Lanterns and Lights

For as long as I can remember, lighting has been one of my favorite parts of event space set-up. Unfortunately, it also tends to be overlooked in most people's plans. 

Maybe one of the reasons why people overlook lighting is because if you don't know what to think about, it has the potential to seem a little boring. But don't be fooled! Picking lighting can be a fun and creative process and this week I have made it my goal to share a few ideas I have found inspiring for bringing some light to your event's atmosphere.  

Hanging Lighting

1. Assorted Glass Fixtures 

Photo courtesy of weddbook.com

The use of a multi-sized glass fixtures is a trend I have not only been seeing in event spaces, but also in a lot of restaurants. These fit well with the sort of rustic feel that has been trending in the past year or so, especially in weddings. The fun part about these fixture set-ups is that you have a variety of choices to work with: vintage light bulbs, glass spheres, shaped pendants, etc. 

Hanging these fixtures from a thin cord or string (when there is a candle placed inside) will help draw the eye to your beautiful pendant choice and give your event space a warm and light-hearted atmosphere. 

Keep in mind that it is easier to find places to hang these fun pendents from when you have a ceiling to work with. That being said, if you have the proper set up with a tent or other outdoor structure, this same concept will apply beautifully.

2. Lanterns

Classic Lanterns

Photo courtesy of glitterinc.com

Paper Lanterns 

Photo courtesy of registrylove.com

3. Moroccan Lanterns/Hanging Strings 

This might just be my recent obsession, but I love Moroccan Lanterns because they have so much potential to add a unique atmosphere to your event. Not only are these fixtures beautiful, but depending on the variety you find, they can reflect a multitude of colors and patterns through their colored glasses and cut outs.

Table Lighting

1. Mason Jars 

Mason Jar Lighting

Photo courtesy of beautyandbedlam.com

Oh, the all-mighty mason jar. The use of these little rustic-chic, second-hand jars extends far beyond the world of lighting. As anyone who frequents Pinterest is already well-aware of, these guys have quickly found their places in all corners of event decor.

Nevertheless, mason jars are a quick, inexpensive way to create interesting table lighting set-ups. Not to mention, they've been pretty trendy recently. 

2. Moroccan Lanterns

  

Moroccan Lantern with Colored Glass

Photo courtesy of lmprophoto.com/blog

Moroccan Lantern with Clear Glass

Photo courtesy of tickledpink.typepad.com 

Heard enough about lanterns yet? I hope the answer is no, because I'm going to give them one more plug here before putting them to rest for the day. 

I am actually a huge fan of Moroccan lanterns, mainly because the shapes and colored glass create interesting visual appeal when set against a solid-color table top or tablecloth. Obviously, this choice will depend on the theme of the event, but they are a fun way to add shape and color to a table's aesthetic appeal.  

Also, if you feel so inclined, these lanterns also can function as great take-away gifts (if you don't have plans to keep them for yourself). 

Outdoor Lighting

1. Candle Light

Photo courtesy of weddbook.com

A great way to add ambiance to an outdoor evening event is to create light paths with candles. The options available to you in essentially endless, from custom designs (as seen above) to lighted pathways, and beyond. 

One thing to be wary of, however, is that some event spaces will not allow open flame candles, especially in areas with grass. So be sure to contact your event space before setting to work on your dream design! 

2. String Lights

Photo courtesy of elizabethannedesigns.com

String lights are very likely the first thing that comes to mind when people think of outdoor lighting for events. What I love about string lights is how they are simple solutions to defining large, outdoor spaces without making people feel constricted or claustrophobic.  Not to mention, string lights are perfect for adding little extra touch of festivity. 

Closing Notes: It's needless to say that there are plenty of other forms of event lighting, from spotlights, to floor lights, to wall mounts, and beyond. But I hope you can see from the quick taste I've given you that there is plenty of room for creativity when considering lighting options for your event space! 

Get your Glow on

The days are getting noticeably darker, and while it seems the stress-free days of summer were more than a lifetime ago, I thought it would be a fun idea to bring a little more excitement to the blog this week.

I was first introduced to the idea of the all-wonderful glow stick back in my elementary school days of slumber parties. And while the ideas I have here aren't quite the same as what we used them for back in the day, I still get a little extra dose of happiness from the nostalgia I have from these colorful, glowing entertaining ideas. The neon theme is good for kids and adults alike. And, yes, they belong in more than just raves! 

Neon Party Invitation

Photo courtesy of blovelyevents.com

Table Settings

Don't have glow-in-the-dark tableware? Don't worry!

