Month: September 2015

Passion and Paychecks – Not always a match

I’m often asked for advice on finding a job in the event industry. That’s not easy to answer because the industry is so vast, but that’s also one of the things that is attractive to people. You can make your own path.

I often hear people say “follow your passion”. I’m not sure people who say that even know what they are really saying. The word “passion” comes from the greek word pathéma. It literally means suffering, affliction, an undergoing, an enduring. It’s not a pleasant thing.

We think of passion as something you love to do. Do what you love for your job. That’s great if you can and pay the bills, but the reality is that’s not always possible. There are jobs that need to be done that are not fun. They aren’t entertaining. Think of the people you encounter every day. Are they following their passion or working to make ends meet?

There are also people who don’t have a clue what their passion is. My advice to those people who aren’t following their passion is to work hard at whatever job you have and live life with your eyes wide open. Seek out new things, try things you have never done before. Ask questions of people you find interesting or successful or even happy.

The eureka moments when we discover our true calling don’t always happen. Sometimes we live our whole life and never answer that question “What do you want to be when you grow up?”

Following your passion, even if you know it is not easy. It’s often risky, incredibly hard and many fail in that pursuit.

The world changes. There is not much work for cobblers and blacksmiths anymore. I know many people who took a “job” in order to pursue their passion in their spare time. Often that is the best approach. Once your passion becomes that thing that has to put food on the table, things drastically change. Your motivation changes. What you will and will not accept changes. Sometimes even your passion changes.

So follow your passion if you know what it is. And if you dare…

Fall Means A Change Of Color

It’s important to be well-versed in current trends for colors and décor. This fall, you won’t have any trouble doing that—we’re here to help, showing off the latest in fall event trends.

Cues from Nature

Shades from things like the forest, nighttime skies, and end-of-summer sunsets. Brown table linen, such as our Copper Birch pattern, invokes feelings like you’re surrounded by trees, and when you accent it with some lush, green centerpieces and metallic candle holders, you can create a romantic setting for a beautiful wedding or party. Use unique dishes such as shimmering black charger plates to bring drama to the tablescape, and your event will be what everyone’s talking about.

Incorporate Warm, Metallic Shades

You might think that metallic shades are a little overdone, but the reason they’re so popular is because they always look great. Instead of going toward changing-leaf color schemes, though, go for something unexpected, like pairing gold linen with soft pink and white accents. While you might think that those colors together is too spring-like, the truth is these shades are becoming more and more common during fall and winter events.

Don’t Be Afraid of Bright Patterns

Instead of shying away from bold shades like papaya or grass green, use them in abundance and pair them with autumnal accessories, such as textured, jewel-toned charger plates or fall foliage as the centerpieces. If you don’t want to overwhelm the event space, you can use runners on bare tables so that the pattern isn’t too distracting. For instance, pair the Clover Mesa Runner with the Papaya Mesa Napkins, then use clear charger plates with gold borders for added elegance. Fill planter boxes with flowers, succulents, and different grasses to tie the look together.

Reversible Linen That Complements Itself

Another décor trend that’s gaining speed is the use of reversible linen. It allows you to use the same color in slightly different shades, or even reversed patterns for visual interest. Reversible fabrics let you use the same type of linen, for instance, for the tablecloths as well as the napkins, and yet they’ll look different enough to make people wonder what the trick is.