What goes into creating a Dohl Head Table - Part 2 

ALL ABOUT BACKDROPS

My absolute favorite element when designing a head table is the backdrop.  I love the creative freedom of envisioning a way to portray an idea.  And the thrill of execution and actually pulling it off is a good payoff for your hard work.  It takes approximately 2 hours, a ladder, and a list of supplies…fishing wire, double sided tape, 3M hooks, pins, nails…you name it.  One of these days, I need to do a behind-the-scenes post on installing a backdrop. 

Below are just two examples of ways to create a backdrop.  My personal go-to’s for creating a backdrop are custom made wall decals and the use of props.  

Here’s an example of a tree decal we used which we even strung a happy birthday garland from branch to branch.  We first did this for Sabine’s dohl but my client loved it so much we did a boy version here for William.

For my son’s school themed first birthday we created a chalkboard backdrop by spray painting a large cork board with chalkboard paint and hung it from a curtain rod.  Then we strung a happy birthday garland from end to end.

Other widely used options include banners, balloons, fabric, etc.  Keep in mind, the challenging element which sets head table backdrops apart from candy/dessert bar backdrops is that it has to be free standing and able to support itself.  Unlike candy/dessert bar backdrops where the actual backdrop can sit on the table which makes execution a lot easier and a lot less costly because all it is is typically foam board and fabric.

What goes into creating a Dohl Head Table - Part 1

Warning.  This is not a budget friendly reference for what to expect when planning the dohl head table.  However, if you are going for a finished, cohesive, picture perfect tablescape, this is the reality of what it’ll cost.  

My party planning tip, GO BIG on the head table because this is where it will make the greatest impact.  After all, this is center stage for your baby’s big day.

The following is a list and average price breakdown of what goes into creating that oh-so- important dohl head table:

1.  Backdrop or Banner $100

2.  Specialty Linen $50

3.  Specialty tiered fondant cake $300

4.  Florals $150

5.  Balloons $100-$200

6.  Baby name, garland, misc. decor $60

7.  Printables $50

8.  Fruit $30

9.  Dduk $50-$100

10.  Towers $50

Here’s the magic number…(drum roll please).  Grand Total is approximately $1,000.  Because this is a big subject (and often times the inquiry I receive more often than for our coordination services) I will post more insights in multiple segments.  Stay tuned for Part 2.

Client Question - Seating Chart

Q.  A client recently asked me if arranged seating was necessary for her upcoming dohl party.

A.  It’s always nice to have a seating arrangement.  This way, all the boosters, high chairs, etc. will already be in it’s proper place ready to welcome your guests.  Also, any guests with special dietary needs can be seamlessly taken care of because the kitchen/service staff will already know where they’re sitting amongst the crowd.  For example, for my wedding toast I had Mormon friends who could not take part in a Champagne toast so I made sure when it came time to pour, the banquet server substituted sparkling apple cider.

I also like to go a step further and have baby food at the place setting for any babies who are too young for real food.  For example jarred food with a disposable baby spoon (much easier to feed the baby than using that hard teaspoon on the table), pureed fruit pouches, and of course finger snacks to keep babies occupied.  There are plenty of times as a mother of two little boys I’ve rushed out of the house to make it to a party on time without packing food for my younger one.  Little details like this will ensure your guests feel taken care of and a thoughtfully planned event is that much more enjoyable for your attendees.

Here is a great tool I found which I recommended my client use for planning out the seating.  This DIY seating chart will make the tedious task a bit easier.  

Geronimo Balloons

From time to time, I come across something so freakin sweet that I literally feel the neurons in my brain go crazy trying to register the awesomeness that my eyes are seeing.  I don’t know where these balloons have been all my life but I just have to share it with the whole world.  They are called Geronimo Balloons and I simply adore them!  How fun would it be to use these pretties for a photo shoot or party.  They are total main attraction decor.  Move over cake that cost $8 a slice cause these balloons will steal the show.

Walls you can eat

A couple of weeks ago, we stopped in at Mario Batali’s Pizzeria Mozza after a client meeting I had in Beverly Hills.  Quick review: food…delicious, service…pretentious and a total turn off. 

Anyway, since then I have been swooning over the wall garden he has outside his restaurant.  After googling what the heck this brilliant idea of planting herbs vertically was all about, my research has found there is a company based out of San Diego called Good Earth Plant and Flower Company and this dude Jim Mumford took in just over $1 million in revenue last year doing this!  He charges $50 a square foot for residential customers.  So in other words, I can afford to have…oh, 2 ft. for my very own wall garden.  Wow…that’s some expensive basil!  

I need a bike to match my basket please.

Ok, if you know me, I am a little unorthadox at times.  Like I do things backwards.  I don’t have a bike but now I am in the market for a bike…to match my lovely basket!  Everyone say hi to the Carrie bike basket.  

C’mon now.  It’s as pretty as a cupcake wrapper!  And it comes is 3 different colors to choose from: white, green or black.  My only complaint…where’s the pink?!

There are some people that are ridiculously creative and talented like Kim Stoegbauer of The TomKat Studio (named after her 2 kids, cute!).  If you haven’t checked out her blog, do it now.  I got this adorable mini bunting alphabet template to use for my next party for (here comes my favorite word according to my husband) FREE!  And it’s perfect for my client’s circus themed birthday.  But really, I want to go around the whole house and mini bunt everything with these fun colors.

Here. we. go!

2 years, 8 days and counting.  The day I took a leap of faith and decided to launch this little BIG dream of mine.  I started humble, I started somewhere.  And that somewhere brought me to today.  My name is Sally and I am the founder/owner of Pretty Little Events (formally Harvest Event Design & Coordination).  I won’t share the whole excruciating story of starting a business from scratch today.  I hope to though in future posts, bit by bit.  But I will share the first major executive decision I made as proprietor to this growing business…our new and improved name!  

My vision for the company when I began was to focus on weddings and corporate events.  But fate stepped in, the universe took over, Jesus took the wheel.  I will just say this.  I have planned 1 wedding in the last. two. years which means 99.99% of my clients have been moms planning their baby’s first birthdays.  Hence, the more fitting name.  My business took a life of it’s own and now we are here…taking a step back to move forward.  And I. AM. SO. EXCITED to do so!  

I have joined the human race (aka the blogging world), got a pinterest, facebook page.  Haven’t much gotten into twitter though…I’ll take baby steps for now as I try and navigate this social media stuff.  All you seasoned masters out there, please share pointers if you have any.  And everyone else (if anyone :P) do share your support by “liking” us on facebook, leaving a comment below, following this blog!  

Yay!  My first post.  Now time to celebrate my small accomplishment with a cupcake! 

Till next time, xoxo.

Sal

Hope all the moms out there had a beautiful Mother’s Day!