Decor

Many of the tables this year opted against traditional floral centerpieces. David Stark's whimsical installation for sponsor Benjamin Moore, based on the brand’s new Color Stories paint collection, played off the slogan “A whole new chapter in paint color technology is being written.” The library-inspired setting featured a table made from actual books, with handcrafted pop-up books serving as a centerpiece.

One of the more ambitious installations was the two-story tree house that Evette Rios designed for hayneedle.com. Constructed by John Zukowski of C&C Design Construction Group, large tree trunks functioned as steps leading up to the table. An alcove with a hammock and a grass-covered floor was tucked underneath the structure.

For a donut-themed bridal shower put together by blogger Elsie Larson, a giant chalkboard filled with descriptive doodles served as the backdrop of the food spread.

For a wedding at the King Plow Event Gallery in Atlanta, Bold American Events & Catering designed an upside-down centerpiece of yellow tulips and glass globes that hung above the head table.

The tables at a graffiti-themed bar mitzvah designed by David Stark Design and Production, held at Center 548 in New York, displayed arrangements of daffodils and ranunculuses sprouting from cinder block planters.

Mélangerie Inc.’s customized wedding genealogy charts detail the relationship of the wedded couple to their guests with the help of a relationship key. Guests browse the chart during the cocktail hour to learn about their tablemates.

Seattle-based event designer Matthew Parker (206.218.7969, matthewparkerevents.com) specializes in using paper to create custom, site-specific props and decor, like this paper-airplane installation designed for HeARTbeat, a fund-raiser for the Artfund Associates in June at the EMP Museum in Seattle. Inspired by Boeing, one of the nonprofit’s largest supporters, Parker strung 1,000 paper airplanes crafted from old Artfund newsletters from the venue’s ceiling. “When designing for large spaces on a tight budget, it’s important to think big and in multiples,” Parker said. “I like using paper decor at events because it’s cheap and versatile.” In addition to intricately cut and folded paper, Parker’s installations have also incorporated coffee filters, paper snow cone cups, and cardboard.

Liven up in-office celebrations with the Tangram Printable Party Décor set from Melangerie Inc. The PDF file, $12, includes instructions for printing, cutting, and assembling signage, place cards, mobiles, table runners, and more.

Hand-painted salvaged wood menu designed by Mélangerie Inc.

Hand-lettered menu designed by Simplesong Design for Ritzy Bee Events