Everywhere I look I see seersucker — a fabric that epitomizes summertime. Aprons, tablecloths, napkins… it’s everywhere and I love it!
Dransfield & Ross seersucker napkins
Southern Living tablescape
India Rose seersucker apron
India Rose Seersucker Bag
Growing up, I lived in a small coastal town in Massachusetts where boating and beaching were just part of life. It’s around this time every year when I get homesick and have a hankering for the ocean, the sand, and the salty sea air. Too bad we live three hours away from the nearest beach! Not to worry, there are all kinds of ways to bring the ocean to you — like doing some nautical-themed entertaining. Here are some images to inspire.
Invitation by Mr Boddington
recycled sail coasters from Sea Bags via Country Living
nautical cupcake topper via Country Living
nautical tablescape via Martha Stewart
custom cocktail napkins via Style Me Pretty
nautical escort card via Style Me Pretty
The 56th Annual Corcoran Ball was the place to be this past weekend. The event is one of the most prestigious fundraisers in DC and hours upon hours are spent making sure it is one of, if not the most, beautiful galas in town. The Corcoran Ball raises money for the Corcoran Gallery of Art and its many important education and outreach programs. The often one thousand or more guests in attendance all come out to support the Gallery and to have a fabulous time.
One of the highlights of the evening is the way that the galleries are decorated and the design of the tablescapes that the guests sit at. The event is catered and designed annually by Occasions Caterers, one of DC’s premiere catering companies, in conjunction with the Gala Committee. I had the opportunity to walk through the Gala to see the beautiful tablescapes and unique touches Occasions created for the guests of the Ball.
Congratulations to the Corcoran and to Occasions for a gorgeous event!
Flowers are by Jack Lucky, lighting by Light-olutions, and equipment/rentals and tenting are by Perfect Settings.
the main floor
double napkins are all the rage
these chandeliers are stunning
the view from above
triple plates and a dramatic napkin fold
tassled chair topper
purple + red = drama
rose petals dot the plate
forgive the photo... here is stunning, masculine setting perfect for the charcoal-paneled room
lush texture makes for a stunning arrangement
I love this napkin fold
yellow is always so cheery; paired with black it packs a punch
each plate around the table had a different letter on it, drawing from the "alphabet" tablecloth
I adore this chair cushion. It is the epitome of feminine.
sparkle, sparkle, sparkle
here, umbrellas are a fun way to add height to a room with a seemingly limitless ceiling
I love the repetition of circles in this tablescape
this flatware is adorable
forgive the fuzzy photo of this beautifully canopied table grouping
copper, mint, and brick red is a fabulous combination
once again, the chair cushions are divine
the canopy
a tropical wonderland
a coconut water glass -- too clever!
mod tables with a pop of poppies
cocktail tables in the late night party space
lounge area for the late night party
gorgeous planters each filled with one type of flower line the grand staircase
I fell in love with this photo on Biz Bash showing a library-themed benefit dinner that Bulgari hosted. Images of bookshelves drape the walls. The tables are covered in faux crocodile and are adorned with lamps and books serving as centerpieces. Makes me wish I had my own private library!
Bulgari's library-scaped dinner party
A client of mine has been hunting for the perfect lace tablecloths for her upcoming wedding. Her vision for using lace is on the cusp of a rising trend of incorporating lace elements into entertaining and wedding designs. Here are some beautiful examples.
wheat bouquet with chocolate lace wrap, via JL Designs
doily runner via Donna Hay
lace clip art-wrapped napkins via Martha Stewart
lacy tablescape via Style Me Pretty
lace tablecloth over pale blue cotton cloth
Chantilly lace table linens via Neiman Marcus
via Better Homes and Gardens
A beautiful glass cloche covering springtime emblems makes a simple, gorgeous statement on an Easter table. An egg cup, some pretty spring flowers, a strand of ribbon, and a few personal trinkets come together in a beautiful composition. Incorporate spring colors that reflect and complement your home decor. Make it personal and your own!
Here are three sources to get the process started:
glass cloche bell from Wisteria
Classic Egg Cup from Crate & Barrel
peach organza ribbon from M&J Trimming
I love this idea from Martha Stewart Weddings for using anaglypta, or embossed wallpaper, as a embellishment to plain glass cylinder vases. Add clustered flowers and the look is clean and sophisticated.
easy wedding centerpiece from Martha Stewart
I recently adopted a similar Martha idea and wrapped cylinder vases with wood veneer. The light veneer is neutral and with a change out of ribbon can work for any season. Using wood veneer sheets is not easy to work with but it gives a heavier effect that simply wood veneer paper which is also an option.
wood veneer-wrapped cylinder vases
veneer vases used in a tablescape
One of things I always mention to brides when they are registering is to add white dishware and serveware to their registry list. Oftentimes couples pick patterned dishware that doesn’t end up matching their new apartment or that just doesn’t fit their taste years later.
White dishware never goes out of style and is so versatile. These tablescapes below show how a white plate can be a simple building block for a beautiful table. It doesn’t take much to make the white pop — many times just a bright leaf, a patterned tablecloth, or a beautiful napkin does the trick perfectly.
design by Phoebe Howard, featured on House Beautiful
design by Victoria Amory, featured on House Beautiful
design by Martha Angus, featured on House Beautiful
A fall leaf provides a pop of color to white dinnerware; featured on Celebrations.com
this fall tablescape featured in Country Living uses white dinnerware as a foundation
An Easter table features white plates and neutral linens with a pop of pink
My incredibly talented friend Morgan made these gorgeous menu and place cards for a tablescape I worked on recently. Bringing nature indoors is a great way to entertain in the Fall. A little moss and some acorn hats embellish a standard menu card and place card. Gorgeous! Thanks, Morgan!
Acorn and moss place card and menu card
Complementary place and menu cards make a statement on table settings
I saw this serving dish by Michael Aram the other day as I was passing through Neiman Marcus. I had to do a double take as it was so eye-catching. I think the shape of the bowl looks like an acorn, but apparently the line is all about figs — and, in this case, the fig-inspired handle. Figs. Acorn. No matter. It looks very “Fall” to me and would be perfect for social occasions this season. It would also make a beautiful wedding or Christmas gift.
Michael Aram serving bowl, from the Fig Collection
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.