Labor Day Weekend: Never Look Back

Starting with Haim's "Falling" our Labor Day Weekend playlist has everything for you to reminisce but never look back. Cheers to the last long weekend of summer. Follow posh_preference on Spotify.

If you're thinking about the seaside

Left, The Princess of all Princesses, Grace Kelly playing photographer at a swimming competition at Palm Beach, Monte Carlo in 1972. Right, The ease of rattan charges and the elegance of cut crystal. Get the look with P.O.S.H.: Round Rattan Charger, Michelangelo Flatware, Elise Cut Crystal Stemware

Just because you're sitting by the sea doesn't mean you lack the style of a P.O.S.H. place setting for your guests. Take a cue from the always on point Grace Kelly, who took the laid-back vibe of beach life by mixing it with the elegance of a princess. Bring texturized elements, like rattan chargers and fruitwood chiavaris, and pair them with crystal stemware or luxurious metals for a seaside embrace of the high-low trend. Palm Beach approved.

Entertain: Peach Bellinis

Yesterday's Peachy Keen post has us yearning for our favorite summer drink - peach bellinis. Our favorite go-to recipes are shared below. When you need a light refreshment and have a heavy guest list, the sparkling peach bellini served in our Pure Champagne Flutes is just the ticket. If you are wanting something to beat the heat on scorching summer days or just want to add a beautifully presented beverage for a weekend brunch, the Australian Peach Bellini is a true crowd pleaser. We like to serve it simply in our stemless martini glass or add a chic element with our vintage glass compotes. With drinks, there are sure to be bites to eat, and the Blue + White China makes a mean combo with such classic drinks. Be sure to make enough; everyone will be coming back for seconds. 

Sparkling Peach Bellini recipe and image via A Taste of Home  {Get the look with P.O.S.H.: Pure Champagne Flutes} // Australian Peach Bellini image and recipe VIA {Get the look with P.O.S.H.: Stemless Martini} // Serve it up in style: Blue + White China, Blue Green Swirl Stem Juice and Compote, Vintage Glass Compotes

 

If you're feeling peachy keen

Pretty in peach: A simply white square dinner plate adds a modern element to this sweet peach tablescape. It's like a white tee for your couture ballgown. Jil Sander would approve.

 We love a great peachy hue. It basks in Summer tablescapes with hints of orange and red or sets off a sweet yet simple place setting. Come Fall, it strikes a chord with deep browns and greens. Simply put, it's the under-appreciated neutral of the color wheel. So, if you are already thinking about peach when it comes to event decor or your fashionable attire, go for it. Peachy keen, indeed. 

Chic peach: If simple is not your calling card (don't worry, we always think more is better), then call out the couture with a luxe layered look that will go from sweet to sassy with the bat of an eye. Get the look with P.O.S.H. Gold Florentine Charger, Arte Italica Dinner Plate, Gold Leaf Dinner Plate, Sevres Salad Plate, Birch Hall Flatware mixed with Artesian Flatware, and Light Pink Chloe Goblets.

Happy Fourth of July

Have a fabulous Fourth of July, y'all! We're enjoying the holiday with friends and family and hope you're doing the same. See you Monday, P.O.S.H. pals.

Moodboard: Fireworks

We hope you enjoy the long 4th of July weekend. Make memories, have fun, and stay safe. Images can be found, along with recipes and DIY, on our Pinterest Summer board.

Now + Later: Jordan's Picks

Our Summer Special allows for up to a year's worth of savings on place setting and chair rentals: Beat the summer heat by picking cool accents for midsummer soirees, engagement parties, and effortlessly chic brunches by the pool; or, stay ahead of the game with orders for the cooler months. With that in mind, we asked Jordan to pull together fun looks for both the summer and fall. From whimsical looks and bright colors for the warm months, to leopard and gold accents for fall, these P.O.S.H. place settings will have you dreaming up your next festive fete in no time. 

Get the look. NOW: Pink Scalloped Acrylic Charger, Pink Polka Dot China, Silver Bead Charger, Petal Pink Napkin, Reed + Barton Marie Antoinette Flatware, Pure Glassware. LATER: Square Rattan Charger, Gold Beaded Charger, Barcelona Gold Charger, Leopard Dinner Plate, Gold Scroll Salad Plate, Gold Bead Salad Charger, Dynasty 24 Karat Gold Flatware, Royal Gold Glassware. ALL of these looks are available for summer special. Contact us for details.

