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Luxury Wedding and Event Planning in Washington DC and Europe

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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When designing for an event, we use a broad palette of sources – colors, textures, historical reference, balance, the taste and style of our client and the best way to function in a space.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.

EDE 2015 designtrends

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 5(1)

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.

EDE 2015 designtrends3

Via Pinterest: dailytonic.com

Artistic Rugs

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

Suzani HGTV

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

Via Pinterest: http://decoholic.org

Bold Wallcovering – Tile & Wallpaper

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

 

Abramson-Teiger-HGTV

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!

Filed Under: Creative Sparks, DIY, Wedding Style Inspiration Tagged With: decor, event design, inspiration, interior design, trends

Away We Go: The Greenbrier

July 5, 2013 by Elizabeth

The Greenbrier America's Resort - Destination Wedding Venues - Elizabeth Duncan Events Wedding

Yesterday, we celebrated America’s Birthday, so today I’d like to introduce you to America’s Resort – The Greenbrier.  Steeped in history, surrounded by natural beauty, and infused with Southern hospitality and luxurious elegance, this is truly a remarkable destination.

I was delighted to be invited by Lori Hicks, the social sales manager, for a site visit. Many clients and friends have told me about The Greenbrier and how their families have been going there for generations, but this was my first visit.

When you arrive at the hotel you can’t help but be in awe of the beauty and grandeur.  The façade of the resort’s main building is often compared to Tara, from Gone with the Wind.  The famous interior designer, Dorothy Draper, has combined color and pattern at every turn that is a bold mix of Florida Palm Beach with refined Southern charm. Mrs. Draper was also the author of the book, “Entertaining is Fun! How to Be a Popular Hostess”. From the bright colors and floral prints to the enthusiasm of the staff, the distinctive decor and Southern hospitality are definitely central to the Greenbrier experience.

Greenbrier America's Resort Dorothy Draper design

The Greenbrier was built in 1778 and has hosted U.S. Presidents, foreign dignitaries, celebrities and generations of families. The rich history of the resort is thoroughly embraced, but all of the modern amenities, services, and any activity you could possibly want to enjoy are at your fingertips.

 

The Greenbrier is an ideal choice for a destination wedding. The options for entertaining and exploring are truly innumerable, but here is just one itinerary that I would propose:

Accommodations:

Wedding guests: Main hotel

Parents:  Estate Houses – Colonnade (Bride’s family), Top Notch (Groom’s family)

Wedding Party:  Cottages

Greenbrier Wedding Destination Wedding DC Elizabeth Duncan Events Wedding

Thursday

  • Arrival
  • Activities on own – tennis, golf, pool, hiking, off-roading, etc.
  • Croquet & Cocktails on the Croquet Lawn
  • Casual dinner on the Prime 44 Terrace. (How amazing are these striped umbrellas!)
  • Late-night Bowling Party!

Greenbrier - Prime 44 - Elizabeth Duncan Events Wedding

Friday

  • Spa appointments for the Bridal Party in the morning
  • Bridal Luncheon at the Colonnade House (the dining room table seats 22!)
  • Groom’s Party to play a round on one of the top-ranked golf courses or enjoy other outdoor activities, e.g. fishing, off-roading, clay shooting, hiking, paintball, etc.
  • Welcome Party at Kate’s Mountain with BBQ and bluegrass (I highly recommend Whiskey Rebellion)


The Greenbrier - Wedding Venue - DC Wedding Planner - Elizabeth Duncan Events 7

Saturday

  • Outdoor ceremony at any of the beautiful garden and lawn options, although the Springhouse is definitely my favorite
  • Cocktails, dinner and dancing in the Cameo Ballroom.

via greenbrier.com

Photo via greenbrier.com

Photo via greenbrier.com

Sunday

Farewell Brunch at Howard’s Creek Lodge

Departure

The Greenbrier - Destination Wedding Venue - Howard's Creek Lodge - Elizabeth Duncan Events wedding

 

What makes the Greenbier so exceptional are the numerous activities for guests and the diversity of venues for entertaining!  If you’re looking for an incredible destination wedding location, look no further.

 

The Greenbrier is nestled in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains in White Sulphur Springs, WV.  The resort is accessible from DC by car (surprisingly fast 4 hours), by train (a leisurely 6 hours) or by a short flight from IAD (1.25 hours).

