Meet Linda of Harper Event Design

Enticing, feminine & pretty is how I am going to describe today’s post. I would like to welcome our new blog sponsor Linda, the mastermind behind {Harper Event Design}. The inspiration behind the business came about from Linda’s 10 years’ experience working in the UK with her husband, flying to exotic destinations styling extravagant parties. Harper Event Design is a Melbourne based business that offers event design and styling ideas that will guarantee your next event will be the one to remember.

When I saw the images of the {Pink Ribbon} dessert table styled by Harper Event Design, i was instantly in love. What attracted me the most was that Linda chose the theme in honor of breast cancer awareness month. The styling is amazing, the highlights for me are the lovely ribbon backdrop, using different hues of pink and incorporating breast cancer inspired sweets made by Kiss My Cakes. This amazing dessert table was captured by Lee Bird Photography.

Take a moment and read the interview below and enjoy getting to know Linda and learn more about the inspiration behind her business. Enjoy xx

{Pink Ribbon Dessert Table styled by Harper Event Design}

1. Tell us a little about YOU, the woman behind {Harper Event Design}? When did you launch your business and what is the inspiration behind your business?

Officially Harper Event Design (HED) was launched in 2008, however my husband and I were both working full-time until I went on Maternity Leave in March this year. This has given me the opportunity to dedicate a lot of time on building the business. HED is actually the brainchild of my husband who worked for an event company in London for 7 years before we met.

2. Who and what inspires your work?
I know it’s cliché, but everyday people do. My background is in psychology and seeing the hardships people go through on a day to day basis really keeps me grounded and I feel that if they can do it surely I can. It really motivates me to keep moving forward with our dream of building HED.

In terms of my design aesthetic, my mind is always thinking about new ideas and different ways to use things. Every store I go into my head is spinning. I am a huge fan of Preston Bailey, Amy Atlas and Martha Stewart, which is where I draw alot of my vision.

3. What is the most satisfying part of what you do?
Being able to see the reactions of the client and their guests. I love hearing that our work played a part in the enjoyment of someone’s event. I feel privileged that people put trust in my vision and enable me to create what I see in my head.

4. What was the most rewarding thing that has happened in your career so far?
Our “Pink Ribbon Shoot” being featured on the Amy Atlas blog and being picked by Hostess with the Mostess as the number 2 Party of the week in October 2011. I am one of their biggest fans and seeing my work featured on the blogs was absolutely mind blowing. I felt as though I climbed the top of the mountain and achieved a huge goal of mine.

5. Can you tell us your favourite handmade item you have brought recently?
I have raided all the op shops in my area and have bought hundreds of doilies for my daughters “Vintage” themed Christening. I remember as a child, my mum having so many doilies around the house and thinking how daggy they were. Who would have thought they have made a big comeback and I am paying money for them now :)

6. What would be your best 3 tips for someone thinking of styling their own dessert table?
1. Research, research, research…..type in key words in google and scan through lots of images for inspiration. Make a folder with all these images so you can easily refer back to.

2. Know your theme before you start going shopping or else you’ll be left with a mishmash of items you can’t use.

3. Give yourself enough time to plan your event, there’s nothing worse than a rush job and forgetting to put key elements into the look.

7. If you could style a party for a “well known/A list” celebrity, who would you choose and why?
Oh wow, at the moment I think I would have to say Rachel Zoe – celebrity stylist. I am obsessed with her show on Foxtel and totally enjoy her fashion! Her style is so smooth, clean and fresh…..I would love to be able to create a gorgeous brunch for Rachel and her girlfriends.

8. Name your three favourite party themes and tell us what do you love about them?
Vintage – I love op shopping and love being able to bring life to items that have had their day. Mixing old elements and turning them into modern masterpieces is so much fun. Lots of girly…lace, tulle, pastel colours and doilies.

Moroccan – I absolutely love all the colours…….the clashing of textures, fabrics and colours really gives me the freedom to explore and create a lush atmosphere.

Pink – I’m not usually one to wear pink or don’t consider myself overly girly but for some reason I totally enjoy styling parties with pink. It may be my girly side trying to get out, but it is fun shopping for delicate and soft colours to match the party I am creating. It doesn’t necessarily have to be all pink but the bonus to doing a pink party is that other colours work really well with this colour so it makes it easier to shop for props etc.

9. Do you have a favourite trend? {it could be related to anything}
Bright colours. I have never been one to wear lots of black and am really enjoying all the block colours that are around at the moment for spring. Whether it’s flowers, clothes, paint, whatever……I love it!

10. What is your day-to-day like?
Tiring and chaotic at the moment. Living on minimal sleep. I have a gorgeous little 6 month old baby girl Grace so my day begins at 7am and usually ends at about midnight. Trying to juggle motherhood, starting an online business and event styling is challenging but something I enjoy immensely.

My home has now turned into a warehouse full of stock and gorgeous products for our online store that is launching very soon. I think this is the calm before the storm and my days will be even busier (if that’s possible). A lot of my time during the day is also consumed with making/taking phone calls (lots of them), sending/replying to emails and lots of research on the computer.

11. What does the future hold for {Harper Event Design}?
We are in the process of launching an online store that will stock boutique items and brands that I have hand picked. Ideally, I am concentrating on building my clientele for the shop and getting in some wonderful brands. I’d also love to keep building up the event styling part of the business and be booked up every week :)

12. What is your favourite place in the world?
It has to be Noosa. This is where I married my wonderful husband in 2007. Since we met in 2005 we have returned every year and love the laid back urban feel to it. I would love to retire there one day...

Email: lindaharps@gmail.com
Website: www.harpereventdesign.com.au
Blog: www.harpereventdesign.com.au/blog
Online shop: www.harpereventdesign.com.au/shop
Facebook: Harper Event Design

Styling by Harper Event Design

Photography by Lee Bird Photography

Sweets by Kiss My Cakes