1 Lamb's clients wanted to host an autumn cocktail in their suburban milwaukee home, but didn’t have enough space for their 100 guests. So, birch Design Studio set up a tent in the backyard and designed it to look like a warm and cozy extension of the house. oversized couches and soft suede ottomans look homey, but also provide plenty of seating. 2 event planners are trained to remember details the rest of us might forget—such as dressing up an entryway. birch Design Studio created a warm and inviting entry by draping fabric and hanging lanterns.
3 A summer barbeque hosted in a private home in a michigan beach town gets a major upgrade thanks to styling and décor by birch Design Studios. For a casual affair, a chalkboard is a charming alternative to menu cards.
6 Rachel Silverberg, an event producer with Heffernan Morgan Designs, says professionals have access to all kinds of custom fabrics and decorative accents that they can use to make a theme come alive. At this baby shower, Silverberg and her team brought in striped navy chair covers and ornamental starfish to create a sophisticated nautical vibe in a barrington residence. 5 Glencoe mom Megan Estrada operates North Shore Weddings & Events. estrada applied her professional skills to create an adorable Yo Gabba Gabba-themed birthday bash for her toddlers, Chase and Zoe. Sweets tables aren’t only for weddings. estrada put colorful cupcakes, cookies and candies on display, turning dessert into part of the décor. She reminds kiddie-party hostesses not to forget about the moms and dads. estrada treated her adult guests to a mojito bar and short ribs while the children munched on pizza and drank juice boxes. 32
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Photos courtesy of each business
4 Passing signature cocktails as guests arrive makes them feel welcome right from the start. At this July barbecue, partygoers cooled off with icy Arnold Palmers. Lamb says other little touches that made the bash memorable were custom bibs given to guests to wear during dinner and bottles of homemade barbeque sauce they took home as favors.
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10/11/13 2:01 PM