For a Magical Engagement Party, Make It a Moroccan Theme

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Marrakesh, Fez, Rabat, Tangier, Casablanca—the mere mention of these city names evokes the romance and mystery of exotic Morocco. The visions that arise are of bustling souks, honey-colored brick kasbahs, torch-lit pathways amid mosaic-encrusted walls, and the stunning contrast of golden Sahara sands and azure Mediterranean waters. The aromas and flavors one imagines are those of cumin, coriander, and saffron. The sounds one hears are the plaintive calls to prayer from mosque towers or the raucous cries of souk vendors offering their wares.

A world away indeed, this Morocco. And yet, it is surprisingly accessible as a treasure trove of spectacular decorating ideas for an engagement party that will surely have guests in awe. It begins with the ideal venue, then proceeds with the occasion’s color palette, table decorations, centerpiece, place settings, and favors—all meticulously chosen and arranged to transport one’s guests to far-off, exotic Morocco. » Click to view slideshow

Find a Spacious Location

An indoor venue may be decorated to recreate the luxurious interior of a Moroccan tent.
» Click to view slideshow

Ideally, an outdoor location would set the perfect stage for a Moroccan-inspired celebration. Such a venue would offer ample space to set up that single, major decor element that would immediately say, “Welcome to Morocco”—a pavilion-style tent or a grouping of smaller tents. One could opt for an expansive garden, a romantic villa surrounded by greenery, a stretch of beach with gentle sand dunes lit by torches, or even the rooftop garden of a penthouse with a pool or fountain and a breathtaking view.

If an outdoor venue is not available, or if the weather is unpredictable, a large indoor terrace or veranda with a view of a garden would work just as well. Whether outdoor or indoor, the key is to transform the venue into the luxurious, sensual interior of a Moroccan tent with the right decorating touches—from a rich color palette, to luxurious decorations, to dramatic lighting, to theme-inspired place settings and favors.

Play With Rich Colors, Luxurious Fabrics, and Sensual Textures

Vivid orange, fuchsia, and purple dominate the setting through rich, textured fabrics and patterned Persian rugs.

Opulent and rich are the operative words when choosing a color palette for this Moroccan gathering. Bold and vivid hues such as purple, fuchsia, and orange may serve as base colors, appearing in fabrics draped around the interiors and over the tables, in pillows and ottomans, in throws and carpets. Gold and jeweled tones of blue may serve as accent colors, appearing in various table details such as luminaries, charger plates, and place card holders.

Fabrics that are a visual as well as a tactile delight—such as lamé, organza, satin, chiffon, even embroidered fabrics—are perfect for such a display. Each table, set low in the Moroccan tradition, can be swathed in a tablecloth and runner of these fabrics, and flanked by over-sized pillows wrapped in jewel-toned satin. For a more authentic feel, a number of Moroccan poufs or ottomans made of tooled leather may be added among the pillows.

Continuing the sensual experience of the setting, Persian or Oriental area rugs and throws cover the floor. Their intricate patterns and rich colors typify Middle Eastern decor, while their overlapping and angled placement lends a relaxed, inviting atmosphere to the entire occasion.

Impress With Authentic Moroccan Touches

Shapely and decorative pieces make wonderful table accents for that authentic Moroccan look.

Many times, it is the little details that truly impress. Some additional touches of Morocco to consider may be:

- Placing a Kilim carpet as a form of outdoor runner at the entrance to the tent or party venue to welcome guests with a hint of the exotic setting that awaits them. As an alternative, a lambswool rug may be positioned at each tent’s entrance—a particularly inviting treat if guests will be asked to proceed barefoot into the tent’s interior for the party.

- Displaying Moroccan babouche slippers and tasseled fez hats in strategic spots within the venue, as authentic touches as well as colorful decorative accents. Should actual babouche slippers not be available, Moroccan-inspired jeweled thong sandals are a lovely alternative.

TAKE 5

• Choose a color palette featuring rich and vivid hues.
• Drape luxurious fabrics in vibrant colors throughout the party venue.
• Lend an air of mystery to the surroundings through subdued lighting focused on the table displays, using centerpieces made of luminaries and tea lights in jeweled votive holders.
• Assemble place settings that use the same vivid color palette and jeweled accents, while also incorporating the guest favors as eye-catching table elements.
• Add touches that are authentically Moroccan or are store-bought items with that Moroccan look.

- Filling the party with the heady fragrance of dried rosebuds, broken cinnamon sticks, ginger slices, cumin seeds, and citrus peels presented in small glass bowls; and diffusing the scents of rose, cinnamon, and sandalwood essential oils in burners around the venue.

- Offering guests refreshing mint iced tea or warm, spicy coffee in vari-colored Moroccan tea glasses with ornate gold trimmings; and setting out condiment dishes filled with dried dates, figs, and nuts as appetizers.

“Moroccan” decor options

Worried about finding authentic Moroccan decor items? Alternatives can actually be sourced from the crafts of other cultures. For instance, Indian brass work, English or Spanish wrought ironwork, and South American pottery have qualities akin to Moroccan decor that make them acceptable options.

