Fall Design Inspiration from our Camp Hippo Event Planner’s Retreat

Teri Lands, General Manager – The Inn at Fernbrook Farms; Jerry Rose – Owner, Jerry Rose Floral + Events, and Debbie Barnes – Business Development Manager, Party Rental, Ltd.

We recently partnered with Jerry Rose Floral + Events, Mystical Blossoms, and The Mindful Events to host our latest Hipposium – Camp Hippo Retreat. It was an unforgettable day of discovery and renewal at the Inn at Fernbrook Farms.

Together with some of our favorite local event planners, we savored the joys of autumn at this Chesterfield oasis located in the heart of New Jersey Farm Country. The on-site chef prepared lunch using organic ingredients from the farm; while Jerry Rose and team demonstrated the latest Fall wedding trends, using innovative farm-to-table floral arrangements with a twist.

Although he likes to push the envelope, Jerry knows, “when it’s no, it’s no.” “Of course, when we can get away with doing something creative”, he says, “we jump at the opportunity.”

Here are some of his design tips, sure to be an inspiration for your next farm-to-table event:

Try a unique perspective on the traditional table setting, like using the color black for things like silverware
Lanterns don’t have to be just for candles and lighting – fill them up with fruit or small gourds (or anything that suits your theme)
Baskets stuffed with seasonal produce can set the right tone for your event
Mix up your colors and textures – Jerry loves the mix of lace and burlap, bronze and pewter, or the pairing of a light blue state plate with a yellow plate for a luncheon setting
Uniformity is not a requirement! Set your tables with several different types of chairs
For a classic look, mix gold with amber and amethyst
Burlap-wrapped candles are probably not something you’ve ever considered, but give them a shot – the result might surprise you!
Use mushrooms at table settings or as place cards
Try burlap cushions on clear president chairs for a unique feel
Above all – experiment. Jerry purchased chair flowers that he didn’t know what to do with, but experimented mixing with cross-backs and they looked great!

While at the Inn, we also created our own incense and essential oils with the team from Mystical Blossoms. And after a workshop on the basic principles of “Desire Mapping,” we came away with new ways to manage stress during the busy season.

Before leaving, we took a hayride tour of the 230 acre farm and left revitalized with new and inspiring ideas, some great goodies from our partners, and a realistic action-plan for more fulfilling lives and careers, courtesy of our friend Ashley Cardini at The Mindful Events.