Goodbye 2012: The Year in Review

The end of 2012 is officially upon us. We have much to be thankful for and even more to look forward to in 2013. We wish you many laughs and hugs with loved ones around the dinner table and a very happy New Year. See you next year!

Image via Style Me Pretty

A quick look back before we look forward:
 - A gorgeous gold tabletop from the pages of Brides of North Texas. Shot by Perez Photography and designed by the fabulous ladies of DFW Events, this is one seat you'll want to recreate, maybe even for the new year.
- For all our Haute Mamas out there, our P.O.S.H. Petite line has been the perfect addition for their tiny tots at family parties, birthdays, and weddings. Led by two haute mamas ourselves, we are always inspired by mothers who seamlessly seem to do it all, hence this moodboard  Plus, who could forget this little cutie.
- We have the best clients. As tastemakers in their own right, we are endlessly inspired by their originality and creativity. See who shared their secrets in our Tastemaker series from the past year here. 
- We love helping you set the table, but we know a great guest's or hostess' taste goes well beyond a beautiful tabletop. Thus, we started POSH 101 to share tidbits on all things related to modern etiquette. If you read just one before heading out for the evening, let it be this one - perfect for a New Year's toast.
- Our favorite weddings make it to the blog. And by favorite we mean all of them because we see the hard work our brides and planners put into putting together the perfect tabletop. The enjoyment of their big day makes everyone's hard work that much more priceless. See a few of this weddings here.
- We love to Toast the things and people that make us smile. (Click on the Toast tab to the right to see what all has happened throughout the year.) A great moment happened to be this toast right here - thanks D Magazine!
- Of course, we love to entertain (again, click the Entertain tab to the right for a full list of great entertaining tips), but for NYE, this one should do you well.

Playlist: New Year's Eve

Jane Birkin & Serge Gainsbourg, shot by Guy Bourdin in 1970

Go ahead and break out the bubbly because we have a few good tunes to keep you dancing through the weekend and into the New Year. Shake a tail feather!


 

Entertain: 3 Simple NYE Rules

New Year's Eve is just a few days away. With all the holiday comings-and-goings, it may have been easy to forget planning something special for this celebratory day, but that doesn't mean you have to let the season pass you by. Whether you're staying in with family and friends (or maybe just the two of you) or planning on having the biggest party of the year, three simple things should get your through last minute party planning. 

1.  Find something fun to wear: Whether you want to make a Kate Moss entrance with furs and feathers or take a regal and elegant approach like dear Lee Radziwill, set the tone for the soiree with equally festive attire.  New Year's does come but once a year, after all!
2.  Serve a few small bites here and there, but make guests feel special with bubbly served in P.O.S.H. glassware. Golden flutes, colorful trumpets, onyx goblets - the toast, the drink, and the glass will likely not soon be forgotten!
3.  Last but not least - celebrate with warm wishes, frivolous favors, great conversations, and dance music!  

What to wear: Lee | Kate | party dress | bulldog love // What to serve: Gold Lace glassware, Royal Gold glassware, Onyx glassware, Elise cut crystal glassware (all P.O.S.H. Couture Rentals) | Shrimp bites | Mirror menu // What to do: Glitter | Favor

 

Silver Bell Special

The family may have come and gone, but the New Year promises more parties and wintry soirees. So when you're out taking advantage of all the Christmas sales, don't forget the only one that will take your fete from plain to posh. Yep, our Silver Bell Special is still going strong, but you only have until December 30th to take full advantage.*

Copper Metallic Charger / Sophia and Loren China Collection / Silver Compote / Silver Rimmed Goblet / Floral Elegance Flatware / Silver Goblet

Silver Rimmed Goblet and Silver Compote

Close up of the Floral Elegance Flatware

Close up of the Sophia China Collection

All rentals above from P.O.S.H. COUTURE RENTALS | Photography by THISBEGRACE PHOTOGRAPHY.

Tabletops dressed in holiday style, in the air there’s a feeling of Christmas. To further celebrate the season of celebration, we’re giving you an early present: 20% off silver tabletop, chairs, and in-house linens on your next order.* ** A shimmering tabletop makes an impressive display for holiday receptions and cocktail parties.  Mix and match from our new Sophia and Loren china collections for a traditional touch or bring in our Artesian flatware for a modern flair.  Whatever you’re planning for the holidays, we’ve got your tabletop covered.

*Excludes Resource One linens. Orders filled on first come, first serve basis.

**Begins December 5, 2012. Orders and deposits must be placed by December 30, 2012 at 12PM (noon). Valid on events through March 1, 2013.

