Is Your Cake Table A Statement Piece? Making the Most of Your Decor Dollars

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One of the biggest misconceptions in event planning ~ and really in life ~ is that those with plush budgets care less about value. We find that at every budget level, our clients are absolutely motivated to get the best value from the money that they spend.

A trend that we’ve been seeing for years that we think is especially powerful for those who want to get the best value for their decor dollars ~ which, again, we think is everybody ~ is the cake table as a statement piece. It’s not just a place for the bridesmaids’ bouquets anymore.

Going all out on the cake table is genius, really ~ every guest at the reception sees it, it plays a key role in events and photographs, and there is only one cake table, so even if you are going more minimalist on the rest of the tables at your reception, the cake table is an awesome place to splurge a bit ~ say, with bead curtains, bead strands, and crystals. Just hypothetically, of course.

Source: junkermanjonesevents.blogspot.com via Beth on Pinterest

Or with one delicate chandelier to highlight the cake.

Source: amyzaroff.com via Beth on Pinterest

We love the use of an antique mirror to get the most light and impact from the chandelier above this outdoor cake table ~ oh, and the beads and pendants.

Source: Uploaded by user via Beth on Pinterest

Again using the space above to highlight the cake(s), these crystal chandeliers (which are simple to pair with light saucers) inject luxury that will get lots of attention.

Source: illuminatedeventhire.com.au via Beth on Pinterest

We can’t resist this light, airy approach with a simple canopy to frame this pretty cake. (We can imagine that this idea would get props from guests at an outdoor reception, too ~ for practical, bug-repelling reasons as well as for aesthetics.)

Source: t-fairygodmotherofweddings.tumblr.com via Beth on Pinterest

And if a rustic chic event is your style, this spool embellished with jute runners and

Source: simplythinkshabby.blogspot.com via Beth on Pinterest

And of course, you had us at purple beads, and then throw in crystal columns and blingalicious candle holders, bead strands, and we’re yours forever ~ a gorgeous modern cake is just the (ahem) icing on the design.

Source: njweddingflorist.com via Beth on Pinterest

Whether you are working magic on every flat surface in your venue, or need to really wow in a few key areas, we think that the cake table is an outstanding opportunity to combine flavor, art, and design in a centerpiece for your entire event.

 

Does Your Wedding Have The Three Key Elements of a Luxury Event?

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One of the most fun things about our biz is that we get to see everything from sky-is-the-limit events with multimillion dollar budgets to simple, heartfelt affairs that people put their heart and soul into personalizing. One of the takeaway lessons that we’ve noticed from our years of serving the industry at every level is that the most luxurious events ~ the ones planned by big names, often for big names, with big budgets, always have three key elements. And including these three L’s ~ light, layers, and leitmotif ~ in your event (whatever size or budget you’re working with) will go a long way toward making your guests feel the excitement-mixed-with-awe that goes with attending a really stunning wedding.

The first element that we always see in luxury events is a sophisticated attention to and use of light. Often that means professional lighting to inject color and drama, but it can also mean positioning key parts of the event to take advantage of the best natural light, or adding well placed candles or LED lighting.

We love this example of amazing natural light (coming from a window to the left of the table), accented by two levels of candelabras, in an already gorgeous venue. (The arc of florals and imaginative use of the space above the table are also a great examples of the other two L’s, which kind of proves the point that these three elements together are the calling card of luxurious events.)



Here’s a dramatic example of light from many suspended candles repeated as centerpieces throughout an evening event. This luxurious look is done with hanging votives and bendable trees in tall vases, creating a completely different but equally elegant event partly through the skillful use of light.

Source: topdreamer.com via Beth on Pinterest



The second critical element that defines a luxury reception is layering. Simply put, the most luxurious events stack elegant details vertically to take advantage of the synergy that comes from their sharing space. In this case, a layered whole really is greater than the sum of its parts. This elaborately lit buffet highlights the power of layering, in this case with chandeliers ~ enhanced by beads and pendants ~ complimenting the tiered centerpieces. (Notice that the lighting is stunning as well.) The large mirrored cake table adds to the layering (with minimal cost) by reflecting the gorgeous display above.

