NICK SPANSWICK
EVENTS AND DESIGN
I wanted guests to feel as if they were eating a large family dinner in her enormous fantasy Colorado ranch house, so I divided the space up into separate 'rooms' using visual cues to help guests understand the concept, for example books and book cases for the library, antler candelabras on the walls in the trophy room, etc...
The entrance hall was decorated to look like a ranch approach, with picnic-style seating for the children's buffet, trees and a large ranch sign.
A welcoming entrance for guests, and an opportunity to sign the visitor's book.
We filled the space with personal touches like family photos, treasured toys, and real sporting trophies.
Tables and decor was rustic and cosy but still elegant.
Because the children were eating separately to the adults in picnic style, I created a 'children's bedroom and dress-up room' for them to play in. Costumes, make-up artists, photographers and sweets and treats were available here throughout the night.
Antler-shaped candelabras, huge autumnal floral arrangements and a cosy fireplace decorated the 'trophy room'.
This long table in front of the kitchen hearth was decorated with autumnal fruit, hanging vegetables and cooking utensils.
The dance floor in the centre was lit like a barn dance.
A corner of 'the library' had a reading sofa, books, dreamcatchers and family mementoes.
Click on photos to open in slideshow
'Colorado Ranch'-themed Bat Mitzvah
This young lady was very sophisticated and told us she definitely didn't want anything childish for her bat mitzvah party. She love horses and throwing parties for her friends, so she was excited by the concept of creating an enormous fantasy horse ranch where she could 'host' her family and friends.
The children would eat separately to the adults on bales of hay in the 'outdoor' picnic area, while adults ate in areas decorated as a library, dining room, trophy room and veranda.
The entrance to the ranch. This would also serve as the children's 'outdoor' eating area.
The 'lobby' of the ranch was decorated with framed photos and a 'visitor's book' for guests to sign.
Framed photos of the family added to the homey intimate feel of the decor.
Autumn leaves and antler candelabras maintained the country theme.
The children's bedroom and 'dress-up' area.
A view of the cosy 'trophy room'.
The long table in front of the kitchen hearth was decorated with autumnal fruit, vegetables and cooking utensils.
A view towards the barn-style dance floor.
A corner of the 'library', with bookcases, family photos and mementoes.