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elevate the atmosphere, events Nicole Gilmore elevate the atmosphere, events Nicole Gilmore

Lifted Balloons, event styling in Klamath Falls

 I offer my services of event styling for my Lifted Balloons' clients, just as I always have for friends like Jeanine, who summoned me for a large dinner party event. Luxury balloons elevate the atmosphere, but some venues have plenty of atmosphere, like the spectacular view of Klamath Lake from this spacious jewel box of a great room. Contact me for a consultation if you'd like me to "sprinkle magic" at your next dinner party, celebration or special event. I was thrilled to lend a hand at this private dinner party for 31 guests from all over the world, in a gorgeous lake view home. "Now, do what you do and make it look pretty," Jeanine said which is music to my ears and much similar to what most of my clients say during a project. I love it!

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Event Styling

Lifted Balloons will travel.

This event was super special because I had the joy of working with two long-time close friends and my husband!

My friend Jeanine is an extraordinary hostess, bash thrower and gracious, accommodating, exceptional cook. She is meticulously organized and well seasoned at party planning and hosting, but what makes her so successful is knowing when and who to call for help. She and I brainstormed a menu for a "glamorous summer grill out," which would include gluten free, grain free, vegan, vegetarian, dairy free- basically something for everyone! We showcased fresh, locally sourced food - even the flowers and wine were local!

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Food Styling

fresh . local. beautiful.

I had a blast arranging gorgeous flowers from Floranthropy in Redding, California.  This charming floral studio gave me a great "cheat", meaning Jeanine ordered a gorgeous studio designed centerpiece for the hors d'ouvres table. They also provided me with a giant bucket stuffed with blooms to create smaller, complimentary arrangements for dining tables and food stations. They lent a " wild, just-picked " vibe to the space and looked cheerful and happy in a collection of Jeanine's vintage milk bottles and colored glass. My event styling is the same as my party styling, food styling, and interior decorating: less-is-more! If you follow this blog, you know that my style is informed by hospitality. Guests aren't impressed if the decorations block their view, their walking path, or overwhelm a space. I like to choose a few things to tell the story. In this space, for this event, styling was all about the view, the flowers and the fresh, local, home cooked food! Oh and a great mucic playlist! I am a big believer is using what you have. Jeanine's glass ware was gorgeous and we used it ALL thoughtfully and beautifully. The beautiful Farmers Market apples and cheeses were showcased and became party styling decor. I love using food as the style elements. They need little finessing when they are full of color, texture, variation and beauty!

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Floral Styling

Blooms can elevate the atmosphere too!

A small bundle of blooms in the powder room. 

A small bundle of blooms in the powder room. 

The three of us performed like expert caterers, but unlike most caterers, we had the luxury of sitting at the table and enjoying the food with the guests. Each one of them graciously thanked us over and over again for our exceptional food and lovely hospitality. 

Tip! Hearty make ahead salads and baked potato bar make simple and satisfying dishes for large parties. 

Tip! Hearty make ahead salads and baked potato bar make simple and satisfying dishes for large parties. 

This dinner party was a professional event marking an exciting transition in their company's development. Jeanine had a clear vision to open her home, cook for the colleagues and treat them like family. She did not want a catered, formal ,fussy feeling evening. Her plan was  to glam up and dazzle in a relaxed inviting way.  I got it!

appetizer table

appetizer table

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States Coffee and Mercantile celebrates Anniversary Party with giant Balloons

One year anniversary party balloons in black and white were on the menu at States Coffee & Mercantile in Martinez, Ca.  Paired together like coffee and cream were giant luxury balloons in jet black and crisp white, both styled with custom tails-were simply the perfect celebration decor to elevate the atmosphere . Exceptional coffee, hip decor and authentic people who take pride in every meticulous detail. States Coffee & Mercantile is one of my happy places.

When I was invited to their one year anniversary party, I was handed a black and white invitation with a clean, modern illustration of their van with a giant balloon tied to the back. A conversation was started!

 

Black balloon is a beauty. 

Black balloon is a beauty. 

It was so fun to create balloons for this special event. It was a delightful collaboration as these guys at States have impeccable design sensibility. I proposed we tie the balloons with a thin black leather cord and they suggested black string. I opted to use black shimmer/sparkle ribbons only, in lieu of my usual hand painted tissue tassels because I wanted them to be streamline, masculine and simple! We tied one to an entry railing in the main coffee shop wing and another we tied to one of their bottled cold brews in the newly opened Roasting Room. 

Hovering over the community table in the Roasting Room an hour before the festivities.

Hovering over the community table in the Roasting Room an hour before the festivities.

They were STUNNING! 

Truly every order is custom! States is an ample space and one in each room was enough to elevate the atmosphere! I mention this because sometimes we think we need balloons everywhere, but one giant luxury balloon is enough! It sets the tone, it captivates attention, it's architectural, it's mobile and guests go crazy over them! 

They threw a great party! It was a spectacular celebration with street tacos in the parking lot, a killer band inside, wine and beer and affagattos featuring their exquisite espresso! Wall to wall people spilling out onto the sidewalk meant I had to snap some balloon close ups from the outside.  

In the front window. 

In the front window. 

I drove around the block to see them through the window again.  

I drove around the block to see them through the window again.  

I know they loved their balloons! It was a day maker for me to stop in two days later and see the giant balloons still being showcased!  

 

Beautiful Instagram post on States Coffee feed the next day.

Beautiful Instagram post on States Coffee feed the next day.

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