Source: weddbook.com via Beth on Pinterest



This gold-hued room is another example of subtle layering to create a feel of creativity and opulence. The tall, natural branches serve as an earthy counterpoint to the fresh yellow florals, again embellished with hanging votives and beads.



Finally, (and we’ll admit to consulting Mr. Thesaurus to keep the alliteration going), every luxury event has a leitmotif ~ a theme that unifies the event and ties it all together. Whether you weave pink blooms and bling through your big day, as seen in this gorgeous tablescape …



Or plan a dream wedding inspired by the venue’s splendid ceiling and conveyed through clouds of crystal columns…



Every luxury event has a common thread that runs subtly through the decor, imbuing it with a sense of elegance and harmony.


Whether you’re planning your own million dollar reception, or just want some pro tips to make sure that your slightly simpler affair looks like a million bucks, these three L’s ~ light, layers, and leitmotif ~ are key to making reality match your vision of luxury.

How to Add Space for Seating, Sipping, and Sunning for less than $100

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As the warm air rolls in and those of us who enjoy four seasons start to reclaim our patios, decks, and sunrooms for the warmer months, we are checking out trends and inspirations for stylish, versatile outdoor furniture. Or, better yet, furniture that can make the transition from indoor to outdoor, day to evening, and seating to tables. They’re kind of the little black dress of home decor, really.

Meet a new generation of ceramic garden stools. A far cry from the couple of colors (and questionable quality) that used to be available, ceramic garden stools are now a versatile, affordable option that can be used as seating, as end or accent tables, and can even make a seamless transition from indoor to outdoor purposes depending on the season, number of guests, and aesthetic.

When we think of garden stools, we first think of something like these gorgeous outdoor dining and lounge areas ~ an easy way to add two low profile spots around a table, or a place to set a cocktail.




But we’re also seeing some super creative uses of these same stools, with amazing results. Like this trio of stools with a glass top ~ an instant table with visual interest and a ton of flexibility.



Whether you stick with the cobalt blue and white stools or mix and match some fun colors (we kind of love purple and green together, but that’s just us), this is such a cool way to have a table + seating + accent pieces depending on the day, your mood, and who shows up. (Oh, and a stunning candelabra for an accent. Yes, please.)


We’re also seeing these stools all over the great indoors, and we love the creativity that designers and regular folks (ok, regular folks with a good eye for design) find for them. Again, they are great for adding low cost, high interest seating when you have an extra person or two. Neutral colors and a high end pattern in this stool make for a subtle, pretty addition to this table. Add some tiered candles, and you’ve set a welcoming table for two or a crew.



Metallic stools fit in perfectly with a modern design. And really, what doesn’t fit in with this view?



One the best outside-the-box uses we’re seeing for garden stools is actually as super functional accent pieces in bathrooms. They’re just the right size to hold a basket of rolled hand towels or a few blooms (in a pretty vase of course) and books.



They can even serve as chic shower seating, whether you just need a spot to shave and moisturize, or a little more accessibility without compromising style.



Whether you’re freshening up your deck, working in the garden, or finding ways to make small pieces work double duty indoors and outdoors, we love the inspiring ideas that we’re seeing with today’s gorgeous garden stools. These simple, inexpensive, flexible pieces of furniture are hard to beat for pure bang-for-your-buck genius.

Our Favorite Things ~ Poppin’ Tissue (Paper Poms)

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We admit a tiny little situation in which we love to hear “Thrift Shop” on the radio (we hit a record three times in 30 minutes last weekend while kickin’ it old school with the actual take-what-you-get car radio), while we are just the slightest bit embarrassed to get so much enjoyment from a song with… well, where to start?

But we like to save money by scoring good deals, and we choose to believe that that is the moral of the story (song). And that’s one heck of a catchy saxophone line.

One of the best deals we’ve found lately in wedding and party decor is the tissue paper pom. They are inexpensive, easy to use, and great for adding pops of color (sorry, we couldn’t resist) to your venue, whether you are planning a wedding, a party, or a shower. If you have a tight turnaround to switch a space from ceremony to reception, or to be out so that the next event can take place, our poms are also a serious time saver because you can store them until you are ready to set up, and not worry about their sagging from humidity or sea spray before the Wedding March is played.


