Ways to incorporate natural textiles and fibres into event design:
- Timber topped furniture
There are many furniture options available that incorporate timber or timber tops especially hair pin cocktail bars or benches, with timber tops and black bases.
Timber can also work well matched with metallic finishes.
- Timber box centrepieces with foliage or floral arrangements
Small crate style cubes are fabulous for a centrepiece with a simple fern or foliage arrangement. The timber cubes can also be used as risers when incorporating a floral arrangement in a glass vase.
- Natural stage feature or photo wall
Timber panelling or pine lattice with trailing foliage make for gorgeous stage backdrops or photo wall opportunities. Contrastingly, stacked stone or natural slate look walls set a rough and cold backdrop to let green lift pop in front. Coupled with potted plants in concrete pots or floral arrangements on our rustic timber plinths you can create a lush, modern feature for your event.
- Warm modern lighting
Another way to add warmth to a minimalistic look is with simple, industrial inspired lighting. Festoon lights and large Edison globes are a beautiful way to add light and elegance to a space.
ANZ BlueNotes 1 Year. May 2015.
Photograph by Arsineh Houspian. +61401320173 arsineh@arsineh.com
ANZ BlueNotes 1 Year. May 2015.
Photograph by Arsineh Houspian. +61401320173 arsineh@arsineh.com
Stylistically designed lighting is one of the most effective ways to transform a space. You can use audio visual technology to completely change the atmosphere of your event. Whether it is a styled event venue or an immersive experience in an office or unusual space, lighting is key.
Create interactive experiences
Recently we had a client who was launching a new office space and wanted to create a unique way to encourage an office exploration. We used small yet bright battery operated LED lights along the floor to create runway inspired pathways leading guests around the office. With the overheard lights off and key areas highlighted, the office space was transformed into an intriguing, futuristic, ‘choose your own adventure’ style space.
The main objective of the event was to highlight technology and innovation and partnering with other technology companies we were able to create a virtual reality experience and an interactive talking robot feature. Both of these experiences were heightened by unique lighting choices such as lasers, haze machines and a star cloth tunnel. Guests were able to fully immerse themselves in the worlds we had collaboratively created.
Use of colour
Colour choice is always a powerful factor when it comes to mood and environment. You can choose colours to match a theme, to enhance a mood or celebrate a brand colour. Keep in mind that colours are often warm or cold, and complimentary colours will help you steer clear of a ‘disco’ look.
Maximise the senses
You can heighten an event experience by bringing together sound, music, atmosphere and lighting for some real event theatrics. For this particular event we created a feature performance by choreographing music and lighting, set over a smoke floor which came to a spectacular finish with the explosion of confetti cannons. It was entertaining and engaging by capturing sight, sound and touch all at once!
Photo booths still have their place at events, but when you have a bigger crowd to get through and want something a little more unique, consider these ideas for your next event.
Backdrops
Why squeeze in to a tiny booth when you can get great snaps of larger groups with a freestanding backdrop? We have a range of lightweight fabric backdrops, and can also custom print these to your specific requirements. Add some props or handheld signs to tie it all together and there are hours of laughs to be had. With the added benefit of being super light weight, these backdrops can be installed in the tightest of spaces, with no troubles making it up the stairs and no need to access a power point – perfect!
A pop-up spot!
Bring a third dimension to your pop up photo op. Create a poolside cabana, a warm lounge room with a crackling fire, a formal English Garden complete with hedges and topiaries. With a feature piece of furniture or two, and some colourful props, make the ordinary extraordinary with some inspiration below.
Arrival Feature
Grab your guests on their way in! Make a feature piece around the main arrival point to your venue and have your event photographer capture everyone on their way in and capture the excitement and anticipation of the event!
Living Wall
A green wall of foliage, sometimes faux, sometimes the real deal, can be a great backdrop for photos. With lots of texture and plenty of life, the wall can be customised with printed pieces, including event logos, sponsor recognition, hash tags for social media or just some stylish fresh flowers for some colour – a great media wall or photo backdrop alternative.
If you’ve ever been delegated the task of making the company Christmas party more than ‘just another cocktail event’ you will know the struggle that comes with planning an annual event that each year needs to be different. We thought we’d pull together our five favourite food station ideas that we’ve executed over the past few months as some creative inspiration for you to get conversations going with your venue or caterer for your next event.
Seafood Station:
Whether it’s an oyster bar for something formal, or fish and chip cones for something more relaxed, seafood themed food stations are a great place to add a little character to your event. Nautical touches can be added with a rustic timber station, and hints of the seaside with shells, buoys, ropes and more. Feature pieces such as our ships wheel and boat oars are great when you have a little more space to play with.
Tea station:
A great concept for a variety of events; Iced tea station for summer parties or family fun days when you want to provide something interesting on the beverage front outside of the usual beverage package inclusions. In winter it is a great way to warm up your guests on arrival, and with so many varieties to choose from with traditional Green Teas, fruity Tisanes and old time favourites like Earl Grey and English breakfast there is sure to be a tea to satisfy any crowd. Here are some images of our Linear Bar units for a recent tea station – the glass teapots provided by the catering company really help add to the theatre of tea, and risers give height to the selections at the back.
Market Stall
Bringing a touch of the local produce market to your event is always a great way to bring a station to life without a specific theme or cuisine as the focus. Crates, tubs and trays of produce bring colour and freshness to the scene. Speak to your venue or caterer about your menu selections and incorporate these key flavours in to the visuals. Herbs and aromatics are great ways to add the element of smell to the space – an additional layer of detail for the experience.
Arabian Nights:
If the menu calls for a specific cuisine, take your guests on a journey to the destination without leaving the venue! This concept is all about authenticity, and is a great opportunity to immerse guests in a particular culture or continent. Arabian nights is a favourite of ours, with lots of spices, colours, textures and intricate details to get lost in. Tagines, falafels, eggplant dip and flat bread, there are lots of crowd pleasers to suit this exotic escape.
Dumpling Station:
Speaking of crowd pleasers, when are dumplings not a good idea? Add to the theatre with a Chef at the station if you’re able to, folding dumplings for the guests to see – it really is a mesmerising talent. We love to dress a dumpling station, with towers of steamer baskets, strings of chilli and garlic, Asian kitchen utensils and lanterns, brining a taste of the orient to where ever you may be.
