Toast: Labor Day

Labor Day signals the end of summer fun, so we hope you send it off in style. The long weekend calls for fun with friends and family, the last trip to the lake, and an awesome playlist. Here's a toast to you for Labor Day. Enjoy!

Invitation via Paperless Post.

Summer Specials: Get It While It's Hot

You only have until Friday to take advantage of our Summer Specials. Get these steals while it's hot but enjoy the savings even as the temperatures cool off for events throughout 2012. Our $6 chiavari chair rental is perfect for any event any time of year - it's a classic that never goes out of style. But don't count out the $3 White Hot Combo of a white oak folding chair and our white Chloe goblet. We've broken the rule about wearing white after Labor Day, and the same goes for tabletops. We love white in winter, so get a jump on those Fall/Winter events and call us today!

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Deposits must be made by end of day August 31, 2012. Orders can be used on events throughout 2012. Call the showroom for questions or details: 972-818-3200. 

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POSH 101: The Rules of Wine

Wines of France recently came to Dallas for a progressive wine dinner, four stories of wine tasting with delicious foods by Michael Ehlert with wines paired by Jennifer Jaco (you may know her from Del Frisco's or Al Biernat's). With society season around the corner, we figured this is the perfect time to brush up on your wine skills. Whether you're a neophyte or an oenophile, a fine wine connoisseur or a thoughtful hostess, we've compiled a few protocols that are often expected with these flavorful goods. POSH provided the background for this tantalizing feast for the senses with a treat for the eyes with our barware, Blue and White China, and Exotic Bird China collections.

No.1 Start with Sables d'Azure, Gassier en Provence Rose 2011. Served with summer melon soup, poached rock shrimp, foie gras torchon, brioche, blood orange crudo of halibut, and grapefruit. / No.2 Chilled salad of Texas peas with truffle-egg focaccia and baby lettuce paired with Chateau de la Grave, Bordeaux Blanc 2011, on our Blue and White China. / No.3 Grilled vintage striploin with anchovy butter, Texas peaches, smoked potato and watercress paired with Chateau Fourcas Dupre, Listrac-Medoc 2007, on our Exotic Bird China. / No.4 End the evening with Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne, Brut Reserve served by Jennifer Jaco - in the act of sabering. / No.5 A perfect setting with our Villa O Chairs and red Chiavari chairs.

 TIPS
~ Serving wines at proper temperature is dire for optimal tasting. White wines are served best at 48 - 54 degrees F., while reds are served best at 57 - 68 degrees F. (Note: Chilling takes about ten minutes.)
~ Uncork red a hour beforehand to begin the oxidation process, which will give you the full flavor and aroma of the red.
~ For presentation purposes, pour on the right side of the guest so they can see the label, never touch the bottle to glass, and master the twist of the wrist to avoid dripping.
~ Decant red; the chemical reaction releases a whole new dimension within the wine.
~ If the wine has bubbles (hello, champagne), pour slowly down the side of the glass. Otherwise, pour in the middle of the glass, and never more than 1/2 to 3/4 of the glass.
~ Serve reds in wide rimmed glasses (like decanting, it serves the purpose of letting the wine breathe). Serve whites in more narrow, smaller rimmed glasses.
~ Always hold wine by the stem. Wine temperature is important, and you don't want to change the wine's temperature with your own.

 

Tabletop Tuesday: Rustic Elegance

Branching Out Floral & Event Design recently participated in a "Christmas in July" event at the Crescent Club. Their mission? You guessed it - create a unique holiday look for the Gourmet Room. The design team based their blended vibe of rustic elegance was inspired by owner Debby Jewesson's love for the understated glamour of Ralph Lauren. We think she captured the RL essence perfectly. Will this inspire your holiday Pinterest boards? It already has ours!

GET THE LOOK

1. Toast to the holidays with Elise Cut Crystal glassware, Gold Filigree Etched champagne glass, Exotic Bird cup and saucer.

2.  Layer it on for a luxe look: Jan Barboglio hammered charger, Copper glass charger, Peach Barral Antique Sevres Collection dinner plate, Silver Bead glass charger, Exotic Bird salad plate.

3. The overall look of the Ralph Lauren inspired holiday room. Linens by bbj linens.

4. Don't forget the design details! Love the paper goods designed Southern Fried Paper, the gorgeous florals by Debby J's team, and the rustic elements by Fauxcades (think leather couches and chairs, cowhide rugs, etc). 

Monday Moodboard: Haute Mama

It's officially back to school day in Dallas! Laurel and Jami were mothers before they became business owners, which means they don't have time to sweat the small stuff, have learned to balance work and home life, and get incredibly inspired by other moms who are doing the same thing. Because of this, today's Moodboard is for the haute mama who appreciates style and beauty, loves her family, and basically works her tail off to get the job done! In all seriousness, we are inspired by the amazing women on this board and the awesome work they have done professionally and personally. We hope you enjoy these iconic images, plus the petite-inspired pieces we threw in.

1. You may already know textile designer Lulu deKwiatkowski (her vivid and crazy prints are huge in Montauk and in her hometown of Los Angeles), but have you seen her adorable children's line for Schumacher? Eight printed and seven embroidered cottons come in various patterns and hues, from elephants to florals (as shown above). We've fallen for Lulu DK all over again, and you will too! Check out her adult line here and children's line here.
2. Jerry Hall with her children. The gorgeous Texan actually looks even more glorious when basking in the light of her children. 
3. Milk and cookies - need we say more?
4. Jackie O: If you look up chic mother in the dictionary, you will find this face.
5. Natalie Vodianova is a Russian beauty you've undoubtedly seen in the pages of Vogue and more, but it's her work with the Naked Heart Foundation that inspires us. As founder of the charity organization, she makes sure kids all over the world have a safe and inspiring place to play.
6. An Eloise inspired birthday party. Petite chiavari chairs, and, of course, lots of pink!
7. Lulu DK Child 'Sky' fabric in baby blue. Didn't we say you'd love her?