fun & festive:

stainless steel martini glass ($1.15)

ice blue salad plate ($1)

green and  blue polka dot dinner plate ($1.15)

relaxed vintage:

vintage bird salad plate ($1)

brown dinner plates ($1.15)

silver flatware ($.50)

rustic chic:

red dinner plate ($1.15)

pinecone salad plate ($1)

white mug($1)

petite white bowl ($1)

silver flatware ($.50)

classic & bold:

white dinner plate ($1.15)

poinsettia salad plate ($1)

cosmo champagne flutes($1.15)

red goblet ($1.15)

silver flatware ($.50)

trendy casual:

icon green salad plate ($1)

white dinner plate ($1.15)

green goblet ($1.15)

elegant ice:

silouhette blue dinner plates ($1.15)

white goblet ($1)

white salad plate ($1)

petite white bowl ($1)

silver flatware ($.50)

glam:

red dinner plate ($1.15)

boutique black salad plate ($1)

black wine glass ($1.15)

black stemless wine glass ($1.15)

silver flatware ($.50)

sparkly cocktail:

plum wine glasses ($1.15)

black martini glasses ($1.15)

silver martini glasses ($1.15)

check out more styles on our inspiration page. to reserve stylish tableware for your holiday party contact us today! remember there are no minimums for delivery. set the table and set the mood!

cheers!

there are about 50 days left until thanksgiving! so if you’re hosting the big dinner this year, now is the time to place your tableware rental order. for thanksgiving, renting tableware isn’t a luxury; renting is a stress-reducing-time-saving-compliment-gathering essential.

renting tableware is easy and very cost effective. prices start around $1! you place your order (by emailing us) and we drop off your items a couple days before your celebration. it makes life easier and on thanksgiving, that’s exactly what you need. but if you need more reasons…here’s 3:

1. stress-reducer: it’s just one less thing to worry about! no need to worry about finding an expensive centerpiece (that will just be removed once the turkey goes down) or having to frankenstein together enough glasses to accommodate the entire family. head of the table supplies glasses, dinner plates, salad/dessert plates, bowls, mugs, and flatware for up to 40 guests.

2. looks matter: listen, this isn’t some random thursday-night dinner hoo-haw. this is thanksgiving! if you expect your guests to come dressed in more than sweatpants, you better have more than paper plates to eat on! make it a special occasion by making it a special table. using your everyday plates makes it feel like an everyday meal. if you use stylish and unique plates and glasses, you’re setting the mood before guests even sit down!

3. diva’s don’t do dishes: if you love spending hours before dinner in the kitchen cooking delicious sides and smelling a fragrant turkey, you’re not alone! if you like spending hours after dinner, scrubbing grandma’s lipstick off the wine glasses and hand-washing your china, you’re alone….which you probably are, while everyone else reclines in the living room. renting from head of the table means not having to do dishes. simply rinse your rented tableware and put it aside!

contact us to place your order!

p.s.- don’t want to worry about setting your table either? head of the table is available for tabletop design or to set your table upon delivery!

first, obvi, comes the invite. i ordered these adorable monkey business invites from courtney winet designs. another tip: send your invites in a coordinating envelope. it’s so much more intriuging to get your mail and see a bright green envelope peaking out at you, than just another white one.

another great thing about using the nursery theme to guide your shower is that you can use pieces in the shower and then send them home with mom to use in the nursery. i had courtney send me the monkey face she used in the invites and i printed a 16×20 poster {at walgreens} and framed it.

when you’re having a meal at a shower then it’s a must to set the table. setting a great table is just adding to the decor and that’s why fun plates and glasses are essential for tying the look together. this table would not come off “jungle chic” if there were paper plates or white plates sitting there.

create a jungle-themed tabletop with these rentals:

palm leaf dinner plates: available to rent @ $1.15/ea

bamboo flatware: available to rent @$.50/ea

green glasses: available to rent @$1.15/ea

I also used the monkey faces as accents on the fireplace, on the champagne glasses {available to rent @$1.15/ea}, and in the banana muffins. It was an inexpensive thing to do and helped carry the theme throughout the party.

cheers!

if you’re a trendy hostess than you no doubt know that this perfectly pink-coral color, honeysuckle is all the rage this summer. of course Head of the Table has the perfect plates for your fabulous honeysuckle party.

coral dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, and mugs are available to make your summer party pop! remember renting is more cost effective than buying and real is always better than fake…aka paper!

cheers!

party decor before guests even walk in the door is a sign of an excellent party to come! i love this over-sized lantern on the front porch with the duck and “bubbles”. adorable!

the centerpiece on the table was a great mix of theme & gift. a baby wash tub was the base and was spilling out with “bubbles” made of various-sized white balloons.

