On Monday, we asked you to send in your questions for Amy Atlas, and today, we've got some answers. Read on for some great advice on everything from candy buffets to color palettes.
1. Have you ever designed other types of color-coordinated tables, such as appetizer, gift, or cheese tables? I'm planning a DIY green and white dessert table and thought it might be fun to do a small green and white appetizer table, too.
Amy: Great question! We love bringing event design into every aspect of the party, not just dessert tables. A color-themed appetizer table is a great idea, especially because you happen to working with a good color palette for appetizers: you can serve spring pea soup in shot glasses, crostini with fava bean puree, goat cheese balls rolled in herbs, mini spinach quiche, etc.
However, if you’re working with a color palette that doesn’t really lend itself to food, there are a few things you can do to bring in some color: use color-coordinated skewers, ribbon, and paper packaging, line your trays with colored paper or coordinated herbs and spices, and incorporate color-coordinated vessels, linens, and flowers.
2. What do you use on your backdrops? Is it just fabric attached to foam core or something more sophisticated?
Amy: Often, I attach wallpaper, custom designed paper, or fabric to foam core or gator board. Gator board is sturdier than foam core and can be used again and again, but foam core is fine (and less expensive) for a one-time event.
Use spray mount to adhere paper to the board; stretch fabric even and taught, then pin it against the board. To give the backdrop a finished look, I often use ribbon as a border, especially if it’s a solid fabric. Just pay close attention to how big you want the backdrop to be for your table. Most fabrics don’t come wider than 54 inches, so let the fabric dictate the measurements (unless you plan to seam the fabric together).
3. Can you recommend a good online vendor that offers affordable candy?
Amy: My go-to sources are Groovy Candies or Candy Warehouse. They have lots of color options and are both very reliable for freshness and promptness. They also properly package their candy so it’s protected during the hot summer months. Unfortunately, though, shipping does add up when heavy candy is being shipped, no matter where you buy from.
4. Your tables always look so fresh -- what’s your inspiration?
Amy: Everywhere! The key is not to feel limited with the design. I’ve used floral arrangements, decorative pieces like rug patterns and chandeliers, and even my own kid’s scribbled artwork (a la Jackson Pollack) to inspire my designs. The shape of the desserts you’re using or flavors on your menu can also inspire the design. Keep tear sheets of designs that inspire you, and don’t be afraid to think out of the box!
From: lindsey | 6/4/10 at 2:48 pm
Lovely! Regarding candy, there is a company we use= itsalldirect2u.com- and their shipping is free over a certain amount. They sell bulk candy and we've always had outstanding service!
From: Kim - The TomKat Studio | 6/4/10 at 9:40 pm
Thank you for always sharing your ideas and talent with us, Amy! You are truly a huge inspiration. Love seeing you here on Martha!
From: Linnette (www.paperglitter.com) | 6/4/10 at 10:40 pm
Yay! You picked my candy question!
I am jumping up and down and thanking you at the same time for your answer and for inspiring so many of us gals out there!
From: Melanie | 6/5/10 at 12:20 am
These are really great tips!
From: Sara {Style Me Down The Aisle} | 6/5/10 at 8:02 am
Wow, what a great post! It's fantastic to hear from Amy. I love the idea of an appetiser table - a nice alternative to handing around canapes. And with those strong colours that Amy suggested I'm sure it would look seriously striking! Agree that an appetiser table may not suit pastels as much as a dessert bar would.
From: Flamenco Rose Inspired Guest Dessert Table « SWEET DESIGNS – AMY ATLAS EVENTS | 7/8/10 at 8:55 am
[...] of you have asked about a step-by-step tutorial for creating a backdrop. I briefly answered it in this Martha Stewart interview, but I’ll get a video tutorial of it up here soon! (2) Re-purpose wrapping paper to create [...]