inspiration Archives - Elizabeth Duncan Events

Petite Parties: Little Birdie

April 24, 2015 by Elizabeth

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Believe it or not, every little girl’s birthday party doesn’t have to be Barbie or Disney Princess themed. To celebrate the arrival of spring and her daughter Charlotte’s 2nd birthday, our good friend Suzi Molak with Longview Gallery threw the most charming Little Birdie themed birthday party we’ve ever seen.

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The earthy elegance of the party was created through a variety of DIY projects. A large stick found in the back yard was hung from the ceiling and adorned with birdhouses found at Michaels , which Suzi painted and hung with twine at varying lengths. Potted plants, small floral arrangements and mini chalkboards embellished the tables and decorative bird ornaments translated the theme throughout the room. Suzi’s husband did the calligraphy of each child’s initial on the gift boxes, which were filled with bubbles and bird stickers.

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Guests were treated to delicious bites catered by Windows Catering Company and the memories were captured by lovingly by Susan Hornyak Photography.

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Are you planning a party for your little one, or hosting a baby or bridal shower, and don’t know how to create a unique and personal theme? We can help! Stay tuned for an exciting announcement we’ll be making next week about our new Petite Parties packages.

Happy Birthday, sweet Charlotte!

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2015 Food Trends

April 6, 2015 by Elizabeth

We’re hungry after researching the 2015 food trends! Last year, we and some of our industry friends predicted that cauliflower, artisan Gin, celery, juicing and hyper local cuisine would become popular choices. We’ve certainly seen these items on more and more restaurant menus, as well as our client’s event menus. This year, we’re predicting some of the flavors and ingredients that are Up & Coming, ones that are Going Strong (hitting the mainstream), and those that seem to be on their way out (although, I don’t ever plan to say goodbye to bacon!).

2015 Food Trends

Thank you to Well Dunn Catering, Susan Gage Caterers and our fabulous intern, Cassie, for their contributions to this post!

2015 Runway Trends

March 20, 2015 by Elizabeth

In Part Two of our 2015 Trends Report, we take a look at the hottest looks straight off the fashion runways. We’ve collected lots of pins from the 2015 collections on our 2015 Runway Trends Pinterest Board, so be sure to jump over and check out all of the gorgeous looks.

Here are the hottest fashion trends we predict will have a significant influence on upcoming event design. We’re in the final stages of prepping our annual Runway to Table shoot where we’ll show you how to incorporate these runway trends into your next event. Stay tuned!

Colors to Watch: Ice Blue, Yellow, Red

Carolina Herrera, Ralph Lauren, Naeem Khan

White Swan: Wedding White for Everyday and Feather Details

Oscar De La Renta, Christian Siriano, Elie Saab, Giambattista Valli

Ballerina: Tulle Skirts and Delicate Bodices

Ralph & Russo, Jean Paul Gaultier, Giambattista Valli, Giambattista Valli

Exquisite Beading and Embellishment

Chanel, Valentino, Chanel, Elie Saab

Check, Please: Gingham and Plaid

Zuhair Murad, Balmain, Marco De Vincenzo, Diane von Furstenberg

Rainbow Bright: Multi-colored Stripes and Patterns

Valentino, Peter Pilotto, Balmain, Chanel

Leather and Lacing

Givenchy, Gucci, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Hervé Léger by Max Azria

Pleating

Alexander Wang, Rebecca Taylor, Tome, Zimmermann

1970s Nostalgia

Chloé, Coach, Rebecca Taylor, Emilio Pucci

For all photo credits and more runway inspiration, visit our 2015 Runway Trends Board on Pinterest.

2015 Design Trends

March 13, 2015 by Elizabeth

We are thrilled to present our annual wrap up of fashion, interior design and food trends, now in it’s fifth year and still one of our most popular blog topics. First up, 2015 Interior Design Trends.

When designing for an event, we use a broad palette of sources – colors, textures, historical reference, balance, the taste and style of our client and the best way to function in a space. Interior designers are often using the same factors when they are working in a client’s living space. For us, interior design is a natural source for event design. A favorite local designer, Joanna Fletcher Abizaid with Cline Rose Designs, has added some interesting perspective as well. Inspiration is everywhere, all you have to do is look!

2015 Interior Design Trends

Dark Blues

“‘Marsala’ might be Pantone’s color of the year, but dark blues are having a major moment in 2015. Blue is one of those universal colors that appeals to almost everyone, and it’s super versatile. Pair the saturated tone with blush, kelly green, or even black,” says Joanna.

