Christmas | To Give + Get

Images via: The Moma / The New York Times / House Beautiful / Assouline / Haute Hippie

Everyone has been sharing their gift guides for the holiday season, so we thought we'd shine a light on a few items that have caught our eye this December. These are the perfect gift for any lady in your life. 

1.  Damien Hirst's mixed anamorphic cup and saucer set. This artfully inspired set of six espresso cups and saucers was produced in conjunction with Hirst's 2012 retrospective at the Tate Modern. The designs are direct reflections of his artwork, including Virtue, The Incomplete Truth, Beautiful Amore, Beautiful Cataclysmic, Doorways to the Kingdom of Heave, and For the Love of God.  What art lover (or tea taker) wouldn't want these? Available through the MoMa store here.
2.  You know we'd have more than one tea set on our list, right? This set by British designer Richard Brendon caught our eye in House Beautiful last month and is high on our list. These saucers are rescued from discard bins throughout England's finest antique stores and paired with bone-china cups painted platinum or gold. What a gorgeous, thoughtful gift.
3. Speaking of Damien Hirst, splurge for his collaboration with Alexander McQueen on a series of wearable art for the fashion house. With their gallery price tags, you just might want to frame them. Our favorite, shown above, is the Judecca. Available at Alexander McQueen stores and online here. 
4. Every gal loves a great coffee table book, and Assouline's SWANS: Legends of the Jet Society looks awfully inviting with its spreads of opulent lifestyles and exotic locations. Whether you're privileged or just a dreamer, this is the perfect book to inspire.
5. Clothes are always on the top of the giving and receiving list, but it's such a personal choice that it's often hard to find a good sartorial gift. However, Haute Hippie has the perfect mix of winter whites to hit the town come New Year's Eve. A gift that immediately gives, how 'bout that. 

Toast | Winter Weddings

Statistics show December is the most popular month to get engaged--perhaps it's the spirit of giving and unconditional love. Whatever the reason, we love the idea of getting engaged during the holiday season. Seriously, is there a better gift? Here are a few looks of our favorite winter weddings to get all the love birds inspired for winter weddings.

Image by Four Seasons Dallas at Las Colinas

Luxurious centerpieces created the idea of a winter wonderland against dark table linens while ghost chairs and black chiavari chairs provided elegant seating for this draped in white ballroom at the Four Seasons Las Colinas. This is one of our favorites for its balance of dark and light for a seasonal feel.

Mary Elizabeth and Sean had everything from a butterfly release after the ceremony to a  seasonal reception at the historic Belo Mansion. Andrea Polito Photography captured every gorgeous moment (see them all here), including the bride and groom cutting the cake with our Exotic Bird China Collection. 

Image by Andrea Polito Photography.

You can't forget the seating. Our natural fruitwood chiavari's hold court with the light hues associated with winter. We love the way they look in Dean Fearing's Restaurant for a beautiful reception designed by Jackson Durham Floral & Event Design. The comfort of these oversized chairs provide comfort and class as only a chiavari can. 

Image by John Christopher Photographs

Who can beat the classic hues of silver and white for a wintry wedding? We love the non-traditional setup of the tables along with the simple tablescapes. Our custom pewter chiavari hairs and silver satin linens make this classic style hard to beat, especially paired with the gorgeous Hilton Anatole and florals from The Garden Gate.

So, how do you feel about winter weddings? We'd love to hear from you.
 

Banter / The Art of Conversation

There is more to a dinner party or cocktail hour than tabletop and food. How about the conversation? You definitely don't want your party having the dynamic of half of the guests glued to mobile devices updating social media feeds and the other half glued to the wall. As hostess (or a good guest), you must mingle to make merry. We've shared a few of our favorite tips above, but we have a little link love to even more tantalizing tidbits on mastering the art of conversation. 

Kate Spade has an adorable collection of greeting one-liners here just in case you meet a handsome stranger. 

The Capital Grill - one of our absolute favorite restaurant and bars - has detailed tips on creating genuine connections and breaking the ice here.  

Preparation is key, as well as a good listening ear, according to The Art of Manliness, and we quite agree. See all of their tips here for being a good gentleman or gentlewoman.

Brain Pickings - another favorite daily read - has tips on politeness, which has an aim to make those whom you associate with as well satisfied with themselves as possible.

Sounds like this art is really quite a skill, so brush up on these tips before your next soiree.  

Tabletop Tuesday // Bombay Remix

It's time to shine: Jade Bombay with Champagne Metallic Nu Silk chair covers, Metallic Nu Silk table linen, Jade Bombay dinner napkins with Metallic Nu Silk Mitered Border. All Resource One, Inc., exclusively at POSH Couture Rentals. Published in Grace Ormonde Wedding Style Magazine, Fall 2013

There are certain times of the year that call for a strong linen. Anniversaries, wedding receptions, and holidays take the top bill for us. When it's time to shine, Resource One Linens custom colors and cuts are a must. New Year's Eve is just around the corner, and while the majority of clients are thinking barware and champagne flutes, we say go for a fabulous seated dinner or brunch with this Champagne Metallic Nu Silk Linen. This beautiful tablescape was published in Grace Ormonde Wedding Style Magazine, Fall 2013, and deserves a toast of its own!  Don't forget the chiavari chair treatments. We love the Jade Bombay with Champagne Metallic Nu Silk covers shown above. Add a mixture of silver and gold elements on your tabletop - like our Versailles Charger and Dinner Plate or Dynasty 24 K Flatware, and crystal champagne coups and flutes, and you'll be set to ring in the New Year.

