event design Archives - Elizabeth Duncan Events

Featured On: United with Love

July 13, 2015 by Elizabeth

One had so much fun designing our annual Runway to Table styled shoot. This year, the stunning Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Sidney Harman Hall provided the ideal backdrop for seven event designs inspired by this season’s hottest runway trends. Our first look, Check the Box, was featured on United with Love this week. Be sure to check back each week for a new Runway to Table inspiration. For more ideas on incorporating this runway trend into your next event, check out our Pinterest board.

Runway Trend: Gingham, plaid, check patterns

Designer Inspiration: Derek Lam

Credits:

Styling: Elizabeth Duncan Events

Photography: Sweet Tea Photography

Floral Décor: Philippa Tarrant

Venue: Shakespeare Theatre Company Sidney Harman Hall

Printed Materials: Winifred Paper

Linens and Flatware: Party Rental

China, Glassware and Chairs: DC Rental

DIY Bread Sleeve Placecards

Featured: Say Squeeze!

March 26, 2015 by Elizabeth

We had so much fun designing this citrus-inspired “Hello, Sunshine!” branding party with a few of our industry favorites, which is featured on Greenvelope.com today. The signature bar highlighted local obsession, Don Ciccio e Figli artisanal Italian liqueurs, and the custom suspended shelves featured another local superstar, Jrink Juicery cold-pressed juices. Decor of bright pops of yellow, orange, green and pink, with geometric patterns added zest to the party. The custom Step and Repeat by Winifred Paper and custom swag boxes by Gift and Gander are two brilliant examples of how great design can make a lasting impression for your guests.

We are so grateful to our incredible vendor partners:

Longview Gallery

Syzygy

Abby Jiu Photography

Philippa Tarrant Floral Design

Winifred Paper

Sarah Bohl Calligraphy

Want to try some of our DIY projects at home? Here you go:

DIY Citrus Fruit Garland/Chandelier

Materials:

Cardstock or similar weight paper in citrus colors

scissors

fishing line

wooden dowels

brass fasteners

Either make a template or free-hand cut in a pointed oval/leaf shape:

4 pieces of Yellow: 5″ long x 2″ wide

4 pieces of Pink: 6″ long x 3″ wide

4 pieces of Green: 4″ long x 1.75″ wide

Repeat to desired amount of fruit. We also cut small green leaf accents. Attached paper fruit to fishing line at desired intervals. Attach garlands to wooden dowels. These can be hung linearly to create a backdrop or clustered together as in the photo to create a “chandelier.”

DIY Geometric Floor Pattern

Materials:

1 roll gaffers tape, orange

1 roll gaffers tape, yellow

measuring tape

We measured and cut the tape to create 4 squares that were 2ft x 2ft with 1 ft in between squares on all sides. We then measured and cut the opposite color tape and centered for a 3ft x 3ft square.

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!

#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

Photo credits: Dress, Pants, Bow Ties; Wreath, Placesetting, Tablescape; Ornament, Gift, Gift, Boxes

#TBT: Creme de la Creme

November 20, 2014 by Elizabeth

ajp-8

One year ago this week we were seeing this beautiful Creme de la Creme Party come to life at the National Museum of the Women in the Arts.

Runway to Table: 50 Shades of Gray

September 22, 2014 by Elizabeth

Our fourth and final runway trend to be transformed into a fashion-forward event design is the color Gray. An incredibly versatile color, it is perfect for everything from a Spring garden party to a chic dinner party or whimsical botanical luncheon. Check out the pretty details captured by Sweet Tea Photography below. Featured on United with Love and Junebug Weddings.

Thanks again to our fabulous vendor team:

Photography: Sweet Tea Photography

Floral Design: Sidra Forman Flowers

Equipment Rentals: DC Rental

Styling and Design: Elizabeth Duncan Events

Featured On: Junebug Weddings

September 17, 2014 by Elizabeth

We are so excited to share more about this fabulous Spring wedding at the W Hotel. Dianna and Mark were so lovely to work with and their vision of a French, glamorous, modern and sophisticated wedding came together perfectly. Check out all the pretty details here.

Featured on: Junebug Weddings

September 8, 2014 by Elizabeth

We were delighted when Junebug Weddings contacted us about featuring our Runway to Table 2014 Photoshoot on the What Junebug Loves blog. Check out all the pretty details of how we drew inspiration from this year’s hottest runway trends to design fashion-forward event designs.

EDE Runway14 Paint SweetTeaPhoto32

Thanks again to our fabulous vendor team:

Photography: Sweet Tea Photography

Floral Design: Sidra Forman Flowers

Equipment Rentals: DC Rental

Styling and Design: Elizabeth Duncan Events

Featured On: District Weddings

September 5, 2014 by Elizabeth

We were so thrilled to see B&Cs fairytale wedding featured on District Weddings this week. Be sure to check out the post here.

Runway to Table 2014: Paint the Town

August 25, 2014 by Elizabeth

We took inspiration from one of this season’s hottest runway trends and created a colorful and creative design perfect for your next fundraiser or dinner party. Featured on United with Love. Learn how to DIY your own dip-dyed napkins here. For more painted event design inspiration, follow our Pinterest board.

EDE Runway14 Paint SweetTeaPhoto2