Masks + Mirrors | Masquerade Ball

Images left to right: POSH showroom. / Solange, Mrs. Knowles, Beyonce. Image via Beyonce's Instagram. / POSH place setting designed and photographed by Dr. Delphinium.

As female-empowered as we are, it's no surprise that everyone at POSH is a little Beyonce obsessed (aren't we all?). After clicking through her gorgeous mother's 60th NOLA Masquerade party, we have been trying to come up with every excuse possible for an Art Deco inspired, behind-the-veil party of our own - and we certainly have the best tabletops for such a fete.

MIRROR, MIRROR

Who's behind the mask? Only a mirrored charger will give you a true glimpse. We love our new Mirrored Charger alone or layered high with a mix of silver and gold. 

POSH PLACE SETTING (Above, left): Mirrored Gold Charger, Versailles Silver Dinner Plate, Barcelona Gold Salad and B&B, Silver Ice Cream Coup, Michelangelo Flatware, Valencia Etched-Glass Stemware

GOLDEN CHILD

Between Solange and Beyonce, it's hard to pick the golden child. But when it's our party, we'd make our guest play the part. POSH PLACE SETTING (Above, right): Gold Beaded Charger, Gold Leaf Dinner, Salad, and B&B Plate, Gold Lyons Flatware, Gold Floral Lace Stemware

 

Spring Forward | Nasher Garden Party

Nasher Sculpture Center from Marc Roberts on Vimeo.

With the Arctic Vortex literally putting a chill on our bright outlook, we knew it was time for a Spring throwback. The Nasher Sculpture Center in Dallas (one of our favorite venues not only for parties and weddings but also to peruse on the random day off from work) shared a video highlighting their Garden Party from last year. We had the pleasure of working with amazing DFW vendors, like Mary Wright Shaw and Jackson Durham to name a few. This should get you in the mood for planning your next Spring soiree. 

Silver Place Setting: Chocolate Metallic Charger, Sophia and Loren China Collections, Silver Goblet, Silver Rimmed Water Glass, Floral Elegance Flatware / Scarlet Place Setting: Scarlet Filigree Charger, Arte Italica Dinner Plate, Gold Leaf Compote, Gold Leaf and Gold Floral Lace Stemware, Gold Lyons Flatware, Gold Chiavari Chair / Gold Place Setting: Mottahedeh White Lace Charger, Gold Leaf China / Emerald Place Setting: Turquoise Scalloped Charger, Vera Wang Dinner Plate, Silhouette Stemware, Emerald Chloe Goblet, Silverbead Silverplate Flatware

Photography by Thisbe Grace Photography / Florals by Jackson Durham / Planning by Mary Wright Shaw / Linens by La Tavola / Venue by The Nasher Sculpture Center / Lounge furniture by Fauxcades / Place Settings, Stemware, Flatware, Chairs by POSH Couture Rentals 
 

POSH 101: Fork It Over

 

Fork it over stylishly, of course. From top to bottom flatware: Gold Lyons, Dynasty 24K, Parisian Gold, all POSH. Mocha Swirl Velvet Linen by Resource One, exclusively at POSH.

December marks a busy time of the year on the social calendar. From work holiday parties and social gatherings to family dinners with in-laws and friends, it's safe to safe that it's the most wonderful and busiest time of the year. So, what to do at those holiday gatherings? This week we will bring you etiquette and social pointers for everything from where the fork goes to the art of conversation. Whew! What a relief.

Stylish Silverware. From top to bottom flatware: Floral Elegance, Michelangelo, Christofle, Birch Hall by Redd & Barton, Marie Antoinette by Reed & Barton. Rouge Ribbon Taffeta full round linen by Resource One, exclusively at POSH.

Forks

A good rule of thumb: When in doubt, use a fork. It is the preferred utensil over fingers, spoons, and knives. For formal dinners, the hostess should serve food you can eat without embarrassment, like easy finger foods. Forks are even preferred for things like asparagus and ice cream. Eating Italian over the holidays? The spoon you use to assist in twirling the noodles is not part of etiquette - just use your fork to cut up the spaghetti. If you ever drop your fork, leave it and tell the server if at a restaurant; at someone's home, it is all right to pick it up, give to the hostess, and ask for another. Never use silverware that has fallen on the floor - even if you love the five-second rule, it does not apply ever in social settings. Finished? Lay your silverware on the the plate, never on the tablecloth. 

If you have more than one fork to use, don't panic, just start with the fork on the outside. The silver is set in the order it is to be used, with the first course’s silver being on the outside. Forks (tines up) on the left, knives (cutting edge pointing in), and spoons on the right. Remember, if the silverware you need isn’t on the table when you sit down, they will bring it when that course is served.

Seafood fork - This fork is the smallest fork. It will have only three tines. (Tines are the teeth.) It’s used with seafood, such as oysters and shrimp. It may be found to the far left of your place setting, or it may be resting in the head of your far right soup spoon.

Salad fork - This fork is larger than the seafood fork, but smaller than your dinner fork. It will have four tines but will be shorter and fatter than your regular fork.

Dinner fork - This fork will look like the ones you’re used to seeing at home (may be called a place fork).

Dessert fork - This fork is smaller than your regular fork, and you can recognize it by its placement. It will either be above your plate, or it will be set at the table during dessert.

Feel better about which fork to grab? Good. Check back this week for more POSH 101 tidbits.
 

