nearby, with lots of sweet treats piled on their plates!

16/03/2022

This whimsical tablescape features not even a *single* breakable china plate or glass cup! Can you believe it? When designing our events with little ones in mind, we make it a first priority to ensure we use child-safe shatterproof dinnerware… although it certainly looks like the real deal! You can relax and party it up without worrying about breakables! 💖 Celebrate the ! Beautiful photo by the fantastic ✨
Image Description: We see an overhead shot of our Frog and Princess set up- white dinner plates stand out beautifully against an apple green linen. Little accents in lavender add a beautiful contrast and nod to the theme, including purple lotus blossoms and a frog prince statue with a purple cape.

15/03/2022

Dearest Readers,

Be sure not to miss the social event of the season! Rumor has it, The Royal Soirée has partnered with Drink Me Tea Room to bring the most special of occasions to the Tempe area on April 3rd. Don your most glamourous regency attire and delight yourself with decadent treats as you enjoy a tea service worthy of royalty. Be sure to bring your fellow lords, ladies, and nobles!

Yours Sincerely,

Lady Whistledown

Photos taken by the incredible Beth Moore Photography

09/03/2022

It has been a wonderful seeing all of your posts lifting up the amazing shining lights that we know as women! I have been so blessed to be surrounded by engaging, brilliant, determined, supportive women for my whole life - I wouldn’t be who I am without my “sisters” from so many areas of my life. Here’s to gathering with your girls and celebrating each other!
Amazing photos by the iconic 🌟🌟🌟
Image Descriptions: We see two images of a group of women gathered around our Regency Themed tea party table, laughing and smiling. They are dressed in soft pastel colors, and wear tiaras and jewels that sparkle almost as much as their smiles. The feeling of friendship and happiness is palpable! 💖

07/03/2022

Who is your favorite princess? While we love them all, Belle holds a special place in our hearts - she’s brave, intelligent, and compassionate! When designing this event, we tried to channel her grace and elegance. 😊 Comment below with your fave royal! 💖
Image Description: We see a table with lots of decorative accents, all themed in Beauty and the Beast- a gilded golden frame, a charmingly doll-sized princess dress, a crystal candle holder! Behind the table stands a life size suit of armor. The items are displayed in a beautiful green garden!
Gorgeous photo by the amazing 💖

05/03/2022

Hosting is simply my favorite thing to do! 💖 Being the owner of an event décor business has been an incredible experience in so many ways, but one of the best perks is getting to host even more fun and fabulous events for my loved ones. 😍 What is your favorite thing about being a host?
I am in continued awe of the incredible photos from this shoot with , I’m not kidding when I say it was a dream come to life!
Image Description: Gretchen, the company owner, stands behind a tea party table in a green park, smiling at the camera. She wears a light blue, puffy sleeved dress, and her long red hair is pinned to one side. She holds a tea cup!

03/03/2022

It is our unparalleled delight to share with you, our dear Royals, the details of our NEW theme - Regency Tea! We have so many gorgeous photos to share with you, courtesy of the wonderful , starting with some fabulous action shots of our "grand opening" celebration for this theme. This event was styled with bridal showers at the forefront of our mind, and just in time for wedding season in Arizona! Tag a bride that you think would love this theme!
Image Description: We see several images of a beautiful garden party, decorated in dusty blue and blush pink. There are two guest tables, topped with stunning topiary centerpieces and true vintage china dinnerware. The main table is framed by gorgeous golden trellises, draped in greenery and roses. Golden accents such as standing candelabras and grand crowns add to the setting. Our guests, all wearing lovely outfits in pastel colors and floral patterns, with lots and lots of rhinestones and pearls, enjoy themselves at this wonderful spring celebration.

01/03/2022

FIRST LOOK! 👑💖🍾✨

I am thrilled to start sharing photos by from our newest theme - Regency Tea! This decadent event was inspired by one of my favorite series, on Netflix! Perfect for bridal showers, baby showers, "just-because tea parties," or even small elopements, this setting will transport your guests to the elegance and charm of the London social season of yesteryear. This theme is available for ages 13+ (as for safety reasons, none of our children's themes include breakables such as china and glass). Can't wait to share so many of these amazing details with you all!

Thank you so much to our incredible photographer, Beth, for capturing this special occasion so beautifully!
Image Description: We see a party in an open, grassy area - it is the ultimate tea party. Linens in dusty blue and light blush make more an airy and soft feel. Behind the dessert table stand three golden trellises, covered in ivy and soft colored roses. Gold accents surround the party, with standing floor candelabras and tiny accent tables. The two dining tables are set with a stunning array of vintage china place settings, topped off with gold toned flatware. The event is ready to welcome any Duke, Earl, or Marchioness!

14/02/2022

Not only is today Valentine’s Day, but it also happens to be the birthday of one of our favorite photographers, ! Happiest of birthdays to you, dear, and thank you for photographing our “Perfectly Princess” theme at so beautifully! 💖💖💖 Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday today.
Image Description: We see a bright, airy room with lots of sunlight - the center of the photo is a table dressed in pink linens. It is topped with floral arrangements in cream and blush, and tiny golden carriages decorate the table. The table is set with white dinnerware!

