Teepees + Tumbleweeds: “Cosmic Folk” is the Coolest Party Theme of the Year!

Cosmic Folk Themed Party

The Dart Holiday Party (or Holiday Party Down, as it is affectionately known) is a passion project 5 years running and hosted by the guys at Dart Collective in order to bring Southern California wedding industry vendors together for an incredible holiday bash. This year’s party was SO creative and SO well curated that we know you guys will be inspired! After all, we’d expect nothing less when Los Angeles’ best wedding vendors put their talents together :)

Here’s the uber-cool design inspiration from GATHER Events: We look forward to the Dart Party each year because it presents us with the unique opportunity to design without limits. This year, Jesse and Michael from Dart Collective really upped the ante with their idea for a “Cosmic Folk” themed party inspired by their latest ensemble, the Jensen Singers. After a lot of creative soul searching about how “Cosmic Folk” translates into decor and signage, we decided to channel homestead pioneers and 70’s mysticism. We drew a lot of inspiration from Marfa Texas, bringing in saturated earth tones, neon, sheet metal, weathered wood, and of course, lots and lots of tumbleweeds.

For the Love of It captured the day flawlessly and made sure to snap photos of all the authentic partying down on the dance floor!

Cosmic Folk Themed Party

Cosmic Folk Themed Party

We put together several stunning lounge vignettes with Found Vintage Rentals that included an interesting mix of brightly colored upholstered furniture old wood chairs, and countless props like vintage wagons, ladders, industrial spools, and leather boots. A fire pit from Town and Country Rentals and brightly colored pillows from La Tavola Linen brought everything together to ensure the space was both cozy and inspired.

Cosmic Folk Themed Party

Best Day Ever Floral Design sourced loads of plant life native to the prairie and desert to bring to life our “homestead” environment. She also brought in citrus-toned wildflowers and blooming branches that perfectly emphasized our punchy palette. Upon entering, guests immediately found themselves captivated by the seemingly weightless tumbleweed installation framing an earth-toned lounge by Found Vintage Rentals.

Cosmic Folk Themed Party

LOVE this color scheme!

Cosmic Folk Themed Party

triangle signage

My Dearest Watson curated a fitting rustic menu complete with cornmeal biscuits, fried chicken and flap jacks, and s’mores cupcakes.

Cosmic Folk Themed Party

Cosmic Folk Themed Party

How good is this tumbleweed installation??

Cosmic Folk Themed Party

We really strived to incorporate our color palette wherever possible, including brightly colored Cosmic Punch served up by The Know Where Bar, and colorblocked pressed glass goblets fromBorrowed Blu gorgeously displayed on the backbar.

Cosmic Folk Themed Party

Cosmic Folk Themed Party

tree signage

Prim and Pixie dreamed up the most perfect signage that showed off various creative techniques such as laser engraving, wood printing, and custom vinyl decals. The bold warm tones and rustic fonts they used added to our cheerful ambiance!

Cosmic Folk Themed Party

Cosmic Folk Themed Party

City Libre was the perfect venue to create our mystic homestead escape. A mix of concrete and metal walls provided open-air enclosures for our various stations and the large courtyard was a perfect place for a teepee where we set up tarot reader, Sophia Knapp.

Cosmic Folk Themed Party

Cosmic Folk Themed Party

Cosmic Folk Themed Party

Cosmic Folk Themed Party

Cosmic Folk Themed Party

Cosmic Folk Themed Party

Dart Collective‘s gypsy jazz ensemble, Django Foxtrot, opened up the night filling the courtyard with their smooth jams. Then the VIPs of the night – the brand new cosmic folk group The Jensen Singers surprised and delighted guests with their rhythmic harmonies. When it was time to really turn the party up, we invited guests into the secret indoor space for a 16-piece supergroup, composed of members from both of Dart’s dance bands, the Half Moons and the Shrines.

Cosmic Folk Themed Party

Cosmic Folk Themed Party

Smilebooth provided a gif booth to spice things up and guests struck poses in front of the large moon and stars backdrop by Prim and Pixie.

Cosmic Folk Themed Party

In order to ensure the dance space was just as killer as the outdoor space, we worked with the guys at Lighten Up Inc. to create a lighting installation overhead that looked like the night sky, with a mix of market lights, nebula gobos, and a haze machine.

Such a fun event! Thanks to Dart Collective and GATHER Events for the inspiration and letting us be a part!

photography: For the Love of It // venue name: City Libre, Los Angeles, California, USA // event design: GATHER Events // planning: GATHER Events // florals: Best Day Ever Floral Design // paper goods: Prim and Pixie // handmade details: GATHER Events // catering: My Dearest Watson // tabletop rentals: Borrowed Blu // furniture rentals: Found Vintage Rentals // linen rentals: La Tavola // specialty rentals: Town and Country Rentals // music: Dart Collective // lighting: Lighten Up Inc. // photo booth: Smilebooth // bar: The Know Where Bar // carolers: Snowfall Pop Carolers // valet: Jeffrey Valet // tarot reader: Tarot by Sophia

Explore: