Top Styling Tips by Tinsel & Twine!

Have you met the ladies of Tinsel & Twine? Liz Castelli, Adette Contreras and Erica Taylor are the girl bosses behind the Brooklyn-based event design and production studio that concepts and creates dream atmospheres for everything from weddings and bar/bat mitzvahs to experiential marketing activations. We’ve been long-time fans of their work, finding ourselves completely in love with their grand ideas and their attention to detail. We had a chance to hang out with this all-star trio and pick their brains on how to decorate like a pro. Scroll through to find out their top styling tips that’ll make every party you throw a hit!

1. People usually gravitate towards burlap for a more rustic event, but we always recommend something with a bit of sheen and metallic threads to help elevate the table. The texture is still there but with the added glint of candlelight.

2. We love the trend of anchoring place settings with unexpected details like figs, feathers, or gold-painted kumquats. Something as simple as a palm frond or gemstone goes a long way as a unifying design detail.

3. Luxurious textures and tabletop details with some weight help otherwise rustic tables from feeling too casual. We like to incorporate elements like statement placemats and chargers in heavy, traditionally masculine materials like slate, leather, or hammered metal.

4. Angular elements, like rectangular placemats and long menu boards placed at each place setting, help to frame the table. This is especially important with free form, organic floral arrangements and garlands.

5. Placing taper candles at varying heights in collections of mixed holders gives a table more visual interest and movement.

6. Add furs and throw blankets to the backs of chairs to create an extra cozy environment for guests — especially for an intimate, winter party.

7. Table garlands that cascade off the edge of the table and pool onto the floor always look more glamorous and luxurious. We love this technique for dressing up dinner parties or making a statement at a head table.

8. Dress your table with things you love. Tabletop decor doesn’t have t be limited to flowers and candles. We encourage clients to explore objects and themes that bring them joy. Think: miniature statues and figurines, snow globes, books, framed artwork.

9. If one color is boldly used throughout an event — i.e. hot pink up lights, hot pink balloons, hot pink flowers — incorporate neutral tones as a foil. To balance blocks of color, we recommend more sophisticated choices in linens, vases, and room furnishings.

10. Never too many candles! Place votives and hurricanes in mixed heights and materials for a million points of light to warm up any space.

11. A canopy of balloons with shimmering garland accents is a striking and exciting way to make an entrance.

12. Once you establish a visual theme, explore ways to incorporate those details in unique but complementary ways. For example, use a geometric theme to explore various lines, patterns, shapes, and sizes through vase selections, tabletop details, lighting patterns, linen choices, and plating.

13. Our newest obsession is using vinyls to give a new look to floors and walls. We especially like taking inspiration from textiles or other familiar surfaces to create new (and temporary) environments. Think: Vinyl of an oversized oriental rug for a dance floor, log cabin walls, or an ombré gradient aisle runner.

Take notes because these ladies are in the know and always creating new trends with it comes to styling. Keep up with their latest endeavors via Instagram where they are always posting inspirational event eye- candy!

A Nüage Designs Guide to: Tea Party

The clock strikes three and thoughts of cute little sandwiches and delicious scones drift through our minds. It’s officially tea time! There’s nothing quite like a gathering of friends over afternoon tea, a tradition that dates back to the 1800s but feels timeless, even today. We’re taking the essential pieces of afternoon tea and giving them a modern twist for the ultimate guide to throwing your own tea party!

Tea-Party-2

Let’s start with the table. Delicate lace and crocheted doilies inspire unique patterns in fresh colors. Consider a color palette lively with coral and blush hues to pep up your afternoon!

Tea-Party-3

Find the perfect china to show off your personal style. We love this dainty Camellia pattern with bold black and white contrasting plates (from Marchesa by Lenox). It adds character and a touch of gilded sophistication.

Tea-Party-4

Put together a simple arrangement of flowers – a wonderful excuse to visit your local florist or farmer’s market! Find out what’s in season and experiment with an array of colors to celebrate the afternoon. Not only will they be beautiful décor, but their fragrant aroma will delight your guests! We love these peonies!

Tea-Party-5

Design a comfortable environment for guests to relax and sip their tea. Use furniture and plush seating to keep conversation flowing! We love these pieces inspired by the French countryside with wooden frames and neutral linen fabrics.

Tea-Party-6

All those tasty sweets that you’ve been dreaming of? This is a perfect occasion to indulge and share with friends! Arrange delicious treats on pretty trays and charming tiered cake stands for a beautiful visual effect. This naked cake looks like it’s worth the calories!

Untitled-1

And of course, let’s not forget the tea. With so many options to explore, curate a selection that will appeal to your guests’ varying tastes. It also doesn’t hurt if they come in a pretty tin!

There’s nothing quite like tea time – a simple tradition that brings together friends for an afternoon of delicious happiness. This weekend we say you pick up some flowers, whip up a few sweets and steep a perfect cup of tea with some pals. Make it all your own style and always remember, pinkies up!

Vendor Credits // Flowers: Always Flowers //  Photography: Levie Creative Co.