Whether you are getting married outdoors or need to define a ceremony space in a larger room, tissue paper poms are a lovely way to add a light, airy touch that still brings bold color to your event.



Need a wedding arch that is pretty and photogenic? Again, we love the way that a little creativity can save a lot of cash AND create the perfect frame for your I-dos. (The petals are a pretty way to create a defined, yet delicate aisle, too.)



Incorporating poms along the aisle unifies a large outdoor space while allowing the landscape to remain the primary decor.


We love the height and interest that poms add to the food table at this party ~ a pretty, budget-friendly way to add visual interest and to highlight the favors and goodies. (We think that some bead strands would be a nice touch here, too, and would totally take your cake table from day to night.)



For lack of a better word, we’ll call these pom-kebobs. Another do-able, high impact decor idea that’s achievable on a modest budget and perfect for a cake, present, or candy table.



And we can’t resist one more ~ you can even use tissue paper poms as a long, low centerpiece to add color and texture to your tables.



So whether you’re dressing your event in all pink (except your shoes), or simply need splashes of color quickly and easily, tissue paper poms fill a niche in wedding and party decor better than any other budget-friendly solution we’ve seen.

How to Use Paper Lanterns At Your Wedding Reception

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We’ve recently expanded our line of one of our favorite products, and we want to show you some of the best ideas we’re seeing at this year’s prettiest receptions.  Paper lanterns are elegant, environmentally friendly, and such a budget-friendly way to define a reception area.  We think that they are one of the absolute best ways to enhance the outdoor setting that captured your heart, or to personalize an indoor venue quickly and easily.   For decor that complements what is already beautiful about your venue while putting your event’s unique stamp on the scenery, you can’t beat paper lanterns.

During the day, staggering brightly colored paper lanterns emphasizes the vertical interest of a garden venue without obstructing your guests’ view and movement.

Source: projectwedding.com via Laura on Pinterest

The sheer density of white lanterns in this sumptuous overhead display adds a layer of simple elegance to a refined affair.



In this textured, open air setting, paper lanterns are a whimsical, cost-effective way to incorporate color and light without disturbing the natural beauty of the garden.



At dusk, lighted paper lanterns are the only decor necessary to set the stage for a stunning beach wedding. (Adding LED lighting to paper lanterns is a surprisingly easy, inexpensive way to take paper lanterns from day to night, getting the most from every dollar that you spend on decor.)


Likewise, a first dance on the patio never looks better than when it’s lit by the stars, sparklers, and white lanterns.



Pinch us, we may be dreaming. Paper lanterns woven into a dramatic overhead arrangement of chandeliers and lighting that is practically an art piece.

 

Whether you are planning an indoor or an outdoor wedding, a simple or an elaborate affair, paper lanterns are an excellent value to add color, height, and interest to your signature event.

How to Avoid Chaos at Your Wedding: Diana Marie Events Dishes about Decor, Details, and The Big Day

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We were thrilled when Diana Marie Events won our 2012 photography contest with this gorgeous image of her design incorporating our bead strands, centerpiece risers, jelly decor, and submersible floralytes working hard at her event, and we’re even more delighted to share some of her tips and tricks with all of you.  Diana Marie offers great ideas for making your big day a big success, and one that you and your guests will enjoy from start to finish.  All from someone who’s planned some, um, seriously fabulous weddings and events.

We learned a lot about today’s trends, about creating a unique and personal event, and about maximizing any budget by talking to her, and we think that you will, too.  From her in-the-know trend spotting to her advice for making the most of any budget, we love her enthusiasm and her experience.  And we also happen to love photographs like this one.

