Tabletop Tuesday: Call of the Wild

We love that the exotic theme of the zoo made it to the tabletop. The palm leaf centerpiece makes just as much of a statement as a bold animal print.

Today's tabletop is for the leader of the pack. Fiercely unique with an amalgam of textures (natural elements plus exquisite couture details), this tablescape designed by Tami Winn Events is a fresh take on the formal tabletop. Tami was inspired by the location - the Fort Worth Zoo, and wanted to create a fun look for the non-traditional bride or a unique event. We think she succeeded, don't you?
For a behind the scenes video of the shoot, click here. 

A POSH tabletop takes a note from the wild as well with Rattan Round Chargers, Mottahedeh Tree Collection China, Michelangelo Flatware, Vintage Carnival Glassware in Purple, and Elise Cut Crystal.

A close up of the Mottahedeh Tree Collection.

Top, The breakdown of a gorgeous place setting. We love how the jute linens compliment the natural texture of the wild and add a neutral hue to the animal print.

Floral design, favors, TAMI WINN EVENTS
Photography, TRACY AUTEM PHOTOGRAPHY
Tabletop Rentals, P.O.S.H. COUTURE RENTALS
Lounge furniture, AFR EVENT FURNISHINGS
Linens, BBJ
Paper goods, PAPER PLANET
Venue, THE FORT WORTH ZOO

 

Behind the Veil: Jordan Payne

With Spring around the corner, we know there are plenty of bride-to-be's out there finalizing their Big Day, which is why we'd like to call this Wedding Week. A few of our Texas event and wedding friends took time out of their busy schedules to share a little bit about themselves and their planning processes, both personally and professionally, to show a planner's life behind the veil. We enjoyed their responses and know you will too. First up, Jordan Payne.

A beautiful Jordan Payne wedding at the Belo Mansion in Dallas. Read more about this wedding here. Photography by THISBEGRACE PHOTOGRAPHY.

Why we love her: She has a hand in designing everything, from the invitations to the floral arrangements. Her creativity knows no ends, which is why you've probably seen her in just about any wedding magazine you've ever picked up around these parts. She has an eye for style and detail that always makes for  beautiful events. We could spend on her website, perusing the astonishing and ornate world she creates with her events and weddings. 

Click for a few of our favorite Jordan moments: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

JORDAN'S TIPS: Personally: 1. Pour the wine! 2. Play your favorite tunes. 3. Jordan and her day planner. Professionally: 4. Emerald and gold, the current cool color combo. 5.  We love the gorgeous invitations from CECI NEW YORK: COUTURE LUXURY INVITATIONS. Soft pinks and golds are a favorite for weddings. 6. Think of the unexpected with Sapphire Blue and Coral color combos.

We asked Jordan to answer a few questions regarding her personal hosting duties at home. Herewith, her answers.

PERSONALLY:
ON DINNER WITH FRIENDS... One of the greatest jobs of being invited into someone's home is getting to experience the evening exactly as they've planned it, and we wouldn't have it any other way. 
THE SECRET IS... A great guest list is key to any party. Having fun, interesting attendees is sure to make for a successful evening. Great food is, of course, a staple - and it makes friends want to come back! A fabulous tabletop design is a unique way to impress your friends with your thoroughness and thoughtfulness, and it's the perfect opportunity to show off your personal taste.
A PERFECT PLAYLIST...  James Morrison's "Songs for You, Truths for Me" or Jason Mraz's "We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things" are both great albums. If I have time though, I love creating a personal playlist that mixes soulful music with something R&B.
FAVORITE MOMENTS AROUND THE TABLE... Include red wine!
A GREAT HOST... Serves a great bottle of wine! It's always an extra bonus if the bottle has special meaning (i.e. a souvenir from recent travels, etc.).
A GREAT GUEST... Brings a good bottle of wine as thank you gift.
INVITATIONS?... Why not? It's not necessary, but so few things are sent via snail mail these days, and it's always a pleasant surprise to receive a letter, let alone an invitation.  

PROFESSIONALLY:
THE FIRST STEP IN PLANNING FOR THE BIG DAY... Hiring a fabulous planner of course! 
 THE PERKS OF HIRING A PLANNER... You get access to the best in the business, from rentals and venues to food and entertainment because you know we are working with vendors we trust. Everything you've ever thought of can be brought to the next level while ensuring that everything from the decor and atmosphere of the evening is representative of you and your fiance. We just make it that much easier to turn wedding visions into realities.
THE BIGGEST TRENDS FOR 2013... We are a huge fan of the custom dance floor. Whether it's a unique color or shape, we love using this concept to attract guests to the place we hope they'll be spending most of their evening - on the dance floor! 
FAVORITE COLOR COMBOS... A classic combo we can't get enough of is soft pinks and golds - it screams feminine and wedding. We are also loving unexpected color combinations like coral and sapphire blue, as well as the very current emerald and gold palettes. 
FAVORITE POSH PRODUCTS... We absolutely love their unique china and glassware. POSH offers everything!
MEMORABLE MOMENTS... It is always such an honor to share in the joy of a bride seeing her reception for the first time. All our planning and prep has finally come together...there is no better reward than a bride telling us her wedding is everything she imagined and more!
THE BEST PART OF THIS JOB... Is the lasting relationships we form with clients. Being on such an important journey with our clients is special. We love seeing everything come to fruition for them on the big day. Their joy is truly infectious!
 

