Vote: Best of Big D

We are so excited to be nominated alongside great DFW vendors in the D Magazine: Best of Big D Best Event Rentals category. This is the last weekend for voting, and to celebrate, we sharing links to a few of our favorite tablescapes by top Dallas planners and designers that have made into the pages of D Weddings. Thanks to those who are voting for us, and remember to vote daily through June 2nd by visiting the D website here. Have a wonderful weekend!

Photo by Raelyn Newton, Helmutwalker Photography. Courtesy of D Weddings S/S 2012. See more tablescapes from this feature here.

Photo by Laura Parker, Fairy Tale Photography. Courtesy of D Weddings F/W 2012. See more tablescapes from this feature here.

Photo by Andrea Polito Photography. Courtesy of D Weddings F/W 2011. See more tablescapes from this feature here.

 

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. 

Toast: Design Within Reach

You base your wardrobe on a foundation of classics peppered with trends, and you evoke that same mindset when setting the table. We love our classics (hello, Chanel). Tabletop: Gold Rimmed Glass Charger, Barcelona Gold Dinner Plate, Gold Leaf Salad Plate, Silver Beaded Salad Charger, Gold Lace Demitasse, Dynasty 24 Karat Flatware, Gold Lace Wine Goblet, Gold Scroll Water Goblet. Champagne Petal Linen by Resource One, Inc., exclusively at P.O.S.H. Couture Rentals.

There is a feeling of Spring awakening in the air with Memorial weekend behind us and the early days of Summer ahead. That rebirth and renewal is being met with new collections, carefully curated with our clientele in mind. To see what patterns and prints we have to play with plus seasonal specials, join our mailing list. Need another reason to join? You'll get information on becoming a POSH Preferred client, which means first dibs on these collections, and believe us when we say they are the perfect additions for a proper tablescape. 

The art of dressing the table for the most discerning clients. Quality and timeless original design trumps all else. For design that is truly within reach, rent high-end items for the moments that matter most. Tabletop: Silver Florentine Charger, Simply Platinum Dinner Plate, Sophia and Loren China Collections, Floral Elegance Flatware, Silver Lace Goblet, Elise Cut Crystal Wine Goblet, Pewter Chiavari Chair. Champagne Organza with Double Rhinestone Trim by Resource One, Inc., exclusively at P.O.S.H. Couture Rentals.

With so many exciting things ahead, we want to take this moment to thank our clients. Because of you, we have been nominated for Best Event Rentals in D Magazine! (You can still vote for us daily through June 2nd here.) You believe quality matters, personalized approach to service, and timeless design deserves a place at the table. We couldn't agree more and promise to continue to deliver to the events that matter most in your life. The fine art of dressing the table isn't just saved for weddings and galas (although they definitely deserve prime spots), but rather it's a skill that should show how you rise to occasion at family and friend gatherings, birthdays, and anniversaries.

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.

Happy Memorial Day

Grateful and thankful for all those who serve us and our country. We count our blessings every day knowing someone is always out there fighting to protect and take care of us.

Link Love: Memorial Weekend

Hey, no pushing around the pool, people! Photography by Helmut Newton

Who isn't already falling for summer? Memorial Weekend always feels like the intro into warm weather, and we couldn't be more ready. Whether you're heading out of town or enjoying a nice staycation, here are a few links to get you inspired this three-day weekend.

Martha Stewart shares easy breezy grilling recipes. Perfect for impromptu gatherings of friends and family around the patio.  

Before you can throw together an impromptu party, you might want to get your hands on a few pantry essentials. Julip Made has just the right list to get you started.  

Just in case summer is sneaking up on you (like it is us!), get your slim on with these Vim + Vigor juices at Number One in HP Village. Yum! 

With all the devastation in Oklahoma, our thoughts and prayers are still with those rebuilding their lives and digging through rubble in Moore and Shawnee. It's nice to see humanity shine through the storm in videos like this. Don't forget, you can still donate much needed funds to the survivors through the Red Cross.

Don't three-day weekends call for sugary sweets? They do in our book. SMP Living has the best recipe for baked cinnamon and sugar donuts.

We're still pretty pumped about being nominated for D Magazine's Reader's Choice Poll for Best Party Rentals. You can vote for us every day through June 2nd by going here. Thanks for your support!

Have a safe and happy weekend!

Beyond Tabletop: Imagine If

Ms. Bonnie Swanson, the founder of Designs by Imagine If (center), and her vast array of staged events.

