Designing an event starts with a blank canvas. Your venue sets the tone with its architectural details, or lack of and from there your designer can set the stage. Creating a cohesive decor plan starts with the bones – tables and chairs, and then comes the salt and pepper as I call it. Choosing a table that is a design element in itself is one approach, although most often tables are in need of a linen. My five hard and fast rules for table linen are:
- Do not use institutional white linen.
- They MUST be the right size for the table and be floor length
- Splurge on the napkin, it is something every guest touches and uses
- Order extra! There is always an emergency linen on hand as well as a dozen napkins in case someone drops one
- Fitted linen for the rectangular tables or at the very least make sure they are ‘boxed’ for a clean presentation.
There SO many to choose from… where to start?! Your designer. Developing your experience includes developing the decor plan. Your event designer and planner/producer work collaboratively to craft a visual experience that will convey the vibe from the invite through the end of event for you and your guests.
The venue comes to life as the layers of your decor take shape. The linens and napkins are one of those layers creating a visual story and setting the stage for your table top. Serene neutrals, vibrant and festive or a play off your event or company branding linen begins to tell the visual experience for event experience. These passive visual cues all connect to create the overall vibe creating the guest experience.