 

P.O.S.H. Picks: Midsummer Soiree

Our favorite P.O.S.H. gals, Jordan Ugalde, Kara Farley, and Terra Hoebing, make hostess duty even less complicated with their no-fail tips for summer parties. Jordan swear by color and a song that makes everyone get up to dance; Farley knows the best crowd pleaser involves food (and individual portions only raise the bar); and Terra translates personal style into everything from attire to tabletop. We'll be sharing more from P.O.S.H. family, so stay tuned!  Image credit: Anthropologie | Summer Special: Complete your place settings with china, flatware, and glassware and receive 20% off. Add a charger and receive 25% off. Combine those savings with our $6 Chiavari Chair special, and you've got a haute aesthetic that will beat the heat. (Valid on events through August 31, 2014, with deposits made by August 31, 2013. Email for more details.)

Tabletop Tuesday: Haute Hues

 

A kaleidoscope of color, perfect for summer's palette.

 We love the Meadows Museum and team of event professionals at SMU (as evidenced here, here, and here). We love their love of color, authentic patterns, and presentation, whether it be the tabletops, the flowers, the band, or the food. With our summer sale now in full swing (subscribe to our newsletter to not miss any of the details), we thought it appropriate to show how to really layer place settings that can transcend any season. Herewith, a brilliant display of tabletop featuring our colorful Carnival Glassware and authentic Charles Sadek Antique Sevres Collection.

Layering isn't just for Fall: Square Rattan Charger, Mottahedeh White Lace Charger, Sevres China Dinner, Salad, Teacup and Saucer

Antique Carnival Glassware in Parisian and Classic, shown in Purple, Green, Pale Pink, and Clear

 Planning, Marink Fiske-Rankin for SMU / Photography, Tamytha Cameron Photography / Rentals, P.O.S.H. Couture Rentals / Floral, The Garden Gate / Venue, Meadows Museum

 

Tabletop Tuesday: Limelight

Image courtesy of Four Seasons Resort and Club, Dallas at Las Colinas

Can you tell by Monday's post that we are obsessed with green? Cool blues and crisp greens are the perfect pairing for a Spring evening. Take it from Bella Flora, the floral and event designer team that always produces centerpieces that truly captured the limelight of season with a variety of lush green florals. When the Four Seasons Resort and Club, Las Colinas shared these images, we knew they deserved their spot on Tabletop Tuesday. It's just the thing to brighten your day. 

Get the look: Start with a green chiavari chair (now on Summer Special!*) for proper festive seating. Then build off the gorgeous greenery and centerpieces with Scalloped Lime Chargers, Michelangelo Flatware,  and a mixture of Green Chloe Goblets and Blue-Green Swirl Stem Glassware. Love the vibrancy of color? See more bright looks here: Scarlet Pink / Pastel Pink / Spring Green / Orange + Pink

Vendors: Rebecca Lorrine Photography, Bella Flora of Dallas, POSH Couture Rentals, Orange Spot, Pink Nose, Four Seasons Resort and Club, Las Colinas

*Summer Special: $6 chiavaris with cushion on orders with deposit made by August 31, 2013. Valid on events held by August 31, 2014. 

Entertain: Green Accents

Photo credits: Gorgeous yet simple bridal bouquets / P.O.S.H. tabletops / Olivia Palermo for Marie Claire Spain

Going green has never been easier. From emerald (the color of the year) to celery, green accents will have everyone in a spring mood. We love a dash of this seasonal hue on tabletops for sweet June weddings or gorgeous pops of bright green for backyard gatherings with friends and family. How do you incorporate green? We'd love to see your pictures or inspiration boards. Check out our Go Green board here. 

Tablescape: Silver Beaded Chargers and Floral Elegance Silver Flatware pop with Green Chloe Goblets. Add Fruitwood Chiavari Chairs** and an Ivory Trellis Organza overlay from Resource One (exclusively at P.O.SH. Couture Rentals) with green bark linen, and you've got the perfect amount of Mother Nature's favorite accent color. 
**Our Chiavari (including the Grand Natural and Grand Fruitwood Chiavaris) are on Summer Special! Contact us for details!

If you're thinking...exotic locales

Gorgeous tabletop for a radiant hostess: Get out your finest threads, kick off your shoes, and pick out the most beautiful place settings. Left and far right images by The Cana Family, courtesy of 100 Layer Cake; middle image via Pinterest.

It's that time of year when we're planning travel destinations around exotic locales. Whether or not we actually make it there or just throw together an amazing dinner for friends at our own abodes, we're hearing the Mexican Riviera calling our name. With a look perfect for a destination wedding with concepts created by Signature Consulting & Design, this radiant tabletop is perfect for the caftan wearing hostess with the mostess or boho bride.

