• About
  • Visit Gray Star Design
  • Minted Collection
  • Design Services
  • Contact

The Design Inspirationalist

~ Inspiring Ideas | Spectacular Creations

The Design Inspirationalist

Tag Archives: party

Guest Post: Getting a Wedding Reception Spot On

22 Saturday Sep 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Guest Posts, Weddings

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

bride, dancing, decorating, diy, DJ, groom, kevin mills, marriage, music, party, reception, wedding

Setting up a fabulous wedding reception is the ambition of every bride and groom in the country. From decking out the banquet tables with the right fabrics, to making sure the walls and ceiling are lavishly decorated, you shouldn’t feel the need to skimp on a single thing on your special day.

This is why you should observe the following tips to make sure everything goes by without a hitch – so to speak.

Guest Post: Getting a Wedding Reception Spot On

Allocate the floor space ASAP
Making the best of the space available to you is undeniably the most tricky part of getting your wedding reception on the right track. If dancing is the main focus of your event after eating, then make it known. To this end you should ensure that your banqueting tables remain either at the edges of the room, or are easily carried aside/stowed away after the main meals are over.

Your chairs should be just as flexible and be able to be removed at a moment’s notice. Try to avoid buying or renting heavy pieces of furniture. There’s nothing worse than splitting your wedding outfit, or seeing a family member injured because they can’t move a table!

Arrange the sound, lighting, decorations and entertainment
The chances are you’ll be stuck with the level of lighting and sound system that comes with your venue. However, if you were to hire a DJ then they might have some lights that could spruce up the areas that need it – as well as a beefy sound system to fill the space.

As for decorating, you should probably leave all of your wedding materials in the safe hands of a trusted source; be it your best man, or maid of honour. Realistically these are the only people who have time to organize – or sub-organize – your reception, as you’ll be too busy getting married to!

Guest Post: Getting a Wedding Reception Spot On

{Kevin Mills started his career as a company executive in the Reading area and later relocated in Leicestershire. He is proud father of a sweet boy and happily living with his wife and son. At present he is working at an international furniture house in Leicestershire and occasionally writes some articles on restaurant and banquet tables. Connect with Kevin on Google+}

Summer Newsies from BHLDN

20 Wednesday Jun 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Decor Ideas, Events & Parties, Wedding Decor Ideas, Weddings

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

accessories, antique, balloon, BHLDN, bracelet, cupcakes, decor, decorating, engagement ring, gifts, jewelry, mailbox, napkins, party, polka dots, shoes, vintage, wedding, wedding ring

I am loving all the fun new items from BHLDN as well as some stunning jewelry and accessories. I had to share my faves for sure. For all of you who share in the same style as me, enjoy!

Summer Newsies from BHLDN - Estate Sale Cuff

Summer Newsies from BHLDN - Cinquecento Ring

Summer Newsies from BHLDN - Polka-Dot Mary Janes

Summer Newsies from BHLDN - Chichadee Picks

Summer Newsies from BHLDN - Polka-Dot Cocktail Napkins

Summer Newsies from BHLDN - Papered Pom Set

Summer Newsies from BHLDN - In the Garden Utensil Sleeve

Summer Newsies from BHLDN - Hovering Hot Air Balloon

Summer Newsies from BHLDN - Love Letters Mailbox

Summer Newsies from BHLDN - Blue Buds Ring Pillow

Decorative Pinwheels

04 Wednesday Apr 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Art & Design, Crafty Ideas

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

art, crafts, decorating, design, paper, party, pinwheels

I’m sure you remember making pinwheels when you were younger. They’re certainly a craft that brings back memories for me. Whether they’re handmade or seen on lawns spinning in the breeze, these nostalgic objects always seem to add a touch of whimsy.

All you need are a few items to create them and it’s something you can do with your children as well. Mine are meant purely for decoration and would be perfect for any gathering or party. You can sit them in vases, jars or baskets and even hang them if you want. They really allow you to get creative and wow your guests.

Decorative Pinwheels

{Materials} Decorative card stock paper, pin fasteners, pencil, ruler, straws, hole puncher and scissors.

First, figure out what size you want it to be and make sure it’s a perfect square. Use a ruler to draw light lines from each corner to the one across from it. This will allow you to find the middle. Then, depending on your size, you want to mark a small dot about an inch away from the middle on each line.

