Posh Blog

P.O.S.H. Designer Series: Julian Leaver Events

FALL RESET: If you know Texans, you know as soon as the first crisp breeze graces our cheeks, we’re kicking up our heels (and boots, of course) and dressing tables as wonderfully layered as our wardrobe. Our mind immediately pivots from the lazy days of summer to grand entertaining on the lawn, in the great hall, or honestly, anywhere we can pull a table together and sit down to friends with love, laughter, and beauty.

A consistent style benefits from the spontaneity and curiosity (not to mention sustainability) of the P.O.S.H. approach. Wildly flamboyant to austere minimalism, no theme is too far from reach with a little pretty P.O.S.H. persuasion. We’re talking luxury rentals here, darling. Consider this your official invitation to diving deeper into pattern play curated by amazing local planners with our Fall Designer Series. Plan a visit to our showroom for the full sensory experience or browse digitally by checking back here throughout the season.

Thank you to the wonderful creatives you’ll meet over the next few months. In true Texas form, there are no shrinking violets here; these tablescapes came to play.

P.S. A standing ovation for our showroom photography Tamytha Cameron, who beautifully captures the personality and angle of every tablescape. We love you.

Now, let’s spin some plates.

NAME TO KNOW: JULIAN LEAVER EVENTS

When planning one of the biggest social days of your life, there are certain boxes to check in a planner: An insatiable curiosity for fun and fabulousness is required, no doubt, but also a level of respect, adoration, and appreciation from start to finish in those fast-and-furious turnarounds to the demanding year-long (if not longer) process of luxury weddings. Julian Leaver fulfills all such requirements, making the process enjoyable rather than stressful. We’ve heard it from staff, from other planners, and most of all, from clients. There is a reason he can proclaim “Your Trusted Guide for Navigating Life’s Most Important Moments” on his namesake website. To liberate clients enough to express their personal style and make everyone comfortable is THE gift of an event planner in this evolving world. So to start this off with a love note, we adore YOU, Julian, and the amazing team you have assembled (shout out Sarah Kane). We’d gladly end any hectic event by sharing tacos with you!

Julian delivers modernity and magic fused together as the fairytale you might have thought impossible. After all, it’s not just artistry that goes into an event, but discipline and strategy in spades. To be both an event designer and planner is a perfect marriage, especially when it feels studied and seamless. We’ve seen Julian manage the chaos behind-the-scenes (especially in the last lifetime, er, year of Covid care and limitations) and never lose his demeanor or fail to pivot a plan of action if needed. His events serve as the perfect container to savor your dream day—a snowglobe of an experience, if you will. There is a tone of intimacy and celebration in every element, conjuring magical atmospheres from the smallest, most thoughtful vignette to the most lavish and opulent floral moments. Time stands still in your own little world, memories are made, and the only people who exist are the people sharing this space with you.

Julian is also our modern-day renaissance man, embracing all knowledge and developing his own capabilities as fully as possible, with bow ties to boot. His passion for travel and all things La Dolce Vita emanates through his persona and styling. We knew we would get a masterful moment when we asked him to set the table. Add in Gro Designs (adore) and Southern Fried Paper (ditto) and this tablescape became an anchor of ease and elegance in our showroom. No matter the constant motion of a busy space or the world that asks you to be two steps ahead at all times, this tablescape asks you to sit…to be present…to be here now in the very fabulous Julian way.

So, for the soul who loves a good quote (IYKYK), here is one for our habitué of the design world: “We do not remember days, we remember moments.” (Cesare Pavese) Without further adieu, let’s dip into this taste of Italy.

TABLE TALK

First things first, tell us a bit about Julian Leaver Events for someone who may not be familiar.

I have been in the events industry for over 16 years and have had the opportunity to explore many facets of this amazing market we’re in including design, sales, catering, and now planning. I love diving into the details of design with couples and helping them take their vision from concept to completion. I am also a certified protocol officer and believe that good etiquette and design are what make an event come together flawlessly.

How do you let the table tell a story?

One of my favorite moments of a wedding is the speeches and toasts that a couple’s closest family and friends give during the reception. I think that a table should be a setting that invites a lovely meal, sparks conversation, and creates an inviting atmosphere. Lovely personalized menus, floral that allow guests to see each other across the table, and of course, flatware and glassware that are thoughtful of the guests' experience are all key elements of a great tablescape.

What inspired this design?

We have upcoming weddings in Italy to look forward to in 2022 and are dreaming of stunning candlelight dinners on the Italian coast. Mixing more modern and glam elements, with more rustic elements like the farm table and crossback chairs made for a reimagined Italian feel. Incorporating the paper pieces inspired by blue and white tile and the lemons and greenery in the modern containers really brought the look together

What is your favorite piece on this table and why?

I love the layering of the blue salad plate, tonal gold dinner plate, and textured charger. The colors really bring the table together and add depth to the look.

Who would you want to bring to this table?

All of the lovely people we get to work with at Posh! We create stunning tables together all the time and rarely get to enjoy them!

Who is your dream collaborator and source of inspiration?

Kate Middleton would be the dream collaborator and travel is definitely my biggest source of inspiration.

READY FOR THE CLOSE-UP

Tablescape Vibe

A passport via place setting with a charm that lands à la dolce vita. This is a glittery world rebuilt upon tradition while still saving room for the future. Sophistication may be a virtue, but so is fun. We fully expect this tablescape to begin with amazing food and littered edge to edge with the proper cocktail and wine glasses by the end of the night. Cin cin!

Palette + Pattern

The Romance language translates gusto as enjoying the pleasure and taste of life–a unifying principle for this table; set irresistibly. We adore the enduring patterns and palettes of Marchesa Shades of Blue mingling with the filigree motif of the Gold Leaf China Collection. Also, the texture of a jute napkin is such a wistful detail. You know, cultured but could also care less if you make a mess. Maybe it even encourages the absence of worry. Once again, with gusto!

Conversation Piece:

It's hard to pick a scene-stealer in this cohesive styling. The overall romance of rustic elements with citrus chic touches feels elegantly off grid, as if the Italian sunset is beckoning beyond the floral centerpieces from Gro Designs. Every time we sit down to this table we fall in love with the details.

Table and Chair:

We are a sucker for a classic Chiavari. These timeless seats of sophistication have been stretched to all limits in their styling and use, making them classics for a reason. Julian’s touch of olive bengaline cushion is the chef’s kiss. Their addition makes any table feel like an occasion.

Dress Up:

Accessories are essential for the arbiter of style at this table. Bow ties are a given. Perhaps a Tom Ford or Gucci. We would also strongly suggest sharp Italian boots–why? This guest could be off at a moment's notice to hop on a plane, explore the city, or stroll up to the latest lounge scene. Whatever your dress, is it okay to just say be sassy and bad assy? Well then, look at you.

THE HAUTE LIST

BEST WAY TO FIND YOU

IG @julianleaver | Website Julianleaver.com

Menus @southernfriedpaper

Floral @grodesigns

Photography @tamytha

Read all of our Fall Designer Series