there were tons of duckie-details around the party. including bowls filled with water and floating bath toys…that were sent home with me! that is one of my favorite “hostess tricks” for baby showers…use gifts as decor. the mom-to-be will not only get good use out of it but then it also serves as a reminder of the fabulous shower!

this is a great idea that is easily replicated at any shower of any theme. for party favors guests picked up little containers filled with post-its and “dazzled” pens in the party-colors. start by purchasing thicker pens, rolling them in glue and then dipping/rolling the pens in a combination of colored beads.

when guests arrived they were asked to write advice for me on a paper duck. the ducks were then displayed along the mantel. i love “double duty!”

one of my fav, fav, favorite details were these homemade {yes, homemade} duckie cupcakes. {i told you these hostesses were talented!}

of course since the baby shower took place in st. louis, the hostesses rented champagne glasses and wine glasses from head of the table.

thank you to the wonderful hostesses who went above and beyond!

cheers!

tableware featured:  vibe salad plates ($1/each), trattoria white dinner plates ($1.15/each) , black martini glasses ($1.15/each), and stemless black wine glasses ($1.15/each).

table designed by alred wedding consultants; photographed by von devore photography. to see more photos of the table pick up the spring/summer issue of saint louis bride.

want some more yellow, black and white tabletop inspiration? visit our inspiration page for an alternative plate that works for this theme.

cheers!

splurge: red bird plate from pier 1 $5/each

steal: renting vintage bird plate from head of the table $1/each

splurge: polka dot plates from target 6 for $12steal: polka dot plates rented from head of the table 6 for $6.90 {p.s.- these are porcelain and the ones from target are plastic!}

splurge: garden dessert plates from west elm 4 for $32

steal: green swirl “icon” dessert plates rented from head of the table 4 for $4

there are no minimum orders for delivery for items rented from head of the table. there is a delivery/pick-up charge…but with all the money you’re saving by renting, it’s still a great deal! set the table like you’ve never heard of the word budget…it will be our little secret!

cheers!

the tablesetting was, of course, unique and festive because of the tableware from head of the table. seriously, try to imagine this table with white dishes and it total loses it’s spark.

featured: polka dot dinner plate, ice blue salad plate, desire stainless martini glass, eurostyle flatware.

the centerpiece was super easy- hot pink fabric, white candles, glitter “snow”, and just to tie in some green- sequins sprinkled amongst the snow.

in addition to the candle centerpiece, i added a hanging centerpiece – blue ornaments tied to the chandelier with hot pink gauze.

i used a large glass ornament as the center-anchor, regular-sized ornaments hanging at various lengths, and then a couple of snowflake ornaments for some sparkle. the regular ornmanets are from hobby lobby and the glitter snowflakes are from the dollar store! the glass ornament in the center is just one i’ve had for years.

well what’s a {good} party without a bar?!

the bar was really easy to create and was stunning behind the set-table. it really did tie the party together. above the buffet i have a canvas print that i covered with hot-pink fabric. the snowflake pattern is just wrapping paper that i attached to the fabric. i didn’t stop the paper on the wall- for a more dramatic effect, i let it run down the center of the buffet. of course, like the table, the bar wouldn’t be nearly as cute and tied-together without the stemware from head of the table. featured are: desire stainless martini glasses, green goblets, and white wine glasses. (all available to rent for $1.15).

the adorable “making spirits bright” sign is from courtney winet design. i thought the saying was appropriate above the place where you serve the spirits.

the non-alcoholic options at the bar…available because, well, they match the color-theme. the tags around the jones soda are from hobby lobby.

cheers!

]]> http://www.headofthetablerental.com/seasonal/making-spirits-bright/feed/ 3 http://www.headofthetablerental.com/party-prep/sneak-peek-making-spirits-bright/ http://www.headofthetablerental.com/party-prep/sneak-peek-making-spirits-bright/#comments Fri, 10 Dec 2010 15:02:43 +0000 Kim http://www.headofthetablerental.com/?p=445 here is a sneak peek at a very festive, very girly, christmas party table that i will be sharing early next week.

featured: desire martini glass, polka dot dinner plate, ice blue salad plate

if you’re searching for a unique theme for your holiday party- retro is the way to go! a couple years ago i hosted a 1959 new years eve celebration and it was a hit! check it out here!

so when i saw rue magazine recently featured a 1959 christmas party it made me want to tease my hair big {like i don’t already}, pour something fizzy, throw some tinsel on the tree and party like its 1959 all over again!

watch the behind the scenes of the magazine shoot here to gather inspiration:

Rue Magazine: Ribbons from Shark Pig on Vimeo.

