One of the best things about being in this industry is that we have the ability to give back to our communities through the design and production of charitable events. I know sometimes requests can be overwhelming but I've found it helpful to choose just a few that are near and dear to me and leave it at that. I am a big believer of paying it forward and have found several charities to support that contribute good energy to the world.
The Center for Hope and Healing is one of those. A non-profit center, it provides affordable or free counseling to those in need. It's a great organization. I'm proud to be on its Board of Directors and do what I can. So every year I open up my home to their annual fund-raising event then design and produce it. The in-kind donation really allows them to make the money they need to support their work.
The entrance. I like to design in a little "flavor" right from the beginning.
Even though people just pass through it, it sets the tone.
This was simple -- a Persian rug, great lanterns, silk lamps and a little bit of sheer fabric.
This year I decided to theme the event Bohemian Nights. It's one of my favorite themes. You can pretty much pull anything you own into it and make it look Bohemian which is why it's affectionately known around AOO Events as the "everything and the kitchen sink" theme! And by its nature, it lends itself to a comfortable and casual atmosphere, nice on a hot summer night. Even in a semi-business setting like this, comfortable and casual is all the more pleasant for guests.
The stage. It's important to create a center point. Even though the party is casual, you still want to deliver a brief message to the guests from the charity. Plus, in this case, we had a performance by a well-known mezzo-soprano and a quintet of strings. The Moroccan arch is hand painted in gold and the colorful fabric helped break up the white walls.
Another view of the stage.
Use any combination of linens, colored candles and pillows for a Bohemian theme. Half of the items in this photo are pieces from my house. The colorful embellishments are easy to add, and at practically no cost!
An eclectic mix of furniture. Rattan goes well, but anything you can cover with a colorful throw will do. In this case, we used a patchwork quilt.
Details! The gold pattern under the glass of the table is the same one we used on the stage. Mosaic glass, which you can buy inexpensively everywhere, is such an easy thing to cluster on tables. The more eclectic the better.
Flowers also get the Bohemian treatment! All colors and types can be mixed. This is a combination of dahlias in different colors mixed with hydrangea, orchids and lysianthus.
And of course, the silent auction, a necessary evil for charity events! For this event, some of the coolest auction items came from connections that all of us have. Many weekend get-aways are available free-of-charge to charities and they are usually the first thing to be bid on. But the biggest prize this year was the beach cruiser!
Guest we did such a good job of creating a laid-back Bohemian atmosphere that guests were inspired to add a little relaxed fun into their lives!
Speaking of relaxation, I hope you have a wonderful Labor Day weekend. See you back here next week with all-new events and Guest Bloggers!!
1 comment:
Gorgeous! Love the theme
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