It is difficult enough to pull off a food and some basic decorations for a dinner party, but when you’re having a huge event—say let’s a wedding—going the additional mile is part of the bargain. For example, it is tricky enough to pull off some basic decorations. Because of this, we decided to seek some advice from others who are more experienced in the field.
David Stark, a New York City event designer who is known for creating decorations that are more comparable to art installations than centerpieces, is the most prominent party planner in this small town. He has organized parties for celebrities like Beyoncé. He offered some images from five of his most memorable events to aid others who have events of their own to plan this season with some ideas that can be adapted to parties of varying sizes, shapes, and themes. He did this to help inspire people who have events of their own to plan this season.
Use the invitations to create suspense about the party.
Stark advises that “a party invitation is like the coming attraction of a film,” therefore the document should “be representative of the enchantment that will come to pass during your celebration.” It is evident what the atmosphere of the event will be like thanks to the invitation suite that he commissioned Cheree Berry to design for a young book lover’s party. However, he did not reveal too much information. In addition, utilizing this strategy encourages more themed events, which is something that we wholeheartedly support.
Bring Some Light Into It.
There is safety in numbers, as the saying goes. Stark speaks about the light lanterns he developed for a party that he is hosting. “The location and configuration of the lanterns can be elevated to the level of installation art when they are grouped together on lawns and walks. Although they can be displayed on entry tables or hung on the wall, this is where they truly shine as a source of delight. It’s impossible to have too many!” We are in agreement that it imbues the area with a mysterious quality, almost to the point of quilting the grass, especially taking into account the fact that the lanterns come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and numbers of clusters.
Try Not To Be Afraid To Mix Different Patterns Together.
The above color palette, which manages to be both childlike and elegant at the same time, was made by hand-painting patterns onto muslin, which was then used to make a table cloth and seat cushions. “Pick a color palette and make sure you have shifts in scale,” advises Stark, “whether you paint by hand or simply buy patterned materials.” The contrast in scale between one pattern that is graphic and zoomed in and another pattern that is small and more like a field of pattern will help even clashing colors or a range of textiles work together.
Customize Paper Lanterns.
“All you need is a paintbrush and some acrylic paint,” the author writes. Stark encourages hosts to design a unique pattern or message on lighting paper lanterns, saying that they should do so. “For a recent Whitney gala, we listed all of the names of the painters whose works are in the permanent collection of the Whitney Museum of American Art here, on the lanterns and walls,” You could have each attendee submit a wish for the new year or a fantasy guest that they’d love to eat with, and then you could script their wishes all over the (disposable sections of the) party’s decor. This would make the celebration feel more casual.
Go Green.
Stark had the tent draped with a printed cloth that provided the appearance of a natural surrounding in order to raise money for the Cheekwood Estate and Garden at the posh event known as the Swan Ball, which was held in Nashville. “When it comes to party decor, greens are typically thought of as a filler to flowers; however, we beg to differ,” he says. “We have found that greens make beautiful arrangements all on their own.” The world of greenery is amazing, unique, and varied; it is definitely something you should embrace as the centerpiece of your table or decor.
