Experiential Success!!!

About a month ago two good friends on the executive board for the National Organization of Minority Architecture Students (NOMAS) asked me to help them put on a reception for their annual symposium. They showed me pictures from last year's reception and then said they wanted to do something no one had ever really seen and something that no one would really expect. We absolutely accomplished it!

On a small budget we were able to create points of interest using the 'fateful light boxes' (see post 'Foglesong, be reasonable'); food in the theme 'kiddie food all grown up;' a fantastic lighting exhibit and a fun atmosphere for the students, faculty and panelists to enjoy after the conference.

On the menu: 1- ham & cheese & arugula sandwiches 2- pb&j with mint 3-fruit skewers 4- baby carrots 5- gummy bears 6-smoked tomato gazpacho + cheese & crackers (for our take on grilled cheese & tomato soup) 7- strawberry, orange, and lemon jello 8-goldfish crackers 9-4 types of rice crispy treats a.plain b.chocolate c.peanut butter d.orange chocolate AND TO DRINK: strawberry pineapple spritzers (we liked to call them--- they were really Brandy's famed jello punch!) Everything was a huge hit! People were so excited to see things like jello and gummy bears and rice crispy treats--- I think it brought about a slight reminiscent quality to the night.

For decor, other than the lighting and the light boxes, we added goldfish (real ones) in glass bowls, a huge orange curtain that was back-lit, and amazing flower arangements done by my dear friend Angelia! When I told her about the fish she immediately said "let's do 'nests' of flowers for a water(fish) and air(birds) feel!" They were perfect.