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Decorator DadA Personal Touch in the Home Brings Neighbors Together at PartiesKids love today’s “drop-off” parties where they go to the gym or skating rink, party-hardy for an hour or two, then return home. Parents like them too. Who wouldn’t when energetic staffs take care of most details! What may be missing is socialization between parents – namely Dads. Thanks to neighbor Rusty Rhone’s philosophies, his theme party decorations and his backyard, some Preston Hollow residents have experienced an alternative that encourages a family affair. Preston Hollow Dad Gregg Schmitt has attended several of Rhone’s parties. “The dynamics at Rusty’s parties are great,” said Schmitt. “The kids have fun, really get to know their classmates, and parents relax and get to know each other. Plus, you'll find Dads there, so I'm never hesitant to go.” Driven by multiple passions – building, his kids, and parties – Rhone set out several years ago to build kids theme props to add to his party decoration inventory at Bill Reed Decorations. Rhone purchased the Dallas-based company from Mr. Reed at his retirement in 1994, after working closely with him for over 7 years. “My motives were selfish,” admits 41-year-old Rhone. “I wanted my kids, Madison and Braden, to have great birthday parties, but I also wanted to create a relaxed atmosphere in my home where parents would socialize.” Rhone explains, “I grew up in a small Texas town, where parents and their kids got together all the time. Dallas is so big, I sometimes feel it’s hard for people to get to know each other.” Kids theme sets now range from Pirate Parties to Alice in Wonderland Tea Parties. Under the Sea. Native American Indian. All Star Sports. Under the Big Top. Cinderella. Wild West. 50’s Sock Hop. And the newest, created for Madison’s 7th birthday party, Rock Star. “I was always building when I was a kid,” laughed Rhone. “I even built a Stairway to Heaven set for our prom.” But Rhone learned the ropes—from conception of a theme to the design, fabrication and installation of an event—from accomplished designer Bill Reed. Reed started his career designing decor for the Neiman Marcus Fortnight, and branched out from there. Reed taught Rhone the décor elements that create a great party environment. “A grand entrance makes every kid a star,” Rhone said. “We rolled out the red carpet under a lighted marquee entrance for Madison’s recent Rock Star guests, and had a giant tepee for the Indian Princesses and Guides at her 6th birthday.” “Custom-draped tents serve as the centerpiece for activities,” he continued. “We used red and white stripes to create the Big Top for Madison’s 5th birthday, and deep purple fabric and lights for her recent Rock Star party.” Rhone carries out his theme props with cutout characters for ‘photo opps,’ decorations for the buffet table, and backdrops for the entertainment. Beyond the decorated environment, Rhone and his wife of 13 years, Kim, have other philosophies that make families feel welcome. “We always include siblings, and we choose late afternoon when Mom and Dad duties are winding down,” shares Rhone. “We also tell guests a light dinner will be served for adults and kids. The messier the food, the more relaxed parents become,” he laughed. “Ribs and sausage on the smoker make great antidotes for uptight adults.” “One last thing,” warns Rhone, “don’t buck the ball game. Dads with a sports habit are more likely to come if they don’t have to slink out to the car to catch a score.” Rhone and his Texas Tech Red Raider buddies are creative at finding reasons to pass the television. Birthdays aren’t the only occasions for theme decorations in Rhone’s yard. An extravagant haunted house façade greets guests for his annual Halloween Party, while a traditional Santa, sleigh and reindeer grace the front yard for Christmas. “One of my favorite parties is Rusty's annual 'Trick or Treat...Drink and Eat' where our whole neighborhood converges after trick-or-treating,” said neighbor Gregg Schmitt. “His house is always decked with great Halloween decorations. We relax in the backyard with margaritas and ribs and watch the kids play!" Local Dallas Channel 11 did their 2001 Halloween news broadcast in front of Rhone’s haunted house façade, while GuideLive pictured his Christmas set in 2002. When asked about his clients, Rhone is straightforward. “I respect their privacy,” he smiles. “You’ve probably seen our work at many of the fund-raising galas, private parties and corporate events around town.” “I will tell you,” says Rhone, “that Bill Reed theme props and sets have entertained kids for generations. We did Scrooge’s House and the Twelve Days of Christmas at Northpark, and the whimsical mobile in the lobby at Scottish Rite Hospital.” Rhone also enjoys the work he’s done helping students decorate
for their proms and their theatre, choral and drill team productions. For more ideas, check out: www.billreed.com. Props start at $50. Bill Reed Decorations, 717 S. Good Latimer Expressway, Dallas, 214.823.3154or 800.879.3891. PR Contact: |
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