#2021Wedding Trends: Pink Passion

Our fabulous Fancy Nancy Stolz has curated a list of the years most stylish fabrics and on trend colors to inspire your upcoming wedding planning!

Choosing the right color story for a wedding or event is always a fun challenge – do you stay neutral, timeless? Bold, stylish, modern….. Or do you choose soft, romantic and flowy? We don’t think there is ever a wrong answer – it just depends on the vision of your event!

This final Pink Passion trend is so pretty, it is one of our favorites. We always love mixing various tones of one color to create depth. We hope you have enjoyed trends One and Two as well as this latest, fabulous trend, and we would love to see how you use them in your event design!

#2021Wedding Trends: Moody Modern

Our fabulous Fancy Nancy Stolz has curated a list of the years most stylish fabrics and on trend colors to inspire your upcoming wedding planning!

We hope you enjoyed the first part of the 2021 Color Trends! We are so excited about Part 2 – so moody and dramatic. Our Merlot Velvet is one of our favorite linens and we must admit, adding our Mustard or Marigold to your tabletop is the perfect on trend pop!

What is your favorite Moody Modern look?

Next week we will share the final trend (which happens to be Julie’s personal favorite) and then  – drum roll please – we will begin to introduce our fabulous new 2021 linens!!

#2021Wedding Colors & Textiles

Our fabulous Fancy Nancy Stolz has curated a list of the years most stylish fabrics and on trend colors to inspire your upcoming wedding planning!

As we continue to cautiously move forward in the event world, we hope you enjoy a little bit of Creative inspiration. We will share Nancy’s fabulous research in three parts over the next few weeks – providing a different trend each post. Click on the link to see the first of three exciting trends we will share with you.

The Way it Was…

Picture it, the nostalgia of 2019 – You sit down and plan out the perfect menu with your caterer; the perfect centerpieces with your florist; the exact table settings with the perfect napkin on the perfect linen with your rental company; all while your planner is coordinating every detail you discuss with each vendor. Or perhaps you are the vendor, enjoying each client that comes in your showroom (or your kitchen, or your studio) and you get to share your talents and gifts to help make their event dreams come true.

No one is wearing a mask.
No one is carrying bottles of hand sanitizer.
And you are able to shake hands and even hug those around you.

The world has not been thrown into chaos or forced you to reschedule, or in some cases, cancel the events we have all been looking forward to attending, hosting, or designing.

Staying Sane and Connected During COVID

These past 9 months, we have been forced to adapt, especially in the event industry. People are now hosting virtual events, where your guests stay in the “comfort” of their own homes (I use the term ‘comfort’ loosely because haven’t we all reached that point where we are dying for a chance to squeeze back into our skinny jeans?) But it is not the same as the joy and thrill we get when speaking face-to-face with friends and family; when we get to see the facial expressions of those around us.

Right now, the world is seeing a resurgence of the virus because we all have reached our boiling point and it is almost impossible for us to maintain the social distances asked of us. We are human and we need interaction and socialization. Even those who consider themselves introverted are starting to feel the strain of limited contact. So how can we do what is needed of us while still getting our much needed human interactions?

Keep the Celebrations Small but the Joy Big

Weddings and Holiday Parties, especially, are a time for friends and family to come together and celebrate something joyous.

We act smart, do the right thing requested by our scientists and doctors, and limit the interactions. That means, wear your masks, wash your hands, and stay socially distant. But that does not mean we have to become shut-ins. We can still host our events, just keep them within the guidelines given to us by the experts.

If the dream event is to have 250 of your closest friends and family, then reschedule that dream, don’t cancel it. But for the time being, let’s have an event with those 25 people who really are the closest to you and request that everyone wear masks. You can even hand out masks at the door, incorporating the design and theme of the event from the tablecloths and flowers to the masks.

We are in this together, and we all still want to have a reason to celebrate. The end of this is on the horizon, and we will all need to come together again to grieve, celebrate, and love. So have that intimate get-together now, or help your client design their event with limited seating showcasing their favorite flowers and perfect tablecloths and napkins for those closest to them.

There will be a day to invite all those who are still near and dear, but outside the inner circle. They are all ready and waiting to celebrate with you.

The 2020 holiday season will no doubtedly look much different than in years past. But there is still plenty of opportunity to host a festive Thanksgiving feast or Christmas party for your nearest and dearest. As event professionals, we have compiled these 8 tried and true tips that will assure a great event and make the upcoming holiday season joyful.

