Event Style Watch: The Fall Preview

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By Michelle Lizak, CMP

What are the latest trends in event design and décor?  This is the column for the event fashionista!

This fall the latest trends in design and décor are fresh off the runways:

1) Think organic!  Organic colors and ingredients are the latest trend popping up at events coast to coast.  Less is more is still the reigning attitude.  Décor does not need to be over the top - rather think floral or natural patterns or texture on fabric, use live potted plants or even herbs as centerpieces.

2) Urban pioneer - Wild West meets 2009.  This recession-driven trend focuses on tough times and American perseverance.  Heavy fabrics such as tweeds, thick broadcloths, flannels and military-style blanket wools.  Rustic woods accented with iron, gold and other metals provide a simple, chic look.

3) Re-fab: Re-using old items to mold into something fabulous.  This trend is not only eco-conscious, but also cost effective in these tough times!  Some great examples include: centerpiece paper topiaries and chandeliers made from shredded office paper and slip covering existing soft goods to recreate an entirely new environment.

4) Less is still more but we want more eco-friendly.  Keep floral simple. A scaled back look not only can convey simple elegance, but it is also more cost effective.  Consider using creative Origami folds for linens, programs or paper ware in lieu of paying for more ornate items.

5) Worldly themes. So your travel budget doesn't allow your group to travel to exotic locations - why not bring the exotic to them?  Creating more ethnic-themed events provides the guests with a potentially once-in-a-lifetime experience, but at a fraction of the cost of the real deal.

Stay tuned for more updates!

(Michelle is the marketing manager for U.S. Central. She can be reached at  913-227-6184 or by e-mail at mlizak@uscentral.org.)  She also serves as current KCMPI president.