1.  Tell us a little bit about how you became an event planner.  What types of events do you typically plan?

I was always involved and actively planning various events and fundraisers throughout high school and college – all the details and work that goes into planning events is what I adore and enjoy doing.  I had helped many of my friends and sorority sisters plan their weddings while at UCF, and when my (actual) sister got engaged, I decided that I would take classes and become certified as a Bridal Consultant.  That turned into starting my own business during my last semester of school (then known as A Day to Remember, but changed to Diana Marie Events a few years later to encompass more of the events that we do), and I haven’t looked back!  Weddings are the majority of the events that we do throughout Florida and other states (Georgia, Louisiana, California, Washington DC, etc.) and internationally (Italy, Mexico, The Philippines and more), but we also do other social events like our Bridal Showcases, Vow Renewals, Bar & Bat Mitzvahs, Quinceañeras, Reunions, and galas.  We even do some corporate events as well.  I expanded my business from just planning/coordinating to including design and décor with creating centerpieces, ceremony designs, floral pieces and linens!

2.  What is your favorite part of your work?

The details!  It’s not just the design and décor details, but also the other intricate details that go into planning each event that makes each one its own unique event!

(Speaking of details ~ this centerpiece of florals, a variety of vases, and lighting embellished with bead strands and pendants shows exactly what a pro planner can do with blooms and bling.)

3.  What are the top five ingredients for a great wedding reception?

Definitely having an amazing DJ or live band that knows how to be upbeat, fun and an amazing emcee that will keep the party going!  Finding ways to get the guests up and dancing and interacting with one another is another ingredient, whether it is with food stations/trucks, dessert bars, photo booths, fun games, and more.  Another great ingredient is bringing the vision of the design and décor to life!  Bringing the design and décor to life is not just with the centerpieces, linens, drapes, and etc. – it also means bringing the right kind of lighting in to create depth and a better appreciation for everything around.

4.  What wedding trends do you love right now?  What do you love about them?

I am SO in LOVE with the vintage chic designs right now!  I love creating designs that incorporate this trend, while still utilizing the previous trend of crystals and bling.  A great deal of our couples and clients are having us design their wedding events to incorporate burlap and/or lace linens with the perfect floral arrangements (like baby’s breath with garden roses, peonies, carnations, gerbera daisies or succulents) in mason jars, while accenting the designs with mercury vases/votives and crystal bling!  I also love pairing vintage chic with some type of metallic (gold or silver) or glittery color, or some soft colors like mint, butter or soft pink!  I also love the pantone color theme of Emerald right now – so hot!  I love pairing it with silver or gold!

We couldn’t resist sharing this photograph that shows exactly what she’s talking about ~ we love the jute/burlap runner, tiered vases, and pretty florals.

5.  Any trends that you advise brides to avoid?  Why?

Honestly, not really.  One of the most important “words of advice” that I always share, remind and stress to my couples is to BE THEMSELVES and THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX.  Whether that means making their theme/design revolve around their love for Star Wars or their favorite sports team, or incorporating past trends that some say they are over (such as unity rituals, food trucks, etc.), it doesn’t matter!  A wedding is not just a chance for any two people to share their love for one another with their family and friends, but it is a chance to CELEBRATE their love in the way that they want to!  There are a lot of crazy details and nuances that my couples choose to incorporate into their wedding because it is what they want because it is who they are, and I don’t mind – it’s fun and it is them!  What I do try to steer them away from are favors that get left behind or are an after-thought.

6.  What are the “it” colors of 2013-2014 weddings?  How are you incorporating them in wedding and reception decor?

2013 is seeing a lot of Emerald incorporated into events, whether it is the main color or used as an accent – emerald looks AMAZING with silver or gold or yellow!  Right now mint is also popular, as well as a nectarine or mango color!  These colors can be incorporated throughout the wedding and reception décor, whether it is with the flowers, drapes, ceremony chuppah/Mandap/altar, linens, charger plates, dinner plates (love the mismatching vintage plates and cups!), votives, vases, and more!

7.  If a bride needs to stretch her decor dollars, what advice would you give her to make the most of a modest budget?

One of the first things I do with my Bride before I even go through budget breakdown is have her list in order of importance the vendors/details that she wants/needs – venue, photographer, décor, cake, catering, etc.  From there I do a general budget breakdown with my couple to show them what is the typical percentage breakdown for each vendor/area.  Then if we can take away from a few of the least important areas to them to add to the more important areas/vendors, we redo their budget.