Resource One Linens are offered exclusively at POSH Couture Rentals.

Press Play // Christmas Waltz

Audrey knows the power of a good playlist. Breakfast at Tiffany's.

Beyond the traditional fully loaded Christmas Classics playlist, it's nice to have a holiday playlist with a seasonal slant that includes more than Santa Claus is Coming to Town and White Christmas. Our favorite December tunes and soulful winter ballads make the cut in the Christmas Waltz Playlist. Download it now for holiday hosting duties, long drives, or just beating the ice storm that has us all taking cover. 


 

Party Prep | Host vs. Guest

Hosting a dinner party is no small fete. To ensure you're the hostess with the mostess (and guests want to return next time), here are a few pointers for an enjoyable evening. 

1. Keep it simple. As mentioned yesterday, you should know the rules well enough that you can break them fabulously. Have fun with your tabletops and bring in festive stemware and chairs. That beings said, set the stage so guests feel important. There is nothing wrong with bringing beauty to your tabletops.
2. Pull up a seat with a stranger. Mix friends and strangers so the evening has a more the merrier vibe. Over the course of a meal, new friendships will be forged. 
3. Dress the part, but don't go overboard. You want festive attire but nothing that will constrict the way you move (or hurt your feet). Go for the sparkle but don't be so serious. 
4. Invest in the food you serve. Serve a family favorite or personalized drink. Guests will appreciate such a soulful touch. If that just isn't an option, find a great caterer who will provide a custom menu.
5. Set up an easy buffet and bar area that is easily accessible for the cocktails sure to come before and after dinner. 
6. Be gracious!

Being a good guest is equally as important. Know the rules and don't break them.

1. RSVP. Don't call at the last minute to cancel, unless you want to ensure you're on the naughty guest list (i.e. no invite next year).
2. Dress code. Know the difference between cocktail attire, black tie, and casual attire. Who What Wear has a great post on what to wear for the holidays. (Note: Casual does not mean jeans. Keep it classy.)
3. Understand that the party or dinner does not revolve around you. Learn the difference between exchanging ideas and just expressing your opinion. Ask questions and move between groups of people. Rule numero uno - no gossiping. 
4. Bring a fabulous hostess gift. A bottle of wine is a nice gesture, but go a step further and think about something that really represents the host. From stationary to a holiday ornament, you can really go wherever you want here. 
5. Don't overindulge. Social drinking is to be expected, but being drunk only ensures you'll be paying for a cab and not asked to return next time around. 
6. Be gracious!

The number one rule of the season: Enjoy yourself! What a blessing to be around family and friends. 

Deck the Halls // Festive Ideas for Entertaining

Branching Out Floral + Event Design. Photo credit: John Cain Photography

Once you learn the basics of setting the table (Haven't done that yet? See our POSH 101 series on setting the table for the holidays), the best part of entertaining becomes breaking all the rules. Start your own traditions - set out the fine china, use every heirloom piece your family has to offer, or, go super modern and rent entire place settings, linens, and chairs. Stack china high with the layered look we love so much, or simply change up the patterns with each place setting with vintage pieces and assorted stemware. During the holidays, personal traditions really do trump any rules you've learned, so get festive and just go for it. Guests will appreciate a nostalgic setting with a whimsical approach to making merry, especially with a truly luxe take on your tabletop. POSH PICK: An Exotic Bird by Charles Sadek china pattern or Mahogany Rose by Noritake with traditional damasks in holiday hues.

Rattan Chargers, Elise Cut Crystal Stemware, Exotic Bird, Sevres, Barcelona Gold China Collections from POSH. Branching Out floral arrangements. Photo credit: John Cain Photography

Our favorite tablescapes incorporate natural elements that reflect seasonal landscapes, like the pine cones above. Branching Out designed a beautiful tabletop with floral arrangements fit for a wintery scene. They are a simple yet ingenious way to add a personal touch for the seating guests. POSH PICK: If you don't have a natural element to use, create caligraphy place cards tied to faux fur napkin rings or around bundled Floral Elegance Stemware for a more relaxed take on your place setting. 
 

Image: Source Unknown

Set the mood for the evening with a subtle and gracious glow. Lighting should be soft and reflective, not harsh or direct. We love a mixtures of votive candles and dimmed chandeliers. POSH PICK: Jan Barboglio Copper Candle Holder and Mercury and Silver Vintage Candelabras make for impressive lighting. 
 

Call it the Great Gatsby effect, but Art Deco is back and we're not complaining. There is something terribly romantic and fresh about going back to old school cordials and crystal coups for serving drinks, especially into the New Year celebrations. Mix and match for a unique and authentic style for toasting friends and family. POSH PICK: Our vintage collection has an impressive range of crystal and glass goblets, coups, and cordials for every style of service.