Description

How do you transform a 12,000 sq ft unfinished building into a multi-level simulated New York City on a limited budget in two weeks? Several late nights, a ladder and yards and yards of clearance-priced theatrical grade (flame retardant to pass fire code) fabric staple-gunned to the walls for a start. And a lot of cocktails for energy. It was actually kind of fun.

So imagine what YOU could do to your basement, garage, living room or whatever space you have that is in need of a little "somethin' somethin'" for the amazing party you plan on throwing.

The whole fabric genre is, in my opinion, a very underutilized decor category for home events. People spend more on- pardon the phrase- absolute crap they find in the "party supply" stores (which subsequently gets thrown out after) than they would have to if they instead grabbed some theatrical fabric and a few good lights. Not only does it deliver far more bang for the buck and cover a much greater area in your party blueprint but it can also be REUSED over and over in different ways. And just imagine your friends' reactions when they walk into your beige living room only to discover walls of deep red silk instead that night.

Check out the prices per yard in the Dazian clearance section, to get an idea. For far less than you would pay for most traditional banquet table length tablecloths, for example, you could buy even more sumptuous, elaborate fabrics from a theatrical supply source AND glass table tops from your local home improvement store to protect them.

Planning a wedding? Consider buying your OWN table coverings instead of renting. You'll get years of use out of them after.

Need new drapes? Aside from just perusing the fabric category here, make your way to the "Used Drapes" link where you may find gorgeous velvet drapes for a fraction of the price you would normally pay.

Decorating a room in your house? Or for one of your kids? You can scoop up some gorgeous silks in amazing tones and shades, take a staple gun and simply make a little pleat every several inches as you attach it to the wall. The effect is stunning. Simply stunning.

I tend to buy flame-retardant fabrics or if they aren't already certified that way, I grab a jug of the spray found on these sites and do it myself. Just takes a few minutes.

Have a look around and see what you think. I bet you'll be inspired.

Updated Jul 2, 2008