It is such an honor to host Chris of Celebrations at Home for our Friday Guest Blog series! She’s an extremely talented event planner & styler (you MUST check out her nautical themed baby shower after the jump!) with a degree in Fashion Merchandising and a spot-on specialty for creating perfect celebrations. Her passions include fashion, interior decorating and entertaining — and you’ll absolutely agree with me that her eye for details is superb after reading her interview! After throwing a multitude of themed parties, showers and events for family and friends, she finally took her passion to the blogging world and created Celebrations at Home.
Again, we quizzed her with four critical home & entertaining design questions, and you will love her answers! She’s offered us some incredible inspiration, tips and DIY ideas for our next Celebration at Home.aaaa
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
{PDB Interview with Chris of Celebrations at Home!}
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
v
What inspires your design style?
I am extremely influenced by interior design. When I am styling a space for a party, I want to incorporate art and accessories that relate to the party theme, just as you would when decorating a living space. These are usually unexpected touches that party guests will absolutely notice. For instance, I love to cover pillows in fabric that coordinates with the color scheme, or place small vignettes on side tables or book shelves. These vignettes can be photos in frames or objects relevant to the theme. One of my favorite things is to create some type of artistic backdrop to a buffet or bar. I’ve done this by hanging fabric, beaded curtains, “party art”, and rub-on transfer quotes.
What do you love most about what you do?
There are a couple of things. As far as small event styling, I love seeing people’s reaction to the details. When I hear the words, “how did you think of that?” it’s quite rewarding. Let’s face it, party planning is not saving the world, but it can help add to someone else’s happiness for a day!
What are your favorite design trends?
I am so glad to see modern, sleek design in parties. Again, that comes from the Interior Design influence. The geometric tablescapes by Amy Atlas are a perfect example. She creates perfectly balanced buffets and combines them with fantastic patterns and prints. Part of that trend is using simple white dishes. It’s a perfect marriage of being style-wise and budget-wise, as they can be used to serve a traditional Thanksgiving dinner as well as a contemporary dessert buffet.
What are three design suggestions that you would like to offer our readers?
{1} As I mentioned above, create a bit of “party art.” Buy a blank painters canvas and simply paint it the color of the party and hang it in place of the “everyday” art. Or cover it with a piece of fabulous coordinating fabric. You can staple it to the back of the frame or use duct tape to hold it in place(no one will see the back). Even still, you could wrap a sheet of foam core with beautiful wrapping paper and prop it against the wall. These are easy ideas you can do over and over again to coordinate with any theme.
{3} When setting a dining table start with the basic elements and then go wild thinking of ways to make those elements interesting and/or coordinate with one another. Start with a basic table clothe…now what can you do to make it interesting? Place a retro-modern patterned fabric as a runner? Line it with rows of wide ribbon? Think outside the box. How can you make the charger or place mat more unique? Use a large leaf under the plate? Use a wood disk? Next, think about the napkins. Any square of fabric can be used as a napkin! Cut out your own using pinking shears and a gorgeous piece of fabric. When you break it down like this, it doesn’t seem so difficult, does it?! ; )
Thank you, Chris!
bb
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
More great inspiration from Chris for a Sip & Sea Baby Shower! Check out the full post here.
Fantastic ideas include monogrammed dessert buffet cookies, nautical drink charms, an adorable collage made out of nautical papers and black & white photos of the new baby, fabulous table runners and customized drink labels!<p>
p
p
p
p
p
p
p
p
p
p
pp
p
p
p
p
p
p
p
ppp
p
p
p
ppp
p
Chris, oh, Chris. Great interview, sweets. I wish I would have gone first because my answers this week are going to seem like copycat answers. We share a brain so it makes sense!
Chris gave plenty of ideas to recycle. A great interview.
Great job, Chris! Keep those creative ideas going!
I’ve been following Chris for a long time now and I just love all of her ideas! Great party planner. Great article too!
Chris you did a great job!
great interview Chris!