Collaborating with amazing vendors has always been the heart behind our business. So when Brigade Events asked us to participate in supporting female-owned event businesses during COVID-19, we immediately jumped on board. You may know them as the exclusive event management company behind every magical event at the George W. Bush Presidential Center. Here’s what they have to say about the moment we are in:
“As a business built on the appreciation of beautiful tablescapes and events, you can imagine the current COVID-19 environment has presented challenges to those shared moments. The event industry always prepares you to meet challenges head on for the sake of the guests and the client. So while the world of weddings and parties may not look the same as it did a year ago, we will rise to the occasion - beautifully.”
Cheers to meeting the moment with a little help from our friends. Little touches like individual servings, wrapped flatware, and six feet distance in chairs makes it feel good to gather. Without further ado, we are thrilled to present to you, “TOGETHER, We Can Do Hard Things: A creative collaboration to inspire events in the new normal.” (Bonus! Tune into “Good Morning Texas” (WFAA) on August 4th at 9 a.m. to see this amazing team of vendors discuss the tabletops shared below.)
Special Moments are Not Canceled
COVID-19 has forced us to become innovative with just about every aspect of our business. Our friends at Brigade Events consulted a public health expert to review event protocols, so staying up to date on CDC guidelines and industry recommendations have become part of the daily routine. We believe in the power of convening, and although events look different (virtual events, socially-distanced events, intimate gatherings) we believe that bringing people together remains as important as ever.
TOGETHER with some of the most talented, women-owned businesses in the events industry, the Brigade ladies created four Fall-inspired tablescapes that are not only beautiful but safe in our ever-changing environments. Vendors include: Planning/Design: Brigade Events | Floral: Three Branches Floral | Custom Graphics/Menus: MF Creative Designs | Photography: Tamytha Photography | Venue: The Slate
The four themes include: sustainable entertaining, upscale southern comfort, a black tie affair, and a Texas Fall fete. A few safety-minded highlights presented in the project include:
✨Social-distanced seating options, including reduced capacity at each table and chairs spaced six feet apart
✨Immunity kits for guests
✨Individually portioned and covered hors d'oeuvres
✨Individually packaged beverages (yes, it’s okay to serve Topo Chico at an elegant gathering)
✨Hand sanitizer (we can make it look pretty!)
✨Wrapped and sanitized flatware
✨Glassware covers
✨Safety signage
Life and its special moments are not canceled, and while events are evolving, so are we. Trust us and our partners to help you safely (and beautifully) convene with those who matter most. Each of our four themes focus on mixing form and function for visually appealing tablescapes that meet today’s recommended guidelines for events.
Theme One: Sustainable Entertaining ⠀ ⠀
We love the nurturing elements of this tablescape. A safe and stylish environment that exceeds expectations so you can remain in the present without stress. This design called for earthy, organic tones and natural elements. We love the sweet potted centerpieces from Three Branches Floral for guests to take home and reuse, which pair nicely with our Terracotta Handmade Chargers. Printing the evening’s menu on each guest’s napkin provides a casual yet elevated feel to the evening. A nostalgic nod for us, is the Jan Barboglio Railroad Votive, which sets the mood for intimacy no matter the distance.
We also see the debut of Brigade Events Immunity Kits — small, individual parcels containing health-minded items such as a mask, hand sanitizer, and gloves, to name a few. Additionally, on-theme social distancing stickers were added to the floor as an elegant reminder for guests to keep safe distances between one another. Hand sanitizer is smartly packaged in personal glass bottles at each seat, individual hors d’oeuvres are safely covered by our elegant glass cloche, and guests’ chairs are socially-distanced.
Tabletop: Handmade Terracotta Charger (contact stylist for availability), Coupe China in Black, Lenox Radiance Summer China, Lucca Matte Black and Gold Flatware, Natural Linen Hemstitch Napkin, Avery Amber Water Glass, Mikasa Smoke Wine Goblets, Farmhouse Table, Midcentury Modern Chair with Ivory Cushions, Jan Barboglio Railroad Votives
Theme Two: Upscale Southern Comfort⠀
Rich, seasonal tones, natural wood chargers, and flecks of gold set the scene for this tablescape, perfect for a home setting or other venue. Magnolia leaves, a true Southern touch, are woven throughout, from the place cards to the floral centerpiece. Gorgeous florals feature rustic touches such as fall fruits and pine cones, and pops of vibrant color add a playful element. A special touch is a real marble etched emerald menu adorning our Vera Wang China, which makes for a truly luxurious dinner moment from MF Creative Designs.
Some health-minded features of this theme include individually boxed hors d’oeuvres, custom COVID-19 signage, and generously-spaced seating. And not to be forgotten, individual bottles of wine and nips of Jack Daniels to help warm your guests.
Tabletop: Granite Hunter Green Linen, Wood Beaded Charger, Wedgwood Vera Wang Marble China, Cutipol GOA White and Gold Flatware, White Hemstitch Napkin, Signature Gold Wine Glass, Elise Cut Crystal Whiskey Glass, Farmhouse Chairs with Natural Cushions
Check back for our next two themes.
