OK, a bit late, but… Happy New Year, everyone! I hope everyone had a fun and fabulous holiday season – I know I did! As you can see, I took the last couple of weeks of the year off, and boy, did it feel good. And it’s a good thing too, because along with the holidays and the New Year, comes the almighty Engagement Season!
That’s right, the bulk of the year’s engagements happen between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day, making this time of year a veritable love fest. I’m sure some of you are already noticing the wave of facebook status updates and relationship changes. If you are one of the newly engaged yourself, congratulations! Take a deep breath and try to enjoy every moment. This is supposed to be fun! 
To kick things off for the new year, we participated in the bridal fair and open house at The Hills Hotel in Laguna Hills, one of my favorite ballrooms in Orange County. Along with about 30 other top-notch vendors, 221 was excited and proud to be there to answer questions and provide inspiration and ideas for the lovely brides who attended. I decided to collaborate with the talented Beth from The Pink Daffodil on three varied inspiration tables – so much fun!
Inspiration Table #1: Organic Elegance
The color palette of oranges, greens and whites gave this table a crisp, natural feel. Unrefined materials were used throughout – a khaki linen runner, menu cards printed on white linen paper and attached to kraft paper backing with a mini clothespin and favors housed in small kraft boxes. I could see this fitting in perfectly at an outdoor reception surrounded by nature, or in a barn or vineyard setting.
Inspiration Table #2: Modern Sophistication
If 2011 was the year of rustically vintage weddings with muted color palettes, 2012 will be a year when brides turn towards more sophisticated, clean design. We wanted our second inspiration table to reflect this – classic, yet modern, and with a twist. The range of purples in the mini calla lilies, hydrangea and carnations played beautifully off each other and I just love clustering bunches of small vases together. The unexpected silver sequined overlay and the bold graphic print on the paper accessories kept the look from getting too serious.
Inspiration Table #3: Romantic Whimsy
Our last table did have more of a vintage feel, but in a more refined, delicate manner. And hyper-girly! We wanted it to look like the sweetest afternoon tea in an english rose garden and the insane organza rosette overlay was the perfect base to pile on china in coordinating floral patterns and lush flowers in baby pinks, peaches and greens. A HUGE thank you to Fusion Linens for providing all of the beautiful linens for our tables!
And there you have it! Which one of these designs is singing your name?
221 is AWESOME! I have to say that planning any event can be very stressful but Viv and her team make it easy and make you a guest at your own event.
