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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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WEDDING SHOWER LUXURY BALLOON AND GARLAND

Seeing the very first Lifted Balloons on Facebook back in April, my friend Cindy tucked the idea away for a luxury balloon for her niece's summer "Brunch and Bubbly" bridal shower. She loved the Wedding at Wente color palette paired with a white balloon, but tagged on permission to "just have fun with it," regarding my balloon styling.

styled on a farmhouse chair 

styled on a farmhouse chair

 

She also asked if I could make her a coordinated custom hand painted garland. YES! If you don't see something on the website, please ask! The answer is always YES! 

garland on dessert table

garland on dessert table

For the neutral element of the tail & garlands I used parchment, vanilla, ginger, lemongrass and gold tassels. I also incorporated a few sparkly ribbon tassels to give it a little twinkle and glamour.

bride-to-be

bride-to-be

Before becoming a balloon stylist, I styled small, intimate events and special occasions. I've known this client and her family for many years and was happy to step in and help her with some party styling before guests arrived. I noticed that her sink was full of the most stunning, velvety pink roses. Since the balloons had been styled sweetly on a lovely farmhouse chair and the hand painted garland had been draped and pinned on the dessert bar, I just asked if she needed me to do anything with the beautiful blooms. She was very grateful and set me free to create arrangements for all of the dining tables. She showed me her inherited collection of vases and vessels, which made personal and stunning party decor. I was in party styling heaven and enjoyed weaving in some wonderful, fragrant clippings from her abundant garden. 

I styled blooms with pink roses the hostess provided and clippings from her garden. Lifted Balloons is more than just luxury balloons! 

I styled blooms with pink roses the hostess provided and clippings from her garden. Lifted Balloons is more than just luxury balloons! 

The hostess' home is a restored historic farmhouse and belongs in the pages of a design magazine. I suggested that when she recovered from the festivities and "bubbly" that she hang the garland from the fireplace mantle. She sent me this photo! It took my breath away! Not only did she drape the hand painted garland on her mantle and enjoy it as part of her home design decor, but she also collected some of the floral arrangements I had styled and set them there too. One of my go to party styling tips is not to spend your party budget on things that are quickly thrown away. Look around, bring out your special things and when you do spend money, spend it on things with high impact. A giant, luxury balloon will soon be gone, yes, but that hand crafted balloon tail transforms into a stunning garland that can adorn a beautiful interior space long after the party is over.

Loveliness! 

Loveliness! 

This last picture is adorable! The bride's cousin is a doll! She perfectly models how Lifted Balloons can be used in styled photo shoots like senior portraits.

Sweet!
Sweet!

Lifted Balloons elevate the atmosphere, they are full of personality and they are ready for your next event!

 

 

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