Tabletop Tuesday // Christmas in Cowtown

There's nothing like Christmas in Cowtown (that's Fort Worth those of you non-Texans). It's the perfect mix of tradition and nostalgia with the holiday hues that strike a chord around this time of year. Emily Clarke of of Emily Clarke Events designed this red and gold tabletop for a competition at the Ridglea Country Club, and we're hoping to recreate it for our own family gatherings. Branching Out created the masterful floral arrangements and Liland's provided the gold banquet.

GET THE LOOK WITH POSH

Gold Chiavari Chairs with Red Cushions / White Lamour Linen / Scarlet Filigree Charger / Arte Italica Dinner Plate, Dynasty 24 Karat Flatware / Royal Gold Stemware / Silver Goblet / Exotic Bird Teacup and Saucer by Charles Sadek / Champagne Silk Napkin

 

POSH 101: Fork It Over

 

Fork it over stylishly, of course. From top to bottom flatware: Gold Lyons, Dynasty 24K, Parisian Gold, all POSH. Mocha Swirl Velvet Linen by Resource One, exclusively at POSH.

December marks a busy time of the year on the social calendar. From work holiday parties and social gatherings to family dinners with in-laws and friends, it's safe to safe that it's the most wonderful and busiest time of the year. So, what to do at those holiday gatherings? This week we will bring you etiquette and social pointers for everything from where the fork goes to the art of conversation. Whew! What a relief.

Stylish Silverware. From top to bottom flatware: Floral Elegance, Michelangelo, Christofle, Birch Hall by Redd & Barton, Marie Antoinette by Reed & Barton. Rouge Ribbon Taffeta full round linen by Resource One, exclusively at POSH.

Forks

A good rule of thumb: When in doubt, use a fork. It is the preferred utensil over fingers, spoons, and knives. For formal dinners, the hostess should serve food you can eat without embarrassment, like easy finger foods. Forks are even preferred for things like asparagus and ice cream. Eating Italian over the holidays? The spoon you use to assist in twirling the noodles is not part of etiquette - just use your fork to cut up the spaghetti. If you ever drop your fork, leave it and tell the server if at a restaurant; at someone's home, it is all right to pick it up, give to the hostess, and ask for another. Never use silverware that has fallen on the floor - even if you love the five-second rule, it does not apply ever in social settings. Finished? Lay your silverware on the the plate, never on the tablecloth. 

If you have more than one fork to use, don't panic, just start with the fork on the outside. The silver is set in the order it is to be used, with the first course’s silver being on the outside. Forks (tines up) on the left, knives (cutting edge pointing in), and spoons on the right. Remember, if the silverware you need isn’t on the table when you sit down, they will bring it when that course is served.

Seafood fork - This fork is the smallest fork. It will have only three tines. (Tines are the teeth.) It’s used with seafood, such as oysters and shrimp. It may be found to the far left of your place setting, or it may be resting in the head of your far right soup spoon.

Salad fork - This fork is larger than the seafood fork, but smaller than your dinner fork. It will have four tines but will be shorter and fatter than your regular fork.

Dinner fork - This fork will look like the ones you’re used to seeing at home (may be called a place fork).

Dessert fork - This fork is smaller than your regular fork, and you can recognize it by its placement. It will either be above your plate, or it will be set at the table during dessert.

Feel better about which fork to grab? Good. Check back this week for more POSH 101 tidbits.
 

To Do // Trim the Tree

Texas siren Jayne Mansfield trims a tree in true bombshell fashion. This is exactly what we wear too, of course.

We're sure you're stuffed and never want to see another turkey...until Christmas that is. Pop a bottle of champagne and get in the Christmas spirit while trimming the tree with our Christmas Playlist.  

 

Happy Thanksgiving

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving. We are thankful for you!  

 

Treat // Pumpkins + Pecans

What are the holidays without a crunchy treat or a fabulous bread pudding (especially if it involves pumpkin)? We've tried our hand at several recipes over the years, but we absolutely love these scrumptious goodies from Wendy Krispin. These would make perfect hostess gifts or additions to a bountiful buffet. The best part? If you don't have time to work in the kitchen, Wendy and her incredible staff can do the hard work for you. For more info on Wendy Krispin Caterer, visit her website. 

Don't forget to dress the table! Get the look at POSH:

Pumpkin Bread Place Setting: Cut Glass Charger, Mahogany Rose Dinner Plate, Ivory Basket Weave Bowl, Birch Hall Flatware, Blue Vintage Goblet, 

White Linen Hemstitch Napkin

Pecan Brittle: Silver Versailles Charger

Linen: French Blue Leather Embossed Velvet Table Line from Resource One, exclusively at POSH

Tabletop Tuesday // The Power of Simplicity

The power of simplicity perfectly captured for a Meadows Museum Donor Dinner.

 Sometimes all you really need for a stunning tabletop are a few simple silver patterns and exquisite crystal or glass. The power of simplicity is  perfectly captured at a donor dinner for SMU's Meadow Museum with a concept created by Marin Fiske-Rankin, Meadows Events and Food Service Manager. Marin wanted an impressive display without making it too formal, so she scaled back from a full tabletop to hand-picked pieces that would stand out when handled by the guest yet blended effortlessly with a vibrant linen from La Tavola and the landscape of the room. As always, we think Marin captured the essence of the evening beautifully. This look could easily translate to an elegant holiday tabletop or winter place setting. Read more about Marin and her process on her blog.

  

GET THE LOOK

Fruitwood Grand Chiavari with navy cushions, Simply Platinum China Collection, Pure Water, Red, White Stemware, Marie Antoinette Flatware by POSH Couture Rentals / La Tavola Linens / Silver Foil Menu Cards by Stamped Paper Co. / Centerpieces by Junior at The Garden Gate / All images by Tamytha Cameron Photography

If you're thinking about fur...

Anjelica Huston for YSL, 1973. Image via here // POSH Place Setting with Resource One Linen.

This cold winter weather has us channeling one of our favorite movie stars - Anjelica Huston, shown above in a 1973 editorial for Yves Saint Laurent. She pulls off all the right seasonal tones, which we would also translate to tabletop. So if you're thinking high glamour and sophisticated holiday place settings, create your own textured tabletop with furs and velvet elements. 

POSH PLACE SETTING

Silver Bead Glass Charger, Maple Glass Charger, Vera Wang Dinner Plate, Mottahedeh Tree Salad Plate, Silver Bead B&B, Michelangelo Flatware, White Chloe Goblet, Resource One table linen and fur napkin ring, exclusively at POSH.