We have certainly seen the shift of large gala events to smaller gatherings and we predict that trend is here to stay for a few more months. Small events and dinner parties at home can sometimes be just as stressful as larger events, so here are a few ideas to help alleviate some of the stress. Remember the whole idea behind having a party, event or gathering this holiday season is to have FUN!

1. First Priority: Make a To-Do List

Your event to-do list will create the overall concept of the party. Start with your guest list, party style, menu ideas, bar ideas, decor, music and timing. Having these items nailed down will allow you to create your actual timeline of tasks. If you get too dreamy, this can often spiral out of control and next thing you know you are planning a black tie gala for 1,000 people! So look at your ideas and full to-do list, then scale back or add as needed.

2. Plan Your Menu

KEEP IT SIMPLE. Go to your favorites – the recipes you know and love. This is not the time to try a new 450 step culinary experience. Make a timeline and shopping list and prepare as much as you can a few days before, hopefully leaving only a few things for the big day. And (this is a big one!) do NOT be afraid of buying some things – not everything has to be made from scratch. This piece of wisdom comes from my mother who used to have the turkey, stuffing and gravy all catered at Thanksgiving, which just left her with simple sides (and no one ever knew – happy wife, happy life!).

3. Make the Bar Self-Service

Unless you want to play bartender all night, this is an area that should be simple and self-service. The bar area can be such a fun, stylish and sexy part of the party. It is an area that people will congregate, so make it pretty and easy for guests to serve themselves. Great wines, a few fabulous beers and a specialty cocktail are sure to please everyone in the group.

Pro-tip: Open a few bottles of wine, have a wine and beer opener at the ready, and open your hard liquors and mixers. Guests have a very hard time being the first to open something and will more readily help themselves if the opening has been done for them.

The bar can be set up the day before so all you have to do is pop the whites and beer on ice and you are good to go. Also have a nice non-alcoholic option included in the bar offerings. Infused or sparkling waters or Italian sodas are always appreciated. Keep in mind: do you have enough glassware? Wine & bottle openers? Ice? (Add it to the To-Do List!)

4. Set the Mood

Imagine you are the first to arrive and the lights are all on and the house is super quiet… awkward for sure! The mood is set the minute guests walk in your house. The lights should be dimmed and, to help everyone look absolutely fabulous, set a mood with lots of candles. Everyone looks stunning in candlelight and it is so dramatic! The mood is also set by music. It should be loud enough to be heard but also soft enough to talk over. Music is so important. Nothing will kill a party faster than a quiet house. You can create a playlist or you can just pick a station on Pandora or Spotify. Some favorite go-tos that are mellow, keep the mood up, and are pleasing to most ears are The Motown Station, Hipster Cocktail Party, Amy Winehouse Radio, and Downtempo Radio.

5. A Seat for Every Guest

Have you ever been to a party and it’s time for dinner and everyone stands around the table not knowing where to sit? Don’t do that to your guests! Have a plan and assign seats, or at least make sure there is a seat for every guest at the party. This way you can be sure that there will not be any conflicts or awkward moments. Table assignments are also a fun way to add stylish decor or simple take away gifts to the table.

6. Provide a Welcome

Once your guests have found their seats, said hello to their dinner neighbors, poured themselves some wine, it is a good idea to welcome everyone. In this welcome you thank them for coming, give any thanks to those who helped, or simply a nice toast to all in attendance. Doing this will signify to your guest that the festivities have begun and it is time to enjoy.

7. Create Cohesiveness

Does your party or event have cohesiveness? Cohesiveness in an event is something that is overlooked but can really make a difference. The invites will set the expectations of the party. Does your decor follow through from the invites; does the menu? You want to make sure that all the aspects of the party have the same overall tone so your guests know what to expect.

8. Let Someone Else Deal with the Details

If the last seven tips had you filling with anxiety, then this is the tip for you: Hire a Professional! Party planning can be very stressful. If all of this becomes overwhelming, there are professionals who plan parties and events for a living. You can simply hire a planner to handle all the details and you can just show up to your own party. Remember, the idea of having a party is to have FUN and ENJOY your family and friends.

#NYFW2020:

A Versatility Vibe

Pantone recently launched their top 10 colors for Fall/Winter 2020/21 and we cannot be more thrilled with the choices and how they can be mixed and matched to create so many lovely color palettes! Better yet, don’t fret, the colors are not your typical transitioning seasonal hues, but rather chosen based on functionality, value, and longevity.

