Decorate a poetry event to appeal to the intended audience.
Many occasions are described as "poetic," however, a true poetry event calls for creative literary themes and unconventional decor. Unfortunately, not all banquet halls or reading annexes can be as elegant or awe-inspiring as Westminster's Poets' Corner. It is still possible, though, to summon a poetic aura without having Chaucer's remains underfoot. Design a particular literary theme that fits the upcoming event and that would appeal to the bookish or artistic types who will attend.
Famous Poets
Decorate the event with photographs, portraits and signature symbols of some of the region's most famous poets. Put up banners with some of the poets' most remembered lines or sayings and spritz up reception or dinner tables with centerpieces that reflect a particular poet's interests or icons. For example, to decorate a la Emily Dickinson, arrange a pile of mock fascicles in the middle of the table or display a picture of her family home. For a seated event, give each table the name of a poet, and assign each attendee to "Whitman," "Frost" and other famous poets' names. Make seating cards that show a picture of the particular poet and a line of his verse.
Love Poetry
So many poems are about love: desiring it, mourning it or celebrating its glory. The event does not need to be scheduled near Valentine's Day for this decoration theme, as love is a constant influence on poetry. Use red roses in all arrangements and scatter petals over tables. Hang famous love poems on the walls and print sonnets on small note cards to be handed out to guests as they arrive. Play romantic music and use famous lines such as "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day" to decorate paper napkin rings or place cards.
Myth
Many poems draw inspiration from or make reference to various myths or figures from mythology. Decorate the event with faux busts of the Greek gods and with posters or artwork of various myths that pop up frequently in poems. Put small statues of Narcissus or Icarus in corners or their figurines on tables. Distribute or hang up copies of poems that reference certain myths and have the hosts or caterers dress in mythic garb to help add to the ambiance.
Inspiration
"Sing Heav'nly Muse" Milton implores in Book 1 of Paradise Lost (6), and so often poets speak of creative inspiration in their poems. Additionally, there are so many figures that have come to stand for poetic inspiration, and these figures make for a beautiful decorative theme. Decorate the walls with pictures or mobiles of Pegasus and Mt. Helicon. Bring in fountains with the nine muses or less expensive plastic or stone productions of them. Hire a harpist or scatter miniature, plastic harps over the tables or chairs. Provide guests with a Pegasus or muse-stenciled note card at their places and ask that they write down from what they draw inspiration. Have guests drop their completed cards into a large bowl or pseudo-fountain in the middle of the room and have the MC or host draw a few out to read to the group.
