THE PROCESS
Do you have an important event approaching? It can be overwhelming knowing where to start in terms of design and décor. We asked Lindsey Rion, our Founder and Creative Director how she thinks through an event from start to finish. It’s simply genius and gleaned from her years of experience in the event industry. Fear not. There are steps and things you can consider next time you’re planning a special celebration.
Take a look at how Lindsey approached a dinner event for influencers at one of our favorite venues, Solage, an Auberge Resort in Calistoga.
p.s we’re always here if you need us
STEP I | CONSIDER THE SPACE
Is it a blank canvas or are there existing walls, posts, windows or an overhead structure you’ll need to work around? Lindsey knew this outdoor patio space would require a full transformation. She took into consideration everything - top to bottom - and asks herself questions like
Are there rigging points on the existing patio cover?
Will we need to to fabric or other treatments to camouflage walls or can they be incorporated as is into the design?
Will the flooring be appropriate for the type of event? Should we add area rugs to create a more intimate, warm feeling?
How are the guests entering | exiting the space?
Is there a bar or buffet stations or food servers?
What will be in the guest sight lines?
Will there be music, white noise or noises we want to drown out?
These questions help lead to decisions - and ideas - that will create a foundation for your design.
STEP II |
CONSIDER YOUR GUESTS
The bottom line? For your guests to have a thoughtful, unique and engaging experience.
Ask yourself, what is the objective of the event? Is it socializing, networking, learning? This determines everything from seating to flow. Would guests be more comfortable sitting at a bar height table or on a picnic blanket? How long will they be in this particular space and are there areas for both function and fun?
Lindsey also seeks to engage all the senses the guests will encounter: sight, sound, taste, smell, touch. What will be their very first impression? What are the tiny details we want them to notice? How do we want them to walk away feeling?
STEP III |
DESIGN WIDE
NARROW IN ON DETAILS
Design the big picture first. Lindsey starts with inspiration from art, nature, architecture, fashion, colors, textures and builds a design from there. You never know where your inspo might start - the menu for this event influenced the entire design!
Next step, is seeing what is available in our inventory or what we may need to purchase to complete a look. Annual buying trips to Europe and utilizing local custom builders, seamstresses and fabricators are all contributors to creating our one-of-a-kind events.
You don’t have a warehouse full of sofa choices like us? Not to worry. Use what you have in your home and consider clearing out an entire room or using a piece currently in your bedroom for, let’s say, a buffet station. Many times venues have existing furniture you can use or move around, too. Shop thrift stores, Esty or try your hand at making or crafting those special detail pieces. We love using seasonal items found in nature, too. A sprig of wheat or eucalyptus makes a fabulous napkin treatment and those are the details your guests will notice and appreciate.
SHOP THE EDIT
DUKE BAR TABLE
ILLUSTRIA SIDE TABLE
FELTON BAR STOOL | COGNAC
BALI CHANDELIERS
CRESCENDO BAR BACK
HANGING CHAIR