You are cordially invited to our first ever 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. Visit digitally on our website to find a new designer featured every three weeks, or experience them all first-hand with a scheduled visit to our showroom now through the end of May.
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–something we all need in the monotony of forced isolation. 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 speaks to this moment. 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 into 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: ROBIN LINEK, MEADOWS MUSEUM
Having the opportunity to work with nonprofits that celebrate the art world is one of our passions. So of course, we couldn’t wait to set the table with Robin Linek, special events manager for The Meadows Museum–one of the Southwest's leading institutions and home to one of the largest collections of Spanish art outside of Spain. We’ve long admired Robin’s ability to create unforgettable moments in the museums’ three gorgeous event spaces. From small receptions to elaborate formal dinners, Robin’s inspired events are reflective of the masterful art at her disposal. (Doesn’t this just sound like a dream job?) It came as no surprise that it is the hallowed halls of The Meadows Museum that sparks her creative and masterful layering of rentals or that her dream collaborator would be a member of the Spanish royal family. (Robin, we LIVE to see this collaboration happen, by the way!)
Robin's love of travel, etiquette, and culture blend beautifully on the table and her IG TV series “Culture Corner”. It was an honor for our own Jami Goetze to sit down as a guest for the three-part series “The Art of Events” to discuss the importance of rentals in bringing an event to life. (You can find the series on Robin’s IG page here.) For the P.O.S.H. Designer Series, she designed an elegant tablescape that captures the sophisticated essence of the bon vivant. Robin innately understands creativity always pays off, especially in such historic atmospheres. She begins with linens, applying different textures to find new combinations, much like an artist composing on a blank canvas. Get to know more about Robin and her artful tablescape below.
TABLE TALK
First things first, tell us a bit about yourself for someone who may not be familiar.
I’m the special events manager at the Meadows Museum, SMU. The museum is home to one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of Spanish art outside of Spain. The collection spans from the 10th to the 21st centuries and includes medieval objects, Renaissance and Baroque sculptures, and major paintings by Golden Age and modern masters. In addition to my work as the special events manager, I also host a weekly web series for the museum, Culture Corner which explores the traditions of Spain. My background is in theater, and I use my experience as a storyteller to design events.
How do you let a table tell a story?
I’m so glad you asked this question, as it’s the lynchpin to my thought process when designing an event. For me, the story begins to unfold as soon as the guests arrive onsite. Each detail reveals more of the design (just like the plot of a play) and it continues until the guest is seated at the table. Here the quality of the materials used to create each design element really culminate to create an unforgettable experience.
What inspired this design?
Every event at The Meadows Museum is designed around a work (or works) of art. When we gather, it is almost always to celebrate an exhibition or acquisition. For this table, we used Still Life with a Basket of Fruit, Anonymous, 17th century which hangs in one of our beautiful event spaces. (Pictured second image from top, courtesy of The Meadows Museum website.)
What is your favorite rental piece on this table and why?
The two chargers are my favorite pieces on the table. I love the layered look and how it captures the spirit of the art.
Who would you want to bring to this table?
I would love to bring our founder, Mr. Algur H. Meadows to the table. I think he’d be pleased to see how the museum has grown since he established it in 1962.
READY FOR THE CLOSE UP
Tablescape Vibe: The bold and the beautiful, baroque edition.
Palette: The Midas touch–a rich foundation of gold and amber flourished with decadent detailing.
Conversation Piece: Isn’t it clear? The still life oil on canvas, beautifully reflected by the gold and crystal, darling. These masterful elements capture the very essence of living an artful life and are sure to transport you to the Golden Age of Art.
Table and Chair: The iconic Chiavari Chair in gold, which is as sturdy as it is stunning–especially in the sensory halls of The Meadows Museum.
Dress Up: The baroque print of Versace’s reimagined archive prints would definitely fit the scene. However, we lean towards a more modern Spanish influence with Loewe’s Spring collection in all its theatricality, inflated volumes, and sculpted curves. Being ever the artistic guest, you choose your own adventure, even with your outfits.
THE HAUTE LIST
White Linen, Rattan Square Charger, Kim Seybert Laurel Charger, Marchesa Shades of Ivory Dinner Plate, Versailles Dinner Plate, Cutipol GOA White + Gold Flatware, Gold Floral Lace Demitasse, Vintage Clear Crystal Goblet, Vintage Amber Goblet
You can find Robin on IG @bigdbigapple @meadowsmuseumdallas or online at https://meadowsmuseumdallas.org You can find Tamytha at Tamytha Cameron Photography and @tamytha on IG.
Let’s play musical chairs. Take a seat with more names to know in our P.O.S.H. Designers Series.
Emily Clarke, Emily Clarke Events | The Detail Department
