Porsche & Larry

9 April 2009

I love finding new sources for inspiration, and last weekend I was lucky enough to stumble upon Napa Valley Celebrations, an event planning company out of California. Their website is fabulous! I couldn’t resist sharing one of the featured events with you, but definitely check out their galleries yourself. Believe it or not, what I’m about to show you is a rehearsal dinner. It’s chic and stylish, and so many of the elements could be put to use for a wedding, engagement celebration, or summer cocktail party. I have a feeling you’ll love it as much as I did.

Porsche & Larry hosted their rehearsal dinner at a private winery and gardens.

The tables were dressed in grayish-greenish linens and set off with chiavari chairs topped with plum cushions. Plum napkins added a pop on top of the tables.

Even though this is an uber-luxurious celebration, there are style clues that could easily be translated to a lower-budget affair, like using a mix of square, rectangle, and round tables to create an interesting visual setup.

I think the florals are my favorite part of this party’s style, and though gorgeous, they, too, could be a DIY project. The above arrangement, for example, is mostly variagated leaves and berry brambles {love!} with a few roses tucked in for variety. Footed cut glass compotes could be gathered at garage sales and flea markets in the months before the party.

These, too, could be done on a budget – buy some tall glass cylinder vases at Ikea and some greenery at a flower market {if you’re lucky enough to have one nearby} or from your florist, then arrange to your liking.

This escort card display is another possible DIY – stain a low, long box a dark color, fill with moss for a clean look, then use wooden skewers and small cards for guests’ names and table numbers.

Guests at Porsche & Larry’s celebration were treated to synchronized dinner service, fabulous wine {of course!}, and strolling flamenco guitarists throughout the night.