Elementally speaking

For me, the inspiration for creating a party comes first from the chosen setting. From there I can bring the desired mood to life with color, texture, and details. In this natural environment, with its backdrop of green hills and trees, I focused on combining lights and darks in a neutral palette, adding pops of vibrant seasonal blossoms.





Dark rustic charger plates were accented with hand lettered river stones bearing each guest's name. Those served two purposes--a wonderful personal touch and a weight to keep linen napkins from blowing away in the breeze.





More than 100 windchimes hung from an arbor of willow we created at the tent entrance--the sound was so pretty in the breeze, as guests walked down to dinner from cocktails up at the house. Each windchime had a card with a guest's name and table number attached, and the chimes were offered as favors, since the honoree was a serious music lover.

At night the tent glowed with silk lamps we hung over every table, to give the space a more intimate feeling...

When you're thinking about your own party, consider the mood you want to create, and choose a setting that has at least hints of your desired ambiance. Then accent with color, texture, and a few surprises to delight the invited. Why wait? Let's celebrate!