General Decorations

Go odd!

Whenever you are arranging a group of similar object in a display - always use an odd number - ie 3, 5, 7 etc. This always looks better, and studies have shown most people find the uneveness more appealing.

Also, try and look for patterns that enhance the products, for example we find lanterns look great in when hung in a tight spiral over tables especially in different sizes and colours - see photo to the left

Thrifty Tip

Using Bamboo

Bamboo is a great - it has hundreds of uses. One of our favorite uses is to use long lenghts of bamboo and create a structure to hang material and lanterns from.

In the photo you can see how we used bamboo to extend a canopy above an exsisting balcony. The addition of white material (cheap and reusable) makes a marquee type effect for very little money

Try using a bamboo structure in your garden or down by the beach to create interesting tempory structures.

Table Decorations

Go high or low

Make sure your table decorations are above or below your guests eye sight line when seated - there is nothing more frustrating for guests than to have to peer around floral arrangements to engage in conversation.

Use votive's, floating candles in bowls or like in the photo use twisted willow to create great low decorations. Also think about low floral arrangements and arrangements inside bowls

Use tall vases or candelabras to lift flowers and candles high - try and make the view across the table as clear as possible

Thrifty Tip

Hardware Stores

Hardware stores and garden supplies are a great low cost places to find decorating ideas.

Bamboo garden edging make great table runners and are usually under $10.00. Many hardware and garden centers have river pebbles and rocks in heaps of sizes and colours. These are great for putting in vases and bowls.

Lighting and Candles

Candles and votive's

Putting sand or pebbles in bowls or votive's is a great way to create a different look. The photo shows a simple glass bowl with sand holding a t-light. A very inexpensive but stylish addition to any table

Colour

Use it!

Our number 1 colour rule is USE IT. By all means have a single colour theme, for example white for a wedding, but put a few splashes of colour will really lift the look.

Colours don't have to be overbearing or gaudy for example using Light Pink or Light Blue with white can be very subtle and very stylish.

Having said don't go crazy with colour either - it is very hard to coordinate more than four colours.

Gifts

Guests luv 'em

Many events require a fair bit of organizing from your guests perspective. Giving a small gift is one way of showing your guests you care and will always be welcomed.

Gifts don't have to be big or expensive - a small gift box with the event details printed on it and few types of yummy treats such as chocolates or candy hearts are a great.