With stability through all seasons, these colors are strong and sturdy, warm & nurturing, moody & mesmerizing! The perfect colors to creatively style an event or wedding based around your client’s branding or personality.

Photography | Denae Nicole

Photography | Woodmancy Photography

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Photography | Liz Zimbleman Photography

LA VIE EN ROSE

Whether it is Rose Gold, Dusty Rose, or Cinnamon Rose (similar to Pantone’s Canyon Rose), shades of Rose are on trend in fashion, décor, and especially weddings in 2020.

Fashions, florals, food, fabrics…these gorgeous shades of pink can be paired each season throughout the year with softer hues such as grey, light blue, or peach to deeper hues like green, burgundy, copper, and gold.

Decor | New Decor Trends

Living life through rose colored glasses (La Vie en Rose) has a meaning of viewing life with an optimistic perception. Hues of pink have a psychological meaning of hope, kindness and empathy. It represents compassion and unconditional love thus a color used in so many wedding palettes!

Photo | Nicole Conner Photography

BEAUCOUP BLUE!

There’s much ADO about BLUE! With Pantone’s recent announcement of Classic Blue as the 2020 color of the year, hues of blue will play an integral part in fashion, décor, and wedding & event planning. In fact, there are three shades of blue that made the cut for Pantone’s list of Spring/Summer 2020 color trends: Classic Blue, Faded Denim, and Mosaic Blue.

The color blue is one of trust and loyalty, seeking peace and tranquility.  It is a stress reducer and creates a sense of relaxation. Blue is a conservative color that is universally non-threatening, so liked by all!  It is trustworthy, predictable and reliable.

Styling | New Decor Trends

When considering blue for an event or wedding think about what blue represents but also how the variations of the color blue will affect the mood of the event.  No matter the shade though, remember that blue creates a relaxing environment so guests will feel happy and content. On the lighter side of the spectrum pale, sky, or azure blues are associated with health, healing, creativity, and tranquility.  Consider the feelings that are evoked with a clear blue sky or sea! Light blues can be paired with so many color variations from neutrals to bright schemes. Navy or midnight blue, on the other hand, is non-emotional and more masculine or serious, representing knowledge and power.  Pairing dark blue with lighter color variations can soften the tone of the event; however, if planning a corporate event, a more serious or orderly tone can be generated by utilizing navy or midnight blue with deeper, richer colors.

Photo | Epik Weddings & Events

This wedding season brides are choosing to use blue hues in several elements of the design from dresses, cakes, decor, and tabletop elements.  Fabrics range from sheer chiffon, plush velvet, or prints that pop. 

NEW Linen Additions

As the shift to holiday and New Year’s Eve party planning begins this season, we have listened to your requests since launching #theNAPKINmovement earlier this year and have some festive news to share.

The featured fabrics below will now be available in full linen lines! And, we have added new color additions to the Plush Velvet and Havana fabric families too. We will begin to increase these inventory levels, so we encourage you to place any upcoming linen orders soon to ensure there is availability for your event needs.

Carnivale

Coordinator | Vangard Events @vangardevents
Photographer | Christopher Nelson Photography @cnelsonshoot

Havana

Marble

Photographer | Marto G Photography @martogphotography

Velvet

Venue | Emerald at Queensridge @eaqweddings
Photographer | Marcella Photography @marcellaphotographylv

LUSCIOUS LAYERS for your FALL TABLESCAPES

Layered tablescapes add a cozy and warm feeling to any event. Lush layers of fabrics like Plush Velvet and Linnea mixed with draping, sheer Voile or patterned napkins bring a rich, textured feel for Fall/Winter table designs.

Here are a few inspirational looks to get you in the mood for this coming season’s weddings and events!

FEATURED LINEN

Thank you to our creative partners who styled these looks to perfection! 

Coordination | She Said Yes Weddings, Events by Kristina Elyse, Jalie Weddings,  A Grande Affair
Photography | Liz Zimbelman Photo, Woodmancy Photography, Marto G Photography, Bridget McDonald Photography, Brian MacStay Photo
Venue | The Hytch,  Club at Ruby Hill
Florals | The Posh Posey and Flourish, Helianthus Floral & Design, Kate Blake
Rentals | Celebrations! Party Rentals, Camelot Party Rentals, Wildwood Rustic Rentals