After creating a whimsical Spring-themed interior in an old warehouse for the Community Care Pop Up Dinner earlier this year, Elizabeth Loomis-Taliano (a freelance designer for Simply White Interiors) is onto her next charity event – The Paper Bag Ball. This event will be held on Saturday, November 3rd and will once again raise funds for Community Care of St. Catharines & Thorold.
We were lucky enough to sit down with Elizabeth before the Lincoln Fabrics building Pop Up Dinner to look at her beautiful event decor and get her advice on how to style an event.
How did you decide on a theme for this event?
I think for an event like this, which is to raise money for a charity, it’s very important to look at the end goal. So we decorated it for next to nothing. We used items that were local and in season. People feel most comfortable in an environment that is familiar to them. So we used peach blossoms because they look beautiful, they are familiar, and they give a nice scent to the room.
How did you create such an inviting atmosphere in this large warehouse space?
We brought the intimacy level up by bringing the ceiling down with the hanging branches. And, lighting is always key when you are setting up for any event. It can’t be underestimated. The decor for this event was donated by Simply White and the artwork by Ronald Boaks, an artist from Niagara-on-the-Lake.
What are your top tips for anyone planning an event at home?
- Things should be simpler than you think. Nothing fussy, just elegant. Invest in good candlelight and perhaps some simple elegant vases.
- Use what you have in the garden. We all have something we could cut or trim. Or, take a walk in the woods; you are going to find beautiful things with nice colour, shape, and form that won’t cost you anything at all.
- Make it easy for yourself! If you are going to spend money on anything. Spend it on a cleaning service to come in and clean up after the party. It’s the best money I spend on my own parties. It’s like heaven! Also, let people help. It’s fun and people like to do that. If somebody says to you, “Can I bring over a cheese tray?”, say, “That would be great!”
- Detail is important. Set a proper table. Know how to do that. You may not think those details mean much, but people notice when something isn’t right. They may not feel as comfortable in the space. However, don’t get too bogged down in the details.
- Enjoy it! If it’s just work and money then what’s the point. Factor in a little time for you before people arrive. You’ve spent all your time making this beautiful party and then you look at your watch and you haven’t had a chance to have a shower or get changed.
Purchase tickets for 2018 The Paper Bag Ball at paperbagball.ca.
Contact Elizabeth Loomis-Taliano at edesignad@gmail.com or +1 905 321 0722.
