Approximately 2.4 million weddings take place in the United States every year, and, on average, four parties, including a bridal shower and the rehearsal dinner, surround each one. These parties should be as unique as the bride herself and also reflect the wedding couple’s personal style.

Wallpaper and borders offer unlimited variety and are a party-giver’s greatest ally in creating wedding celebrations that impart unique personal style. Romantic traditionalists, for example, will find an abundance of vintage rose bouquets and other nostalgic themes in the Country Chic Collection from S.A. Maxwell Co.

For the growing number of couples who have delayed marriage into their thirties, however (and for second marriages, which are also on the rise) a more sophisticated, contemporary theme may be more suitable. Here, with the help of wallpaper, we offer ideas for a sleek, up-to-the-minute chic wedding gathering that imparts an air of uncommon elegance with no sacrifice to romance.

Platinum lends luster to this contemporary theme, and animal prints give it a touch of exotica. The neutral color and texture of a spotted-animal pattern from the Ivory Coast Collection by S.A. Maxwell Co. is enriched with a hint of platinum. Installed on the dining room walls, this print not only sets the stage for a stylish wedding buffet, but also stands as an elegant backdrop for formal dinners throughout the year. Animal prints and metallic luster are among the top home design trends for 2002, as well as layering

To achieve a layered look use a white or ivory-colored tablecloth as the base layer on the table. Run a length of either the Wild Animal or the Platinum Scroll border from Ivory Coast along the center of the table. Both borders coordinate with the wallpaper in color and in theme. Finish the table with a top layer of square-cut sheer organza fabric in gold or silver.

For the centerpiece, spray a 14- or 16-inch round twig wreath with silver paint. You can use the same paint to add gloss to the tops of three white, non-drip pillar candles: four, eight and 12 inches tall, respectively. Wrap each candle with the Platinum Scroll Border and cut to overlap by approximately an inch. Fold any excess width of border to make it fit the candle. Tape one edge of the border to the candle, then glue the remaining edge over taped area. Place all three candles on a glass or silver plate under the center of the wreath. Fill any open areas around the bottom of the candles with shiny polished stones or glass beads, which can be found at your local floral center.

Carry the theme to the sideboard using a decorated glass compote, an elegant, long-stemmed dish for candy or fruit. Run a length of the Wild Animal Border along the top of the sideboard. Then cut a length of the Platinum Scroll Border long enough to encircle the compote with one inch to spare. Fold back the excess border about an inch, creating a double thickness. Measure approximately one-half-inch down from the top and make an even row of holes along the folded edge with a hole-punch. Cut a 20-inch length of 1/2-inch silver ribbon. Thread it through the holes and tie it into a graceful bow. Trim a neat “V” at each end of the ribbon.

Insert an eight-inch tall pillar candle in the center of the compote and anchor it in the dish with glass stones or beads. Paint the pillar candle silver to match the silver table candles.

Light all the candles. Pop the cork. And offer a heartfelt toast to today’s sophisticated bride and groom.

To locate a retailer that carries Ivory Coast and other collections by S.A. Maxwell Co., call (847) 932-3700 or visit www.samaxwell.com on the Internet.

Courtesy of ARA Content

EDITOR’S NOTE: Jaima Brown is design director for S.A Maxwell Co., a leading producer of wallpaper, borders and coordinating fabric.