or the music video to put you in the mood:

Rue Magazine: Marshmallow World from Shark Pig on Vimeo.

rue mag even gives you printables that you can use for your party or just for your gifts!

to download the retro gift tags visit rue magazine here. to read the article and the incredibly stylish magazine click here.

setting a retro table will be key to making your party seem like a legit flashback. not everyone has vintage, or vintage-looking plates laying around though…luckily {for those hot 1959 st. louis hostesses} head of the table has just the salad/dessert plate:

available to rent for $1/each

or if you want to recreate the rue magazine christmas party, these green and blue polka dot plates would be perfection along with stainless steel martini glasses:

available to rent for $1.15 (plates) and $1.00 (martini glasses) each.

cheers!

idea #1: the hidden message
my mother-in-law loves to hide little games and messages under our dinner plates. it’s a fun way to get the table talking and plus, who doesn’t love a little surprise! that’s why when courtney winet designs offered to do these striped-placemats i knew the hidden message under the plate was a perfect surprise for guests.

idea #2: a talking centerpiece

okay, so it doesn’t actually talk but it gets the table talking. again, from courtney winet designs comes thanksgiving sentiments that you can cut out and attached to your centerpiece, stemware, or even as napkin rings.

my favorite is the one that says “i’m thankful for______” – have guests fill in the blank and get the conversation flowing at the table.

idea #3: unique tableware

if one thing is for sure, this table wouldn’t be quite as striking without the stylish plates and colorful stemware! all tableware items are available to rent at www.headofthetablerental.com. plates are $1.15 (dinner) and $1.00 (salad) each. stemware is just $1.00 each. plus they can be returned without having to wash them! to add some more interest to the table, i alternated the salad plates – green and brown – at each placesetting. don’t be afraid to mix and match complimentary plates.

idea #4: fruit centerpiece

is there anything that doesn’t look better without some sequins? i think not. i added sequins and puff-paint to these pears i had in my fruit basket.

other ideas: oranges, apples, gourds, oh my! don’t be afraid to get the glitter out either. another great thing is that by simply lining your table with your bedazzled fruit, you can easily clear it when its time to put the turkey down!

to print your own placemats and sentiment tags visit courtney winet designs here.

cheers!

having thanksgiving dinner around a table that looks like that is like serving a turkey without any sides…blah, boring, and no one wants to come back next year. in 5 steps you can transform that snoozy-table into this cozy, woodland-themed table:

step 1:

add a colorful blanket or cover. ordinarily, i wouldn’t choose a plaid, fleece blanket as the perfect table covering. but just wait- it’s the perfect backdrop and they are easy to find. if you don’t have a blanket, fabric stores sell fleece by the yard.

step 2:

nothing transforms a table like unique tableware!

adding these pinecone salad plates on top of the white dinner plate sets the entire mood of the table! {they were actually my inspiration for the table!} also, spice up your utensils! instead of silver flatware, these wooden-esqe handled fork, knife, and spoon all help to create that woodland’s feeling. the white coffee mug is set on top of a small bowl. this makes for an interesting presentation when it comes time for coffee & dessert- simply turn over the bowl and serve your pumpkin-ice cream.
all items are available to rent at headofthetablerental.com – items start at $.50-$1.15. it makes for a cost-effective way to stylishly set your table.

step 3:

add some dazzle to a boring pinecone centerpiece by spray-painting the cones. i also added a square of burlap under the vase to tie the table together and add some great texture. pinecones are an excellent centerpiece option for fall & winter tabletops 1. because they have an interesting shape and can be spray-painted to match your theme and 2. they are inexpensive! just a hike through the park and you’re set!

step 4:

i love these menu cards create by courtney winet designs. you can download the template here. courtney simply used a hot-glue gun to add the sticks around the perimeter of the cards. details are what make this table cute & cozy!

step 5:

a final touch that really makes you feel like you’re dining all ugg-clad, furr-baby, cabin in the woods-like, is to add blankets, throws, and pillows to the chairs.

watch the table transformation take place on great day st. louis here!

cheers!

table #1 – how to transform your thanksgiving table from boring:

….into a cozy, woodland’s themed table:

i can’t wait for you to see more of this table because once you see it, you’ll be inspired to recreate it for a winter-themed or christmas tabletop…is spans november-february dinner parties!

featured: pinecone salad plate (rent for $1/ea), white dinner plate ($1.15), cosmo wine glass ($1), white mug for your coffee ($.75)…placed a top a petite bowl ($.75) that you can flip over and serve your pumpkin ice cream or other dessert in, bamboo flatware ($2/set).