Left and middle images by The Cana Family, courtesy of 100 Layer Cake; Right image by Tamytha Cameron Photography

Bring in simply floral arrangements and easels showcasing Mexican votive paintings for a gorgeous backdrop, as would the beautiful flora and fauna of traditional Southwest landscapes, such as succulents and bright colors. We take note from such scenic beauty and bring that feel to the tabletop. 

Get the look with P.O.S.H. 

Gold Radiance chargers, Parisian flatware, and an assortment of colorful Vintage Carnival Glassware make an ideal place setting. Throw in a chevron print here and there, and you've got a tabletop sure to transport friends and family from backyard bliss to the exotic locale you're dreaming of. 

Tabletop Tuesday: An Iconic Blue

Even POSH pups prefer a chiavari chair, in pewter of course. All photos by Karlish Photography.

Love for The Great Gatsby and its collaboration with Tiffany's has sparked a resurgence of interest in the iconic hue known simply as Tiffany Blue. It has us thinking back to one of our favorite tablescapes photographed by Stephen Karlisch. We love the mix of old and new with a modern and festive cake plus the tried and true favorites, the Sevres Collection. It would be the perfect setting for Gatsby and Daisy to meet, and even more perfect for an outdoor wedding.

A cake that looks so good you almost don't want to eat it (almost being the key word here).

A gorgeous reception place setting. Gold Scroll Stemware, Gold Leaf Compote, Silverbead Flatware, Sevres China, Simply Platinum Charger.

Setting the Table for Mother's Day

You're setting the table for the most fabulous woman in your life. She's your best friend, your hero, your biggest fan; she's your mother. (And if she isn't any of those things, then for one sweet day, do pretend!) Polish the silver and get out your finest china. Pick a pretty Spring palette and supplement your collections with accents from P.O.S.H. You're sure to have Mom singing your praises, again. {Clockwise from top left, Sevres China Collection is a precious pattern that is a must for such a significant day. / Silver tea service is perfect for brunches and lunches. Add a touch of elegance to your home buffet with our best silver tea pots and serving pieces. / Go green for Spring to jazz up a tired tabletop. A fun and fantastic mom will appreciate the change from traditional to whimsical polka dot patterns and scalloped edges. / Chloe Goblets are the perfect way to punch up your tablescapes with color.

Tabletop Tuesday: Blue + White

Mottahedeh Lace Charger with Blue+White China is the perfect foundation for a timeless setting. Serving fresh blueberries in our Vintage Glass Compotes is a nice added touch. Rentals, POSH.

Blue and White china calls to mind the tablescapes of the most iconic of tastemakers, from the timeless Jackie O to the more modern Tory Burch. When we see a place setting like this we think of memories being made around the table by friends and family, long weekends on the East Coast, and Southern pomp and circumstance. There is definitely no reason to be blue when looking at this gorgeous foundation. We've had our mind on this beauty since last Fall, when Mathes and Co. designed it for the NACE Color Me a Cure Tablescape Competition. It is the perfect toast to the longer days of Spring and Summer. This fantastic celebration of classic designs (blue + white china, striped linens) calls for guests to linger long after the food has been served. We can just imagine the conversations that would fill the air. 

Natural Grand Chiavari Chairs for comfortable sitting makes it that much easier to enjoy a gorgeous centerpiece from JACKSON DURHAM / A beautiful Navy Stripe linen from LA TAVOLA FINE LINENS sets the tone for a relaxed yet luxurious table.

Design in the Details: Clockwise from top right, Blue + White B&B, Elise Cut Crystal Stemware adds elegance, hand caligraphy, tchotchkes for a whimsical touch, Blue + White Dinner Plate, Jackson Durhams floral elegance.

Concept + Design, MATHES AND CO. EVENTS
Floral Design, JACKSON DURHAM
Rentals, POSH COUTURE RENTALS
Linens, LA TAVOLA FINE LINENS
Photography, BEYOND

Playlist: The Endless Summer

While we're gearing up for fall, these triple-digit days remind us that summer isn't quite over. However, our excitement over cooler temperatures hasn't stopped us from stopping to smell the roses. We hope you too are enjoying this time with friends and family, albeit in an air-conditioned space or near water. To toast this last full month of summer, we're giving you a sneak peek into a cocktail tablescape from our fall newsletter, plus a few tunes to carry you through the weekend. 

Entertain: The Dog Days of Summer

When it comes to entertaining guests, we don't discriminate, especially to our furry friends. So when the time came to celebrate a milestone birthday for a POSH pup, all paws were on deck. We're not sure who enjoyed it more - those of us who had the chance to partake of Meg's fresh lemonade and grilled burgers or the canine friends with their pupcakes. Either way, it's safe to say Bear had a very Happy 10th Birthday indeed.

