Chairs and Tables

At Hannah Michael we always strive to do things differently. We really do not like cookie cutter events; we believe that no two events should ever be exactly the same. Whenever, we start brainstorming for an event, I always tell my clients to ‘forget’ their perceptions of what an event/wedding should ‘look’ like. We start on a journey that is completely about them and no one else; we flesh out their design on a blank canvas.

Being a planner as well as a designer, one area of an event that I am passionate about is the Décor. Let us look at different elements of a décor that can be maximized and effectively used to set your event apart from the rest….Let’s kick off with chairs and tables.

Chairs and Tables
Chairs and tables are the most abundant (and important) element in a room at any event. They come in various shapes, colors and sizes. What you do with these will set your event apart.

Tables can be dressed in linens or/runners; fabrics are a good way to introduce the type of texture you want for your event. They can also be left undressed. There are millions of fabrics available in almost any color, design and shade you want. Whatever you decide to do will depend on your personal style and the theme of your event/ wedding. Here are a few tips:

• For round tables, use round table linens; for rectangular tables use rectangular or square linens. Check the table size and use the correct linen drop. For example, for a 72” round table, use 132” linen for the right drop, for an 8” rectangular banquet table, use 132” linen. For formal events, it is recommended that linens hang to the floor.
• Be adventurous; introduce your colors and texture through your linens or/ runners and napkins. Colored and/or designed linens add richness to the environment and your decor…plain white linens used alone, has no character. They should be used with an overlay or an accented chair.
• Think about the flow of your day when arranging the layout. The general rule of thumb for sit down dinner is to allow approximately 8 to 10 square feet per person. A 48 inch table will seat 6 people, while a 54 inch table can accommodate 6 to 8 people. A 60 inch and 72 inch table will seat 10 to 12 people. You can estimate about 4 to 5 feet between tables to allow for enough movement.

Chairs can either be left uncovered. Chiavari chairs are elegant and come in different colored cushions and wood.

Or accented.



Or can be fully covered, especially if the chairs are in a bad condition or of a different color to the color scheme.



At HM, we try to encourage our clients to move away from using plain chair covers (with colored sashes).  These give a generic look and also really don’t reflect individual styles and personalities.

At Hannah Michael we source and work with designers to create the perfect linens for each event.  We advise clients and other event planners on linen selections and offer options based on individual budgets.   The following photos show how the use of fabrics can transform your event space and give you the wow factor you want.

The following design by Jennifer Sandy-Rose of Salt Harbor Designs http://saltharbor.squarespace.com/, photographed by http://www.millieholloman.com/ show how chivari chairs, wooden tables with table runners and napkins have been used to create an amazing table setting for a natural look.



The possibilities are endless; if you can dream it, we can create it at Hannah Michael.