8.  What signature luxury item would you recommend for a bride with a sky-is-the-limit budget?

Furniture!  Luxe linens!  And chandeliers!  If the sky is the limit, I would recommend furniture pieces that fit into their scheme, such as “King” and “Queen” individual love seats or love sofa for the couple at their sweetheart table, ghost chairs, acrylic tables, mandaps with richly-colored materials and elaborate floral accents, and more!  Incorporating linens that stand out with their textures and colors, such as the satin rosette or sequins.  And adding chandeliers or other ceiling pieces would add to the overall beautiful and luxury of an event, especially when the perfect lighting is incorporated to make the chandeliers and other ceiling pieces stand out and sparkle!

(We think that she means super luxe events like this one ~ you had us at bead curtains and ostrich feathers.  The chandelier was just icing on that to-die-for cake in the middle.)

9.  What are your favorite Shop Wild Things products?  How do you use them, and why do you love them?

I L♥VE L♥VE L♥VE the chandeliers, crystal columns and curtains!  These are versatile and add its beauty to the décor.  I love that they can be used for practically any theme/color scheme, such as a lavish bling event, outdoor garden party, vintage chic, and more!  Your lighting pieces are also a part of my inventory, and help to create the overall design look for our clients’ centerpieces and more!

10.  What is the number one misconception about working with a professional event planner?

It’s not all fun and games for us!  It’s not an extension of our own wedding (and I haven’t been married yet!)  It’s a stressful, physically and mentally-challenging, detail-oriented job.  It’s not a typical 9-5, 40- hours a week job; a “slow” week is at least 40 hours a week, going up to 80+ hours!  We aren’t just planning, dealing with details, going to meetings and walk-throughs; we also have to market and promote our business at the same time, while still networking within the industry.  We aren’t just a “planner” to the couple – we are also the contact person between all vendors, a designer, a logistics manager, a psychologist, and more!  Another misconception is that we aren’t needed.  It’s understandable if the Bride/couple wants to take care of all the planning, contacting vendors, and details.  But where I stand firm is that everyone should really have at least a Day Of Coordinator.  It is not fair to have your family and friends running around to make sure everything is set up for you, communicating with all the vendors the day of, and being behind the scenes rather than being right at the forefront with you.  When my sister got married, I hired a PT Day Of Coordinator for her to at least take care of the set-up.  I still had my planner/coordinator hat on through the entire day, being on the phone communicating with her vendors while having my hair and makeup done, sending the bridal party in and myself during the processional, and more!  I didn’t get to stay around after the ceremony for the pictures because I had to rush over to the reception venue to make sure everything was set up and help the vendors out there.  I did manage to eat my dinner, but I didn’t get to enjoy the rest of the reception – I was behind the scenes, and even went to their hotel suite to decorate it for their wedding night.  I missed out on the cake, bouquet toss, and EVEN missed my sister and brother in law leaving!

Thanks so much to Diana Marie for sharing her time and talent with us.  Her excitement about event design is contagious, and we love seeing Diana Marie Events use our products in new and creative ways.  We also want to thank the talented photographers whose images feature Diana Marie’s designs ~ Clearly In Focus Photography, Focused on Forever Weddings, Jonas Peterson Photography, and Regina Hyman Photography.  We are big believers in hiring established, talented professionals, and we think that the images shown here communicate perfectly the value of working with the best event professionals.

Modern Luxe | Maximizing Your Design Potential With Metal Chain Curtains

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One of the best parts of our work is the fact that we get to see what some of the world’s most creative designers do with our products.  When we had the opportunity to provide metal chain curtains to David Bromstad for his much talked about room in L. A.’s House of Rock, we jumped at the chance to see what he could do with them and, um, we weren’t disappointed.

Because he looked amazing.

Um, we meant *they* looked amazing.  The chain curtains.  Silly. See how he used panels to define the room and then cut them to emphasize the lines of the chandeliers, and to reflect their light throughout the room? Sigh. Amazing.

But you don’t have to have the initials DB to incorporate metal chain curtains into your home or project.  It helps, but it isn’t absolutely necessary.  Really, metal chain curtains are an elegant, functional option anywhere that incorporates clean design.