Cut along the lines to each new mark and take either side and bring it to the middle. Make sure whatever side you pick, you do the same with each section. You want the pinwheel to be uniform so it looks like it’s going in one direction.

Decorative Pinwheels

Take a hole puncher and punch a small hole in the middle. Make sure all the section corners are folded toward the middle. Add a paper straw to the back, punch a small hole in the top and with a pin fastener, secure everything and fasten.

Decorative Pinwheels

It shouldn’t take much time to do this. The real fun is choosing unique and decorative paper so you have different patterns and colors. Make all different sizes and go nuts. If you don’t want to use straws, just attach string to one of the sections and hang. Both ways of showcasing them will look awesome.

It’s All in the Details

16 Monday Jan 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Wedding Decor Ideas, Weddings

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

antique, birdcage, birds, decor, decorating, details, events, flowers, fun, items, paper flower bouquet, party, succulents, toys, vases, vintage, weddings

When creating a successful wedding, it all comes down to the details. Even a large event such as a wedding relies on a theme, palette and unique decor that tie into the chosen scheme with ease. You don’t want to overdo it just as much as not doing enough, which can easily happen with a small budget. Knowing what you want is a start. Being able to put it all together is what will make or break the overall design.

I feel the biggest problem most people have is seeing the bigger picture. Some can have a great idea but not a strong enough vision to pull it together or even see the end result . Getting help shouldn’t be hard. That’s what designers are for. But sometimes, if you can combine fun items you like, those details that are so important come alive. Then being able to cross the finish line and look back at an amazing event is priceless.

Here are some fun party items for all events that I hope inspire you to create the party, gathering or wedding of your dreams. Remember to relax, be open minded and stay true to who you are. This is the fun part!

Beau coup – Baby Dot Cupake Wrappers $12 {set of 12}baby-dot-cupcake-wrappers-500

Tree Beginnings – Bird Seed Heart Favor $1.79+ each
97-Heart-Bird-Seed-Favors-Unique-NEW-3991

Wedding Things – Oatmeal Kraft Box Wedding Favor $0.95
oatmeal_kraft_favor_box

BHLDN – Birch Placeholders $24 {6}
birch placeholders

Sparkle – Sparklers $45 {box of 288}
sparklers

Paloma’s Nest – Ringbearer Bowl $48
ringbearer bowl

BHLDN – Blue Bird Table Number Cards $44 {15} & Place Cards $10 {18} 
blue bird cards

Le Box Boutique – Wool Acorns $15 {set of 12}
wool acorns

Postscripts – Rustic Dessert Stand $39.99+
rustic dessert stand
The Lonely Heart – Personalized Linen Ribbon $5 {2 yards}
personalized linen ribbon

At Company b – Cake Banner $24
cake banner

Succulents Galore – Succulent Corsage $32
succulent corsage

BHLDN – Proprietor’s Keys $18 {12}
Proprietor's Keys

Marry Me Rosie – Paper Flowers Bouquet $149
paper bouquet

BHLDN – Urchin Shell Vase $16
urchin shell vase

Cake Vintage – Bon Appetit Placemat $22
bon appetit placemat

Flutter – Tin Music Box $8.50
tin music box

Anthropologie – Ivory Epoch Pot $10
ivory epoch pot 

The Blushing Apple – Metal Birdcage and Feeder $21.99
metal birdcage and feeder 

← Older posts
Newer posts →
color in films sound in color art inpsired palettes
art and design the home events and parties weddings real weddings color inspiration film-reviews historic places news and updatesminted






minted.com

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Archives



martha

Magnolia Rouge

Screen Shot 2014-04-23 at 2.29.10 PM

Etsy

Screen Shot 2014-04-23 at 2.18.10 PM

logo

Screen Shot 2014-04-23 at 2.42.13 PM

P&PBlogHeader

wedding chicks


ruffled

Screen Shot 2014-04-23 at 2.47.49 PM

Screen Shot 2014-04-23 at 2.16.32 PM


lauren-elle-photography

jenlombardo

logo_website

site-logo1

kelly_dekenipp_logo

homelogo

Website Powered by WordPress.com.

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
  • Subscribe Subscribed
    • The Design Inspirationalist
    • Join 1,380 other subscribers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • The Design Inspirationalist
    • Subscribe Subscribed
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
 

Loading Comments...