We all go to events. Weddings, baby showers, bridal showers in the upcoming months especially. Work events. Corporate parties. Non-profit fundraisers. And some of us have the fun privilege of planning events like these. Whether you’re a professional or volunteering on a committee, everyone needs to throw a party now and again.
Come with me behind the scenes, where event pros from all over Central Pennsylvania gathered to hear the fashion forecast from the small but mighty powerhouse from behind her signature cat-eye frames—a vision for extraordinary events—Claudia Himes, owner of Special Occasions and Queen Street Linens, as she shares her inspirations for this year’s trends.
For 10 years, Claudia has been doing this presentation. She’s gone everywhere from Manhattan to this year, France, for inspiration. Over a hundred event professionals gathered at Excelsior, the grand dame of King Street and new event venue, sitting attentively as she takes the stage of a sea of black covered tables, which she uncovers one by one unveiling new linens from her collection like an intimate fashion trunk show.
“You need to get out of town,” Claudia advises, “You need to see things that aren’t ordinary.” She loved the spectrum of the cities in France. Every boutique was unique. “Maybe we’ve become a bit homogenized?” she questions.
She states: “I think it’s about time we can admit that we’re done with ‘rustic’.”
If you work anywhere in the event biz realm, you know what we’re talking about. Enough with the Mason jar filled barn weddings already. Let’s get original. Be inspired.
The trends this year are expanding beyond Americana and going global.
There’s an energy of mixing prints and patterns like ikats and blurry damasks. Flamenco inspired red floral textures are just as at home in the Red Rose City as they are in Spain. There’s a new tuxedo plaid, a mix of sheer green over stripes, mango stripes out of Africa, Persian paisleys and more. “I love the energy of MORE,” Claudia exclaims. But, she advises, remember, “a room needs energy AND calm.”
Pro Tips:
• Even if the event budget doesn’t allow for a room full of fabulous linens, consider the first couple tables (event registration, name tables for weddings).
• If you can only do one, make a statement upon entrance, then go to caterer’s black and white for the rest.
• If you need a table (like a high top) to last all night, opt for pattern that won’t show spills and stains.
Images Courtesy Shannon Confair
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