For the truly resourceful, Middle Eastern-inspired sconces, braziers, and lanterns might be discovered at a lighting or landscaping supplies center. Vessels for romantic tea lights may be as simple as paper luminaria or terracotta wine pots from a home decor store, or even mosaic or enameled plates, or coasters from a discount tourist shop. Brass or gold-finished pitchers or teapots reminiscent of Aladdin’s lamp, or colored glass decanters shaped like a genie’s bottle may be unearthed at a flea market or thrift shop.

Glass cylinder luminaries look appropriately exotic with gold leaf trim and Arabic-inspired cutouts.

Amidst all these rich colors, fabrics, and textures, carefully-designed lighting casts both a subdued glow and an inviting air of mystery on the entire scene.

Create a Glow With Lighting Centerpieces

Lighting is key to capturing that exotic Moroccan ambiance. The general illumination in the venue is best kept dim, or concentrated in key areas for the guests’ convenience, such as the entrance and exit—and if outdoors, along the pathways leading to the tents. Arriving guests should almost feel like they are being led into a private sanctuary where delightful table-top treasures glistening in the light of lanterns and candles are a welcoming sight.

In place of traditional floral centerpieces, for instance, they may find groupings of glass cylinder luminaries artfully arranged at the center of each table. The luminaries may be simple glass cylinders wrapped half in gold leaf and half in translucent parchment paper, silhouetting Arabic-inspired cutouts when the tea lights inside are lit.

Votive candle holders set with blue rhinestones hold tea lights reflected in beds of colored glass beads.

Alongside this centerpiece composed of luminaries, tiny tea lights in bejeweled candle holders bring a gem-like glitter to the table setting, with the glow of each reflected by a bed of colored glass beads. The varying heights of the luminaries and votives also add dynamism to the display. Moroccan tea glasses in red, purple, yellow, and green can serve as tea light holders as well, further enhancing the color palette of the table scene; while scattered amidst the place settings, gem-like stones and beads speak of the vast riches of the African continent that Morocco is part of.

Assemble Opulent Place Settings

Once the centerpieces and lighting accents are in place, the place settings are another focal point for highlighting the richness and opulence of Morocco. The creative twist lies in incorporating the party favors as appealing place setting elements that guests will be thrilled to take home afterwards.

A carved gold frame (left) and an orange and ruby petite round crystal frame (right) double as eye-catching place setting elements and take-home favors.

Start with place settings that aptly reflect the event’s color palette of jewel tones accented with gold—from the gold charger plate set with purple rhinestones, to the fuchsia napkin rolled “Persian carpet style” and tied with a tasseled gold cord. A golden place frame with Arabesque engravings and filled with glittering magenta sequins is both a striking decorative piece and, as hinted by its satin ribbon, a gift for each guest as well. Alternatively, the frame may serve as a miniature tray for treats, like Turkish delights or nougat, before it is taken as a memento.

Candles wrapped in colorful organza (right) sit atop fancy mirrored coasters.

A lovely alternative to the gold frame at each place setting could be a round crystal frame dotted with orange and ruby stones, blending in well with the Middle Eastern ambiance. Functioning as a place card holder at the outset, this frame can bear the guest’s name written in an Arabic-inspired typeface—or in actual Arabic, with the English version below it. It then serves as a thank-you favor from the engaged couple when the party draws to a close. Another wonderful favor idea could be classic white candles presented in jewel-toned fabric wraps. These colorful packages start off as eye-catching decor pieces displayed on a gold leaf tray laid alongside each table. They may then be “served” from the tray as gifts to departing guests.

Extending the bejeweled effect of the table display, rhinestone place card holders may likewise serve a triple purpose. They not only assist guests in finding their seats, or display a miniature menu card, but also enhance the place settings by echoing the event’s rich color palette and reflecting the surrounding candlelight. And finally, they serve as practical favors that guests may then use to hold a special photo or card at home.

The gemlike effect of jeweled card holders perfectly echoes the Moroccan theme.

Far-off Morocco Made Accessible

For an engagement party with a difference, a Moroccan theme is one option that will truly have guests in awe. While this may seem an ambitious undertaking, it is actually doable—with an eye and a feel for that Moroccan essence that one can recreate with inventive decorating. The keys are vivid, jewel colors, luxurious fabrics, and sensual textures amidst the soft glow of candles and the glitter of gems. Add authentic Moroccan touches and the scent of burning aromatic oils, and the occasion will surely be a magical and memorable one.

External Sources

• - Decorate Moroccan Style - from the website of Curbly
• - Marrakech: and the joys of being a personal shopper - from the blog of My Marrakesh
• - Kilim - an explanation from Wikipedia.

Products Mentioned

Marcoro Gold Place Frame

Zabenya Rose Candle

Erzella Candle Ring

Birgitta Crystal Frame

Nina Kirei Candle Votive

Soseya Placecard Holders