 Thanks for sharing with us, Jordan! Visit her website here.

Entertain: Pear Lemon Fizzy

We're back with more foodie fun from SMU Catering. Behold, the perfect cocktail to get the weekend started. Thanks, Denise and the SMU Catering gang for sharing!

Meadows Museum / Vintage Carnival Glassware rentals from POSH Couture Rentals / Tamytha Cameron Photography

 

Entertain: SMU Catering's Tomato Basil Bisque

We expect nothing but the best from Southern Methodist University, so of course that extends to all of the Dallas Campus, from the exquisite art collections at Meadows Museum to the scrumptious bites from SMU Catering. Beautifully prepared (there's a reason they call it "art for the table") and mouth-watering good, the food was just as we expected - perfect.

Paper goods via Paperless Post / Menu by SMU Catering

Event Specialist Denize Lentz and SMU chefs helped us in sourcing our favorites recipes and a wonderful menu from this hidden gem in event spaces. We wanted to know more about the mouth-watering amouse bouche and cocktails we had the pleasure of trying at the Meadows Art of Spain opening night, and now we get to a full Spring menu with you plus the recipe for a flavorful Tomato Basil Bisque served stylishly in our Gold Leaf Demitasse (the "Hot Toddy" glass). Be sure to check back tomorrow for their signature cocktail!

For more info on SMU Catering, please visit here.  
 

If you're thinking about modern white

When it comes to tabletop, white always feels right. But if you're a modern bride who wants to stay classic yet fresh, or hosting a dinner that needs to hit on elegance yet not feel dated, the right mixtures of white and metallic tones will instantly update your tablescape.

Get the look with POSH: Gold Rimmed Glass Charger with Michelangelo Flatware.

What We Love

The cut of the dress with striking gold accents in her accessories makes the dress the on the left feel modern and fun. She could be easily be a bride, a gal on the town, or a women on the way to the opening night gala. Taking cues from her look, use your own white linens and add our Gold Rimmed Glass Charger or silver accent goblets. If you'd rather use a more texture-rich linen, Resource One's White Beaded Embroidered Taffeta or Lace linens are perfect. Like any look, edit down to the basics and see what phenomenal accents make the entire look worthwhile. What accents would you add to this look?

Tabletop Tuesday: Bright in Bloom

Tracy Autem Photography

Get ready because today's tabletop will have you wishing for warm weather! Deanie Michelle Events designed a look with hues of hot pink and deep orange mixed with classic blue and white china that screams Spring. The medley of patterns with solid, bold colors reminds us of the fabulous dyeing techniques of ikat or the ever popular chevron print, which would make for great linens if you wanted to go further with this style. 

Rentals include Ivory Chiavari Chair, Silver Lace Goblet, Pure Stemware / Tracy Autem Photography

 WHAT WE LOVED

Deanie showcases perfectly how the right rentals can pull your your tablescape together. The pink and orange scalloped chargers tie in the bright blooms of Lush Couture's gorgeous centerpieces. Layering with classic white catering dinner plates and Blue + White salad/dessert plates is also a savvy way to show off your style on a budget. Just as you would accessorize any outfit, Deanie proves accessorizing you tabletop is just an important for a beautiful tablescape that reflects your personal style. Pulling just a few chic accent pieces take this tabletop from pretty to P.O.S.H.

Rentals: From left, Hot Pink Chloe Goblet, Tangerine Scalloped Acrylic Charger, Silver Beaded Frosted  Salad Plate, Blue + White China // Hot Pink Scalloped Acrylic Charger, Silver Beaded Frosted Salad Plate, Blue + White Salad/Dessert Plate, Orange Chloe Goblet

Bright in Bloom: If you to keep the bright trend going, mix and match Scalloped Acrylic Chargers and Chloe goblets.


Want more? Watch the video behind the tabletop!

Deanie Michelle Events Tabletop {Behind the Scenes with Brides of North Texas} from copper penny films on Vimeo.


 

Entertain: Worth the Weight

Did you all watch the Oscars last night? We loved seeing our favorite stars shine, and we can't wait to see more images from the after parties. Vanity Fair is always the hottest ticket in town, so we had to borrow an image of their tabletop. The very epitome of old Hollywood glamour and class, VF's watching dinner proves that you can be classic and cool with a very simple place setting. The only thing not to skimp on? Flatware. Sound odd? It shouldn't. Flatware is the sometimes the only thing to greet guests (besides favors), especially when catering is using china to present individual courses. You want to make sure the weight and patina of the flatware catches the eye - it will foretell what is to come, which is likely a scrumptious gastronomic feast and beautiful china. Below, we share our favorite picks for a very Vanity Fair tablesetting. (P.S. Our exclusive linens partner, Resource One, provided linens again this year for the Oscars. We will be sharing pictures with you soon!)

Top image: Don't you love the quote by Abraham Lincoln? And what a great favor! A classic Hollywood place setting for the cool kids in town. Image via VF. / Below: P.O.S.H. picks for flatware are worth their weight. Clockwise from top left: Birch Hall by Reed & Barton / Tiffany's Estate Flatware Set / Marie Antoinette by Reed & Barton / Gold Parisian