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Last Updated: September 17. 2010 1:00AM
Whether an engagement, wedding, anniversary or special holiday, celebrations require extra touches at the table to make them special. For ideas, take a sneak peek inside the "Celebrations" decorating and entertaining event Thursday at the Michigan Design Center in Troy. Catch more than 30 vignettes created by professional designers.
While no two vignettes look alike, they do share one thing in common: The talented designers tossed the rules aside when creating their lavish tablescapes, and they want you to do the same when enhancing your home for any occasion. So go on and get festive. You will be glad you did.
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C?l?bre la Saint Sylvestre (Celebrate the New Year)
Warner's muse was a modern-day professional, which suits the contemporary setting. While some streamlined Christmas decorations remain, the look is pared down for a New Year's Eve celebration. Tasting dishes mimic the shape of the sleek table from the Speed Up collection that was conceived by a former car designer.
"People are working harder these days," says Warner, who likes to keep things simple yet sophisticated, with an emphasis on smaller portions and smaller crowds.
Warner says it's easy to re-create this look. "Start with a beautiful table and chairs," she says. The crisp black-and-white combo goes one step further with animal print dishes and an ottoman with a laser-cut design.
"Throw in a splash of color such as red," Warner suggests. The bold shade appears in a painting and an adjustable-height end table. "Less is more. Try two accent pieces that are balanced." And don't be afraid to toss in one traditional element, like a chair, for a touch of the unexpected.
30th Anniversary and A New Beginning
Lachman created a masterful mix of antiques with contemporary pieces. "The antiques are mostly from my own personal collection, including crystal and flatware from a trip to Paris," she says. The orange centerpiece makes everything pop. Mirrored placemats shine atop the Macassar ebony table. "I've been using them for the past 25 years," Lachman says. "All you need is a little glass cleaner to polish them up." French utensils are placed face-down, European-style, she says.
Putting everything together shows a different view instead of sticking to one theme, Lachman says. "If you have antiques passed down from generation to generation, they can make a spectacular setting."
A second vignette features orchids strewn about the table without a container. Lilies rest in a large vessel on the buffet. A candelabrum from the 1800s is filled with contemporary candles. Crystal accent pieces sparkle alongside mirrored placemats. "Keep it simple, mixing old with new," Lachman says. "People don't think to take out their antiques and use them with other things, but you can, and you should."
Engagement Party -- Manhattan Condo
This intimate engagement party features a beautiful blend of French and Italian elements. "They are both wine countries, so there is a subtle wine theme," Whitman says. Depression glass from the 1920s features the "Block Optic" pattern, a more contemporary design that has an iridescent quality, the designer notes. The green glasses are mixed with newer varieties in purple.
Napkins were made from Duralee fabric and the furniture is from the Stately Homes collection by Baker. A trio of gorgeous blooms by Blumz in Ferndale sits inside metal wine coolers for a striking centerpiece. Clusters of green and purple grapes hang from the arrangements, while mums float inside finger bowls. Tealight candles in little votive holders are placed in larger containers for more impact.
"Mix it up. It's much more interesting that way. Stack it up and pile it up too," says Whitman, who keeps her entertaining pieces together for easy access. "I have one big cabinet that I go to for candlesticks, etc. Just bring out some of the things you have at the house. It's more you. It's more personal."
Tying the Knot
This classic combination of white and gray is embellished with pops of chartreuse. "It's a very modern, clean approach that's kind of whimsical and fun," Sinistaj says. Low voltage lights from Resource Lighting dangle above the cozy head table that has a bench for the newlyweds. Napkins with a lip logo pack a graphic punch as do placemats with a geometric design. Utensils are neatly tucked inside what the designer dubs her "napkin origami." An organic flower arrangement completes the look.
White rectangular plates echo the other shapes. "I was trying to play with geometry," Sinistaj explains. Favor boxes resemble neckties, while seating arrangements appear on small stones. Planters hold beverages. "I like refreshments situated outside in random places," says Sinistaj, who designed a decorative pillow made from woven ties.