Thank you again, Lori, for inviting us to visit the Greenbrier. We are so excited to work with you to create beautiful and memorable weddings!

 

Images:  Unless otherwise noted, all images by EDE

Filed Under: Travel Fabulously, Uncategorized, Wedding Style Inspiration Tagged With: away we go, Destination Wedding, history, inspiration, interior design, Vintage, Wedding Venue

2013 Trend Report

April 8, 2013 by Elizabeth

It’s that time of year again – our annual Trend Report.  We’ve been collecting ideas, articles and photos like crazy to come up with our predictions for how fashion, interior design and food trends will influence the event industry in 2013 and beyond.

Photo Credits: VogueUK, Elle Decor, Bon Appetit

Coming up, we will show you how to incorporate this year’s latest trends into your events.  In the meantime, check out our Pinterest boards and these articles to see what trends we’re tracking.

  • 2013 Fashion Trends EDE Pinterest Board

Style.com Trend Reports for Spring and Fall

  • 2013 Interior Design Trends EDE Pinterest Board

Elle Decor

Huffington Post

  • 2013 Food Trends EDE Pinterest Board

New York Times

Huffington Post

Filed Under: Creative Sparks, Foodie Finds, Inspired Events, Wedding Style Inspiration Tagged With: event design, Fashion, food, inspiration, interior design, resources, wedding

Treasure TROHV

September 15, 2011 by Elizabeth

This week, I arrived early for a meeting in Takoma Park and was so excited to happen upon TROHV.  TROHV first opened in Baltimore several years ago, but the Takoma Park store just opened a few months ago.

I’ve recently been enjoying Picker Sisters and their creative re-purposing of found items.  TROHV is part vintage, part found items, with a bit of Anthropolgie and Paper Source styling.

I felt like I would want to live in their store.  I am totally in love with this old cart!  I think it would be perfect in my house.

From TROHV

Filed Under: Around Town, DIY Tagged With: around town, decor, DIY, inspiration, interior design, resources

Cup of Tea

July 20, 2011 by Elizabeth

I’m off to England for a short vacation and can’t wait to fill up on strong English tea, scones, clotted cream and strawberry jam!  Love this poster and truly believe a nice cup of tea makes everything better.

via Bodie and Fou

Filed Under: Travel Fabulously Tagged With: food, interior design, travel, winter

Inspired By: Weaver Nests

May 20, 2011 by Elizabeth

A few years ago I went camping for two weeks in East Africa with some dear friends of mine who spent three years on an overland safari throughout Africa (see their story here).  Being in the wilderness of Africa is a constant learning experience.  Everyone always talks about the Big Five, but there is so much more to explore and experience.

While camping in Ishasha, part of the Queen Elizabeth National Park in Southwestern Uganda near Congo, I was delighted to sleep next to this condominium of weaver nests.

Interestingly, the male weaver birds weave the nests in an effort to attract the females.  I had never seen anything like them before and apparently they are the most elaborate of any bird.

via Olosokwan Adventures

I’ve often thought about these nests and their awe-inspiringly beauty.  Lately, I’ve been seeing how much nature seems to be inspiring interior design and thereby events.   Recently, I came across these hanging outdoor “nests” and nearly fell off my chair.  They are probably as close as I’m going to get to being a weaver suspended from a tree branch!

from Dedon

And here are some ideas for incorporating nest-like lanterns at an outdoor dinner party.

via Concrete & Honey

via Style Me Pretty

I haven’t been able to find a source for lanterns like this yet.  Any suggestions?

Happy weekend and happy nesting!

Filed Under: Creative Sparks, Travel Fabulously Tagged With: decor, inspiration, interior design, photography

Cozy Up

November 16, 2010 by Elizabeth

It is a cold and rainy day here in Washington, DC, and I can’t help but think about all things cozy. I wish I could put work aside and cuddle up in front of the fireplace in a decadent room, under piles of faux fur blankets, with some French onion soup, hot chocolate and a classic novel or a dark, romantic movie.  I’m warmer just thinking about it!

Photos courtesy of: Martha Stewart, Bride’s Guide, Elements of Style, Amazon, Coco&Kelley

Filed Under: Be Merry Tagged With: Fall, food, interior design

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Elizabeth Duncan Events is a full service event planning, design and production company based in Washington, D.C. that creates inspired and memorable events here, there, and everywhere you'd like to go.

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