Use texture to add depth to a monochromatic scheme, or to enhance designs with lots of color.

Consider using a single color palette in the invitations, flowers, linens, favor boxes, beverages, food, presentation, etc. Add textures to your color-splash. Monochrome themes need texture.

Designing gifting-moments often begins with a unique container. Wine glasses, tins, plates, cups, mugs, bottles, picture frames, baskets, boxes and bags of every description are big drivers for presentation.

Mix opposites like leather and lace, burlap and organdy, silk and denim. Opposites do attract – especially in design and love.

Set a moment in a unexpected space. Plan a picnic in a parking lot, play a board game on the front porch, have lunch with a friend on a park bench or underneath a tree. The natural surroundings add to the ambiance.

Combine items that don’t match exactly. A collection of mismatched, yet coordinated, items adds interest to your event design or table setting. It's okay to nix matchy-matchy.

Attention to detail is important, but striving for perfection can become too time-consuming and stressful. If perfection prevents the process from proceeding, then pitch it.

Stripes get along great with dots or scrolly motifs; bold patterns fare well with tiny patterns.

Dots of any kind are your best go-with-most-things design motif. They evoke happy emotions and work well for moments involving children and ladies.

Glass tanks (those square or rectangular, straight-lined vases) can be filled with anything from beans to bows.  They can be reused – a budget bonus!  For moments involving food, combine fruits and nuts in a wooden bowl and flank with non-fragrant textured candles.