“I’ve decided to put together a Valentine’s event for a group of friends. A couple of my friends have offered to go to the Dollar Store to get a box of decorations, but I’m not sure I want to have to stick them up all over the house. Do you have any tips for decorating my home for this party?”

Whether your event is the Annual General Meeting for a Fortune 500 company, or an intimate gathering at somebody’s home, it is extremely easy to become bogged down in the details…and one of the areas that can be the most overwhelming is Décor. Or as we like to refer to it:

“Poof, Froo & Gak”!


Now, first and foremost, remember these important words: “Less is More!”

Though your friend has the best of intentions in her Dollar Store buying binge offer, We suggest to Proceed with caution.

Remember, the more “décor” you stick up all over the walls, the more you are going to have to take down after the party.

Select Your Theme - Instead of sticking little red hearts all over your walls, think of ways to create a theme, using color as your foundation.

If it’s a Valentine’s event, then the obvious choice would be red, perhaps with some silver accents, if you want to get fancy.

It is much more effective to have a few, but dramatic, décor pieces, than a plethora of hearts and cupids stuck all over the place.

Balloons - Though we have mixed feelings about balloons, when they are used sparingly, and effectively, they can instantly create the look you desire. Have a large bunch of balloons, with some nice ribbon, anchored to a weighted base (perhaps disguised as a Hershey’s kiss?

Food Displays - Use a red tablecloth for your buffet/food station. When done creatively, you can create a dramatic centerpiece to your entire event. Use Height – it can transform a basic bland food display to a breath-taking extravaganza. Put a couple of milk crates, or other such things, UNDER the tablecloth, at varying heights, and “poof” the cloth on top…create large fluffy “clouds” of material, for your food to float.

Tea Lights - Throw in some tea lights scattered among the dishes, and Bingo! – instant fabulousness.

Ditch the tape - Leave the tape in your desk drawer, put down those cheesy cupids, and transform your home into a rich, red, decadent bordello. (Hey, get real creative, and replace a couple of your bulbs with red light…preferably in a cozy corner of the room)

Check in next month for an in-depth look at another way to tackle decorating, using nothing but Lighting effects. You too can be a shining star!
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After almost 5 years of Event Planning in Toronto, Ontario, Debra Hyslop has returned to Nashville, TN – a place she holds dear and which she has considered home since 1996. She and her talented team of event professionals enjoy creating exciting events of any size, anywhere nationwide. Plate Spinning Productions can be reached at 615.491.0305 or platespinningproductions@yahoo.com.

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