One thing this year has proven, is that our moments around the table matter more than ever. While the idea of customizing a place setting can feel overwhelming, we want you to think of it as a fun spin on storytelling. Our collections are built to tie into existing (or future) personal estate/heirloom china. What sets us apart are our one-of-a-kind couture pieces that can be found nowhere else, with names like Christofle, Charles Sadek, Maria Daage and Arte Italica. We constantly refresh with trends and patterns as well, from Cutipol to Marchesa, to fit any theme (hello, Leopard) for a fun shift from the traditional tabletop. We also offer the standard white catering collection to fit any menu style, be it Asian or West Texan (which especially matters when good food is present!). Our vast tiered and on-trend collections ensure you can have it all and still stay within a specific style and budget. So here's to making your moments nostalgic and optimistic with inspired tabletops reflective of your style. Let's set the table together.
1. What to Include in a Place Setting
The foundation for any place setting begins with the linen. Begin here to layer in harmonious colors and patterns with beautiful weight and texture. Atop this, set the mood with chargers, dinner service plates, napkins, enough flatware for the meal, and stemware. Keep in mind the tablescape should tie in three things: the menu, the environment (consider the season and the venue), and most importantly, personality. A place setting aims to create the all important atmosphere your heart desires. Your guest will spend the most time sitting in the same spot, so make it memorable with inspired layering. These details make guests feel special while reflecting your style and taste, and that’s money well spent.
2. Factor in Your Budget
First, always check with the venue or caterer to utilize what’s already available. Often, staples (white china, flatware, etc) are included in your contract, so the rental budget can focus on specialty pieces. With micro-weddings, you can really go far on the guest experience and stay within budget. For bigger weddings, we can create a lighter version for the extended party and heavily layered our couture place settings for the head table, to set the stars of the evening apart.
Chargers always steal the show because it ensures guests will never have an empty spot in front of them. (A personal favorite is the glamorous Clear Hand Cut Crystal Charger for its diamond like sparkle.) Bringing in unique stemware for a signature drink is another nice add on.
3. Play with Mixing Dinnerware
Our tip is simple: Mix in what speaks to you. Make a mood board and pick out the textures/patterns/colors that reflect the atmosphere you wish to create. Chances are we have something to fit the mold with over 85 china collections. Our website also offers My POSH: a place to play around with our entire inventory and save your favorite looks for a quote. Start with your linen and charger, and add layers for each course as you would accessories. Don’t be afraid to play around to find the vibe that matches your style. How do you want the guest to feel? We find that layering in vintage elements adds a soulful presence. For example, a modern bohemian bride might lean towards the Scandinavian look of coupe china mixed with the soft curves of Cutipol flatware and the warmer embrace of our Denmark Chair. If you are still overwhelmed with where to start, set up a physical or virtual appointment with us. We love an excuse to set the table.
4. Accessorize with Top Trends
A modern aesthetic can be created with our popular Concrete Gray Charger or Wedgwood Vera Wang Marble China. There is also the Scandinavian, modern boho look which lends an understated vibe with the soft curves of our creamy organic Coupe China collections. Just add the Cutipol GOA flatware to elegantly tie the look together. Individual serving pieces are also on trend, not to mention impressive. A glass dome to serve appetizers or a Crystal Lily to offer desserts are nice, thoughtful touches. If you’re forgoing a sit-down dinner altogether, then focus on a fun bar – think signature drinks in colorful stemware, coup champagne fountains, etc. A good rule of thumb for cocktail service is three glasses per person.
5. Don’t Forget These Important Rental Items
Napkins, all day. The linen hemstitch is a classic while current trends lean to adding both color and a unique fold or drape with the napkin. This is especially worthy for the head table, as it is the most photographed. Another big misstep is forgoing attention to service pieces. We offer everything from gorgeous vintage serving utensils to elegant Jan Barboglio copper chafing dishes and gold cake plateaus. Think of every moment, from the place setting, the cake cutting and the guest giving a toast, then add the element that meets that moment.
6. Finish the Look With the Proper Seating
To be a truly well-appointed table, don’t forget the value of a great chair – it elevates the atmosphere and keeps the guest comfortable. Our Jacquemus loving couture brides enjoy the artful elegance of a mid century modern Denmark chair or the sophisticated allure of the Mila Chair (available in seven colors). They transcend whether the event is inside or outside. On that note, if you fall in love with a heavy pattern or texture for your linen, like sequins, the Kartell Ghost Chairs or Villa Clear Ballroom marry the space perfectly without taking away from your initial place setting vision. Pulling up the right seat is everything.
Set the Table with Us
Image 1: An elegantly layered white wedding that hits all the right notes. Rentals: Casablanca Cream Table Linen, Clear Glass with Gold Bead Charger, Marchesa Shades of Ivory, Gold Beaded App Plate, Doomed Glass Plate, Lucca Matte and Silver Flatware, Pure Stemware, Gatsby Champagne Coupe, Elise Cut Crystal Stemware. Image courtesy of Brenden Williams / Designed by Social Llama Events.
Image 2: Don’t forget the Butterfly Parade for a new beginning. We love the tucked Cutipol flatware. Rentals: Christian Lacroix Butterfly Parade Charger, Cutipol GOA Blue and Gold Flatware, Gold Floral Lace Stemware. Image courtesy of A Sea of Love / Designed by Stephyn Stancle at Southern Charm Events.
Image 3: When the bride loves purple, take it all the way to the tabletop for a rehearsal dinner. Rentals: Gold Bead Glass Charger, Marches Shades of Blue Collection, Cutipol GOA Blue + Gold Flatware, Mikasa Smoke Glassware, Black Chiavari Chairs. Image courtesy of Caitlin McNeil Photography / Designed by Social Llama Events.
Image 4, 5, 6: A nod to Old World nostalgia and new traditions. Rentals: CG Metal Charger, Versailles Gold Dinner Plate, Marchesa Shades of Ivory Salad Plate, Grace Flatware, Signature Gold Stemware, Gold Floral Lace Glass. Farmhouse Table and Crossback Farm Chair with Cushion. Image courtesy Savannah Kay Photography / Designed by Gathered Events.
Image 7: Social distancing but make it P.O.S.H. Emily Clarke Events designed a smart layout with sophisticated style with the help of the Mila Chair in Navy. Image courtesy of Corbin Gurkin.
Image 8: An artful direction at The Nasher and spacious seating with the Mila Chair in Ivory around the Mila Glass Table. Image courtesy of A Sea of Love / Designed by Stephyn Stancle at Southern Charm Events.
We also shared these tips with our friends at Brides of North Texas, which you can read here.
