Playlist // Fall in Love

Rita Hayworth and Fred Astaire via here.

What is it about Fall that makes us feel like we can dance on air? Here is the playlist to get you excited about the crisp air, plan a party or two, and turn your dinner party into an unforgettable evening. Just don't forget to call us for the chairs and champagne flutes!
 

TASTEMAKER // DONNIE BROWN

What can we say about Donnie Brown that you don't already know? The luxury wedding and event planner based in Texas made his mark years ago and is still going strong. He is like the best champagne - effervescent and bubbly, ready to get the party started, yet dry enough to have wit and taste. Like all of his clients and brides, we simply adore him. He took time from his busy Fall schedule to answer a few questions regarding work and play. 

Professional 
What are the key elements to a great party or event?
I refer to this as TALC: Texture, Aroma, Light, Color. If you pay attention to these components, your event will always be a success.
What trends are you seeing for Fall 2014?
Simple and sophisticated is in, complicated and busy is out. Think monochromatic color schemes, one flower type designs, and reflective elements such as crystals and stone are all very hot right now.
Favorite location for an event?
I always love weddings in private homes, as well as art galleries, gardens, and luxury hotel spaces for more intimate vibes.
To rent or not to rent?
You should rent as many elements as possible! However, be careful what companies you rent from. Make sure the product doesn't look "rented". If it would work in your living space and reflects you, then it can be an important element to your wedding or event.
What are your hosting tips?
For weddings, you are hosting what is likely the largest event of your life. Just because you are the guest of honor doesn't mean you should reconsider your role. Everyone is there to see you, so you should be gracious, happy, and welcoming. Your guests are not a burden - they are your guests! Additionally, don't let details stress you out during the event. You've done the work; let go and have a good time. If you're happy, your guests will be too. The days of bridezilla are over!
If planning on a budget, where should you splurge?
Save on favors, shop hard to find a good deal on your dress, and plan carefully so you don't forget things until the last minute. You will always overspend if you wait until the 11th hour. Splurge on things your guests will enjoy - food, decor, and entertainment. 
What one thing does every client forget when planning their event?
Transportation always gets left until the last minute. The transport companies can only be in one place at at time, so book early and capture the savings of advanced booking.
How do you create the perfect tablescape?
Choose a palate that includes different patterns and textures in china, silver, and crystal. Insure the floral is remarkable and at eye level so guests can still see one another. If you do elevate the floral, make sure the apparatus or container isn't obtrusive and that there is something lovely at the base. You don't want your guests to have to look up to see the beauty of your decor.
What makes an event memorable? A great host? Killer playlist? Tablescape? Great food? Definitely all of the above. You've heard that it takes a village...that same concept applies to the atmosphere of your event. Make sure all the details have been attended to and work together seamlessly.

Personal
What's your most memorable event?
I'll never forget the moment that LeAnn Rimes first saw her wedding reception. There was a light in her eyes that was just incredible. 
Three things we don't know about you.
1. I'm an avid cook. 2. I'm crazy about pro football. 3. I'm a political animal. (Don't ask; I won't tell!)
Fave food... sushi Currently reading... Inferno by Dan Brown Listening to...Smash
Can't wait to watch... Gravity
What are you currently planning? 
A vacation in St. John in a private seaside villa with several of our favorite people.
My personal style is...
Clean lines, natural palettes, and minimalist decor.
My hosting style is...
Excess is best!
My motto is...
Life is a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death!           
                

WW // Sunset Ceremony

Gorgeous umbrellas set a whimsical tone for the sunset ceremony (from Celebrations Event Rental), while guests enjoyed the view in elegant white folding chairs (POSH).

A beautiful sunset ceremony and reception at the Four Seasons was a night to remember for newlyweds Brighton and Chad. Tami Winn Events lived up to their reputation of planning a spectacular wedding captured by Tracy Autem Photography. A neutral palette with pops of yellow set a festive yet glamorous tone for evening, showing up everyone from the chargers to the lines. Traditional elements - chiavair chairs and crystal chargers - were mixed with modern ghost chairs and accent goblets for tabletops with just the right amount of drama. Spring brides planning your wedding: take note!

A mixture of Riedel and Pure Stemware with White Chloe Goblets for an amazing assortment of stemware worthy of toasting this festive fete. Custom chiavari chairs in pewter and pops of yellow with the napkins added an element of drama in the otherwise neutral setting.

 

A mixture of chiavari chairs and Resource One ghost chairs mixed modern and tradition for a unique feel that matched the vibe of the always elegant Four Seasons Ballroom while Fauxcades gorgeous chandelier was a true scene stealer.

The head table included several specialty pieces. The POSH place setting includes Silver Radiance Charger, Floral Elegance Flatware, White Chloe Goblet, Riedel Stemware, Pure Champagne Flutes.

A close up on the gorgeous detail on the  Floral Elegance Flatware.

Other tables incorporated the Hand Cut Crystal Chargers.

 

The Four Seasons Dallas – Wedding and Reception Site, Catering

Tami Winn Events – Planning, Design and Flowers

Celebrations Event Rentals – Ceremony Umbrellas

Creme de la Creme – Cakes

Beyond – Lighting

Fauxcades – Dance Floor Chandelier

Posh Couture Rentals

Quest Drape

Bowtie Vintage Classics – Dolly – Vintage 1951 Chevy Bel Air get away car

Simply Mox – Paper Products including Menu and Table Signage

All Photography by Tracy Autem Photography. For a full gallery of the evening, visit here and  here.

Tabletop Tuesday // Dinner in the Field

Farm-to-Table: Farm fresh eggs served in vintage milk glass with natural wildflowers as centerpieces for Experimental Table. Adding POSH to the mix means an equal amount of glamor with a relaxed vibe - perfect for Dinner in the Fields.

Cooler temps have been gracing Dallas (finally), and there would be nothing better than to enjoy a night of delicious food, good conversation, and a beautiful atmosphere in the serenity of the great outdoors. The only thing to make such an experience better is to have excellent catering and beautiful tabletops, right? Well, the team at Experimental Table have done just that. Founded by Katie and George Brown, the duo formerly behind GEORGE Catering, took a hiatus from the catering world to travel and be with their families. Their love of food still remained strong, however, and newfound appreciation for the local farmers and seasonal ingredients they found along their travels turned into a passion for the farm-to-table concept. Thus, Experimental Table was born. This fall, they will host Dinners in the Field, a way of showing you exactly where your food comes from by eating at their farm in Lucas, Texas. Four-course dinners, live music, farm tours, and beautiful tabletops are just a taste of the experience. For their first dinner, they handpicked detailed POSH pieces that best displayed their moveable feast. Our kind of garden party. 

Jute linens are an ideal foundation for the rustic chic of Dinner in the Field while the Natural Grand Chiavaris are comfortable yet stylish seating.

POSH Place Setting: Sevres China Collection, Floral Elegance Flatware, Pure White and Red Wine Goblets, Vintage Carnival Water Goblets in Green, Vintage Milk Glass

For more info on Dinners in the Field, email kc@experimentaltable.com
Like Experimental Table on Facebook

Coffee Talk

Via Pinterest

Society season is definitely in full swing. After 18 hour work days for our staff and crew (thanks, guys!) and our first photoshoot prep starting a 7AM this morning, you can see Monday is starting off with a bang. We're gearing up for a busy week, so we'll leave you with a little coffee talk wisdom and see you tomorrow for Tabletop Tuesday.