table #2 – simple solutions for setting a unique table. one of those tips, i’ll share now – bedazzle your pantry for an easy centerpiece…

great day st. louis will air the inspiring tabletop how-to’s on monday, november 22 at 10am.

cheers!

the perfect mashed potato martini glass:

desire stainless steel martini glasses from head of the table
rent for only $1/each!

cheers!

when guests arrived: champagne for sipping…

the champagne glasses are available to rent for just $1/each! chic! i wish i had been around to get some shots of those full of bubbly and the candles lit…

the dinner table…



the placesettings were rented from head of the table and included the swirl dinner plate {that acted as the charger/ $1.15/each}, cosmo wine glasses {$1/ea}, white wine glasses{$1/ea}, and euro flatware {$.50/ea}. the meal consisted of 5 courses that were served on tableware including ice blue salad plates {$1/ea}, white salad plates {$1/ea}, ice blue bowls {$.75/ea}, and my favorite – dessert in a stainless steel martini glass {$1/ea}.

some details…
the florals are from belli fiori in st. louis and consisted of white roses and succulents – which turned out to be the perfect complement for an elegant but casual summer dinner outdoors…

menu cards, invitations, and fans were done by courtney winet designs…the blue and white stripes not only were nautical chic but also brought out that beautiful blue in the plates…

i had a custom tablerunner created out of blue & white striped fabric, which like the menu cards just brought the entire look together…

some other elements that i didn’t get to capture on camera included using raffeta to synch the linens around the cocktail tables and the use of candles – including floating ones in vases on the bar to bring the pool-element indoors.

cheers!

have you ever seen such cute e-invites? i love, love! not only are they chic but more eco-friendly than paper invites…kinda like real plates and stemware are more eco-friendly {and stylish} than paper plates. after you customize your invites on paperless post you send them using “stamps”. and party divas, it’s your lucky friday…paperless post is giving head of the table hostesses 35 free stamps! that means you can send 35 incredibly darling electronic invites for free….meaning you can spend that money on more wine for the party. win-win. click here to redeem!

cheers!

i don‚Äö√Ñ√¥t particularly like camping. there, i said it. i think it‚Äö√Ñ√¥s the whole dirty part of it. nothing is ever clean in a campground. for not liking camping i do enjoy the things that are part of the deal ‚Äö√Ñ√¨ nature, s‚Äö√Ñ√¥mores, the smell of firewood, grilling‚Äö√Ѭ∂.if only it were cleaner. i got the best of both worlds when i decided (at the very last minute) create a camping-themed tabletop for my father-in-law’s birthday dinner. not only is he a fan of camping but his menu request was ribs‚Äö√Ѭ∂i hardly break out the uber-fancy placesettings for ribs people. so my challenge was to create this tabletop in less than a day, using everything i already had! while this freaked me out, i imagine its how most people prepare for a party. get out the bug-spray and prepare to sweat, a camping-themed (in one day) tabletop‚Äö√Ѭ∂.

the placesettings consisted of plates available to rent from head of the table – brown dinner plates ($1.15 each) and icon green salad plates ($1.00 each)that were the perfect color combo for a camping-themed table. bamboo flateware ($.50 each) and green stemware ($1.15 each). if i can take a minute to point out that although it was a camping-themed dinner it was still a nice dinner, no paper plates allowed! i think paper is an insult to the chef. there, i said it.

a closer look at the place-cards ‚Äö√Ñ√¨ marshmallows on wooden skewers (easy and straight out of my pantry!) placecards from the pantry if you will…

the centerpiece – a tabletop grill….

…that also served as the bread basket in the center of the table…

more details…

cheers!

cheers!

for those that like to keep is sweet & simple:

via martha stewart

for those that want a challenge:

via craftstylish
{i think the placemat is a really cute idea. but, dude, if you’re going to go through all that trouble, at lease pick out a tie in a cute fabric!}

cheers {to my non-tie wearing, yet good dresser and supporter, dad}!

you can still pick up an issue (free at certain grocers in st. louis) or order one online. the article featured tons of {easy and} fantastic tips on throwing a fresh and fun pasta bar party. you’ll love it and rush to start water boiling for your noodles.

don’t you love those flowers? they’re from belli fiori, my local florist. {i love saying ‘my local florist’…it makes me feel fancy…but for real, they are my local florist!} the flowers along with breadsticks in the glass vases made up the centerpieces. part-edible centerpiece, part-beautiful.

cheers!

check out the issue here! i especially love the tabletop article in this month’s issue {page 70}…jodi, your article was the story of my life a couple years ago…one too many dishes later and head of the table was born! if you live in st. louis and have the same love for tablesettings as jodi (and myself) then your problems are solved because you have a place to rent plates and stemware with pattern, color, and pop! thanks nesting newbies!

