Some say planning a party is easy, while others are intimidated by just the thought of inviting friends over for dinner! Organizing for any affair includes details from big to small with countless tasks to juggle. Regardless of your reason for celebrating, Grow Social will make your event not just effortless— they will make it flawless.

MCKRE got to hang out with the Crystal Coast's newest event planning team at Live Oak Commons, and can't wait to share their story, three different ideas for your next dinner party, and tips from the local pros. Cheers, y'all!

CREATING COMMUNITY: THE GROW SOCIAL STORY

Upon moving to the Crystal Coast, this dynamic trio of Laiken, Cody and Kody was destined to meet. Through their friendship, they discovered a mutual passion for gathering with friends and celebrating. Together, they created a business fusing their enthusiasm for enhancing events with their collective skills and joy of design.

Grow Social is prepared to do as much or as little as needed – from sourcing services in order to create a full custom event, to gathering table linens and fun accent pieces like paper goods, candles, vases and pillows. They get to know their clients and what each values to ensure that their individuality and personality shine through. Laiken, Cody and Kody make sure that what inspires their clients is beautifully reflected in all of the elements of their event. This team brings their collective passion for entertaining, celebrating and designing to curate each unique gathering. With Laiken's vast experience in the wedding industry, Cody's interior design background, and Kody's full immersion in the culinary and entertaining scene, they know what it takes to pull off any occasion. Because of their first-hand experience in a variety of celebrations, the logistics, creativity, and every detail will be taken care of. Grow Social is exactly what the Crystal Coast has been longing for. Since their launch in early 2022, our community has been extremely supportive and responsive. The Grow Social team seeks to enhance the wonderful local attributes folks already know and love, while also showing people that it's okay to think outside the box.

From an intimate gathering to a large party, Grow Social can help you turn what otherwise would be an ordinary day into an extraordinary day — and a core memory you will never forget.

WANT TO MAKE YOUR PARTY EXTRA SPECIAL?

Check out these tips from Grow Social:

LAIKEN'S TABLESCAPE

What she included in her Winter Wonderland tablescape:

• A neutral, textured tablecloth draped with snowy evergreen garland
• Custom menus and detailed design elements to carry out the big picture
• Gold flatware and accents to provide warmth and a little bit of shimmer

CODY'S TABLESCAPE

What he included in his Coastal Christmas tablescape:

• A snow blue velvet tablecloth
• A fluffy runner comprised of pampas grass and dried greenery, dotted with wire Christmas trees and candlesticks of various heights
• Ornaments serving as name card holders

KODY'S TABLESCAPE

What he included in his New Year's Celebration tablescape:

• An intricate oversized tablecloth for a dramatic look
• Matte black plates topped with neutral silk napkins
• A subtle bird theme carried throughout, including sparkling figurines and ornaments filled with feathers (We love how they worked with a unique, out-of-the-box theme, while still keeping things classy and elevated!)

AUTHENTICITY.

"The overall aesthetic of any dinner party should be an exact representation of the host/hostess' personality. Whether you adore bold, bright colors or have an affinity for birds (pictured in Kody's tablescape design), what's important to you should shine throughout your gathering."

RELAX.

"Don't stress over the small things! It's important for you – the host – to enjoy not only the planning process, but the event itself. Your guests will feel your energy – if you're not having a good time, it will show."

LESS IS MORE.

"It's not about how much you have, rather how you work with what is available. It's okay to not have decor in every square inch of a space. Intentional design details speak much louder than something that might not fit!"

HAVE FUN!

"Get creative with your design elements! Don't be afraid to mix and match – you can absolutely implement a modern twist to a classic Christmas theme. Keep in mind that you're hosting a celebration, so feel free to break the mold with your design."

BRING IN THE PROS.

"Let us do the work for you. We will take your vision and goals into account to plan an event – big or small – that is functional, beautiful and hands off for you."

To learn how Grow Social can bring your event to life, visit their website at www.growsocialnc.com.

IG: @growsocialnc

FB: facebook.com/growsocialnc