Arabian Nights Theme Decor

Possible titles for this themed event:

* Aladdin's Tent
* 1001 Arabian Nights
* Meet Me at the Casbah
* Arabian Adventures
* Evening Desert Oasis
* Desert Nights
* Ali Baba's Cave
* Harem Nights

Invitations set the tone for your event, right from the start. Chose one that gives the mood and feeling you want to create.

Unique Wedding Scroll Invitation



Moroccan Wedding Scroll Invitation


Genie Bottles 2010 by trennea


Red gold arabian junior senior prom formal dance by FidesDesign


ARABIAN NIGHTS sweet 16 BIRTHDAY custom invitation by sweetest_sixteen

The color scheme for this theme is pretty simple - jewel tones and white with metallics gold & silver.

The jewel tones mimic the rubies, sapphires, emeralds and more that are purported to be in the Sheik's/Sultan's treasure chests. The lanterns have glass inserts in these colors that cast warm shadows inside the tents. The robes of royalty always have white. The sashes, tassels, rugs, tapestries and jewelry use gold.

Flowing chiffons, organzas, voiles, silks and satins come to mind with thinking of the decorated lavish interiors of tents in middle east stories and movies. Draping walls, ceilings, tables and poles in fabric covers the hard lines and creates a soft, romantic feel.

Iridescent Chiffon Gold Each



Iridescent Chiffon Red Each



Iridescent Chiffon Blue Each

You can create a "Tent" effect in a room in different ways. One is to drape fabric from the ceiling. You can hang a wooden or metal hoop (or even a hula hoop) from the ceiling. The run lengths of fabric through it to the walls and let it drape. Very nice effect!

Lighted Hanger White Each

Another is with a (round) parachute. Yes, I said a parachute. This is quite normal for a prom or other event in a room with high celings. You open it fully and center it on the floor parallel to where you want it on the ceiling. Find the dead center of the parachute, usually has a small wind hole with cording. Gather it together and try twine/cording in a knot to hold the gather in place. Attach a screw in hook or a suspension ceiling hook in the middle of the room and hand the gathered center of the parachute from there. Attach the edges of the parachute to the wall allowing for the billowing tent effect.

You can also hang Christmas lights from the ceiling before you hang the parachute. The lights will filter through the parachute fabric and have a nice effect.

Below are a few themed centerpieces available for this theme. There are literally hundreds of different ways you could go for your centerpieces. Combinations of baskets, candle holders, lanterns, jewels, treasure chests, fruit, goblets and more. Get that Moroccan theme (Moraccan theme) feel by setting the stage!

Arabian Night Centerpiece Each



Metallic Palm Tree Centerpiece Each


Genie Lamp Each




Magic Lamp Centerpiece Each

Another option for creating an Arabian or Moroccan themed centerpiece is to used vintage pieces in a grouping that conveys your theme. This way you can buy one of a kind items at thrift stores, eBay, vintage or antique malls and have truly unique centerpieces for every table! You can even re-sell the items when your event is over.

Close your eyes and conjure up images in your mind of what evokes the Arabian Nights theme -- desert nights, palm trees, tents, bazaars, floor cushions, camels, jewels, lanterns, flowing fabrics, gold, sheiks, Sultans, harems, gorgeous palaces, treasure chests, sand, silks, filmy fabrics and more. Chose an odd number of main items (odd numbers are more visually pleasing) for each grouping. Use different textures and colors for interest.

For example, one table could have a small, 6" x 6" jewel-toned pillow with tassels, a small jewel filled chest and a brass magic genie lamp grouped together in a vignette. Add some votives or LED votives in jewel-tones or sprinkle some table jewels to finish it off.

Or, a collection of three metal and/or porcelain wine jugs of different heights with a single bloom in each is another idea. Make a hookah the centerpiece on one table with smaller items like an Arabian slipper and cashmere scarf around it. Put on your thinking cap and go!

Buy at AllPosters.com

Finding items for your desert theme is like a treasure hunt. Urns, turbans, goblets, floor cushions, baskets and more may already be in your house. Ask friends and family if you can borrow something. Look online at party supplies, wedding supplies and rental stores, look locally in thrift stores or at garage sales. You'd be surprised what you can find!

Sprinkle table jewels all around your guest tables, buffet or stations, head table, gift table or cake table. Candle light will make them sparkle and come to life!

Diamond-shaped Table Jewels - Small

Use themed place card holders that can double as favors (photo holders).

Genie Bottle Place Card Holder

Give your bridesmaids a beautiful Jeweled Harem Mirror as a thank you gift. Use gold or gold and silver charger plates on guest tables to add to the richness of the theme.

Jeweled Harem Mirror



Personalized Dupioni Silk Jewelry Pouch

Your room decor will set the scene for this event. Buy or borrow a pop-up canopy. Swag it with fabric in your color scheme and use it for your entrance. Or, fill it with rugs, floor pillows a hookah and place it in a prominent spot as a vignette for your theme (drawing on right).

Or drape as much fabric as you can, use candles, floor cushions, low tables, hanging lanterns, tented areas (if you can't drape the room), palm trees, entrance columns, build a "Desert Oasis" vignette with a water feature (real or faux), lush foliage, ornamental grasses, sand and palm trees, scatter small treasure chests filled with costume jewelry, stones a gold foiled chocolates for guests to take home.

A few more ideas:

Arabian Metal Lantern Each



World Of Enchantment Background Each



Arabian Nights Archway Each



Gossamer Palm Tree Brown/green Set

Well placed, large decor can add a lot to your theme. At the entrance, in the middle of the room, in a dead space, near a stage, cake table, head table or dance floor, something like the following will make a statement and continue the theme for your guests. You don't need a lot, be choosy. Get the one or two items that will really create the atmosphere you are seeking.

A tented area over the dance floor or perhaps just columns at the four corners, a fountain and pool at the entrance as a welcome to your Arabian Nights event are all great choices. Then you continue the theme through more subtle decor like centerpieces, buffet enhancements, favors or a ceiling treatment.

click on images for more information.





Arabian Paradise Gazebo Each





Arabian Paradise Column Each

The most important elements of an Arabian Nights theme are the jewel toned colors and lots of chiffon, organza, silk-like fabrics. Don't forget!