Summer Night Galaxy Party: What To Craft, Make & Wear!

I'm dying to throw a moody night-sky themed party. Imagine this: Sparkly star-print decor, Insta-worthy milkshakes, slinky black dresses, glitzy earrings & too much champagne! Who wants to come over!?

The first thing I do when I'm throwing a theme party is figure out a photo backdrop. I'll be honest, when you live in a New York City apartment, you don't always have the space (or light) for those gorgeous blog photos you see of parties in spacious, super-photogenic studio spaces.

I'd you're like me, you're working with a crammed setting, limited seating and no space for a big decorated dining table...let alone a real photo booth!

So I like to decorate a roll of craft paper and tape it to a sliver of wall near the window so it gets some natural light and guests can get a few selfies for their Instagram.

For this galaxy print photo background, I splattered black craft paper with white paint. Once it dried, I glued on stars for one of those metallic garlands. Voila! Fake it till you make it. You can see how it looks in action behind the milkshake and accessory photos below.

For food, I've been in the mood to make an over-the-top milkshake and this felt like the perfect opportunity.

You can prepare the glasses a day or two in advance and keep them in the fridge. Spread the inside and outer rim with melted candy melts and sprinkle with assorted sprinkles or edible glitter—or both!!

For the milkshake itself, I decided to spike my favorite vanilla shake with activated charcoal. Whoa! I know, right? It gives the shake a moody grey color and apparently it helps trap and suck out toxins from your body. I'm sure the milkshake ingredients don't undo that at all...

Now for the party look! I wish I had a star print dress to go along with the whole night. I've been absolutely dying over this one from Free People but it's a little expensive. Maybe not? Should I buy it!?

Instead I like to dress up a plain black slip dress, like this silky one from Aritzia, with sparkly cosmic accessories. My bag was a great find on ASOS (it's sold out but here's one that's similar).

I'm obsessed with these shooting star tassel ear jackets that Small Things sent me and they're still available if you're interested. I love the tassels! I don't feel comfortable wearing super large earrings and most tassel earrings are borderline gigantic. But these ones are dainty, comfortable and perfect for a sultry summer night.Anyway! Here's a recipe for the milkshakes I made...

GALAXY MILKSHAKE
MAKES: 1 shake

White candy melts, melted
Sprinkles
1/2 cup milk
2 to 3 scoops vanilla ice cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon food grade activated charcoal (optional) or a few drops food dye
Whipped cream, for topping

1. Drizzle the glass with candy melts and sprinkle with sprinkles; chill until set about 5 minutes.

2. In a blender, blend the milk, ice cream, vanilla and charcoal (if using). Pour into the prepared glass and top with whipped cream and more sprinkles

I feel like this would be a great theme for a block party or barbecue. What do you think? Do you do an annual summer party? Could this work for it this year!?!

Disclosure: Small Things sent me the earrings to wear for this party, which was so nice! As usual, all content and opinions are that of my own. Thank you for supporting the brands who support Hey, EEP!