Gayler Design Build’s First Annual Toys for Tots Community Fundraiser and Open House Holiday Tabletop Extravaganza

Gayler Design Build clients, vendors, neighbors, and friends participated in the company’s first annual Open House Holiday Tabletop Extravaganza on December 5th, 2019. All the best ideas for holiday entertaining converged on one location bringing the community together and graciously giving to the Toys for Tots Foundation, just in time for the holidays. 

Witness this remarkable event, with professional photography donated by Mark Gebhardt of Mark Gebhardt Photography. 

The Gayler office was adorned with beautiful Christmas decorations, sparkling lights, tasty appetizers, delicious holiday cookies, spirits, and more.

Beautiful “themed” holiday tables were designed by talented, local design professionals from J. Hettinger Interiors, Flower Theory, and Shindig Partyware Co. inspiring guests to create beautiful holiday tabletop decorations of their own.

A ‘Children’s Holiday Table’ Decorated by Stephanie Patterson of J. Hettinger Interiors 

This fun and whimsical children’s tabletop was designed with games and edible decorations to keep kids happy long after dinner. Handmade name card holders were made out of candy canes that turned into a delicious after-dinner treat. 

Beautiful creative snow globe centerpieces were made from wine glasses and ornaments—Surprise! Think of using your kids’ favorite ornaments. Christmas poppers contained hats, jokes, and a small gift to keep the children laughing and creating together. 

Think outside the box (no pun intended)—Endless games of tic-tac-toe can be played without paper or pens but with fun wooden box sets instead.

Ultimately, this beautiful tablescape was purposefully designed to keep the kids entertained while the adults enjoy their meal.

Ho! Ho! Ho! Gayler Design Build guests received a surprise visit from Santa Clause.


A ‘Formal Victorian-Style Holiday Table’ Decorated by Dorene Gomez from J. Hettinger Interiors 

If you’re all about formal when it comes to holiday decor, this gorgeous tablescape is for you.  Dorene started with a black linen tablecloth; two dramatic hurricane style candle holders anchor the center of the table and add a touch drama.  A wide gold ribbon winds its way through the center of the table and is surrounded by faux greenery and studded with silver and white ornaments and bright, sparkling lights. 

Gold chargers are used along with a variety of gold and black-rimmed plates.  The gold flatware matches the wide range of crystal glassware with gold rims that artfully ties everything together.

This beautiful tablescape also came with a custom made Victorian Christmas tree ‘dress’!


A ‘Whimsical Floral Holiday Table’ Decorated by Kathy Koutz from Flower Theory and Liz Tobiason from Shindig Partyware Co. 

This lovely forest-inspired tablescape draws inspiration from the outdoors.  A narrow rustic container anchors the table and includes a variety of moss, greenery, and faux crystal flowers, sitting low enough so guests can see each other while enjoying their meal. 

The glassware includes a mix of dark green wine and water goblets along with a clear glass with a beautiful gold-colored pattern.  The gold theme continues with gold flatware and a variety of gold-rimmed plates, giving the table a touch of formality perfect for the holiday.  Neutral colors are used both for the table cloth and the linen napkins.

The Flower Theory also provided a ‘live forest,’ with several live Christmas trees, including a 10-foot Silvertip fir.

A Successful Event Supporting Toys for Tots 

Another highlight of the evening was an outpouring of kindness and charitable giving from all attendees, resulting in 4.5 donation boxes filled with toys and nearly $600 in cash donations. Honorable USMC Sergeant Bol and his lovely wife, Maleah, attended our event, representing the Toys for Tots Foundation and the United States Marine Corps Reserve. Their presence was a highlight of the evening representing hope and freedom and reminding everyone in attendance that their donations were going to children in need, providing them with a new toy just in time for Christmas.

Thank you to the 100+ guests who visited our office, shared in the festivities, and donated to this wonderful cause—a charity that is near and dear to our hearts.

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