Countdown to Cheverly Day: Table Decorating at CHVProm

Over the years, the CHVProm table decorating contest has become a serious competitive event. There are people in this town who spend many, many hours planning and executing weird, fantastic, wonderfully creative themed tables. Over the years, we've seen aquariums, tributes to James Bond (and naked golden mannequins being hoisted over the dance floor), flamingoes...the list goes on and on.

The couple behind some of our all-time favorite tables (and multi-year award winners), Dave & Casey Kneipp, were kind enough to answer a few questions for us about what goes into making a truly spectacular -- and possibly prize-winning -- CHVProm table...

• What goes into making a truly great CHVProm table?  An attention-grabbing theme is a must, something current or iconic like Cherry Blossoms or James Bond. Have a WOW factor, such as a full size golden mannequin or 3’ tall lighted tank with live fish. Pyrotechnics are frowned upon, save those for the next day, please. It is good to have esprit de corps amongst the table members, dressing up to supplement the theme, costuming fellow table attendees in matching outfits (togas, tuxes). Remember the small details; accouterments that complement the motif (squirt guns, paper parasols). Do not forget to include appropriate barware for your beverage of choice in your plan. Gift bags for your table guests or as bribes for the judges. 
• Any advice for first-time table decorators?   Have fun with it, it is after all a prom, and we are on parade! 
• Without giving away your plans for this year (or next), anything that you haven't done yet that you'd love to pull off in the future?   Thinking ahead to next year,....we’re contemplating Game of Thrones....may haps toilets on wheels?