Posts tagged event design

Event design tip: swap party themes

October 10, 2008 · Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged

I found this great idea on today’s Hostess with the Mostess blog. It’s a wedding-themed Halloween party. I’m sure we’ve all heard of themed weddings (country western, anyone?) but in my opinion, it’s best to stick with a more traditional approach to such a memorable occasion. Nobody wants to look back on their wedding like that trendy tattoo you got one alcohol-fueled night in college – tacky, dated, and oh-so-irreversable. But that’s why this party theme is oh so fun! You can have a crazy wedding with none of the “this is the happiest, most important day of your ENTIRE LIFE” pressure.

In the nonprofit industry, I think there are plenty of opportunities to – taking this as inspiration – expand beyond the basic dinner & auction template. I wonder what other events you could swap around? For example, what about a “baby shower” to benefit a nonprofit working with young mothers? The key is finding something to make your event unique, memorable, and on-mission with the organization.

Does anyone have any experiences with theme-swaps like this? I’d be happy to hear about it!

Image courtesy of hostessblog.com

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Event design tip: think outside the table

March 6, 2008 · Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged ,

While in search of something to lighten up the academic-ness of my postings lately (“academic-ness” probably did it already though), I saw this fun idea for table settings from Hostess With The Mostess. The tables are made to look like beds by using pillows and sheets to decorate. Clever.

So I thought a little bit about how often I see pictures of events with the same cookie cutter round tables or looooong banquet tables. The centerpieces may vary, but they’re still the same table. Although with a large group it would probably be a challenge to veer from the ordinary, with a smaller group it would be fun to consider alternatives to the traditional table & chair arrangement. Practicality shouldn’t always bow to novelty, but in the right setting something completely different could make a big impact. I’m thinking bigger than pillow cases and sheets – although that’s a good start as it gives the illusion of being more than a plain table. What about bringing in natural elements like sturdy driftwood for guests to perch on? Or incorporating scrap building materials for tables? As a kid I always thought those giant spools that electrical wires and hoses come on would make a perfect table for my backyard fort. I’m just brainstorming here folks – no need to tell me the risk of splinters or the logistical barriers to bringing in the remains of a building demolition. If we ignored all the reasons not to do something, just for a minute, what creative ideas would our minds surprise us with?

I wonder…

Image courtesy of Hostess With The Mostess

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