You are cordially invited to the P.O.S.H. Designer Series. We’re celebrating the beauty of gracious entertaining with the well-considered tabletop, from china and cutlery to personal touches from the names to know in event design.
Our moments around the table are always intimate, no matter the size of the party. Even if the only guests are family and friends who don’t need impressing, an elegantly composed tabletop nostalgically elevates the experience and allows everyone to relax. We are born china collectors, but the added beauty of rentals allows an opportunity to express every side of our personality or embrace a theme. To celebrate the transformative power of tabletops, we called in local event design experts (who also happen to be preeminent hosts themselves) to handpick their favorite rentals for a tablescape that lightheartedly speaks to the season. Whatever the occasion, these tastemakers have perfected the art of mixing exceptionally styled tablescapes for clients from Dallas to Italy, and everywhere in between. We ADORE the designs–tablescapes that impress not just because they’re gorgeous, but because you feel the fun and passion in the selections. They will transform you to a place and time. Enjoy. P.S. A very special shoutout to Tamytha Cameron Photography, who always captures every layer to perfection.
NAME TO KNOW: MELANIE TATUM EVENTS
For those marvelous milestone moments, from black tie to the modern social reentry from a pandemic, there is a magical name on everyone’s lips from Fort Worth to Nantucket–Melanie Tatum Events. If life is indeed a banquet, then this doyenne of DFW nights is a name you need to know. A quick scroll through the MTE Instagram reflects Melanie's appetite for nostalgia that harks to dazzling dinners where a well-set place setting and dancing go hand-in-hand. Melanie is simply a must for creating the most fun and festive night. It may be our Texas pride, but we adore the fascinating layers of history and culture reflected in each of her events. (For a quick dive into what we mean, just take a look at this wedding featured in Bride Magazine. The music, the roots, the foray into the glamour of everyday elevated to perfection!)
Fancy this, whether you’re a modernist, a socialite, or the queen of your own castle, Melanie meets your moment with a big splash of style and sophistication. Whether it's seasonal al frescos, garden brunches, parties by the pool, weddings that wow—we love a Melanie moment. You can count on tablescapes and themes where layers are never limited and fluidity, fashion, and fun are inextricably intertwined. Pack your favorite heels and martinis, doll–we’re heading into the world of MTE. You just may have discovered your new favorite muse.
TABLE TALK
First things first, tell us a bit about yourself for someone who may not be familiar.
Melanie Tatum Events is a full-service boutique design and event planning company. My clients work directly with me. Personal service and attention to detail are paramount.
How do you let the table tell a story?
Details....the occasion, the guests who will be present, colors, textures, and all the little details that make a table beautiful, unique, and memorable.
What inspired this design?
In short, contrasts and transitions: The idea of looking forward to Fall/Winter but not wanting to let go of the warmer months. To do this, I combined very classic and traditional pieces with a few pops of the unexpected. Think hard versus soft (velvet linen, metallic chargers) muted versus loud. Mixing is key, and I always include a metallic because gold and silver really do play well together. The Christofle Flatware is always right! I love the patina of warmth and elegance it brings to the table. The gold birds placed atop the acrylic chargers are reflected from a previous wedding I did at the Modern that had a strong Gracie Studio wallpaper influence (a designer I'm crazy about!). Since I couldn't bring the Gracie wallpaper, I brought the birds. I think the table calls to mind a modern winter garden.
What is your favorite piece on this table and why?
My favorite POSH piece on this table is the fabulous hot pink Chloe stem! I've never had the occasion to use it for a client but it catches my eye every single time I'm in the showroom, so I just had to use it! I also LOVE the Kim Seybert enameled leaf charger. Another favorite detail is the beautiful hand calligraphy....it really is an art! A great monogram...who doesn't! And sterling napkin rings...the patina is just so rich!
Who would you want to bring to this table?
The four fabulous young women featured on the place cards! Two blondes, a brunette, and a ravishing redhead! They were once college roommates and are now pursuing their careers and living their ever-so-fabulous lives in different cities, but gather often (most recently in NYC with their mothers!) to celebrate each other. They would be sitting at this table clinking their cocktails, enjoying each other…and staying at this beautifully set table waaaay into the night reminiscing with peals of laughter filling the air! A perfect evening! A gathering of dearest friends is always a reason to set a special table.
What is your biggest source of inspiration?
Inspiration is EVERYWHERE! It's all how you look at something....really really seeing the details! But also standing back to look at the BIG picture and how something reads from a distance. I don't think there's anything that can't serve as inspiration!
Who is your dream collaborator?
My clients! They bring amazing ideas to every meeting and are the springboard for all I do! I always want my events to reflect the style and vision of the person I'm working with and then I work to elevate their concept to something beyond their wildest dreams!
How do you leave the world behind?
Only one answer: Time with my children! A really luxurious escape to a tropical climate where we can just be together and focus on each other is just heaven!
What do you most look forward to this year?
The return of our BIG events that had to pause last year! They're back and are going to be more special than ever because we know people are ready! Everyone is excited to put on those party frocks, dance, raise a glass, and be together!
How can we find you?
My website, although it's under construction at the moment. Instagram works, but its always best to just give me a ring!
READY FOR THE CLOSE UP
Tablescape Vibe: History and roots have value, as does a modern evolution of ideas. We’re talking classic sensibility with a wonderfully wandering eye for aesthetics with lines, curves, and patterns that reflect a true Texas rose. A VISION we tell you.
Palette: A dazzling touch of metallics provides a festive flair, especially when arranged to glisten and gleam for maximum impact. The bold pops of color mixed with Noritake Mahogany Rose China Collection reveal you can show your true colors if you stack your plates just right.
Conversation Piece: The fabulous hot pink Chloe Goblet, a vibrant stem sure to catch your eye just like the gorgeous Kim Seybert Charger. These pops of color and rich patinas coupled with hand calligraphy make this tablescape a work of art. We also adore cutting up with Christofle, THE heritage cutlery fit for French royalty and considered the standard for exceptional flatware ever since.
Table and Chair: A MTE table is well set, no foraging required. But if you did have an orchard moment, you’d fall in love with the Old World French style Fruitwood Chiavari, just as she did. Fruitwoods have a fine, even texture and deep patina that tans as the chair builds character while offering the sturdiest of stackable seats. A modern adaption of the French Provincial style that is so wonderfully Texan.
Dress Up: For the unflappably cool toast of the town with her own twist on tradition, it’s all about the adornments, darling. We’d take a note directly from the fabulous actress Carlson Young and drape ourselves in statement jewels from Nicola Bathie Jewelry and Valentino shoes. Wear what feels sophisticated but not overly precious. This is couture, honey, but we just might dance on the table.
THE HAUTE LIST
Round Table with Velvet Fern Linen, Lamour Ultra Citron Dinner Napkins, Kim Seybert Laurel Charger, Mahogany Rose China Dinner + Salad + B&B, Glass Dome, Royal Gold Winter + Water Stemware, Chloe Hot Pink Goblet, Christofle Flatware, Fruitwood Chiavari with Ivory Cushion
Thank you, Melanie, for sharing your world and your words with us. As always, we adore. You can reach Melanie Tatum Events at the following:
Instagram: @melanietatuevents
Phone: 817-915-1467
Photography from Tamytha Cameron Photography and IG: @tamytha