wait! the love doesn’t stop there…the new issue of st. louis entertains magazine is out and guess who threw a {fabulous} dinner party and was featured?! if you’re in st. louis the magazine is available now! here is where you can find a copy.

where else can you get a serving of head of the table? follow us on twitter and facebook! check out our website full of inspiration and to rent tableware for your next party.

cheers!

you know i’m always looking for a simple but chic way to incorporate details into a party. i thought this was an easy but charming accessory for a drink via charm and salt – a ribbon tied onto the straw. it’s an easy way to incorporate your color-theme.

another idea is to use ribbon as a way to mark drinks. choose a couple different colors and tie to the straws or wine stems. it not only dresses up the cocktail but also helps guests to locate their drink after they’ve been, uh, overserved…

for the yummy pina colada recipe visit charm & salt.

cheers!

table #1 = wall art from a bathroom:

table #2 = flowers from my guest bedroom:

table #3 = a door stop:

the table cloth? extra fabric i had purchased to recover a lamp shade:

the backdrop? wrapping paper:

what have you re-purposed from around your house on your tabletop?

cheers!

buttons, buttons, buttons…glued to the ends of the tablerunner…

…lining the center of the table…

…as garland hanging over the top of the table…

i love this party favor idea – with or without the button accessories {but preferably with!}…recipe boxes:

the extra credit…so you’d have a pretty adorable tabletop filled with details if you just did the above. if you start channeling your inner-martha and want some extra credit these are worth loosening up those purse-string buttons and getting crafty:
menu cards:

mini-cakes:

centerpieces:

the table was created by the carter & cook events
photography by jessica claire
more at wedding chicks

cheers!

the details are fabulous including the plates wrapped with the paper placecards, eggs used in the centerpiece and “tattooed” and the little notes like “bright eyed bushy tailed”….


rule #1 to setting a fantastic table – real plates that enhance the rest of your tablesetting…(it doesn’t hurt to have an incredible-looking food on said plate)…

the table was actually created as inspiration for an am wedding reception by the magnificent wedding designers at amorology – check out the blog for a lot more inspiration – including this wedding which i think would translate into a perfect baby shower with a “sound of music” theme. love, love!

for those that are lucky enough to live in st. louis and want to re-create this table – start with a bright tablecloth, add h.o.t.t. ice blue plates,these champagne flutes, florals in a yellow centerpiece and you’ve got an easy, yet amazing, brunch tablesetting.

for more photos of the ‘sunny side up’ tabletop visit amorology
photos by rippee photography

cheers!

the table was designed by the saint louis chess club to promote the u.s. championship may 13-25. best of luck players…perhaps a celebration party will be in order.

cheers!

doesn’t it just look so fresh and healthy? i mean, i eat a bowl of ice cream every night like the next girl, but i also crave a little greenery…

the table was created by st. louis based, solae and featured organic fruits and veggies in glass cylinders. all green and glorious…

while we’re talking about environmental impact, remember head of the table is the eco-friendly & smartest solution for st. louis hostesses looking to entertain in style. we provide fun patterned plates and colorful stemware so you don’t have to choose paper and plastic when entertaining at home.

this organic tabletop is a simple concept that you could recreate for a garden party/fresh dinner party featuring locally grown foods/ birthday party for that hippie friend of yours who was on this organic kick before the rest of us had to learn it from food inc…in good health my party peeps…in good health.

cheers!

the centerpiece for the table were three house-plant palms. to give the table even more height and the feeling that we just, you know, set up a dinner party in the middle of the jungle, i added a light gauze overhead.

the table covering was a combo of two different colored burlap clothes, palm leaves and netting. to balance out the high centerpieces i added a lot of succulents in black spray-painted pots. party favors included placecards & menu cards that attendees could take home and use for their own jungle party!

the gauze covering was draped over 3 bamboo stalks.

the stalks were placed inside tall vases filled with sand. additionally we secured clamps under the burlap and then tied twine through the clamp and around the bamboo.

sometimes last minute ideas make a party! in this case, the day before i walked into the dollar store and saw these monkeys. i bought them without knowing what i would do with them…turned out they were just the detail the table needed…

and for all those that don’t believe a plate can make a tablesetting…the venue came around and replaced my plates with their plates for lunch…blah…

…verses…beautiful!

what i love about the jungle-themed party is it could be used for a kids party, baby shower, bridal shower, adult birthday party, or dinner party! it spans all ages!

tomorrow i’ll show you some other designer tables from the event!

cheers!

if you’re interested in seeming more jungle-themed photos follow-us on twitter (@headofthetable) or join head of the table on facebook for a link to the photo album.

here’s a sneak peek at the tabletop i featured today at a charity tabletop event. i’ll have more pictures to share of my jungle-themed table as well as some of my favorite tables from other designers including fresh ideas like a chess-themed table & a organic food-themed table…yippee!

cheers!

