I would like to introduce Evan Carbotti, our guest blogger from Perfect Surroundings, Inc. I first met Evan and the rest of the Perfect Surroundings team this past January, at The Special Event Conference in Phoenix. I was inspired by the two sessions that Evan and company presented: the first on using colors and textures for designing your event and the second on mixing cultural designs within your event. I hope that I can bring you via this blog post some the inspiration they've give me. Enjoy!
Jennifer
Jennifer
As the third partner of Perfect Surroundings, Evan works to develop innovative event design concepts in addition to marketing activities. Evan has also been published in several industry magazines, as well as self-publishing his first book. A portion of the proceeds of his book go to the SEARCH Foundation, of which he recently finished a 2 year term on the PR Committee. A co-founder of Spero Inc., a 501c3 nonprofit, Evan has gathered contacts and established relationships by working alongside numerous special events industry partners producing amazing events that have raised tens of thousands of dollars for local children in need. When I first started, I thought I was pretty hip to it all, but I quickly realized ideas are not constant and will always be inspired from other ideas. True originality is hard to come by and needs to be refined and carefully thought out. It is my pleasure to share some design tips and concepts that we use every day at our events.
1) We often describe many of our events as “residential.” We love to design comfortable environments, warm and familiar for our guests. Thematic transformations certainly have their time and place, but can sometimes come across as “gimmicky.” Recreating an atmosphere such as one found in a boutique-style hotel, plays a key role in many of the event landscapes we create. Events aren’t necessarily just about fantasy, but are often about bringing the reality of some amazing or non-existing place to life. 
2) Attention to details and scaling is always a key element: flower arrangements, existing fixtures, furnishings, tables, stages and of course the event space itself. Beautiful elements and designs are wasted when the scales are off. The use of proper scale and complimentary design elements will offer a complete and unified look to your events, even if they are not terribly expensive or intricate. 
3) We love the idea of designing with “found objects.” We utilize different elements we find ourselves surrounded by every day. We find these things bring life and soul to an event, whether they are unique vases or vessels, antique chairs, custom pillows/throws, candlesticks, driftwood, reclaimed wood, or broken tiles. Using such elements helps keep events fresh and original with a great sense of personality and style. 
4) Try using local artists and craftsmen: painters, potters, glass blowers, seamstresses, carpenters, and sculptors. They can be creative resources full of ideas and skills helping to bring your visions to life. Just recently we have had custom built acrylic and wooden bars made, glass vases, votives and events favors custom blown, pillows sewn, and the walls of a permanent installation hand painted with amazing detail--all by locals excited for the opportunity to be part of memorable events. 
5) For many of our recent events, we have used natural herbs, potted plants, perennial fruits, tailored boxwood, and other succulents in place of more traditional floral displays. Combinations of these elements bring a vibrancy and warmth to a table, dramatic display, or cocktail setting. These kind of solutions can also prove to be very cost-effective, as such floral and foliage is often less expensive (depending on your location), and are great substitutions easily made and put together in a pinch. 
Thank you for allowing me to share some of our ideas at Perfect Surroundings. We sincerely hope you find our design tips useful, and wish you all the best throughout all of your future creative endeavors!
1) We often describe many of our events as “residential.” We love to design comfortable environments, warm and familiar for our guests. Thematic transformations certainly have their time and place, but can sometimes come across as “gimmicky.” Recreating an atmosphere such as one found in a boutique-style hotel, plays a key role in many of the event landscapes we create. Events aren’t necessarily just about fantasy, but are often about bringing the reality of some amazing or non-existing place to life. 2) Attention to details and scaling is always a key element: flower arrangements, existing fixtures, furnishings, tables, stages and of course the event space itself. Beautiful elements and designs are wasted when the scales are off. The use of proper scale and complimentary design elements will offer a complete and unified look to your events, even if they are not terribly expensive or intricate. 3) We love the idea of designing with “found objects.” We utilize different elements we find ourselves surrounded by every day. We find these things bring life and soul to an event, whether they are unique vases or vessels, antique chairs, custom pillows/throws, candlesticks, driftwood, reclaimed wood, or broken tiles. Using such elements helps keep events fresh and original with a great sense of personality and style. 4) Try using local artists and craftsmen: painters, potters, glass blowers, seamstresses, carpenters, and sculptors. They can be creative resources full of ideas and skills helping to bring your visions to life. Just recently we have had custom built acrylic and wooden bars made, glass vases, votives and events favors custom blown, pillows sewn, and the walls of a permanent installation hand painted with amazing detail--all by locals excited for the opportunity to be part of memorable events. 5) For many of our recent events, we have used natural herbs, potted plants, perennial fruits, tailored boxwood, and other succulents in place of more traditional floral displays. Combinations of these elements bring a vibrancy and warmth to a table, dramatic display, or cocktail setting. These kind of solutions can also prove to be very cost-effective, as such floral and foliage is often less expensive (depending on your location), and are great substitutions easily made and put together in a pinch. Thank you for allowing me to share some of our ideas at Perfect Surroundings. We sincerely hope you find our design tips useful, and wish you all the best throughout all of your future creative endeavors! 
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