Tabletop Tuesday: Merry Christmas

Silver Bead Charger, Arte Italica Dinner Plate, Scarlet Filigree B&B, Gold Lyons Flatware, Gold Lace/Filigree Compote by P.O.S.H. COUTURE RENTALS | Scarlet Leather Embossed Linen, Faux Fur Napkin Rings by RESOURCE ONE LINENS, EXCLUSIVELY AT P.O.S.H. COUTURE RENTALS

Staying up late

Nostalgia: A Very Simmons Christmas

If you've read the blog the past few days, you know our friends are sharing what Christmas means to them. (If you missed Marin's Kentucky Christmas you can read it here and here.) Today, the always beautiful and gracious D'Andra Simmons shares the traditions that make Christmas special year after year with her family. Enjoy her essay and this special time with family and friends. 

 Christmas Traditions by D’Andra Simmons

Being an only child and only grandchild, has always meant that Christmas was focused a lot on me  as the youngest member of the household—how fortunate am I? Even now at 43 years of age, my mother still hangs my Christmas stocking, made painstakingly by my grandmother, Mom Belle. My name is emblazoned on the white stocking in red sequins with the year I was born—1969. Also on it hang little plastic charms (the kind you used to get in a bubble gum machine), from dolls to musical instruments and other handmade items sewn expertly by her. She was Martha Stewart before Martha Stewart was even born. Mom Belle taught me needlepoint, crochet, embroidery, flower arranging, origami, and ceramic birds. Unfortunately, my crafts have ceased and passed with her. My mother hauls my stocking anywhere we are in the world so that I can empty it on Christmas morning. It has been to the Caribbean many times, Europe and Hawaii most often. It is almost as well traveled as Santa himself! To this day, I always leave a plate of cookies and a glass of milk for Santa.

Left to right: Cookies left out for Santa / Reindeer tracks / D'Andra's original stocking / Inset: A special Santa from a special artist

Both of my grandmothers and my mom made sure that Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were beautiful and special events that were about more than just gift giving. Christmas Eve is traditionally the night we open gifts after attending the evening church service. My other grandmother Mickey was always in charge of the “Christmas Program”, which included reading the Christmas story from the Bible, singing Christmas carols, opening gifts, and eating a casual but delicious meal of hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and wassail. I remember one Christmas Eve at my aunt’s house the jingle of Santa’s sleigh bells were heard and reindeer footprints were found in the yard in an effort to get me to bed so that Santa could come and deliver his gifts. Fearing he would not come back, I ran and jumped into my bed and shut my eyes tightly, thinking that Santa had passed me over that year. It must have worked, because all was okay the next morning when I found that he indeed came back for me! 

Wassail / A P.O.S.H. place setting with Arte Italica and Gold Lace / D'Andra's mother's beautifully decorated home / Inset: Cobalt Blue Murano Medici goblets

Some of the unique decorations in my mother’s home are her collection of Santa Clauses that were made by a designer that was previously at Disney, and left to branch out on her own. Mom probably has more Santa Clauses tha anyone else in Dallas! So the house is most often Santa themed, which transitions over to the table theme in her home. Tabletop décor at Mom Belle’s always included her beautiful flower arrangements, and most often a very pretty hand embroidered napkin and homemade gift for each of us that was placed in the center of our plate at the table. There were miniature stockings, wreaths, and sleighs. Every woman in my family cooks, including me, so the food and table are always a part of every occasion, and china, crystal and linens are first and foremost in our mind when it comes to preparing for special occasions - and Christmas is the biggest of them all in our house!  

I have these lovely cobalt blue and gold Murano Medici glasses that I use during the holiday season because they are festive and beautiful. I collect glasses, colored glass dishes and most uniquely oyster plates (not that we eat a lot of oysters here in Texas, but I just love those darn plates). I have several types and patterns and can create a unique tabletop starting with the glassware and working to create a theme from whichever color and style I choose. I also have a penchant for table linens, especially napkins, and I am always purchasing unique napkins when I travel to take home for my next dinner party. I have several napkins and table runners that I purchased in Africa and Asia that are quite unique and match the décor of my home which is eclectic and worldly. 

D'Andra's mother's entry way / One of many Santa Clauses in their home / Reading the Christmas Story from The Bible

Entertain: Christmas in Corinthia

Yesterday we introduced you to our friend Marin Fiske-Rankin. (If you missed her incredible Christmas memories growing up on Corinthia, her family's horse-racing farm in Kentucky, you can check it out here. Trust us; her pictures will make you want to immediately move to the countryside and ride horses.) Hailing from Lexington means she is not only from the "Horse Capitol of the World" but also the "Bourbon Capitol of the World". Of course, we had to ask her how to make the perfect libation for cold, winter nights. With an English father who makes a mean mincemeat pie, she also shared her family recipe for Yorkshire Puddings. In return, we created the perfect tabletop for a Corinthia Christmas. 