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

does it count as a baby shower if there isn’t a diaper cake? doubtful.

for above the bar i purchased a life ring and added the baby’s name, “mack”. the ring also doubled as one of my gifts that they could later hang in the nursery.


that is one of my favorite tricks when hosting a shower. if you’ve got nice decor that will work in the nursery- let it do double duty as a gift.

the bar was set with red and white goblets and blue plates that are perfect for the nautical theme and available to rent for $1.15 each!

some more details…

i used fishing net and pinned various baby and beach elements from it. this was hanging above the gift area.



did i start taking it too far by wrapping diapers in the fabric i used for the party? perhaps, but i admit i have a problem.

and we played games…there was the smelling of the diaper…


which reminds me…
the sign on the bathroom:

…and the tasting of the baby food…

…and a timed-test of the hubby strapping his wife into a baby bjorn. some were pros…

…and well, lets just say they have two months to read the directions (as dad-to-be strapped this on upside down)…

if you can imagine there are more pictures from this party! if you’d like to check them out you can find the album link on my twitter page (@headofthetable) or join head of the table on facebook!

i also wanted to give a shout-out to celebrations at home who provided some excellent inspiration!

cheers,
kim

i love this centerpiece idea. the hostess took a foam letter and wrapped it in yarn. love, love! this is so anthropologie {without the price-tag!}…

look-up! i’m so happy she paid attention to the lighting above and decorated it with a boa, cut-out birds, and pictures of the parents-to-be…

other details i loved…
yellow bird-cage for cards:

a hand-made pin for the guest of honor to wear:

menu cards that matched the invites and favors:

the only thing missing from the tablesetting were some head of the table plates to make it pop, right? if only these creative little birds lived in st. louis! i’m thinking coral dinner plates with white goblets.

for more details visit living eventfully

cheers!
kim

i came across the sweetest party via jl designs. it’s a first birthday party created by the {clearly} talented photographer, sarah chen, for her daughter. although the party was featured back in november, what really struck me was that it is perfect inspiration for an easter or springtime soiree.

the details are precious and would be easy to replicate yourselves – from small groupings of pink and white flowers to the triangle flags. i’ll let the pics speak for themselves…and let you party divas recreate this in your own backyards this spring…

for more details and pictures visit sarah chen or jl designs.

cheers!

for me the key to this chanel-inspired table was the use of the tweed runner down the center of the table. its classic chanel and gives the table sophistication. since most fabric stores will carry tweed, it would be so easy to recreate step 1. loving this…

step 2 – centerpieces. a mixture of white vases in different shapes and sizes.

flowers – keeping it simple with red and white.

the details: books on chanel, paris, fashion…more tweed fabric, lace, shots of red, and name cards written in calligraphy…

i’d love to see this tablescape recreated for a party. i think the cost would be minimal for decor that looks couture! please share if you end up recreating this.
read more about how and why this table came to be on style me pretty. and check out more pictures and the creators over at the stylish soiree (who have tons of other amazing work showcased!).

cheers!

…and if you’re in the st. louis area, i can! check out www.headofthetablerental.com for your perfect easter or spring tableware.

maddycakes contest ends february 28 so get hopping, er, get cracking, er, get going on that tablesetting.

cheers!

loving this blue and green table by tory burch. the idea of using small potted plants gives this table a relaxed feel but also adds a great complement to the blue plates.

notice the bamboo flatware? it totally makes that table and completes the earthy feel she was going for. you could pay $145 for 5-pieces, chop and widdle your own from your backyard tree, or rent for $.50/each.

feeling bold and colorful? this art-inspired table was created by christopher coleman and fashion designer angel sanchez. they thoughtfully chose black stemware for the placesettings – clear would just absorb the color and the black is like an art statement on the table.

gorgeous. and if you have $85 to spend on art that grandma can smear her lipstick all over then i say brilliant. if you don’t you can rent black stemware for $.75/each. perfection.

this table by carolyne roehm has a richness about it. while she lets the color speak down the center of the table she uses green tableware to set a cool complement to the vibrancy of her centerpieces. i love that she didn’t shy away with her tableware by using white. using color for placesettings completed the look and makes this table designer-worthy.

i don‚Äö√Ñ√¥t have a price on the green stemware that she used…but I‚Äö√Ñ√¥m going to bet you can‚Äö√Ñ√¥t purchase it yourself for $1.15/glass.

visit house beautiful for more tabletop inspiration…and then visit head of the table to rent that look for less!