Comfortable seating is a must for any occasion. "I am a huge fan of lounge seating. Take a sofa and bring it outside. Use whatever you have," says Sinistaj, who is not afraid to learn from her mistakes. "Definitely try things. That's how you get something unique and beautiful."
The Gathering
Jones loves the mix of old and new, especially when there are one-of-a-kind or found objects involved. "It makes the space warm and unique," she says.
Her homecoming theme contains holiday d?cor that is rather timeless and can be used year-round. "Use things that are special and unique to you," says Jones, who likes a little edge of sophistication. She particularly loves the texture of plants and trees. "I like neutrals and adding just enough sparkle," she says. "I also like mixing what is specific for the season with something less expected like real with artificial."
Margot Hunter from Margot's Custom Floral in Sterling Heights created the arrangements for the forest-like environment that she describes as "warm with a little glitz." A moss runner lines a spectacular glass and wrought-iron table creating a lovely contrast. Other moss-covered objects are juxtaposed with shiny mercury glass.
"The wreath could be up year-round and is made for outside," Hunter says. Oversize globes join a variety of feathers and bulbs, while stately garden statues and urns make a lovely statement.
The neutral colors don't jump out at you, says Hunter, who is a big believer in abundance. "Oversize objects have a presence," she says.
The Tartan Christmas
Beautiful botanicals set the tone for this well-dressed holiday table, where even a stag statue gets done up for the occasion. Plaid ribbon serves as the inspiration for the theme. Plates feature a plaid pattern too. "It's an elegant vignette of a warm Christmas dinner," Segasser says. "It can remind you of an old English holiday." The ribbons wrapped around the chairs are embellished with pine cones and holly berries, which are repeated throughout the space. The repetition of materials ties everything together.
The designers like to take everyday items, such as books, and add a berry spray for the holiday season. A decorative box is filled with holiday greens. Ornaments sit inside dessert cups, while the centerpiece can be used year-round.
A painting from Marie Howard accentuates the colorful theme. "This is not your typical Christmas. There's a sense of elegance," says Segasser, who likes to have a little symmetry. "It gives balance to the space."
An impressive wreath displayed on a large piece of furniture gets more attention than one left outside on the front door. "It's too pretty. You want to enjoy it," Wood says. "The unexpected is always a great treat."
La Festa Italiana
The designer presents a vibrant housewarming party inspired by his clients. The new VIETRI collection is from The Italian Dish in Birmingham. "I love the colors," King says. A metal tray made by a local artist holds vases filled with candles and stones. Corkscrew-shaped pasta is scattered about for a touch of whimsy, while other edibles bring color and texture to the table.
The designer's Italian clients hosted a large housewarming party when their project was complete. "This is my miniature version," King says. The furniture is from Henredon and the lively VIETRI silverware comes from The Italian Dish. Tiny cards clipped to photo stands can hold a special note for your guests.
King managed to merge three different collections together. "I encourage people to use their creativity," he says. "It doesn't all have to match." Certain layers remain constant for a more cohesive look.
"Make the food your decoration. Notice there's not a flower on the table," King says. "You can do a casual space like this and still make it a fabulous space."
What: A decorating and entertaining event, featuring 30 vignettes, each commemorating different milestones or moments we celebrate together with family and friends.
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday
Where: Michigan Design Center, 1700 Stutz Drive, Troy, 48084
Cost: Admission free but a new, unwrapped toy donation to benefit Variety the Children's Charity is suggested.
Extras: Keynote presentation 10-11 a.m. Entertaining Trends 2011 with event design master David C. McKnight of Emerald City Designs. Tickets are $10.
To learn more and RSVP: Go to www.michigandesign.com or call (248) 649-4772.
Jeanine Matlow is a Metro Detroit interior decorator turned freelance writer specializing in stories about interior design. She writes the Smart Solutions column in Homestyle. You can reach her at jeaninematlow@earthlink.net.
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