14/02/2022

Magic in the garden ✨ We love the enchantment of an evening celebration - it feels as though one is attending a royal ball! Our Cinderella inspired theme, ready to welcome guests… ✨👑
Photo: Silvana Braggio Photography
Venue: Garden Tuscana Reception Hall

Image Description: We see a long shot of two banquet tables, dressed in pale blue rosette linen. Pink draped chairs surround the table, and floral arrangements in white and pink draw our focus. White dinnerware matches the white linen napkins. In the background, we can see a painting of Cinderella in a gilded frame. The effect is soft, whimsical, and delicate!

09/02/2022

The magic of make-believe… ✨We may be in a desert, but looking at our “Frog and Princess” decor makes us feel like we’re in a whimsical bayou!
Image Description: We see a close up of some details at our Princess Tiana inspired party - against a delicate, golden, metal accent table, rests a magical looking violin, made of golden wire. It contrasts beautifully against the garden grass, and we see the edge of a tropical fern in the right side of the photo.
Photo by Silvana Braggio!

09/02/2022

Hello, dear royals! We have been so busy lately, but we are trying to remember to take time for tea! 💖 The weather is getting to be so beautiful here in Phoenix, which signals many wonderful tea parties to come! ✨ Here is a look at some of our true vintage china rentals.
Image Description: We see a white china tea set, edged in gold, with a delicate pastoral pattern of a rococo era couple. The tea set sits on a golden tray, and two porcelain busts stand behind it.

02/02/2022

Just out here doing fairy godmother things! ✨ There is nothing better than making magic moments happen for my clients - it’s why I do what I do! 💖
Image Description: Gretchen, the owner of the Royal Soirée, stands next to the Cinderella Theme dessert table. She is a white woman with long red hair, and she wears a pink blazer over a white blouse. A Cinderella dress is displayed on a dress form in front of her, and we see a peek of a hand painted backdrop in a gilded frame.
Photo By 💖

01/02/2022

POV: You're in an enchanted garden, enjoying a whimsical birthday celebration with your singing-candlestick and talking-teapot friends! 🌹How magical, indeed! A little peek down our "Beauty and Beast" tablescape. 👑
Image Description: You look down at a decorated party table, set in a beautiful garden. The table is a regal royal blue, and the chairs are dressed in gold linens. A tall, green, spiral topiary is the focal point of the table. In the background, you can just make out a suit of armor, standing next to a dollhouse sized castle.
Photo:

01/02/2022

“Oh, it’s a beautiful dress! Did you ever see such a beautiful dress?” - Cinderella 💖 There’s something so magical about a fairytale dress to accent a princess party. ✨ Do you prefer Cinderella’s classic dress, or the one her mice friends sew for her?
Beautiful photo by 💛
Image Description: A delicate pale blue Cinderella dress is displayed on a dress form, with a sparkling silver tiara set on top. A lovely green garden is seen in the background.

29/01/2022

Pink and gold are a match made in heaven! 💖 We are looking forward to setting up our Perfectly Princess theme next weekend for a special baby shower. ✨ Would you go all pink for your little one’s celebration? 😍🌸💖
Image Description: We see a pink and gold sweets table. The table is covered in fancy gold dessert trays, filled with sweet treats and miniature goodies. Behind the table is a large pink ornate sign reading “Once Upon a Time…” and a gorgeous pink and gold balloon garland hangs above it.

27/01/2022

It's time for tea with The Royal Soirée! 💖Did you know that we provide delivery, full set up, AND pick up? 🤩 Let us provide the tables, chairs, linens, centerpieces, décor, ambience - and even the plates and cups, while you simply provide two things: the food, and the guests! Celebrating has never been easier with The Royal Soirée. ✨
Image Description: We see a party table in a green garden. The table is dressed in green linens, while chairs in gold chair covers surround it. Tall, overgrown-style floral arrangements with fern fronds and delicate bud branches sit proudly in gold trumpet vases. Elegant dinnerware sets the table with a flourish.

25/01/2022

Jewel box details - which piece would you wear to a ball in Regency England? ✨ Working on the details for our upcoming shoot featuring our Regency Tea Theme, inspired by (and our first “grown ups” selection)! 💖🌸💍 While we wait for Season 2, be sure to pick up a copy of “The Viscount Who Loved Me,” the novel the new season is based on, from your local bookstore! My personal favorite is - they have locations in Tempe and Phoenix and you will love your experience there. (Not sponsored, I’m just a longtime fan!) 📖😊
Image Description: We see a delightfully candy-like arrangement of jewelry, scattered together in an eye catching display. Pale blue stones decorate a trinket box, and bejeweled insects sparkle in orange and pink.

23/01/2022

Dreaming of pink ribbons and pearls… 💖 We love our handmade, custom floor candelabras - they are completely unique to The Royal Soirée! ✨
Image Description: We see a floor-standing, golden, ornate candelabra in a bright white room. It is draped in pink ribbons, crystal garlands, and strands of pearls. A tall faux plant stands in the background, adding a fun pop of color!

20/01/2022

Who else is simply on the edge of their seat for Season 2 of Bridgerton? 🌸 I am having so much fun coming up with the design for a theme inspired by this opulent, whimsical world - can you guess which family of characters inspired this delicate glass cloche display? ✨
Image Description: We see a table display, inspired by regency England. In the foreground, there is a delicate glass cloche with a pale gold metal base. Inside the cloche sits a tiny, periwinkle pillow, upon which rests an elegant diamante necklace, and a charming silver trinket box encrusted in pale blue stones. A miniature ivory harp sits behind the pillow.

The Royal Soirée

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