February 2011 |

Feb

2011

Chandelier Chic

Something you might not know about Duvall: We have one of the largest in-house décor warehouses in South Carolina. Which means that each item is personally selected to be a perfect fit in the Duvall collection.

Just this week, Duvall expanded our inventory with some new lighting pieces: Chandeliers! This recent acquisition came from Kichler, which has an amazing selection to choose from. We bought these chandeliers specifically for a wedding with Katherine Miller Events at Lowndes Grove in late March.

They were such a hit with the Duvall décor team, we decided to invest in two different sizes that can be paired together or used separately depending on a client’s needs. The brushed nickel finish gives the chandelier a clean and modern look, while the gently curving arms keep the design classic. Versatile and functional, we hope to use these again and again in the future.

Take a look at our team assembling our new chandeliers:

Katie works on getting all the parts out of the packaging—probably the most time consuming part of the process!

Pamela reads the instructions, a crucial part in any step-by-step assembly.

Our team can do it all! Katie fits plugs onto the chandeliers to wire the electric current.

The outcome: Success! Now only 11 more to assemble!

These beautiful chandeliers can be rented out (give us a call!), but we are also enjoying how classy they make the Duvall warehouse look!

No Comments » | Posted at 11:17 AM

Feb

2011

Colorful Inspiration – The Results

Yesterday we posted the latest Décor team challenge: Using the Pantone 2011 Fall colors as inspiration, each designer was to pick any color combination and create a design board. If you didn’t see yesterday’s post, scroll down and take a look at the 6 design boards that were in the running. Did you have a favorite? And did your favorite match the winners?

First Place: Rachel Briggs, Lead Designer

Second Place: Shannon Hardy, Décor Assistant

Third Place: Abby Mertz, Décor Assistant

No Comments » | Posted at 9:06 AM

Feb

2011

Colorful Inspiration

A week ago Duvall tweeted (@eventsbyduvall) excitedly about the release of Pantone’s new Fall colors for 2011.

Inspired, the décor team decided to hold a contest internally. Each Designer was told to pick any color combination from the Fall colors and create a design board. See if you can guess who won the top 3 spots. Click on each tile to take a closer look. We will reveal the challenge winners in a post tomorrow so be sure to check back.

No Comments » | Posted at 10:46 AM

Feb

2011

From the Duvall Kitchen: Tasting Day

At Duvall we like to mix things up a bit when it comes to the dishes we offer for events and our Chefs enjoy the challenge of coming up with new dishes and trying new flavor profiles. But, perfectionists that we are, we want to make sure it’s just not our internal staff that thinks the new dishes are winners. So, a couple times a year Duvall hosts a group of discerning palates to come in and do a tasting of these potentional new dishes and beverages and to give their honest opinions.

One day last week the Duvall kitchen played host to 20 guests who tasted, talked and reviewed multiple new dishes, desserts, and cocktails. Thanks to photographer Erin McCoy, we have some photos from the day to share with you. Feast your eyes!

Looks good, doesn’t it? To see the full set of photos from the day, visit our Flickr Album

No Comments » | Posted at 2:53 PM

Feb

2011

Décor Sweets for your Sweetie

Valentine’s D.I.Y. Day #10 by: Shannon Hardy – Décor Assistant

Cupcake Liner Pom Poms

I love this cupcake liner pom pom arrangement because it is a fun craft that will wow any party guest. These sweet little cupcake liners are a great way to save money, add a floral touch to a space and are a simple and easy way to create a centerpiece that will last. By switching out the colors of the liners and the candlesticks, the pom pom can reflect any theme, season, or mood you want to create. This idea came from Kara’s Party Ideas, which has a great section on Vintage Valentines and is a D.I.Y. craft that is full of whimsy.

Since cupcake liners are inexpensive and cost just a fraction of what silk or even real flowers would be, these quirky poms add a fun pop of color to any space and are great for any party.

What you’ll need:

Cupcake liners (any color or style)
A Styrofoam ball
A glue gun
Pins

Directions:

Take 2 cupcake liners and stick a pin through the center of them. Fold/scrunch the 2 liners around the pin. Put a dab of hot glue on the tip of the liners. Insert the pin into the Styrofoam ball. Push the pin all the way into the Styrofoam so the cupcake liners are securely glued to the ball. Carefully open the liners making sure the pin is all the way inserted into the Styrofoam. If it isn’t, push it all the way in. Repeat until the whole ball is covered with lovely cupcake liners! Attach fishing line or a ribbon to hang. (For this particular pom pom you can leave a space uncovered so you could set the ball on a large glass candlestick)

No Comments » | Posted at 11:35 AM

Feb

2011

Message in a Bottle

Valentine’s D.I.Y Day #9 by: Katie Collins – Décor Assistant

Message in a Bottle

If you are looking for a creative way to show someone you care on Valentine’s Day, this is a fun alternative to the impersonal and repetitive cards found in stores. You can take items like old glass bottles and wine corks that are lying around your home and personalize your message to that special someone, family or friends at very little cost. This can be used not only on Valentine’s Day, but throughout the year for birthdays, other holidays, or just to tell someone you were thinking about them!

