189- Let the Decorating Begin!!

How does one make a cultural hall that normally looks like this...

BEFORE

Look like this?

AFTER

I can tell you, because I just happened to know:

• 400 YARDS of black organza
• 11 strings of twinkle lights
• copious amounts of sticky, red, *out-of-date* duct tape (sorry Holly)
• 275 feet of wire
• 2-3 gross of safety pins to hold the organza to the wire and close up gaps
• AND, most importantly, MANY WILLING AND HELPFUL FRIENDS working for 8 hours!!!

And let's be real honest!... here are the two girls that really made this happen. They both were there from start to finish. Rebekah, my daughter, and Jaquelle, my former A-#-1 babysitter and *daughter-by-choice*.

I explained how we wanted the finished cultural hall to look, gave my suggestions and then they were off and running... AND climbing (funnily enough neither of them like heights... but here they are at the tippy-top of the ginormous ladder... thank you Brother Girot!)

We (you notice I like to say WE?) started by stringing a narrow cable between the two raised basketball hoops. Next we ran narrow gauge wire through the eye hooks that are thoughtfully provided so we can put up these beautiful decorations (and also to remind us that we don't staple gun into the beautifully plastered walls or wood!) We wrapped the lights around the wire and taped them in place so they wouldn't slip or come unwound (Notice the entrance of the dreaded sticky-red-tape?)

Then we put up that first piece of uncut fabric to get the correct measurements and, using it as a pattern, cut another 15 pieces, for a total of 16- 75 foot long pieces that draped tent-like over the center cable and behind the narrow wire running around the perimeter of the cultural hall.

Camille and Kevin came long enough to see how the first piece looked up and then were off to get all of their last minute preparations and errands finished.

It was fun as new people would show up to introduce everyone to each other... here's an example:

"This is my daughter, Rebekah, and her *daugher-by-choice*, Erica. This is Desi's, Camille's *sister-by-choice*. This is Auntie P, my sister by choice. This is Jaquelle, who *belongs* to both of us as a *daughter-by-choice*... you get the picture? What a marvelous blessing to have dear, dear friends that become part of our families!!

We ran out of wire half way around so we started putting up tables while Auntie P made a run to get wire, ribbon for the bouquet, and pick up the flowers from Wright's Wholesale Flowers. Soon the chair covers and linens arrived courtesy of Gordon. And Candi and Brittany made a pizza run for my crew of hungry workers.

We had to climb up and down, up and down with our heads under the organza... it didn't take long to get totally charged up!!! This job will really make your hair stand on end.

Just before linens and pizza arrived Stuart walked in to a chorus of "Stuey!!" from Auntie P and I.

It didn't take long for him to start up and down that ladder as well demonstrating his monkey skills.

After Bek and Stuey finished the south end of the room he took Bek's place on the ladder with Jaquelle so Bek could start on the flowers.

While all of this scurrying up and down ladders was going on there was a flurry of activity on the floor arranging tables, putting on chair covers, tying hundreds of bows (ok... only 64 or so!), placing linens, beautifully crocheted doilies (thank you Shirley, they were exquisite!) and finally, the center pieces of white Gerbera daisies in a square glass vase on the tables.

And Auntie P?... she was always there to make us laugh and keep us all in line.

After most of the crew had left I found Rebekah, Jaquelle and Erica in the kitchen wiring flowers for the bouquet. I quickly learned to wire Gerberas and roses with the best of them while Erica wrapped them with florist tape.

Before long it was time to call it a day, Bek finished the bouquet so she could go to dinner at Olive Garden with the rest of the bridesmaids and then a bachelorette pedicure party. Auntie P, Jaquelle and I finished up the last of the last and headed out.

I wish that I could have had everyone that helped there at one time for a group photo. As it was, I got very few photos (thank you Auntie P for sharing yours). As best as I can remember we had: Kristi (her little boys... who helped move several small tables) and her daughter, Ashley, Kristi *my* daughter and baby Jackson (who did what he does best, look very cute), Melodee, my niece, Candi and her daughter Brittany, Rebekah, Erica, Jaquelle, Auntie P, Stuart, Desi, Allison, Gordon, Shirley, Kevin's mom, Kevin and Camille and little old me. (And if I've forgotten someone, please remind me in the comments)

Thank you so much for all your help... it wouldn't be beautiful without you!