cheers!

i’m loving these because it totally looks like they took that exotic looking house plant from the corner of the living room and used it as a centerpiece. love, love!

then line the center of the table with colorful ribbons and fill a collection of jars with candles….

oh, and wrap some foliage around the legs of the table. the only thing missing from this table are these plates.

okay, so clearly large pots aren‚Äö√Ñ√¥t just space-fillers ‚Äö√Ñ√¨ they are centerpieces…

take a step back and look…

i love the use of all natural coloring and how it can even make an impact. here’s another tip to steal- large plants around the corners of the table. Set the mood all around!

another idea I love – individual décor stylings on each placesetting.

instantly transform of your table with colorful pillows on each seat…

even if you don’t have colored pillows, buy a variety of colorful fabrics and wrap up pillows you already own.

this centerpiece idea can be changed for any color-theme you’ve got going on. sticks in the center add height and although these are probably real flowers (can you tell?) you could make tissue flowers and create a great focal point on your table.

this tablesetting is a.maz.ing. and yeah, the likelihood that you‚Äö√Ñ√¥re just going to be able to whip this baby up on your kitchen table isn‚Äö√Ñ√¥t as promising, but you don‚Äö√Ñ√¥t have to go as big…

all these pictures were taken by photography by alexander. view more via his facebook pages here and here.

cheers!

the before:

i’m guessing that this is what most of your workplace eateries look like…if not worse. yeah?

the after:

not bad for a 25 minute transformation if i do say so myself!

here are the details – so easy and cost-effective that you’ll have your co-workers “ohhing” and “ahhing” over the shower details before the first pair of infant socks is even opened!
the theme for the shower was an ice-cream social – because duh! who can’t use a 3pm ice cream pick-me up at work?!

the easiest way to transform the cafeteria was to cover the frames on the wall. the cheap, ur, easy but extraordinary way? wrapping paper in the shades of colors from the invite…

even if you don’t have frames to cover, just hang wrapping paper squares evenly around the wall.

over the wrapping paper we taped colorful pictures of ice cream and baby birds ( a nod to what the mom-to-be was doing in the nursery). these were printed on 13×9 paper but you could easily do this on any size paper and center it on the larger, colored paper.

i can’t take complete credit for this shower…i had help from my talented co-worker, courtney who designed both the invites and the pictures. courtney enjoying the social…

centerpieces doing double-duty as decor and eats…

the center was made from an ice cream cone topped with a tissue-paper flower.

the guest of {mommy} honor started the ice cream bar…

we had a variety of ice cream flavors and toppings for people to choose from.




people loved creating {and eating!} their own ice cream delights…

so no matter how much money or time you do {or don’t} have to spend on a shower, or even if you’re working in the most unappealing of joints, i think its possible to make it shower-chic.

cheers!

rustic chic featuring coral dinner plates

peacock hanukkah party featuring polka dot dinner plates
(take note of the pea-cocktails…love! love!)

birdie dinner feature coral dinner plates
(the 12 centerpieces were then given to guests as favors)

every year i co-host a girl’s christmas soiree. this year’s theme was a reindeer wine & cheese featuring green icon salad plates and plum wine glasses.





personally made wine charms…

and wine placecards…

over a course of one year my group went from “bridal showers” to “baby showers”…

i attempted bakerella’s reindeer pops. this goes into the “easier said than done” category. but hey, a girl can’t host a reindeer-themed party and not make the attempt. the best pop of the pack…

i hope everyone had amazing holiday parties in 2009 and have made the same resolution that i made for 2010.

cheers!

cheers!

does anyone else obsess over purchasing their christmas cards? i seriously will spend weeks, WEEKS scrolling through websites searching for the most creative, sassy, or unique card that i think defines the style of that year’s season. yeah, its waaay involved. do you have that same obsession? if so – you. are. going. to. love. this… www.minted.com i have never seen a site with so many styling cards to choose from…

okay, so it gets better. i never thought of this but now can’t imagine not doing it. a holiday card that doubles as a mini-recipe book to share your favorite holiday recipes. love. love. someone better send me one this season…

but if you’re not feeling the mini-book, then at least consider the single card/recipe…

and last but not least, you party animals, minted.com has a total range of awesome invitations. if you’re hosting a holiday fete here is where to get the invites. fabulous.

remember your invites should go out 4 weeks prior to your party this time of year. calendars are filling up! if you’re ready to order your holiday party invites leave a comment by 10/30/09. someone is going to win 25 free party invitations from minted.com!

cheers!

don’t you love the centerpiece? totally easy but such a statement.

they used a mixture of head of the table plates (polka dots + funky bloom) which created such an interest on the table!

