Hottest Trend: Lampshade Centerpieces

Our Annual Masquerade for the LIE was absolutely stunning and a real success...many people said it was the BEST out of all the years we've been doing it. You know what that means! We've outdone ourselves yet again and can't wait to do it next year.

Before we reveal our best photos from the Masquerade, we thought we would do a little piece on a hot little trend popping up at weddings, glam events and even the BAFTA awards, where stars joined William and Kate.

First, a little glimpse at Kate's gorgeous ensemble...

Kate always looks super elegant and is sure to continue making an impact on the fashion world...

What made an impact on the DJS girls was the fabulous layout of the awards this year, including the trend sweeping events right now...lamps as centerpieces.

Photo Credit: BizBash.com

Lamps can be used to create as many looks as there are...well.. lamps. In the above look, which was coined "cool britannia" by the BizBash website, the lamps cleverly don the British flag, sturdy masculine foundations and fanciful tassels. As we all know, in this industry, details are simple everything and can make or break the entire tone of a room. And by the way, check out those hot Union Jack outfits on the waiters.

Photo Credit, itsabrideslife.com

Here, lamps create a sleek, bright look for an otherwise drab room, whose colors are most likely beige, mauve and maroon. In this look, lamps are chosen above flowers, and are complimented by glassy surface areas. The tone of the room is clear, concise and reserved yet celebratory. A nice job for a award ceremony or a modest fundraiser, and a great use of lamps.

Here's an elegant dinner party concept with lamps as centerpieces:

photo credit: Houston Wedding Blog

A contemporary lamp shade is complimented by delicate white flowers in it's rectangular base.

Source: WeddingbyColor.com

This lamp, most likley battery operated, is meant to look like an old-fashioned oil lamp with a modern twist of flowers creeping up it's clear base. A beautiful combination of shape and color.

Source: Fancyfaces.com

When thinking about lamps for your special event, remember that less is often more. Surrounding elements will have an effect on the centerpiece, such as tablecloth color, silverware, flowers, lighting, etc. Lamps should never be taken at face value when you're looking for centerpieces...remember that they can also act as a blank canvas that can be tweaked--painted, adorned with flowers, fabrics, tassels, beads...the possibilities are endless. Just like all event elements (and perhaps, even certain life situations...), be sure to see beyond what is right in front of you and be open to the possibility of transformation.