I had the great pleasure of working with a special client on their presence at the Television Critics Association Tour in August. A luncheon for over 200 critics, the event took place at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California. We went with a plum and gold theme to complement the client’s brand. The beautiful floral arrangements were done by The Little Branch.
Take a look at some of the photos I shot during event setup!
I recently thew a little dinner party for some friends. As usual, I carefully thought through the menu, picked out my serveware and dinnerware, set the table, arranged some flowers and worked on other decor — all in advance. I worked intentionally to make sure that everything was organized and thoughtfully planned out. Why? Not just because I am Type A, but because I wanted to make sure everything was in place that night so that I could be available and enjoy my guests.
In the past, when I was new at entertaining, I would plan elaborate menus and not consider the work involved — particularly the last-minute preparations that would require my attention even after the guests had arrived. I found myself stuck in the kitchen while everyone else was mingling and talking. That is the opposite of a good and gracious hostess.
A hostess should be able to interact with her guests while keeping a keen eye on things that might make them feel more welcomed and comfortable. Do they have a drink in their hand? Do they know where the appetizers are? Does their water glass need to be refilled? Have they been introduced to the other guests? and so on. By having the setup and menu planned step-by-step in advance, the hostess is freed up to do these things.
My party planning documents are nothing special. They suit my particular needs and style; hostesses should create a document that works for them. The other benefit of typing it up is so that you know what you served at your last party should there be repeat guests and so you can remember little things like,”Did I leave enough time for making the potatoes?” “What did people think about those proscuitto-wrapped figs?”
For more ideas on staying organized when entertaining, check out these tips.
Happy Party Planning!
party planning notes
Unfortunately, my website was hacked this past week and a team is working hard as we speak to get it fixed. I apologize for any inconvenience. Until it is restored, inquiries about Rex & Regina and its services can be sent directly to me at teresa@rexandregina.com. Thank you for your patience!
I am over-the-moon to share the new Rex & Regina Blog with you today! Designed by SugarB Studio, the blog still features tips and trends on weddings, entertaining, and lifestyle, but now groups posts so that you can read the category of content you are most interested in. Our updated blogroll lets you know what we’ve been reading and the search, label, and archive functions will make it easier for you to find just what you are looking for. We hope you enjoy the new blog and would love your feedback!
But that is not all. Not by a long shot! Today we also unveil the new Rex & Regina site! Our website describes the wedding, social occasion, and corporate event planning services that Rex & Regina offers and also showcases our work in a brand new photo gallery. There you can learn more about the firm and the work we’ve been doing.
We’re like proud parents today — announcing two fresh and updated ways to keep in touch with all that is going on in the wedding, entertaining, and lifestyle worlds. Thanks for celebrating this exciting news with us!
Anthropologie, one of my favorite destinations for clothes that tend to make me smile, has just launched a bridal line. You MUST check it out. It’s called BHLDN (think “beholden”).
I am sorry to have been missing-in-action from the blog for over a week. But I promise I have a good excuse! I just got back last night from a trip to Paris and after I fight off a bit of this jet lag, I promise I will return to my regular posting schedule. Until then, here are a few shots from the trip!
My guest post on DC Ladies Blog today focuses on the etiquette and customs around seating people around a dinner table. Some may find the guidelines outdated, but I contend that they really can create a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere for your guests.
Learn the guidelines and tips by reading the full post at DC Ladies Blog!
One year ago today the Rex & Regina Blog was launched! What a fun year it has been as we’ve shared our favorite trends and ideas in the entertaining, lifestyle, and wedding domains. We’re grateful to our loyal readers for your support and for those just dropping by we hope you find something that inspires.
Here’s to another great year of blogging!
I recently did a lecture on Easter entertaining where I shared three different takes on an Easter table — each working with a white tablecloth and white dinner plates.
For the next few days leading up to Easter, I’ll be sharing those three tablescapes which I hope will offer a little inspiration as you prepare your own Easter table.
The first tablescape illustrates something a hostess could pull together in a little amount of time with a small budget. Its simple touches pull the table together with a rustic simplicity.
informal Easter tablescape
Simple flatware and glassware are dressed up with pops of pink from the napkins, egg cups, and a tight cluster of carnations. The carnations are set in a mason jar (any glass jar from around the house would do) with a ribbon of raffia. The raffia is reflected again on the pink egg cups.
"nested" place card
Place cards are made by setting scrolled pieces of paper inside a tiny bird’s nest with soft, neutral speckled eggs.
easy-to-make placecards (photo courtesy of Morgan Wilson)
If you don’t have time to run to a craft store to buy the nests, you can form nests out of raffia or out of Easter basket cello shred.
Stay tuned later this week for two more Easter tablescape inspirations!
My guest post for the DC Ladies Blog today focuses on the rising popularity of French Macarons in DC. I, myself, have a growing obsession with them, fueled by a dear friend who also adores them.
Check out the post for scoop on where to find great macarons in DC and how to incorporate them into your next social gathering!
Macarons from Adour
The Rex & Regina Blog shares both trendy and traditional ways to extend gracious hospitality through weddings, other social occasions, and at-home entertaining. Learn more about Rex & Regina.