For example, here is a great example of another dining room with a luxe, modern feel that showcases the versatility of metal chain curtains, this time as a room divider.  The chain curtains, which can be custom ordered in almost any dimensions,  emphasize the room’s distinctive architectural features and high ceilings while allowing light to pass through and dividing the space without obscuring the view.

We also love this gorgeous bathroom ~ another thoroughly modern space with clean lines and a need for defined spaces within one large area.  Here, chain curtains offer the option to seclude the spa tub without closing it in, while highlighting the coffered ceiling.

Finally, chain curtains can maintain the open feeling of a space like this loft, maximizing light while clearly delineating the living and dining rooms.

Whether your next design project features metal chain curtains as the defining element, utilizes them as a room divider, or capitalizes on their unique potential as a light multiplying focal point, we know that you will be thrilled with their impact and versatility.

Avoid Common Wedding Spending Mistakes | How Well Chosen Custom Details Stretch Your Wedding Budget

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You may have seen this infographic circulating around Facebook recently ~ it’s a great snapshot of recent brides’ thoughts about their own weddings. And it’s a great chance for brides-to-be to learn from their newly married sisters’ mistakes, and to make the most of their wedding budgets. If experience is the best teacher, why not let other brides’ experiences help you make the most of your dollars on your big day?

Source:   http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/18/wedding-do-over_n_2903683.html

We weren’t surprised with the statistics that apply to what do ~ more brides wish they’d splurged a bit on photography and flowers, and almost no one ~ just 2% of brides surveyed ~ regrets their decor dollars.

That’s really a great look at wedding planning in a nutshell ~ we help the best event designers in the business every day, and we truly believe that their work will help you get the most value from every dollar that you spend. And we can prove it with a sampling of details from a recent extravaganza produced by Fresh Affairs and photographed by James and Meridith Walters of Walters and Walters in Raleigh, North Carolina.  (If you’re a regular reader, and we hope that you are, you might notice that we focused on tables and centerpieces from the same event last week ~ they are definitely good enough for two posts, and we have plenty more images to show you, too.)

For instance, setting the tone for your event with a custom entrance is an idea that we think  not only ups your guests’ amazement quotient, but stretches your budget by making sure that your reception’s first impression is perfect.  Let your friends and family know that you’ve thought of everything before they even find their table, and be sure that their first glimpse of your reception is a memorable one.  This entrance, designed by Fresh Affairs, features bead strands, acrylic pendants, ornamental candle holders, and a variety of vases and votives in varying heights and styles.  By the way ~ talk about making the most of your floral budget…  An experienced professional knows how to get the most impact from every stem, in this case interspersing candles to add romance without adding to the bill.

Another example of details that give you great return for your investment ~ these customized table linens.  With exquisite napkins and a bit of diamond wrap, you have a place setting that exudes elegance and attention to every guest.  Whether you have a royal budget for table linens, or add this custom note to the venue’s tablecloths, you’ve set your soiree apart with a cost-effective accent.

Here’s another example of a statement place setting, this time with color coordinated ribbon and acrylic beading accents.  We’re in love.

Finally, one of the most original treatments that we’ve ever seen for making a bridal bouquet a piece to remember ~ totally custom handles could include something borrowed or something blue, but they all bring the bling.  Just another place where the skills that an expert designer brings to the table show in the details.  (We’d love to see your bridal bouquet ~ we especially love ones that incorporate an heirloom handkerchief or pin with today’s trends.)

We so appreciate the power of good quality photography to convey the power of good design.  Our thanks go out to James and Meridith Walters of Walters and Walters for these images, and to Fresh Affairs for the concepts and design captured in them.  Take a page from the bridal survey, and let their experience be your teacher ~ good, classic wedding decor in the hands of a professional planner and photographer will be money well spent, and will leave you with no regrets.

