At the end of last year I began a series of articles about my favourite and most often used toolbox items.  I figured it’s about time I wrap this series up, so today I am going to share with you the last few items I just wouldn’t want to be without when decorating.

1. Pins, Pins and More Pins

As seen in the picture above, there are a few different kinds of pins that can be useful when decorating.  There are the dressmaker pins, thumb tacks, drawing pins (also know as push pins) and safety pins.  In each situation gage which type of pin is best for the task at hand.  If you plan to pin things to the walls or ceiling, be sure to check with your venue’s management that it is okay to do so.  Try not to use more pins than you have to and where possible position the decorations to hide them as it gives a neater finish.  Lastly (and while this may seem obvious), if you are using the dressmakers pins just be careful that the sharp end isn’t sticking out somewhere that will stick into one of your guests.

2. Blu Tack

An all time favourite for most people, Blu Tack is ideal for hanging up posters or pictures that are part of your décor.  Don’t be fooled by the cheaper knock offs that are out there as they may not do a good job of holding your pictures up properly and they may mark the surface you are working with.

3. String

Another useful item for hanging items or tying items together.  I prefer the natural coloured, cotton varieties as they look clean and tidy, however if are going for a more rustic look in your décor then the chunkier twines can look fantastic.  If the string is going to be seen make sure your knots or bows look neat and that you trim the ends appropriately.

4. Fishing Nylon

Much like string, fishing nylon is also good for hanging items or tying items together. The difference with fishing nylon is that it is pretty much see through, so it is like using invisible string.

5.  Cloth Tape

Also known as gaffer or duct tape, cloth tape can come in handy for just about anything.  If you are wanting to secure poles, framing, or curtain rails in place then cloth tape is good for this, as long as it is hidden out of sight once you’re finished.  Cloth tape is also ideal for taping down any extension leads or carpet runners you might be running across your venue – by securing these you are reducing the risk of your guests tripping on them.

So there you have it, 11 of my favourite toolbox items.  But as I said last time unless you are decorating events on a regular basis, save yourself some money by taking a good look at your venue and determining beforehand what items you will need on the day of your event.  As always having the right tools for the task at hand will make your event less stressful and therefore more enjoyable.

Happy Decorating!

Today it is all about Hooks.  Last month I posted an article about 3 of my favourite toolbox items and today I plan to continue with this theme by showing you 3 types of hooks that I find to be very useful.

1. ‘S’ Hooks

The ‘S’ hook is a quick and simple way of hanging a decoration that would usually require string.  They can also turn pre-existing railings, rods, nails or bolts into hooks.  For example, I have used them to hang oversized curtains onto the rods of those old winding windows you find up high in classrooms or community halls; chandelier crystals from tree branches; and paper lanterns from a client’s back porch.  These are available at most hardware stores and variety discounter stores such as the ‘$1, $2, $3 Shops’.  I tend to buy mine at the later as they are usually cheaper.

2. 3M Command Hooks

Most venues these days will have restrictions on what you can use to hang decorations up with – which I think is absolutely fair since their walls may start to resemble Swiss cheese if they didn’t.  The problem comes when these venues don’t offer any existing options for hanging decorations, which is when the range of 3M Command Hooks can really come in handy.  They come in a variety of shapes and sizes.  You should choose which hooks to use based on the weight of the objects you wish to hang.  Some people can have difficulty removing the hooks cleanly, but if you follow the instructions on the back of the pack you should have success.  If you still don’t feel confident with the removal of these hooks then I suggest you have a few practice runs at home before the day of your big event.  3M Command Hooks are available from most supermarkets, hardware stores and The Warehouse.

3. Suspended Ceiling Display Clips

Okay, so technically it is more of a clip than a hook, but you can still use it to hook decorations on to a suspended ceiling.  This type of ceiling is often found in converted warehouses or office spaces, which is why you’ll find a lot of modern churches will have them.  These ceilings are made up of a system of rails and ceiling tiles.  The clips simply clip onto the rails (as shown in the picture above) and from there you can add anything you like – as long at it isn’t too heavy.  These are a little harder to come by being that they are more of a shop merchandising item but the folk at the Celebrations Group – Party Mad do sell them and I have always found them to be very helpful.

All of these hooks have been useful to me at various times but unless you are decorating for events on a regular basis, save yourself some money by taking a good look at your venue and determining beforehand what hooks you will need on the day of your event.  Having the right tools for the task at hand will make your event less stressful and therefore more enjoyable.