When organizing an outdoor party or celebration and after considering the client’s wishes, I think of how beautiful and welcoming the place should be. In my mind I imagine how it will look filled with guests, what flowers I will use, where the guests will enter, how they will be received, what will they be offered upon their arrival, what beverages and food will be offered, The music is another essential element and with all of this now clearly in mind I can begin to create the perfect event.
For me each celebration is an opportunity for the hosts to shine! To do that I must know their tastes and what is important to them. This is the only way for me to make the guests feel the warmth of the hosts and not that the event is just being given by a planner. This is an emotional celebration and must be felt in every moment of the party, always leaving wonderful memories not only of the decorations but also the experiences.
Tips for having a wonderful outdoor celebration
- The tents now in style are transparent and of various sizes. These are perfect for chilly climates as otherwise the heat inside is unsupportable on a sunny day. They are perfect used in the afternoon or evening when there is no sun and they also become an important decorative asset when used with robotic illumination aimed at the ceiling or sides.
- The use of parasols should be amusing, creating environments which are set apart, such as a beverage bar, or around the sides forming a lounge inviting one to sit awhile. These can be mixed with puffs instead of tables in the center. I often wind Ivy through a wooden parasol to give a very special and natural look.
- Always remember that in a very sunny area you should also have a lot of shady areas.
- Color is very important. Brightening up an area can be done with elements that supply color and sparkle, such as cushions, colored sheers, flowers and tablecloths.
- Flowers for outdoors events should be simple but strong at the same time. Roses are very delicate and although beautiful do not handle heat well. Carnations, daisies, and sunflowers are more durable. Even better is to use potted plants depending on the decorations chosen and the area you live in. I personally love arrangements with a touch of wildflowers, they are enchanting.
- Wildflower decorations are always attractive because they give the feel of a celebration on the patio of our house and the environment is very cozy. Don’t forget to use elements that bring forth memories, such as baskets with magazines or flowers, an antique clock on a table, Grandmother’s tea or coffee set on a vintage table in the shade of a beautiful tree and preferably surrounded by comfortable chairs of the era to relax in while enjoying a cup of tea or coffee. This space alone will transport your guests to a bygone era.
- I find Vintage tables to be perfect for dinners, casual or otherwise. Depending on how you decorate they will always be special.
- Food stations. Here you must be careful in the selection as this definitely depends on the hosts tastes. The style of the moment is to set up stations of different types of food, giving guests the opportunity to choose: meats on the grill, a ceviche station, sushi bar, teppanyaki bar, cheese and tapas tables, and typical food served on stone slabs. This permits the chef to exhibit his food designs. I advise keeping the serving sizes small and varied.
- You should always have a good bar, with a parasol or a tent. If it is white I suggest using splashes of colored fabrics to give a festive effect. A good supply of ice is always necessary. If I have beautiful wooden buckets and they are in accordance with my decorations I fill them with ice. I also love having Martini stations where the sensations are the Bartenders, men or women they put on a good show and the fiesta is at the bar!
- If it is a sports or private event umbrellas are always perfect. I usually hand them out to guests when it is very sunny.
- Portable restrooms are always necessary but hardly anyone pays any attention to their decoration. But in a VIP celebration for me they are very important. I adore using Elizabethan sofas, tables with mints, flowers, a chandelier, full length mirrors and over all a tent with white curtains with ties and a floor. This all provides elegance and comfort. This area shows the care and thought of the event planner. Personally, I am a fanatic at making sure this area is impeccable and has sufficient personnel in charge of keeping it that way.
- Music needs a good DJ who has pre selected the music that we wish to hear or a wonderful band. I always plan this ahead of time to make sure the rhythm of the music matches that of the fiesta or event.
- Always have an expert on hand to obtain what you need because on this depends the success of your event. It is the professional that can carefully and efficiently solve any problem that arises.
By : Mireya Pinilla Larrrate