Top image: Marin Fiske-Rankin | Middle Image (from left): Mint Julep cup, Elise cut crystal wine goblet, Silver goblet / Elise double old-fashion glass / Christofle flatware: P.O.S.H. Couture Rentals. Floral arrangement by DEBBY JEWESSON AT BRANCHING OUT EVENTS & FLORAL DESIGN

P.O.S.H. PLACE SETTING: Jan Barboglio hammered charger / Mottahedeh Lace charger / Exotic Bird dinner + salad plate / Christofle flatware / Inset: Ivory Chiavari chair / White hemstitch napkin and berry red tablecloth

 

Nostalgia: A Kentucky Christmas with Marin

If anything, the holidays should be a time to reflect on our family and blessings. With everything going on in the world around us, that sentiment is only too apropos this December. With that in mind, we asked a couple of our dear friends to share the very things that make Christmastime so special for their families. 

We know Marin Fiske-Rankin as a friend and creative Events and Food Service Manager at SMU's Meadows Museum. (You may remember her handiwork from this post on the Velazquez Black Tie Dinner in honor of the collaboration with the famed Prado Museum.) Her sense of humor and sweet disposition immediately brought her to mind for this post, but once we found out she grew up on a horse-racing farm in Kentucky, we knew she would have great memories to share with us. See what makes a Kentucky Christmas so special below and check back tomorrow for a tabletop inspired by Marin and her scrumptious English and Kentucky recipes. 

Top Image: MARIN AS A CHILD ON HER HORSE, SALLY / MARIN AS WE KNOW HER TODAY | Middle Image: THE GATES AND CORINTHIA GATE ARE ACTUALLY PICTURES FROM MARIN'S FAMILY HORSE-RACING FARM | Bottom Image: NOTHING BEATS SHARING CHRISTMAS IN YOUR PJ'S WITH FAMILY IN KENTUCKY

Thank you for sharing with us, Marin. POSH friends, we'd love to hear what memories make you nostalgic for the holidays.
 

Tabletop Tuesday: Shimmering + Bright

We spend time picking the perfect outfit, planning the perfect menu, and even revising the perfect guest list - so why should tabletops be any different? For a melting pot of cultures, traditions, friends, and family, the one thing we can be certain of for the holiday dinners is that where we sit our guests should be shimmering and bright. With the popular jewel colors of the past fall and the upcoming spring, we created a winter wonderland perfect for anyone who wants to spin a proper blue Christmas or just add a pop of color and sparkle to their New Years tabletop. 

Clear Louis Ghost Chair by Kartell / Silver Metallic Soutache linen overlay all by RESOURCE ONE, exclusively at P.O.S.H. COUTURE RENTALS.

Get the look: Parisian flatware / Gold Rim charger / Barcelona Gold dinner plate / Gold Leaf salad plate / Hot Toddy demitasse on Gold Bead B&B charger / Royal Gold glassware // Rentals all available at P.O.S.H. COUTURE RENTALS

 

Spotted: The Gifts that Keep on Giving

Dallas has some pretty great blogs and magazines, but the revamped FD Luxe is quickly becoming one of our favorite monthly glossies. Their deep pocket gift guide is beyond fun, dare we say rivaling the great Neiman Marcus Christmas Book.  Our favorite pick? It's Your Party - an amazing event for any occasion from the brilliant team at Jackson Durham. Just check out the pedigree of this stellar event and floral design firm here. We've seen first hand what they can bring and can't wait to see what type of whimsical soiree they come up with for such a lucky recipient. A close second pick was the shoe of the month club, picked by none other than Brian Bolke from Forty Five Ten, because, well, obviously. See these great gift ideas for that special prince or princess in your life here.

left: photographs by MAXINE HELFMAN | styling by BRITTANY WINTER  courtesy of FD LUXE | right: Gold Lace Filigree Champagne Flutes from P.O.S.H. COUTURE RENTALS  

left: photographs by MAXINE HELFMAN | styling by BRITTANY WINTER  courtesy of FD LUXE | right: shoes available at  FORTY FIVE TEN  

 

Weekend Checklist: December To-Do's

1. What's a holiday dinner without pecan pie? As soon as we tasted this Drunken Nut from Bishop Art's Emporium Pies, there was no competition. Free of syrup and made with Texas pecans and shortbread crust - need we say more? Order it at Emporium Pies.
2. Rosenthal and Versace provide a holiday china collector's plate annually. It's a priceless addition to your personal collection. Read more here. 
3. The weather outside (in Texas at least) has finally turned cold. Our fingers are crossed that it stays chilly through through the holidays, but what we really wish for is a white Christmas. Images via Pinterest. 
4. Vogue: The Editor's Eye is already on our coffee table. (You can pick one up at Forty Five Ten.) However, it's the documentary by the same name on HBO that has our DVR working overtime. We can't get enough of Polly, Grace, and the rest of inimitable fashion editors that have made Vogue more than just a fashion magazine. Learn more here. 
5. The window displays at Neiman Marcus are have the fun of shopping, especially during Christmas hours when Santa shows up. 
6. We love the Dallas Theater Center, and who can pass up the Charles Dickens classic? 
7. The Trains at NorthPark exhibition is a whimsical, educational, and traditional part of Dallas' holiday celebrations. Presented by the Bank of Texas and benefiting Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, this is the perfect family excursion while shopping 'til you drop at NorthPark. More info here.  
 

