InTents October/November 2024 - 19

up farm tables. The contrasting accent
really takes the farmhouse theme to the
next level, " he says.
Luxury. Not all clients hosting their
event in a tent necessarily want it to look
like a tent. Linens are often being used to
cover poles or act as sidewalls.
Economy Tent International, an Anchor
Company based in Miami, Fla., receives
several requests for liners, curtains and
leg drapes to add an additional touch of
sophistication to outdoor events.
" We only carry white gathered tent
liners because they eliminate the inconvenience
of wrinkles, which you can almost
never avoid with smooth liners-and
white is universal, " says Shelly Lapping,
operations manager. " Customers who want
to provide a higher-end experience for
their guests are also getting more creative
with dressing up the liners with lighting.
I'm always amazed by the elegance people
can achieve by simply hiding the metal
structure and adding a chandelier. "
Shanna Manning, client services manager
for Choice Party Linens, says more
customers are using ceiling drapes to
make the atmosphere feel more dramatic
and luxurious. " We're seeing a lot of linen
backdrops as well, especially for photo
booths. We have a sequin fabric that's
incredibly popular. "
Vibrant formals, such as velvet and
matte satin, are increasingly sought after
at Lasting Impressions. " I'm surprised by
how much matte satin we've been renting, "
Fritz admits. " It's been picking up for
about a year and a half now, and manufacturers
are coming out with bolder colors
that clients love. "
Liba Fabrics is experiencing more
demand for velvet as well and recently
released " fire velvet, " made with flameretardant
yarn to satisfy customer
requests for fire-retardant drapes.
Sustainability. Customers are increasingly
asking for eco-friendly fabrics,
something Liba Fabrics is excited to offer
more of in 2024.
InTentsMag.com 19
With limited eco-friendly fabric
options currently available, companies
are getting more creative with recycling
worn linens. " We try to repurpose
everything we have in-house, whether
that's adding them to sample books,
selling them at a discounted rate or
donating them to nonprofits, schools
and anyone else in need, " Higgins says.
" There are so many ways to ensure
linens are getting second or third lives, "
Kelk adds. " We've donated several worn
or discontinued linens to animal shelters
and school theater programs. We also
have our damaged tablecloths cut down
to be used as napkins or runners. "
RIGHT: This 40-by-60-foot Classic Economy
Tent features the ETI Elegant liner and leg
drapes as well as ETI classic sidewalls.
Photo courtesy of Orlando Marquee &
Décor and Economy Tent International.
BELOW: White gathered liners from Economy
Tent International, Miami, Fla., add an
elaborate touch of style to this 30-by-60-foot
tent rented out by Southernmost Events
Rentals for a wedding in Key West. Photo
courtesy of Senses at Play Photography
and Economy Tent International.
Linens endure as an
easy and affordable
decorative element
that infuses
individuality into
celebrations
of all sizes.
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InTents October/November 2024

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