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The Tent Line
Archive for the 'Products' Category
Rustic Elegance – What is it exactly?
January 14th, 2009 Categories: Decor, Events, Products, Weddings
Recently, we have been asked by brides to create a rustic yet elegant setting. Here are some great examples of weddings that depict this design concept. We love the wood furniture as well as the idea of placing the wine bottles on dining tables for guests to help themselves.
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Rethinking the Catering Tent: An Attractive, Functional & Entertaining Open Kitchen
August 11th, 2008 Categories: Products
The first time I worked as a cook in an open kitchen, I had to teach myself to use a tasting spoon instead of the preferred chef’s spoon (index finger). Once my nerves settled, I actually found it quite fun to be cooking on view. Since I am a better diner than a cook – I now love to watch all of the hustle & behind-the-scenes action from my seat. So many of our great San Francisco Bay Area restaurants give patrons the opportunity to have this type of inclusive dining experience. Why not knock down the walls of the catering tent, too?
Our sailcloth tents work perfectly for an on view kitchen tent – to start with, they’re pretty to look at! Banquet tables on table leg risers draped in crisp white linen create “the line” and are used for any work space in view of guests. The tent can be divided with a solid wall so there is still some ‘back of the house storage’ and a busing area. Guests will enjoy the opportunity to watch the chefs in action. It is awe-inspiring to see a first class meal prepared for you when dining in a field, a wine country vineyard, or on a farm. Just remind those catering chefs sharing their craft not to lick their fingers!
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The Outdoor Wedding Dilemma: Under the Stars or Under a Canopy?
August 5th, 2008 Categories: Lighting, Products, Weddings
Often a couple wrestles with this question when planning an outdoor wedding on the west coast. Back east you haven’t really a choice, there’s no predicting the weather so you better take cover. However, in California it rarely rains in the summer. But what some folks forget is that once the sun goes down, no matter how hot a day it is, the evenings are cool.
If it’s cold, you’ll lose your guests. Lose your guests and there goes the party. Our answer to the dilemma – how about both?
Dine at long tables under a canopy of Italian Bistro lights connecting to a dance tent for boogieing and late-night lounging. Your guests will stick around ’til the wee hours in the comfort of a cozy tent. Just think of all the stories the next morning at brunch…
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A Tenting Makeover at the Finish Line for the Napa-to-Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon
July 23rd, 2008 Categories: Events, Products
Zephyr Tents had the pleasure of working with Jennifer Bowman Waterman of Custom Special Event Planning and Matt Dockstader of Destination Races creating a first class finish line celebration for the Napa-to-Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon. Runners World selected this race as “best finish” in 2007, with it’s Wine & Music festival awaiting the runners at the Sonoma Plaza. What a great way to conclude an amazingly scenic run through the wineries, vineyards and farmland.
Traditionally this festival-style event is comprised of the usual rows of 10×10 tents and various other frame tents. We took it outside of the box (no pun intended) and offered our round tents as a more festive and attractive solution to house a stylish vineyard lounge and the many wineries, which included Matanzas Creek and Nicholson Ranch. 
Our unique Nantucket blue tent with white stars made its debut on the Sonoma Plaza as the runner’s massage tent.
The Travel Channel and Runners World were both covering the race this year – congratulations on a great event, Destination Races! Registration for 2009 opens in early October – you’ve got to plan ahead since this race sells out every year.
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The Importance of Lighting
June 20th, 2008 Categories: Decor, Events, Lighting, Products, Weddings
The importance of lighting is often overlooked when planning weddings and special events. The client has so many other decisions to make – decor, food, flowers, linens, tables… – that when it comes to a less-understood element such as lighting, they have run out of gas, not to mention money. But here is why you shouldn’t underestimate the importance of lighting.
Lighting is essential in setting the mood for your event. Whether the atmosphere wants to be romantic and natural or colorful and fun, the right lighting will enhance these intentions. A leaf pattern gobo achieves the effect of soft, romantic moonlight filtered through the trees and colored gels can bring any boring space to life.
Safety for your guests is also something to consider when planning your outdoor event. A site visit to the property at night will reveal how extensive and safe the existing outdoor lighting is for a large event. Most permanent landscape lighting provides enough guidance for just a few people to meander through the property. With a wedding or special event, the lighting needs to be adjusted accordingly – stairs, pathways to the restrooms and parking, and any changes to the landscape should all be high-lighted.
Many event sites have beautiful trees and structures that, when lit, add drama to the property at night. The details that make this site special to you should be given special attention. When up-lighting a home, focus on the unique details of the architecture and give them depth. When guests stroll the property, they’ll enjoy the character of the home and landscape. We love how dramatic a redwood tree looks lit up at night.
Lighting may just be the final element you need in creating that unforgettable setting. I’ve been witness to too many events where everything looks so beautiful during the day but the moment the sun goes down, the décor is lost in darkness. Bottom line – you’ve spent a lot of your time and money on choosing just the right flowers, food, decor, linens, and location – now light your event properly so your guests will enjoy those details.
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Finally…A Farm Table for Rent!
June 9th, 2008 Categories: Announcements, Products
We’ve always thought it would be a great idea for someone to offer wood farm tables for rent. A table that doesn’t require a linen and one that promotes good company, good food, and good conversation. They’re a perfect fit with the Northern California events we’re so proud to be a part of.
The Wine Country begs for these tables as you dine amongst the scenic vineyards enjoying family-style meals. Western Marin and it’s bounty of farm land – a linen on the dining table?? I don’t think so. The Sonoma coast’s breeze blowing linen up over the table that has been set, and re-set all afternoon. Mendocino…what more should I say? The San Francisco Bay Area’s slow food obsession is celebrating local farmers – would any other table do?
Well, we thought this was such a great idea that we decided to make them ourselves. Zephyr Tents is pleased to announce the latest of our unique offerings – beautifully hand-crafted pine-plank farm tables!
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