Decor & Rentals

How to Build a Custom Reception Table Design

December 9

Creating a one-of-a-kind a place setting at your reception tables can seem overwhelming, especially when you start looking at the checklist of items you need to include. Chargers, plates, flatware, drinkware… not to mention the question of style or quality. Luckily the pros from POSH Couture Rentals are sharing their top tips on how to build a custom reception table design! Read on for POSH‘s advice on what to include, how to mix-n-match decor, where to add trendy pieces and more!

Photo // Charla Storey Photography

1. Make Note of What Should Be Included in a Place Setting

The foundation for any place setting begins with the linen. Begin here to layer in harmonious colors and patterns with beautiful weight and texture. Atop this, set the mood with chargers, dinner service plates, napkins, enough flatware for the meal and stemware. Keep in mind the tablescape should tie in three things: the menu, the environment (consider the season and the venue), and most importantly, personality. A place setting aims to create the all important atmosphere your heart desires. Your guest will spend the most time sitting in the same spot, so make it memorable with inspired layering. These details make guests feel special while reflecting your style and taste, and that’s money well spent.

2. Factor in Your Budget

First, always check with the venue or caterer to utilize what’s already available. Often, staples (white china, flatware, etc) are included in your contract, so the rental budget can focus on specialty pieces. With micro-weddings, you can really go far on the guest experience and stay within budget. For bigger weddings, we can create a lighter version for the extended party and heavily layered our couture place settings for the head table, to set the stars of the evening apart.

Chargers always steal the show because it ensures guests will never have an empty spot in front of them. (A personal favorite is the glamorous Clear Hand Cut Crystal Charger for its diamond like sparkle.) Bringing in unique stemware for a signature drink is another nice add on.

3. Play with Mixing Dinnerware

Our tip is simple: Mix in what speaks to you. Make a mood board and pick out the textures/patterns/colors that reflect the atmosphere you wish to create. Chances are we have something to fit the mold with over 85 china collections. Our website also offers My POSH: a place to play around with our entire inventory and save your favorite looks for a quote. Start with your linen and charger, and add layers for each course as you would accessories. Don’t be afraid to play around to find the vibe that matches your style. How do you want the guest to feel? We find that layering in vintage elements adds a soulful presence. For example, a modern bohemian bride might lean towards the Scandinavian look of coupe china mixed with the soft curves of Cutipol flatware and the warmer embrace of our Denmark Chair. If you are still overwhelmed with where to start, set up a physical or virtual appointment with us. We love an excuse to set the table.

4. Add in Some Trendy Pieces

A modern aesthetic can be created with our popular concrete or marble chargers. There is also the Scandinavian, modern boho look which lends an understated vibe with the soft curves of our creamy organic Coupe China collections. Just add the Cutipol GOA flatware to elegantly tie the look together. Individual serving pieces are also on trend, not to mention impressive. A glass dome to serve appetizers or a crystal lily to offer desserts are nice, thoughtful touches. If you’re forgoing a sit-down dinner altogether, then focus on a fun bar – think signature drinks in colorful stemware, coup champagne fountains, etc. A good rule of thumb for cocktail service is three glasses per person.

5. Don’t Forget These Important Rental Items

Napkins, all day. The linen hemstitch is a classic while current trends lean to adding both color and a unique fold or drape with the napkin. This is especially worthy for the head table, as it is the most photographed. Another big misstep is forgoing attention to service pieces. We offer everything from gorgeous vintage serving utensils to elegant copper chafing dishes and gold cake plateaus. Think of every moment, from the place setting, the cake cutting and the guest giving a toast, then add the element that meets that moment.

6. Finish the Look With the Proper Seating

To be a truly well-appointed table, don’t forget the value of a great chair – it elevates the atmosphere and keeps the guest comfortable. Our Jacquemus loving couture brides enjoy the artful elegance of a mid century modern Denmark chair or the sophisticated allure of the Mila chair. They transcend whether the event is inside or outside. On that note, if you fall in love with a heavy pattern or texture for your linen, like sequins, the Kartell ghost chairs or Villa Clear Ballroom marry the space perfectly without taking away from your initial place setting vision. Pulling up the right seat is everything.

Meet POSH Couture Rentals

We built our collections to tie into a client’s existing (or future) personal estate/heirloom china. We set ourselves apart with one-of-a-kind couture pieces that can be found nowhere else, with names like Christofle, Charles Sadek, Maria Daage and Arte Italica. We constantly refresh with trends and patterns as well, from Cutipol to Marchesa, to fit any theme (hello, leopard) for a fun shift from the traditional tabletop. We also offer the classic white catering collection to fit any menu style, be it Asian or West Texan. Our vast tiered and on-trend collections ensure you can have it all and still stay within a specific style and budget.

Thanks to Angela and Jami with POSH Couture Rentals for sharing their sage wedding advice with us! Interested in seeing more from POSH’s inventory or virtually designing your own place setting? Visit their website here or connect directly via their Brides of North Texas profile.

Now that your reception table decor is underway, why don’t we work on your florals next? Read our Dallas Wedding Florals Guide to get started!

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