Tabletop Tuesday // The Power of Simplicity

The power of simplicity perfectly captured for a Meadows Museum Donor Dinner.

 Sometimes all you really need for a stunning tabletop are a few simple silver patterns and exquisite crystal or glass. The power of simplicity is  perfectly captured at a donor dinner for SMU's Meadow Museum with a concept created by Marin Fiske-Rankin, Meadows Events and Food Service Manager. Marin wanted an impressive display without making it too formal, so she scaled back from a full tabletop to hand-picked pieces that would stand out when handled by the guest yet blended effortlessly with a vibrant linen from La Tavola and the landscape of the room. As always, we think Marin captured the essence of the evening beautifully. This look could easily translate to an elegant holiday tabletop or winter place setting. Read more about Marin and her process on her blog.

  

GET THE LOOK

Fruitwood Grand Chiavari with navy cushions, Simply Platinum China Collection, Pure Water, Red, White Stemware, Marie Antoinette Flatware by POSH Couture Rentals / La Tavola Linens / Silver Foil Menu Cards by Stamped Paper Co. / Centerpieces by Junior at The Garden Gate / All images by Tamytha Cameron Photography

Let It Glow // Illuminating Tabletops

The holidays revolve around family and friends gathering 'round the table. Illuminate the season with trusted, key pieces that easily transition with family pieces or add a rich element to your upcoming celebrations. Here are a few tips on adding posh elegance:

1. We love the idea of cream and ivory additions adding a subtle glow to tabletops. Both Arte Italica Cream Charger and Basket Weave Ivory China Collection have intricate details which prove there is nothing bland about the season's favorite neutral. Bring in POSH Vintage patterns for a truly seasonal look that celebrates both the past, present, and future. 

2. Give guests a gracious welcome with fine crystal and stemware. The new Valencia Etched Stemware Collection give a gorgeous glimmer to cocktail hour and make an impressive display on luxe vignettes and bar carts. 

3. Bring something bright to the holidays with a richly hued Stella Goblet. Purple is the color of royalty and a nice break from the typical holiday hues - what better way to toast your guests?

4. Speaking of the typical holiday hues, we still love bringing traditional colors and patterns into tablescapes with our linens. Damasks in gold, red, burgundy, and deep greens adds a Southern touch while keeping the season in mind.

5. If you really want to add a festive shine to a fashionable feast, the new Silver Versailles Charger and Dinner Plate instantly adds glamor to winter whites. Just add statement stemware and you're set.  
 

An Opulent Affair // Diann Valentine

The scene at TD Jakes Anniversary Party. All images courtesy of MoHa Photography.

We showed you a portion of this event yesterday, but the rest of TD Jakes 35th Anniversary part is well worth mentioning. Diann Valentine showcased her knack for making a large event feel intimate, with stylish service stations for food and several lounge areas. The beauty of a Diann event is that there is always understated elegance mixed with whimsical modern touches to make sure everyone feels like the guest of the hour but relaxed enough to have the fun they deserve. Just one look at this party and you'll be calling Diann for your own Well Lived night, or at least get on the guest list to one! 

The perfect presentation: Barcelona Silver China with a Gold Leaf Cordial

She's got stems, and she knows how to use 'em: Riedel Stemware with the Silver Goblet

Add a modern touch with ghost chairs.

Beautiful bar setup with apple martinis and amazing lighting by BEYOND.

Specialty drinks in Pure Champagne Flutes.

Who's ready for a drink? Stemless martinis ready to go!

Diann designs her own custom linens. Bella Flora floral arrangements.

Loren China Collection

All images courtesy of MollyHauge, MoHa Photography
As seen in Grace Ormonde

Diann Valentine Living Well

Grace Ormonde Wedding Style

 

Tabletop Tuesday // An Opulent Affair

Silver Chargers with Floral Elegance Flatware, Silver Goblet, Riedel and Pure Stemware.

You know you're in for a treat when Diann Valentine is behind your event. The wedding and event planner extraordinaire known for as many embellished details in decor to personalized moments throughout the event is the go-to gal for everyone from Usher to Toni Braxton and HBO. To make a milestone moment memorable, Diann goes for custom touches throughout the event, from the linens and tabletop to the decor. So when T.D. Jakes wanted to celebrate his 35th anniversary, Diann showed up in style. Custom linens created by Diann draped king-size tables with metallic elements that set a new silver standard for elegant tabletops. The event caught the eye of the iconic bridal magazine Grace Ormonde and was published in the Fall 2013 issue. We were proud to be a part of the event alongside other DFW vendors, including floral designers  Bella Flora and lighting geniuses Beyond. Be sure to check back tomorrow for more Diann and this amazing night. 

The room transformed by Diann Valentine, including her custom linen designs.

A very POSH place setting, indeed: Silver Charger, Barcelona Silver Dinner Plate, Floral Elegance Flatware

Assorted confections were served on our Silver Florentine Charger.

Toast to style with the Silver Goblet and Riedel Stemware

A little gold thrown into the mix with the Golf Leaf Cordial.

Nothing says you're sitting in the lap of luxury like custom chiavari chair covers.

Designer and event planner extraordinaire Diann Valentine shows up in style for the big event.

Be sure to check back tomorrow for part two of these opulent affair.

All images courtesy of MollyHauge, MoHa Photography

Diann Valentine Living Well

Grace Ormonde Wedding Style

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.