This endearing idea came to us from Better Homes and Gardens. These bottles will make a perfect Valentine’s gift or decoration around the house.

What you’ll need:

Vintage glass bottle
Cork top
Letter, candy, stickers, paper hearts, etc.

Directions:

Fill your glass bottles with whatever you would like, whether it is a letter to that someone special or candy and paper hearts. Next cork the bottle and set out as decoration or give as a gift!

No Comments » | Posted at 8:08 AM

Feb

2011

A Sweet Surprise for your Valentine

Valentine D.I.Y. Day #8 by: Shannon Hardy – Décor Assistant

Flower Suckers

I fell for these lollipop flowers because they are a quirky way to show your love on Valentine’s Day. Whether you use it as an edible arrangement centerpiece or as a single sweet surprise, these candies will make any one a sucker for you!

This arrangement of lollipops from Better Homes & Gardens is a cute way to add a small piece to put on any table or to give as a gift.

What you’ll need:

Suckers
Vase
Ribbon
Paper
Hole Puncher, scissors
Double sided tape or glue

Directions:

For each flower, fold the colored paper in half and cut out six hearts. Punch a small hole near the tip of each. Insert a lollipop stick and arrange six hearts on the stem, fanning out the petals around the stick. Wrap the ribbon around the vase and cut the correct length. Finally add your bouquet of suckers!

No Comments » | Posted at 9:07 AM

Feb

2011

Candlelight for your Valentine

Valentine D.I.Y. Day 7 by: Megan Click, Lead Designer

Mix and Match Votives

As we all know candlelight is a key component to any romantic evening. These paper votives from Krissy Tiglias at Real Simple are a great way to incorporate style and creativity into your Valentine’s Day. Just look around your home for any extra fabric, ribbon or paper, grab your honey and get to work!

You’ll need:

Assorted Paper
Ribbon
Double Sided Tape
Votives

Directions:

Wrap paper around the votive for size and cut the appropriate length. Next tape the paper to the votive. For extra fun add some ribbon on top!

No Comments » | Posted at 8:49 AM

Feb

2011

You Had Me at Hello…

Valentine D.I.Y. Day #6 by: Abby Mertz – Décor Assistant

U Complete Me Pillows

These pillows are not only adorable but functional as well. Customize them with your favorite saying to make them special for you and your honey. Use them year round to add some love in your home. There’s no better day than February 14th to cuddle up with some cozy cushions!

These great pillows from Creature Comforts, make a great addition to any sofa or bed! The pillows are easy to make, just download the letters.

What you’ll need:

Two pillowcases (light colors will work best)
Iron-on Transfer Paper for light colored fabrics (tee-shirt transfer paper). Be sure that it is the correct type for your color printer. You will need two sheets.
Color printer
Scissors
Iron (no steam)

Directions:

Print the PDF onto transfer paper. Cut out carefully around the text, leaving the letters attached with a small amount of the transfer paper. Be careful not to scratch the surface of your transfer paper while working. Note: the text will print backwards. It will read correctly when applied to your pillowcases.
Lay your pillowcases out on a flat surface and line the words and letters up on your pillowcases with the paper-backing facing up (be sure that both sides of your text will line up to read correctly once the pillows are in use).
To give yourself an easy guide for lining up the two sections of text simply fold pillowcases in half lengthwise and insert a pin to mark where the center is. A trick for ensuring that your text is straight before ironing is to fold the lower half of your pillowcase up to the center (where you inserted the pin). The bottom edge is now a nice straight guideline for you to arrange your words along.
Arrange the letters approximately 2 inches away from the outside edge so that when the pillowcase is stuffed the text would still be visible. Once everything is straight, iron on your text following the directions for use, found inside your iron-on transfer paper packaging.
Allow design to cool for 2 minutes before carefully removing the paper backing. For optimum usability and softness, wash before use.

No Comments » | Posted at 8:07 AM

Feb

2011

Add a little light to your Valentine’s Day

Valentine D.I.Y. Day 5 by: Rachel Briggs, Lead Designer

Charming Lamp Shades

As a lifelong D.I.Y. junkie I love anything that has me take everyday items and put a new spin on it. This drum shade idea is great and can be incorporated into any style, season, or design. All you need is an idea, tape, fabric and voila! you’re the MacGyver of D.I.Y.

These lamp shades from Better Homes and Gardens are a simple way to decorate and set the mood this Valentine’s Day! You can use light or dark fabric depending on if you want to brighten or dim the room.

What you’ll need:

Lamp with shade
Fabric of choice
Double sided tape
Scissors
Ribbon (optional)

Directions:

First wrap the fabric around the lampshade to get the correct amount and cut. Tape the fabric to the lampshade and you’re done! For extra flare you can add ribbon.

No Comments » | Posted at 7:06 AM