Posts Labeled ‘inspiration’

May 3rd, 2011

High Style and Design at the Corcoran Ball

The 56th Annual Corcoran Ball was the place to be this past weekend. The event is one of the most prestigious fundraisers in DC and hours upon hours are spent making sure it is one of, if not the most, beautiful galas in town. The Corcoran Ball raises money for the Corcoran Gallery of Art and its many important education and outreach programs. The often one thousand or more guests in attendance all come out to support the Gallery and to have a fabulous time.

One of the highlights of the evening is the way that the galleries are decorated and the design of the tablescapes that the guests sit at. The event is catered and designed annually by Occasions Caterers, one of DC’s premiere catering companies, in conjunction with the Gala Committee. I had the opportunity to walk through the Gala to see the beautiful tablescapes and unique touches Occasions created for the guests of the Ball.

Congratulations to the Corcoran and to Occasions for a gorgeous event!

Flowers are by Jack Lucky, lighting by Light-olutions, and equipment/rentals and tenting are by Perfect Settings.

the main floor

double napkins are all the rage

these chandeliers are stunning

the view from above

triple plates and a dramatic napkin fold

tassled chair topper

purple + red = drama

rose petals dot the plate

forgive the photo... here is stunning, masculine setting perfect for the charcoal-paneled room

lush texture makes for a stunning arrangement

I love this napkin fold

yellow is always so cheery; paired with black it packs a punch

each plate around the table had a different letter on it, drawing from the "alphabet" tablecloth

I adore this chair cushion. It is the epitome of feminine.

sparkle, sparkle, sparkle

here, umbrellas are a fun way to add height to a room with a seemingly limitless ceiling

I love the repetition of circles in this tablescape

this flatware is adorable

forgive the fuzzy photo of this beautifully canopied table grouping

copper, mint, and brick red is a fabulous combination

once again, the chair cushions are divine

the canopy

a tropical wonderland

a coconut water glass -- too clever!

mod tables with a pop of poppies

cocktail tables in the late night party space

lounge area for the late night party

gorgeous planters each filled with one type of flower line the grand staircase

April 14th, 2011

Spring color inspiration from The Inspired Bride

Isn’t this color inspiration board, designed by The Inspired Bride, perfect for this time of year? The cheery yellow and soft green whisper “Spring.” These colors would be perfect not only for a wedding, but for a baby or wedding shower, too.

Color inspiration board from The Inspired Bride

January 22nd, 2011

Color Inspiration: Blues and Greens

I am working with a client on selecting a color palette for her wedding and so far we are thinking shades of blues and greens. I am finding a little bit of inspiration from this color board.

First row: Anthropologie, Divine Twine
Second row: Brides, Martha Stewart Weddings
Third row: Martha Stewart Weddings, Style Me Pretty

December 13th, 2010

White Out: Inspiration for a White Party in the Winter

I’ve been working with a client who is hosting a White Party right after the new year. With a little imagination, I could see these elements working together to create a white “wonderland” kind of feel for the event.

white acrylic ball garland via Jamali Garden

these clear Ghost Barstools from DC Rental would be perfect at a tall cabaret table draped with white linen

I love these white daybeds, also from DC Rental

picture these done in white and silver hanging from the ceiling; via Design*Sponge

white leaf garland would be perfect to swirl around a buffet table; garland via Jamali Garden

set white flowers like these everywhere!; image via Martha Stewart

November 9th, 2010

New DC Wedding Blog: United with Love

Julianne Smith & Nole Garey (of Garter Girl & Oh So Beautiful Paper fame, respectively) have teamed up to launch a great new resource for DC-based brides: United with Love. The site features the best tips and advice on DC-area weddings, along with sweet wedding eye-candy for inspiration, and Real Wedding features. Check it out today and visit often!

October 26th, 2010

Make it Interactive: Table Conversation Starters

There’s nothing worse at a party than silence. Why not spark some witty banter with some conversation starters? Here are a few ideas that I love.

Custom crossword puzzle; via Martha Stewart

A custom crossword puzzle would be a perfect way to create discussion at a bridal luncheon, or wedding or baby shower. Try Variety Games or Puzzle Maker for customizable templates.

"Fun Facts" card; via Style Me Pretty; photo by Olive Juice

Even listing some fun facts about the bride and groom or guests of honor at a party can be a great way to start chatter around the table. This card is adorable!

Question-prompting guest book; via Martha Stewart

Create your own thought-provoking guest book that guests can sign and pass around the table.

DIY fortune cookies; via Once Wed

I love these DIY fortune cookies found on Once Wed. Create a series of “fortunes” or best wishes and insert them into the folded fortune-cookie-look-a-like and encourage guests to share their wishes around the table.

Paper Leaves of Thanks; via Martha Stewart

With Thanksgiving coming up it’s a perfect opportunity to create some interactivity around the table through having guests share what they are thankful for. Even just writing little thoughts on these simple but pretty paper leaves could be fun.

What’s your fun idea for making your special occasion dinner table interactive?

October 9th, 2010

Bringing the outdoors in: pinecone decor inspiration

I am always looking for non-floral decor alternatives for weddings and other events. My husband and I went on a hike today in Great Falls and everywhere I turned I found inspiration for Fall decor!  My mind is now spinning with ideas for incorporating natural elements — like pinecones, greenery, branches, and acorns — into designs.

In fact, I worked on an event recently where a team of us collaborated on nature-inspired centerpieces — we filled clear vessels with pears and apples and used acorns and pinecones as filler. I can’t take credit for the design, but it looked great!

Below are a few images that are inspiring me to go out and collect all of the pinecones I can find — then I’ll be prepared for Fall decorating next year, too!

DIY pinecone wedding bouquet via Once Wed

pinecone boutonniere via Martha Stewart

Rustic pinecone monogram via Martha Stewart

pinecone escort card table via Martha Stewart

pinecone monogram via Martha Stewart

pinecone wreath via Country Living

gilded pinecone placecard via Country Living

September 27th, 2010

I’m Inspired. Casual, refined dining.

Pictures can strike a cord, transport you to a different place, inspire you… That’s what happened when I saw this feature spread in this month’s issue of Town & Country magazine, featuring the home of interior designer Barbara Barry.

I want to have breakfast in this very spot! The serenity of the outdoor setting, the comfy couch, the refined, yet subtly casual tablescape… I love it all!

The melons are prepped and conveniently served with spoons.The mixture of neutral china with clear glassware and silver serving pieces set a clean, cohesive tone. The white scalloped cocktail napkins are adorable wrapped around the cup and saucer…

Let me say it again, I love it all!

{images via Town & Country magazine; photographs in the magazine taken by Victoria Pearson}

September 8th, 2010

Wedding inspiration

I adore these chairs spotted on the SCOOP from a nature-inspired wedding. They are perfect for an outdoor wedding and are such a departure from the typical wood folding chairs we see so often. Gorgeous!

wood-slatted chairs from a wedding featured on the SCOOP; photographer: Elizabeth Messina