There was a time in party land where the most exciting theme was . . . Morocco! The lanterns, the rugs, the spices, the tents . . . but really, everyone has “been there, done that.” So . . . what is up next on the world decor itinerary? INDIA!
For New Yorkers for Children’s yearly Fool’s Fete, a very chic clothing shop on the Upper East Side called Soigne K was the evening’s presenting sponsor and the inspiration for all things Indian. We were delighted to have such a rich theme to explore when transforming the ballroom of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Without a doubt, we had to be inventive with the budget, so the fullness of the décor schematic is not about lavishness. Rather, it is about INVENTIVENESS.
We turned traditional saris into table cloth overlays while an array of glimmering luminaries, glowing with hot, Indian color filled the room with magic.
We rolled papers into more elaborate, elevated lanterns to give the room an element of height and scale, and at table level, the papers were pinched into glowing paisley-like shapes, all surrounding standard glass cylinders of varying size that held candles. The pattern that appears in some of the lanterns was a great trick developed by Spencer on our team. Printed on an office copy machine onto acetate and lining the interior of the frosted paper so that the pattern romantically showed through, we utilized low-tech methods to create BIG impact.
Canopies of loosely woven linen unfurled over half the dining tables high above the guests heads, creating additional romance.
The guests, in their Indian designer gowns, added to the décor, floral leis handed out upon arrival were a lot of fun, and a troupe of Indian dancers got the guests onto the dance floor, but I do think that this was one of those occasions where the inventive décor set the stage for the rest of the elements to feel right on, and I am very proud of the magic trick. This was definitely one where we made a whole lot of somethin’ out of a whole lot of nothin’ – where the copy machine, a stack of paper, and a whole lot of elbow grease turned a hotel Ballroom into one of the most special nights of the Spring social season in New York.
A BIG Bravo to Spencer and my whole team of magic makers. I am constantly amazed by what you can accomplish.
Fondly,
D.
clapping has not stopped for Spencer and your whole team. Amazing! xx peggybraswelldesign.com
Posted by: peggy braswell | June 07, 2011 at 03:21 PM
Thanks, Peggy. You are so kind to spread your positive cheer. We love it.
D.
Posted by: david stark | June 07, 2011 at 04:14 PM
it is easy to decorate with money, to buy "those things" and "those things" are special and do look amazing. . .but when the envelope is pushed on the creative element and the amazing is in the mental evolution of the decorating theme. . .we, the guests, the "on-lookers" seek and find that which is out of our everyday visual stimulization and "delight" in awe of what we see. . .DS team you are talent unannounced and I love that!!!
But now that you are all sooooooooo famous. . .the announcement is out there and to "out-do" yourselves is the challege of the project. . .the leap. . .and the curtain rises!!
Posted by: glinda | June 07, 2011 at 10:19 PM
WOW -- so kind of you, Glinda. What a lovely response. Yes! I am so aware of constantly pushing ourselves to reach new heights. I never want to make the same painting twice -- for the clients and for me! We're gonna keep on keepin' on. ON that you can depend.
Keep giving us feedback.
D.
Posted by: david stark | June 07, 2011 at 10:30 PM
This room blew my mind. And without blowing the client's budget. Very well done. I have seen your team's creativity and "elbow grease" in action before. I was impressed then, and am impressed now. Thank you for sharing David.
Posted by: Scott Hohl | June 10, 2011 at 04:33 PM
You are kind, Scott. Thanks so much for the nice words. We design for people to interact with the spaces. We did an event the other night, and someone said to me: "The people are destroying your look. You can't see every detail all at once." But that's hog wash. The spaces are made for people to be IN. They only come alive when they are populated. And it is only interesting if details reveal themselves over time.
We are not designing ghost towns!!!
D.
Posted by: david stark | June 12, 2011 at 10:44 AM
This themes give ultimate pleasure to the eyes.They are delightful..It is impressive..The colors are vibrant that charms us..Lighting was also too good..thanks for sharing it with us..
Posted by: crowdSPRING | July 08, 2011 at 06:21 AM
These paper lamps are just awesome.I have never seen this type of an art before.Thanks for sharing..!!!
Posted by: accurate jewelry appraisals | August 06, 2011 at 05:58 AM
Awesome pictures.you have suggested very easy tips to decorate the room.These paper lamps are just delightful and its looking very pretty. thanks for sharing this and I will wait for your next post.
Posted by: discount coupon | August 30, 2011 at 08:13 AM
This hanging rolling paper are really looking awesome..
Posted by: WFG Online | August 31, 2011 at 01:43 PM
woww.. I am speechless after seeing you work.Your magic can be seen in ur work. It is fantastic. You have done a great job.
Posted by: PetCareRx scam | November 09, 2011 at 06:19 AM
Very well done..The colors are vibrant that charms me..This hanging rolling paper are really looking awesome..totally speechless.
Posted by: IncomeatHome | November 25, 2011 at 04:23 AM
i really like this post its an interesting topic thanks for this post
Posted by: lap band los angeles | November 29, 2011 at 03:44 AM
Morocco! The lanterns, the rugs, the spices, the tents..lovely! I would've enjoyed a lot, if I've been there.
Posted by: Swami Prakashanand Saraswati | January 02, 2012 at 02:53 AM
What a lovely setting you created! I am from Santa Fe, NM and we are hosting a Bollywood themed gala this coming spring. I am responsible for verbiage for our invitations, auction item descriptions and general PR for our event that will raise funds for our tuition assistance program at Santa Fe Preparatory School and college preparatory initiative for under served youth through the Break Through Foundation. If you have any suggestions or examples of the materials you used for your event I would greatly appreciate any suggestions.
Posted by: Kay Allison | November 15, 2012 at 12:03 AM
I'm planning an event for my son and searching the web for ideas (doing it on my own). Was shocked to find that most of the images I feel in love with …were yours. Your design is so fresh and unique, clearly pushing boundaries. Your use of materials, for those of us on a modest budget, shows that design is about creatively looking at what is in front of you. Your event designs always seem to evoke such strong emotion….this event in particular was so magical. Could only imagine the reaction from the attendees. Thank you for sharing your brilliant work.
Posted by: Roisin Laskin | March 05, 2014 at 11:03 PM