There are tons of simple and creative DIY solutions.

1. Add Lights

Something as simple as placing a glow stick in a napkin, or a sticking a small LED light to the bottom of a glass can make a big impact.  

Photo courtesy of mazelmoments.com

2. Glow in the Dark Spray Paint

Found some serveware that would work look perfect on your table, but can't figure out how to make it glow? If you're willing to pick up a couple cans of spray paint, you may be in luck. Martha Stewart offers a beautiful example of how spray paint can help you out with getting that "wow-factor" you're going for:

Photo courtesy of marthastewart.com

Check out the tutorial HERE.

EXTRA: Shop Around

If you want to save some time, there are tons of LED and glow tableware available. Here are just a couple of your many, many options:

Glow Cutlery

$2.60 per piece coolglow.net

Glow Straws 

Avg. price $9 per dozen, photo courtesy of trendhunter.com

Glow Cups

$2.75 per piece coolglow.net

Decorations

Glow sticks aren't just fun additions to table settings. Here are just a few examples of fun ways to incorporate glow in all areas of your event.  

1. Glowing Mason Jars 

There are many variations of this trick out there. The most common involves buying glow-in-the-dark paint and splattering it inside a mason jar (see below). Remember, if you choose to take this route, keep the jars under a light before you display them. Preferably for a full day or, at very least, 3-4 hours. After all, you want your guests to admire these beauties as long as possible! 

If splattering around glow-in-the-dark paint seems a little out of your comfort zone, you try filling a jar with clear confetti ribbons or clear glass pebbles and stuck a glow stick inside. The key to this is making sure you aren't just looking at a glow stick in a jar -- make sure that it is covered by your material of choice. 

Photo courtesy of  blovelyevents.com

2. Glowing Cotton Candy

If you have ever spent time on Pinterest, you have probably stumbled upon this idea at one point or another. Nevertheless, I think this is a fun idea to add some glow to your edibles.

3. Neon Hanging Fixtures 

When you are filling a room with black lights, there are tons of options available to make your event space pop. Anything from neon streamers to white decorations will make your space pop.  That being said, there are also other more creative options that most people don't think of. My favorite of which is this fun idea of hanging rainbow Slinkies from the ceiling. 

Finally, you don't need to go all-out and buy the most expensive backlight you can find. You can get a couple of these bad boys for around $4 each through Target or Amazon.

Photo courtesy of amazon.com

 Starting to sound like a good idea, huh? It's sure getting me excited!

Centerpiece Feature

When I think of  centerpieces, I immediately think of weddings (which might be thanks to TLC's Four Weddings being on constant repeat on my sister's TV). But there are plenty of large occasions where centerpieces can play a fun and memorable part of your event. 


Floral Centerpieces 
Flowers are what comes to mind for most people when it comes to centerpieces, so I thought it was only natural to start this feature with florals. Here are a few creative ideas for using flowers. Remember, there are many more ways to use flowers as a centerpiece than just sticking them in a vase and calling it good! 

Planter 

Photo courtesy of theknot.com

Tall Vases

Photo courtesy of theknot.com

Fruit Table Name Pieces

Photo courtesy of theknot.com

Floral Lantern

Photo courtesy of theknot.com

Candles
A couple years ago when I was traveling around Sweden, I got the chance to stay with the most amazing Swedish family. While I was there, I was amazed by how warm and inviting their home felt, and soon realized that these feelings came from their tradition of lighting a huge collection of candles around their table every night. 

It seems that candles have been given a bad name lately because they can be a fire hazard, but as long as you make sure they are placed intelligently, candles are unparalleled in creating a warm and inviting environment. 

Floral Candles

Photo courtesy of  weddingcakesx.com

Full-Scale Candle Centerpieces

Photo courtesy of budgetbridesguide.com

Unconventional Centerpieces
Don't feel like you need to stick with the norms when coming up with a centerpiece. Sometimes going out of the ordinary is what creates an even more memorable experience. And, even better, most of the time these unconventional pieces are pretty simple. 

Apple Stack

Photo courtesy of  weddingbee.com

Pinwheel Arrangement

Photo courtesy of hitchedsalon.typepad.com

Candy Arrangement

Photo courtesy of becomingthemrs.com

Fish Vase

Photo courtesy of mostweddingflowerideas.com

Remember that, when picking a centerpiece, you don't have to stay in the box. Thinking up something that fits your themes and will leave your guests with a lasting, positive impression of your event will go miles beyond your cookie-cutter, main stream centerpiece.