could there be a more perfect margarita glass than this? uh, no. this one is perfect-o. the only thing wrong with it is that it’s not filled with a real beverage.

cheers!

favors were a combo of jones soda (’cause it was blue and matched the color theme, duh! and seed packets). two simple, inexpensive items that because of the presentation actually looked like something you’d want to take home! menu cards that matched the plates and favor tags were done by the talented ginger from serendipity!

the most fabulous, most appropriate napkin ring for a bridal shower – bling! bling! i found these rings at hobby lobby.

all photos were taken by one of my favorite wedding photogs in the area, l photographie. check her site for wedding and family portraits photography. amazing.

if you’re interested in seeing more bridal shower pictures, sign up to receive the head of the table entertaining in style email! all tableware available to rent at www.headofthetablerental.com.

special thanks to serendipity, all seasons linen, elegant celebrations for the florals, and l photographie.

cheers!

parchment paper and a ribbon around a banana cake from the little teochew…

wax paper and string?! so sweet…and simple! this is how every coffee cake should be packaged. packing ‘em at eating out loud…

obvi i have a thing for plates. unique plates make everything look magnificent. this low carb, gluten-free, no sugar “ice cream dessert” from healthy indulgences is presented so beautifully that cold stone looks like soil.

seven cookies and a precious ribbon. i smell first day of school treat for the new teacher in your life. katiecakes knows a thing or two about presentation…

if i am not served my next dessert with pearls delicately placed around the base i don’t know what i will do! omg! if you’re hosting a girlie shower anytime soon, this will be a showstopper. more love from the little teochew…

presentation is everything…
cheers!

however instead of trying to be all matchy-matchy at my next party, i’m totally stealing (another) fabu idea from mr. colin cowie. coordinating tablesettings in the same color scheme…

love, love the four different yet coordinated tables. its a total steal-worthy idea for your next gathering. if you’ve got multiple tables, set them differently but in the same color scheme. notice all the tableware is the same on each table with four different bases. magic! check out the complete navy-wonder wedding at colin cowie.com.

cheers!

for your upcoming birthday party or shower:

1. paper tissue balls stapled together create an interesting backdrop or an exciting entrance to a soiree. via martha stewart.

2. give those kiddos an easy grab at the candy by creating a lollipop tree. via martha stewart from the {amazing!} wedding of st. louis stationary designer, cheree berry

for your next brunch:

3. a centerpiece to perk your table up! carnations “planted” in coffee beans is the perfect centerpiece for a brunch or “sip and see” baby shower. via the knot.

4. turning your home into party central can sometimes seem daunting. narrow your focus to one room to do the majority of your decorating. if the party is happening in your living room do something unexpected like tying a bouquet of flowers to your curtains! via the knot.

for your next dinner party:

5. impact is created by repetition. i love lining my front porch steps in candles for an evening gathering. if you’ve got firm stairs (and no children/pets at the party) make a statement by filling tall cylinders with water, floating candles and flowers. via the knot.

cheers!

mason jars are an adorable touch to any party. but apartment therapy had a great post about using the gorgeous aqua blue mason jars – that are all the rage but rarer than their clear sister-cups – as centerpieces.

call off the hunt honey, wave that magic wand around your existing clear jars because you’re doing this yourself…with glass paint!

check out the how-to on bridal buzz. this is a totally cost-effective centerpiece idea that doesn’t sacrifice style. imagine all the color options to match any party theme!

photo credit:image from apartment therapy, wheat centerpiece from elizabeth anne designs,how-to at bridal buzz.

cheers!

nonetheless enjoy more outdoor entertaining inspiration at ideal home.

cheers!

that’s right, like a real website and everything. reset your bookmark if i’ve so graciously been given such a save. hugs!
moving on…

a couple months ago i participated in a fabulous charity event for st. louis children’s hospital. designers from around st. louis were given a round table, 8 chairs, and told to let their creative juices pour like bloody mary’s on sundays. i took some horrible pictures that i was too ashamed to show you before. here is a look…don’t be appalled (just be glad i’ve since updated my equipment).

luckily my new favorite mag st. louis entertains was on hand with a video camera and captured a lot of the stunning tabletops. its waay better than me and my point and shoot. click to watch the video…

the video touches on it a little, but my inspiration was a true child’s table. it would be so easy to recreate for a child’s birthday party or a baby shower. i filled various apothecary jars (of all shapes, sizes, and heights) with all things that are wonderful about being a kid – toys, crafts & candy! my centerpiece was an array of colorful kites that my mom attached to bamboo sticks using heavy wire. then we inserted those sticks into a jar filled with sand! it was super easy, super cute, and was the perfect way to honor the essence of being a child.

cheers!

cheers!