How to Set a Table that Your Guests Will Adore

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We ooh and aah over centerpieces everywhere we go, but last week, we happened to run into the Facebook mother lode. (We might also stalk a certain blog, but that’s a story for another day.) Anyway… James and Meridith Walters (of Walters and Walters) made these fantastic photographs of Fresh Affairs’ 2013 Tabletop Extravaganza. This post really shows how professionals produce exceptional results, night after night and image after image. When you combine the talents of a gifted event designer and a floral genius, give them free reign to create tablescapes, and then have the results photographed by truly outstanding photographers, well…


If you need more inspiration for that luxurious 2013 wedding, here is a tented tablescape that is to die for. What was that about a Gatsby remake? We love the textured silver linens and the luxurious draping of fabric above the table. What an amazing way to set off a sweetheart table, or to repeat luxury throughout a room. Did somebody say bead strands and pendants? Does that place card have our name on it?





We have a thing for suspended florals anyway, and Fresh Affairs’ marrying of a delicate pastel florals in a muted gold vase with candles in cylindrical glass vases makes a stunner of a centerpiece.





Or, if you’re addicted to bling, this table sparkles with bead strands and pendants suspended above and flowing below ~ blingalicious perfection.





We couldn’t resist a close-up of the acrylic bead strands that flow from the table to the floor ~ sumptuous.





And of course, to see how emerald green can stop traffic at your tables, here’s a centerpiece that incorporates branches and willows in tall vases with suspended orchids and richly colored linens. In addition to this fabulous table, we love the dual bands of emerald ribbon on each seat ~ totally looks like these chairs were made for this wedding. Nothing like smart design to make the ordinary amazing.





We can’t resist showing you one more table ~ this one showcases a long, low centerpiece of dense blooms and candles in tiered vases.





And the counterpoint of natural ribbon again adds a custom touch that would work in a five-star hotel or in a rural setting.





So, the lessons here ~ layers, florals + candles, exquisite table linens, custom chair touches, and of course beads ~ in the hands of inspired pros ~ equal tables that range from simple elegance to sparkling drama. Wouldn’t your guests love to sit at any of these amazing tables?

Our sincerest thanks go out to Fresh Affairs and to James and Meridith Walters of Walters and Walters for sharing their work. We see a lot of gorgeous events that are much photographed, but nothing better than what they have going on in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Five Gorgeous Tables that Combine Natural Fabrics with Bling for Unfussy Elegance

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Some of our favorite event looks lately have been studies in point-counterpoint design. Think couture gown + cowboy boots, champagne + Mason jars, simple ceremony + luxe reception. Along those same lines, we are loving wedding decor that marries (ha) natural fabrics with a bit of sparkle for a high end look that is still down to earth. Whether you’re planning a luxury-laden soiree in a converted barn or serving barbecue in the fanciest venue in town, we think that the mix of shabby and chic is definitely worth a second look.


This stunning tented reception area shows how you really can have it both ways ~ the ambience of the great outdoors with climate control, beads and jute, class and a touch of drama without fussiness. We simply adore the way that a natural table runner, a tall candle stand, and a substantial vase add a note of elegance to this lovely table. Notice the strands of lights suspended above the entrance, too ~ pretty in the daytime and dramatic at night.



Here is another table set with the one-two punch of natural fabrics and some of our favorite shiny things. We’re such big fans of these delicious candle holders. The fabric wraps on the candle vases are a subtle touch, especially embellished with jewels or acrylic beads. And of course you know we love a strand of pearls scattered… well, pretty much anywhere.



Another super pretty use of burlap and bling ~ our weakness for chair sashes is well documented, and these are to-die-for. Add calligraphy and candles wrapped with bead strands ~ and you’ve set a gorgeous table. Oh, we kind of like the blingalicious candle holders, too.



Once again, a base of natural fabric runners, criss-crossed ~ but with bird cages instead of bling. And bud vases and votive candles. Love.



And then once in a while we run across an image like this one, and we’re just kinda speechless. Table toppers in natural fabrics, layers of sumptuous flowers, votives and candelabras on the tables, bead strands and votive holders suspended above. Can we get married again? Because we didn’t quite get that this was an option.



If you’re planning a spring or summer affair and looking for that mix of fabrics and details that says fun and fabulous, we think that the juxtaposition of jute and bling (and maybe a bird cage here and there) might just be a winning combination.

You might have noticed that Cedarwood, a historic venue in Nashville, Tennessee, is featured in several of these photographs. Be sure to check them out if you’re planning an event that requires just the right combination of rustic charm and Southern elegance.