1. What kind of party is it without personalized cups? 2. Meg and the birthday boy, Bear. 3. Pupcakes and burger fixings along with a few undoubtedly chewy gifts. 4. Bear sniffs out his dessert. 5. Don't worry. Marvin isn't serving as a cautionary tale for eating too many pupcakes; he just likes getting his tummy rubbed. 

PEANUT BUTTER PUPCAKES  
Recipe from Bake Space

Ingredients:

2 ripe bananas
2 cups water
1 egg
1/2 tsp double strength vanilla
3 cups whole wheat flour
1 Tbsp baking powder
2 Tbsp honey
1/2 cup peanut butter
Dog food or tiny bones for "sprinkles"

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F). Spray cupcakes or mini cupcake pan with olive oil. (Mini cupcake pan for small dogs or regular pan for large dogs.)


In a large bowl, mash bananas with a fork. Add all ingredients but peanut butter and dog food and mix with a pastry blender until well combined. Add peanut butter and continue stirring until well blended.


If using mini cupcake pan, spoon 2 Tbsp (or 1/8 cup) batter into each well. If using regular cupcake pan, fill each well to the top. The batter will not rise or smooth out very much, so be sure to smooth it out and make it pretty. Top each pupcake with 1-4 pieces of "sprinkles" and push them down slightly into the dough.


Bake mini cupcakes for 15 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Bake large pupcakes for about 25 minutes. Allow to cool for 3-5 minutes in a pan before inverting onto cooling rack. Allow pupcakes to cool completely before feeding them to your dog.

Agenda: Laurel Howell

You met Jami, now you can see what inspires the other half of POSH. Co-owner and partner Laurel Howell shares her Agenda.

1. What are you most looking forward to this summer?

    Spending more time with my family while my children are out of school. 

    Also, I love water, being anywhere near it. Oceanside, poolside - it doesn't 

    matter. It all makes me feel like I am on vacation.

2. What event are you most looking forward to?

    Shopping in NYC at tabletop market and taking the family to spend time in 

    NYC. Even though the fall is the most perfect time to visit and summers are

    a bit hot, you can always find amazing stuff to do.

3. - 4. What personal items can you not live without?

    Iced coffees from Starbucks for day and Skinny Girl anything on ice for those 
    rare moments when I imbibe. Watermelon at any time. While at work, I 
    need a fan. It gets really hot in the warehouse during Texas summers. Plus 
    a radio. I really need this all the time. Music just puts you in a better mood. 

5. What's your favorite thing to do with your family?
    Late night and drive-in movies in our pajamas. Nothing like laughing with the 
    fam in an empty theatre.  

Agenda: Jami Goetze

If you're on our mailing list, you know our two POSH owners have good taste--they pick out our latest showroom editions and make sure you have the latest trends as well as the timeless classics for tabletop and chair rentals. While they are tastemakers in the industry that never sleeps, (Delivering on Thanksgiving Day? Yep, they've done that.), they also juggle full-time jobs with being mothers and wives with full families. So what's on their agenda? For the next few days, we will share the agendas and professional inspirations of these two lovely ladies. 

Up first, co-owner and one part Mrs. POSH herself, Jami Goetze. 

1. What are you most looking forward to this summer? 

    I love traveling to New York for the summer. My youngest child spends the 

    better part of his summer there, and I go back and forth.

2. What's one of the best parts of this job?

    I love when we get to travel with designers to work on great and inspiring   

   projects out of town. Off to the East Coast this month!

3.- 4. What personal items can you not live without during Texas summers?

    My sunglasses and Evian spray for the long, hot baseball games and to cool 

    off grumpy teenagers. 

5. What are you most looking forward to this summer?

    Shopping in New York (for work, of course!). Laurel and I go there once a 

    year for more tabletop and chairs to unveil for the coming fall and spring.

Be sure to check back for Laurel's Agenda, plus both of their picks for upcoming rentals trends. 

Missed Meg or Julie's? You can find them here and here. 

On Trend: Meg's Picks

Meagan Hayes picks what's on trend for the months ahead. Keep these in mind for your next soiree. 

1. Monochromatic Color Schemes: Peach and Charcoal are strong choices for color schemes. Choose various shades for an ombre, which is a trend we have been seeing on everything from cakes and tabletops to clothing and hair.

2. Old Meets New: Classic styling mixing with modern pieces for the neo-traditionalists in you. 

3. Mixing Metals: Why choose between gold and silver when you can have both?