Posh 101 | Decode The Dress Code

Sometimes decoding the dress code on an invitation can be confusing.  No one wants to be the one person under-dressed or over-dressed, so it is important to know what attire is appropriate for an event.  Just as what you wear is important, it is equally important to have place settings that reflect the formality of your event.  Unsure of what this all means?  Well, here’s how to figure it out:

Images via Pinterest casual/resort chic/semi-formal/black tie

 

From Revelry House, we bring you more descriptive definitions of what each means:

Casual: What you choose to wear here is dependent on both climate and occasion – example: we wouldn’t suggest that your guy wear cargo shorts to a wedding.  For the most part, khakis or nice jeans and a polo shirt or casual button-up is fine for men.  For gals, we suggest a sundress, maxi skirt or nice jeans (no rips!) with a plain t-shirt or casual blouse.
Resort Chic (also referred to as Garden Party or Patio Attire): In most cases, this instruction is reserved for weddings and receptions. Here, your outfit should err on the dressier side of casual (above) with a dress or skirt. Embellished sandals or wedges are perfect for the occasion. Men should wear slacks and a nice linen top with loafers. Both guys and gals should avoid jeans.
Cocktail Attire/ Semi-formal: Here, guests are invited to accessorize according to the holiday or occasion (it’s “Festive” after all).  Ladies, the rules are the same here as with semi-formal attire (discussed below), perhaps just a bit more holiday-focused.  For the gents, its’ a little less formal.  Men can wear a blazer and slacks and can even consider a holiday tie.
Black Tie (also referred to as Formal): Gals are expected to wear floor-length evening gowns or an especially embellished and fancy LBD. Guys should stick with a black tuxedo with patent leather dress shoes. On some occasions, they could also wear tuxedo pants and bowtie with a white dinner jacket.

POSH 101 | Set up the Bar

Just a taste of what POSH has to offer in glassware. Rows from top left: Crystal Champagne Coup, Classico Flute, Pure Flute, Silver Floral Lace Flute, Valencia Etched Glass Flute / Balloon Red Wine, Classico White Wine, Red Chloe, Purple Stella / Classico Pilsner, Gold Scroll Pilsner / Irish Coffee Mug, Classico Old Fashioned, Brandy Snifter, Elise Cut Crystal Double Old Fashioned / Classico Cordial, Gold Leaf Cordial, Gold Floral Lace "Hot Toddy" Demitasse. Note: Blue circles indicate new items.

Mixologists, craft beers, and specialty cocktails are on the rise in Dallas. As the holiday season kicks into high gear, we're brainstorming on how to incorporate the best beverages into our parties. Of course, presentation is everything, so here are a few tips on picking the perfect statement stemware for an impressive displays come cocktail hour.

Serve your SPARKLING WINES in flutes, tulips, and coups. Fun fact: The original cocktail was served in a coup as is making a big comeback thanks to vintage inspired bars and movies like The Great Gatsby. Build a champagne tower of crystal coups or serve up some bubbly in shimmering etched flutes, like our Valencia Etched Stemware or Silver Floral Lace Flute - perfect for toasting the holidays or bringing in the New Year!

WINES are meant to be enhanced by their stemware. We offer everything from Riedel's award-winning linen of stemware to fun alternatives in bright pops of color and whimsical patterns. Our favorite new addition? The purple Stella goblet - it's sturdy with a wide mouth, perfect for pouring and sipping throughout the night. 

Serve straight liquors in their specific glassware. We offer everything from shot glasses and cognac and brandy snifters to martini glasses and old-fashioneds. We love the idea of a seasonal warm beverage served in our Hot Toddy demitasse or Irish Coffee Mug. For dessert wines, pick a cordial that serves just the right amount for such a sweet liquor. 

What else do you need for the perfect bar? How about a perfect ride. We love UBER for their posh ride, plus you can drink and dance the night away without worrying about driving.
 

Entertain: Southern Traditions

Image via Society Bride

Inspired by yesterday's toast to the Kentucky Derby , we're sharing our favorite recipes for classic Mint Juleps and mouth-watering Chocolate Bourbon Pie. Known as the quintessential Southern cocktail, Mint Juleps call to mind the grand dames of high society and horse races as well as the most magnificent pomp and circumstance. With just a few ingredients, you can recreate this splendid classic and keep the leftover simple syrup refrigerated for another Southern favorite - sweet tea. The rich dessert pie is an ideal way to end your Derby Day festivities (and the recipe below is from a Louisville native and ardent Derby fan). What better way to celebrate the Run for the Roses or even a simple Southern wedding or dinner than than with a bar set to serve these two classics. Serve alongside your favorite china and enjoy!

A classic Mint Julep. Image and recipe via Southern Living.

Ingredients:
3 Fresh Mint Leaves
1 Tablespoon Mint Simple Syrup
Crushed Ice
1 1/2 to 2 Tablespoons (1 oz.) bourbon
1 (4-inch) cocktail straw or coffee stirrer
1 Fresh Mint Sprig
Powdered Sugar (optional)

Directions:
Place mint leaves and Mint Simple Syrup in a chilled julep cup. Gently press leaves against cup with back of spoon to release flavors. Pack a cup tightly with crushed ice; pour bourbon over ice. Insert straw, place mint sprig directly next to straw and serve immediately. Spring with powdered sugar, if desired.

Scrumptious Chocolate Bourbon Pie. Image and recipe via Southern Living.

Ingredients:
1/2 (15 oz.) package refrigerated pie crusts
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
1 cup (6 oz.) semisweet chocolate morsels
1 cup dark corn syrup
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup bourbon or water
4 large eggs
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 teaspoons cornmeal
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions:
Fit pie crust in a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate according to package directions; fold edges under and crimp. Sprinkle pecans and chocolate evenly onto bottom of the pie crust and set aside. Combine corn syrup and next 3 ingredients in a large saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly for 3 minutes. Remove from heat.

Whisk together eggs and next 4 ingredients. Gradually whisk about one-fourth hot mixture into egg mixture; add to remaining hot mixture, whisking constantly. Pour filling into prepared pie crust. Bake at 325 degrees for 55 minutes or until set. Cool on a wire rack.
 

Entertain: Pear Lemon Fizzy

We're back with more foodie fun from SMU Catering. Behold, the perfect cocktail to get the weekend started. Thanks, Denise and the SMU Catering gang for sharing!

Meadows Museum / Vintage Carnival Glassware rentals from POSH Couture Rentals / Tamytha Cameron Photography

 

Entertain: A Cocktail Bar with a Twist

Break tradition and get inspired by the always wonderful Mary McDonald. House Beautiful found her easily accessible bar the perfect twist to a cocktail hour. We were so inspired by the bright colors and simplistic setup, we recreated Mary's setting with POSH pieces. By turning a tabletop into a friendly self-serve table area rather than the traditional bar, guests have a chance to create personalized cocktails in bright stemware perfect for everything from a martini to champagne! 

Serving it up with a twist: We love adding traditional elements (classic silver pieces, blue and white vases) along with bright, modern pieces (exotic prints, ghost chairs, fun textures).

Get the look: (top) Resource One linen in Byzantine Brocade | Blue and White Large Vase | Chloe Goblets | Silver Champagne Chiller | (bottom, from left) Green Vintage Carnival Glassware in Classic and Parisian | Martini Compotes | Resource One Louis Ghost Chair in Amber | Trumpet Glassware | Silver Goblet

All rentals from POSH Couture Rentals. Resource One, exclusively at POSH Couture Rentals.