POSH 101: Setting the Table for the Holidays

You have the menu, the playlist, and even the outfit, so what's left on your list? Setting the table, of course. The holidays call for a well-adorned tabletop, and we have a quick cheat sheet on how to make your formal dinner place setting shine. How are you setting the table this year? Send us your pictures at showroom@poshcouturerentals.com.

Tabletop: Gold Florentine Charger / Gold Scroll Dinner and B&B Plates / Gold Leaf Salad Plate, Compote, Tea Cup and Saucer / Gold Lyons Flatware / Gold Scroll Goblet / Gold Lace Champagne Flute / Amber Goblet, all P.O.S.H. Couture Rentals // Linen: Gold Beaded Tulle with Gold Nu Silk from Resource One, exclusively at P.O.S.H. Couture Rentals.

The number one rule of holiday tabletops? Use the good china - that is what it's there for after all. Use heirloom pieces and wedding or holiday china and supplement our personal collections with our couture pieces for a shimmering tabletop guests will not soon forget. 

Most of us don't use a formal place setting on a daily basis, so these tips should have you feeling confident that your tabletop looks perfectly posh. Brush up on these essentials and then apply or break them as needed for your event or dinner.

1. Flatware begins with forks on the left and knives and spoons on the right, starting with the smaller utensil and working towards the plate. The easiest way to remember? Your ABC's. Forks (F) on the left, then knifes (K) and spoons (S) on the right.
2. For a less formal dinner, the dessert spoon and fork may be placed above the dinner plate. The spoon above the fork lined up with opposite ends - fork pointing right, spoon left.
3. The napkin is placed on the dinner plate. There are several ways to fold or gather the napkin, so be creative.
4. Glassware always goes on the right. This is easy to remember if you have a bread plate with the same ABC's game. Bread (B) is on the left; glassware (G) on the right. Line up the water goblet with the knife with the white wine glass or goblet on the right. A red wine glass would go right above both to form a triangle.
5. The tea cup and saucer are placed slightly below and to the right of the glassware.
6. The china is the fun part! Begin the foundation with a couture charger and layer dinner, salad, bread plate and their chargers. A demitasse, amuse bouche, or compote dish can also be placed on top.

What's Haute: The Hostess with the Mostess

With only two weeks until Christmas, there will be parties for hosting and happy meetings when friends come to call. Which begs the question, what to wear? Cue our dear friend Katherine Heidt, personal shopper extraordinaire at the Neiman Marcus flagship store downtown. With her brilliant sense of humor and style, it will take two minutes tops before you love her as much as we do. Plus, she has her pulse set on Dallas style. You can go in and say, "Well, I want something glamorous but not over-the-top...maybe lace...or how about leather?" or some kind of sputtering nonsense, and she will pull out the perfect dress in no time. Give her a season or a brand and she'll give you the best look; text her an image of the blouse you saw yesterday and she'll have one waiting for you that no one has seen; show her what purse you want and she'll let you know if it's timeless or a trend. Really, people. Katherine is a wealth of information. Whether you want to stand out or beautifully blend into the stealthy smart dressers of stylish Dallas, Katherine is your gal. Herewith, her picks for smart hostess and guest attire for the holidays.

1. A more casual approach to the holidays... Milly sheer-lace blouse
2. A clutch to get you through New Year's... Alexander McQueen Crystal Britannia Box Clutch Bag
3. Every lady needs a beautiful evening shoe in which to shine...Valentino Jewelry-Box Couture d'Orsay / 4. Oscar de la Renta Jewel-Toe d'Orsay / 5. Jimmy Choo Diva Crystal Cutout Sandal
6. A divine look for holiday glitz...Diane von Furstenberg Delian Clean Jacquard Dress
7. If all else fails, the LBD is always an elegant choice...Diane von Furstenberg Sahib Mixed-Media Long-Sleeve Dress
8. Reds and berries are always seasonal, as is this texture...Black Halo Jackie Velvet Dress
9. A little sparkle and shine...Diane von Furstenberg Menaro Sequined Long-Sleeve Dress
10. A lovely lace to spice up the traditional LBD...Pierre Balmain Fitted Lace Dress
11. Perfect for any holiday event...Marni Bejeweled Clutch Bag

Contact Info: 

Katherine Heidt 

Personal shopper

Neiman Marcus downtown dallas

iPhone: 214-801-7497

Email:    katherine_heidt@neimanmarcusstores.com.