Via Pinterest: http://www.myplumdesign.com

Mixed Metals:

Joanna adds, “Brass is still back in big way this year, but to keep it on trend, we’re mixing it with other metals. The trick is to keep the warm metals (brass and gold) aged, dull and /or brushed and the cool ones (the silvery tones) polished and shiny. Take it a step further and add a third matte black finish to mix.”

Cline Rose Designs

Smoky Glass

We’ve noticed that glass in all it’s forms is always going to be a big player – from curios to tabletop to light fixtures. This year, ditch the crystal clear and opt for some darker glass pieces for a little more mystery.

Via Pinterest: dailytonic.com

Artistic Rugs

Have your floor be the centerpiece of your room with major statement rugs.

via HGTV.com

Color Pop

Jazz up white walls or a neutral palette with an accent of a bold hue.

Via Pinterest: http://decoholic.org

Bold Wallcovering – Tile & Wallpaper

Goodbye white subway tile or painted walls, hello bold patterns and colors.

via HGTV.com

For more trends, photo references, and more, visit our Pinterest board.

Special thanks to Joanna at Cline Rose, and our fabulous intern, Caitrin, for their contributions!

Featured On: Pretty My Party

February 12, 2015 by Elizabeth

Call Me Sweetheart Valentine’s Party for Kids

Inspired by the sweet endearments we all have for our little loves, Hillary had so much fun putting together this petite party inspiration for Valentine’s Day. So excited to have her creativity and talent featured on Pretty My Party! Be sure to click here to see how you can host a party like this at home.

Thank you to our fabulous team!

Styling: Hillary Offutt, Elizabeth Duncan Events

Photography: Katie Browne Photography

Invitations, Calligraphy and Artwork: Sarah Bohl Designs and Mary deStefano

Flowers: Helen Olivia

Desserts: Kendall’s Cakes

Featured On: The Knot

January 13, 2015 by Elizabeth

We are so thrilled to have Dianna and Mark’s truly amazing wedding at the W Hotel featured in the current issue of The Knot DC/Maryland/Virginia. Dianna and Mark were such a sweet couple and Dianna’s eye for fabulous design made us all absolutely giddy during the planning. Be sure to pick up your copy on stands now.

Thank you to our amazing vendor team!

Wedding Planner: Elizabeth Duncan Events

Venue: W Hotel DC

Photographer: Eli Turner Photography

Floral and Décor: Amaryllis Floral Event & Design

Cake: Fluffy Thoughts

Hair: Akilah Bradshaw

Makeup: Faces by Liz

Reception DJ: Scratch Weddings, DJ Premonition

Cocktail Musician: Potomac Jazz Project

Ceremony Musician: Chesapeake Strings

Dress: Oscar de la Renta / The Bridal Salon at Saks Jandel

Accessories (veil, jewelry, shoes): Veil – Handmade , Jewelry – Nadri, Shoes – Jimmy Choo

Bridesmaid dresses and accessories: Dresses – BCBG, Jewelry – Nadri

Sweet Soirees: DIY Sugar Plum 1st Birthday

December 26, 2014 by Elizabeth

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December birthdays can be tough and I know, first hand, because I have one- and now, so does my daughter. I want her birthdays to feel as special as those “lucky” kids who get to have pool party birthdays in the summer. We celebrated Courtney’s first birthday by embracing the holiday spirit with a theme of Our Sugar Plum is Turning 1! It was a festive affair that lent itself well for a little girl’s birthday party. My favorite details included the paper-doll ballerina garland, a tulle tutu for my little one, ballerina cupcake toppers, Amazingly Good Eggnog, and party cracker favors.

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Most of the party was DIY, but I could not have done it without a little help from these sources:

Paper Goods from Meri Meri and World Market

“More Merry Please” Disposable Cups from Pier 1 Imports

Custom Onsie from Etsy Shop, Ortinau Art

Tutu from Etsy Shop, SimplyElegant93

Happy Birthday Banner and Snowflake Garland from Etsy Shop, EMTsweetie

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Happy Birthday Courtney!!!

~ Hillary

#BTS: A Touch of Velvet

December 5, 2014 by Elizabeth

We’ve been busy getting in the holiday spirit and have been drawing so much inspiration from gorgeous velvet. An incredibly versatile fabric that is equally comfortable in elegant, luxurious or modern, playful designs. For more holiday inspiration, visit our Happy Holidays Pinterest board.

EDE Trend Velvet