When planning an event, you want someone whose excitement is infectious and work ethic holds up to the highest standards. When you're in Midland, Texas, that means you want Bonnie Swanson. Ms. Bonnie, as she's called, didn't even have event planning on her radar as the mother of six children. However, with a strong maternal sense of investing in the lives of others, Bonnie took on a friend's wedding, followed by a church event, and on and on until fifteen years of festive fetes snowballed into a successful event planning and staging company. You know you're bringing your wildest dreams to life with a company called Imagine If... and Ms. Bonnie doesn't disappoint. For over six years, Imagine If has transformed country clubs, community centers, backyards, and hotel ballrooms into dreamy backdrops that transport guests to the Renaissance Age, winter wonderlands, Noah's Ark (yep!), and crystal gardens. Imagine If creates events that have to be seen to believed, and we have a few photos to share with you today. Plus, Ms. Bonnie herself is sharing her tips and inspiration. 
 

Ms. Bonnie can really do it all! Love the crystal entry way (center).

Tell us about Imagine If...
Our amazing team is dedicated to creating uniquely designed weddings and events that capture our client's vision, reflect who they are, and exceed anything they've dreamed of. Our motto is to bring life into your dreams and make the ordinary extraordinary.

What's your favorite thing about your job?
Peeking inside the lives of clients and sharing special moments with them. Once a design is complete, the feeling I get when a client sees their dream brought to life is priceless.

What kinds of events do you do?
We are honored to be a part of weddings and receptions, anniversaries and holiday parties, as well as more unusual events like the annual Renaissance Madrigal Dinner and Broadway shows. We work in all kinds of venues, from community centers and churches to backyards, ballrooms, and auditoriums through Midland, Austin, and DFW.

What is something that makes you stand apart from other planning firms?
I love that Imagine If doesn't do packages. We get so many inquires regarding packaged events, but we prefer to do custom designs that are unique to our client's tastes. We want to get a personal idea of who you are, what you vision is, and how you want guests to feel when they walk into your event. Once we understand that, we design around shared ideas to create lasting memories and relationships with our clients. You can't really "package" that.

What are a few memorable events?
There are so many! Each client is special to us, but we have had a few stand out. For example, rolling out the red carpet for a 60th anniversary dinner for an amazing couple; creating a sparkling crystal wedding and reception with a crystal clad ceiling for a sweet bride; transforming a petroleum museum into a jazz club to celebrate 75 years of history..the list could go on and on!

What are a few Do's and Don'ts for clients?
Do arrive at your planning meeting with some idea of the budget you're considering. 
Do be realistic in your thinking - creating an over-the-top event may be more costly than a stylish intimate event, but depending on the elements used, we can often come closer than imagined.
Do share who you are so that reflection can come through in your event.
Don't try to micromanage your event. You hired a planner so you could enjoy the event without worrying too much about details. (But that's why you should choose your planner carefully!)
Don't save decor as the last item to check off your planning list. Allowing planning time for the event ensures you can get the items you want. 

Now for a few personal questions with Ms. Bonnie.

What inspires you?
Listening to the dreams of others, history, art, architecture...basically the world around me.

What's on your playlist?
It's a pretty eclectic mix of praise and worship, piano and acoustic guitar, country, and soundtracks from my favorite movies.

What's your favorite thing about living in Midland?
People are friendly and courteous. Guys still hold the door open for you! I love watching gorgeous sunsets for miles and miles in the distance - there is no claustrophobia here!

Where are your favorite places to eat around town?
I'm always in the mood for Italian, so I love Venezia's. There is a relaxing patio for dining as well as intimate seating inside, plus great food and service.

What's your favorite thing to do on a day off?
What's that? Haha. I enjoy lunch out just for fun or mani/pedi's without work conversations. Maybe a bit of shopping that's not for an event. 

What are a few annual events around town you love?
I help with the Renaissance Dinner held by the LHS music department. We transform my favorite country club into a 13th century castle comple with a king's court and magical dinner theater. The costumes are authentic period pieces hand sewn with lacing, bloomers, petticoats, and hats. It's truly a walk back through time. It's amazing to work with the staff of the Green Tree Country Club, directors of the LHS choir, and amazing students and parents. It's unforgettable!

Favorite moments around the table?
Often it's the chaos of getting there. I love cooking the food and setting out classic white dinnerware as a foundation to bring in color with napkins and fun serving pieces. My centerpieces are often memorabilia from the past and present mixed in with floral and other textural elements. It's always a special time to sit and share with family and friends. Around the holidays I set a proper table, just like Mom taught me. Time around the table includes what is most important - sharing time together. 

What do you like about P.O.S.H.?
P.O.S.H. has become one of my favorite places to turn to when planning events. I love the staff and their cheerful help. I love the chiavari chairs; they transform any event from ordinary to extraordinary. I love finding fun, exclusive liens and the classic white china to set the foundation for a beautiful table.

Left, a Imagine If wedding. Right, Simply Ivory China Collection, Natural and Fruitwood Grand Chiavari Chairs.

Thanks for sharing with us, Bonnie! 

Imagine If  

432.889.0767