Autumn Revival: Embrace the energetic shift on a new season with a few of our favorite Dallas tastemakers.
For Texans, we know Fall as the delightful emergence of society season. Soirees abound as cooler weather offers a reprieve from summer’s long and lazy sojourn. Holiday parties begin booking and October weddings begin blooming. And in the midst of these hectic schedules, our creative spirit once again flourishes as we begin purposefully setting the table for celebrated gatherings, big and small.
To this degree: It’s always a joy for us to see what our friends decide to bring to the table in the designer series. These six designers master the art of gathering by setting a finely tuned tablescape with just the right amount of drama to elevate the evening. You can summarize the current approach to tabletop in this seasonal remix as a rejuvenating return to you. There is no one trend taking centerstage; rather, the modus operandi appears to resonate with an authentic celebration of the comforts, luxuries, and elegance that exudes from signature style. These tablescapes invite us into the creative minds and emotions of each planner with unbridled enthusiasm and warmth. And as we always say, life is too short not to break out the fine china.
NAME TO KNOW | HAMILTON A SNEED
There is a certain spirit among soulful event designers that makes them stand out from the crowd. It’s more than event execution and innovation (although these traits certainly set the stage). No, it’s more of an uncommon elan–a suaveness that harnesses an ensemble cast of personalities and ushers in a graceful feeling of ease. We have always felt Hamilton Sneed and his namesake luxury experiential marketing and event firm HAS Events exude such a sentiment. Whether he is creating emotional connections or promoting the latest Broadway number, he has always been a class act that takes guest experience centerstage. As a world traveler and Ferragamo lover, Hamilton has a deep respect for tradition with a flair for shaking things up juuuuuust enough for novelty and new conversations. And what can we say, we love being kept on our toes. Hamilton tagged this table’s vibe as Future Positive, and that is something we most definitely will run with, how about you?
Without further adieu:
TABLE TALK
First things first, tell us a bit about yourself for someone who may not be familiar.
My name is Hamilton A Sneed, founder and principal of HAS Events. I’ve been collaborating in the events and marketing space for over 20 years and have been honored to have worked with some of the world's most recognizable brands. Our work is primarily in the nonprofit, corporate and private event sector. Whether we’re planning a 500 person charity gala or an intimate dinner party for 8, we want every experience to be one that tells a story and creates a lasting memory.
How do you let a table tell a story?
Using one or more of the senses —sight, sound, touch, smell and taste, we seek to establish a connection with the guest sitting at the table. From there the table tells its own story with the people around it.
What inspired this design?
Fashion! Most people know I’m an avid fan of the FERRAGAMO brand. I took inspiration from an outfit from my closet from the Fall/Winter 2021 runway collection which was one of the last collections designed by former Creative Director Paul Andrew. The collection was called Future Positive. I loved all of the textures, layers and use of color in the collection and futuristic design. When designing this table, I wanted an evening event look and feel but with pops of color, layers of textures and lots of fun!
What is your favorite piece on this table and why?
I have two favorite pieces on the table: My favorite POSH piece is the Concrete Gray chargers! They just set the tone of the place setting and bring everything together. Not to mention, they have a space-like / futuristic look and feel to them with an interesting texture which I love! They reminded me of the moon.
The personalized place card illustrations! Nicole Updegraff is such a talent and captures the essence of every person she sketches. I’m always amazed at her work and how spot-on she is. And the illustrations not only bring an element of fashion to the table but are the perfect conversation starter and guest gift too!
Who would you want to bring to this table?
So many people! But one guest for sure, which I’d have to go back in time for, would be Salvatore Ferragamo himself!
Best piece of hosting advice?
Your guest should always leave with something to remember the evening by a physical gift or the gift of a beautiful memory.
Best way to find you and the other collaborators on this table?
The best way to find me is to email me at h@hasevents.com or find me on IG at @hasevents and @hamiltonsneed
You can find full details of my work at www.hasevents.com
I’m honored to have collaborated with my favs in the business.
FLORAL: Angie Strange-Feliciano - Posh Floral Designs / angie@poshfloral.com / IG @posh_floral
GRAPHIC DESIGN: Holly Reed - Reed Creative Group / holly@reedcreativegroup.com / IG @ReedCreativeGroup
MENU CARD PRINTING + CHANDELIER: Wendy Timson - Shag Carpet Props / wendy@shagcarpet.com / IG @shagcarpetprops
ILLUSTRATIONS: Nicole Updegraff - Nicole Updegraff Illustrations / nicoleupdegraffillustration@gmail.com / IG @nicoleupdegraff
Upcoming events you are excited about?
I’m most excited about the Broadway Dallas 2023 Gala: Moulin Rouge! I can’t say much now but let’s just say it’s going to be over the TOP!
RAPID FIRE Q +A
My biggest source of inspiration: Fashion and my friends!
Dream collaborator: Preston Bailey
Song that always makes the playlist: “Best of My Love” by The Emotions
What do you most look forward to this year? Being able to fully create, design, and inspire through events again.
THE CLOSE UP
Tablescape Vibe:
Strike a pose || The high drama of a couture catwalk in the concrete jungle? Sounds like Dallas with a dash of HAS to us.
Palette + Pattern
Shake it up || Monochromatic pieces add plenty of room for creativity. Surely you didn’t think layering was limited to fashion, darling? We love the modernism of concrete chargers and black coupe china with elegantly old-school fine china patterns. Top with jewel tone florals and napkins and you are ready for your Fall fete.
Conversation Piece:
Sip and stare || Come for the cocktails (aka event partners) and stay for the after-party. We adore an elevated garnish so to speak. The menu cards and fashion illustrations turn up the drama while the mix of glassware adds extra sensory silhouettes to further stimulate the senses.
Table + Chair:
Leading Lady || A fashionable society understands there are trends and then there are staples. And honey, Chiavari chairs have staying power. Enough said.
Dress Up:
A Well-Heeled Crowd || Well, we know Paul Andrew has announced the return of his namesake brand to stores, so we can only imagine a future cult classic to supply our latest desires. Ugh, thanks for a new obsession, Hamilton. (Yeah, it’s the Propel Sparkle Mule to go from day to night at this table if you ask us working girls.)
THE HAUTE LIST
Silver Bella Water + Wine Stemware
Silver Chiavari Chair with Pewter Cushions
Thank you for reading. Stop by the showroom to be inspired by the Fall Designer Series in person, or check back each week as we reveal another scene-stealing feast for the eyes.
Shout out to Tamytha Cameron Photography for capturing our Designer Series.
