How fabulous it was to participate in The League Club’s “Naples Tables” this year! Celebrating their fourth year, what a successful charity event it has become.
Today is our daughter Caroline’s birthday! I remember on her third birthday, she wanted an “Angelina Ballerina” party… how adorable it was to see a sea of pink tights and tutus twirling about as her friends entered the pink-themed dining room. Part of the delight was setting the table with Caroline beforehand. We collected pink adornments from around the house to create a magical birthday luncheon for a dozen darling “little ladies” to pirouette and celebrate.
Setting a “unique and memorable” table to reflect a celebratory moment is something I cherish doing. I learned by osmosis from my mother, and she from her mother, and on down the line. So, when my long-time Connecticut friends, Nancy Zwiener, and Penny Marziali, in Port Royal, Naples, invited me to participate in a “Naples Tables” event at the Ritz Hotel, hosted by a noteworthy charity, The League Club in Naples, it did not take toooo much arm-twisting to accept!
On Saturday afternoon, I picked up the pretty, poppy-adorned floral arrangement for my table, which I created with the florist at HIVE in W. Palm Beach. I then transported them to Naples, from Palm Beach, with my car air-conditioning set so low (to preserve the flowers until the Tuesday opening night of “Naples Tables”) that I became an ice cube upon arrival. Oh, the things we do for charity!
The League Club is open to women who have been, or still are, members of The Junior League. I was a member of The Junior League of Hartford and know firsthand how stellar it is for raising monies to benefit the community. “Naples Tables” is superbly organized and raises oodles of dollars. I was honored to participate alongside 60 other designers from around the country. There were over 1400 attendees; Charlotte Moss, a fellow Richmonder, was the guest speaker.
Originally, I thought I would design a horsey-themed table for my new porcelain line, The Equestrian Collection. In my mind, I would use my Jules Mene bronze horse sculpture as the centerpiece, with a miniature blanket of petite tea roses around his neck. “Run for the Roses,” I thought… until the world-class designer Wilfredo Emanuel requested to create a table with my porcelain (he carries it in his posh Naples store, N Color). What an honor; a resounding “yes,” I said! With over 4000 red roses in a 14’ x 14’ space to a video projecting running horses as the backdrop, Wilfredo created a brilliant vision for all to see. He is known for the most stunning exhibits, and indeed, it was an exceptional showcase for my porcelain!
So now, what will I use for my 72” round table design? Good thing… I was able to debut my newest porcelain design, the Grand Jubilee (for orders, please contact natalie@hollyholden.com), which features a whimsical and colorful confetti aesthetic- Yippee! It was perfect for creating a “picnic under the lemon trees” theme because I wanted to relay a joyful celebration of life with precious girlfriends. Several commented that the Jubilee design would also be superb to start the day on a breakfast table, and also on a yacht because it exudes a table filled with joy and happiness.
An old-school wicker picnic basket (filled with two plates, linen napkins, wine glasses, a cutting board, and flatware) was placed on every other chair to enhance the “picnic” theme.
It was glorious to be greeted by so many charming Naples ladies who subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on Instagram… I adore you all! Thank you, “Naples Tables,” for including me. If any of you are able to secure tickets next year, grab them the day they are for sale, or they will be gone! Visually, you will be inspired by a stupendous sea of table-setting ideas and beautiful flowers, which are enhanced by the gracious and very clever Naples ladies participating and attending. So, so much fun!
Grandmillennial Tips:
When setting the table, consider taking one of your children or a grandchild with you as you walk around the house to discover items to decorate the table. This amusing exercise will teach them to look at what they already own and use it in various ways to enhance a festive theme or celebrate a special occasion, as discussed in a past newsletter, “Honoring your Guest of Honor.”
When designing your table, consider ways to complement the colors within your porcelain design. The colorful candies and the candles both reflect colors in the plate design. I repurposed the coffee mugs as little topiary plants since water and champagne glasses were already placed for each guest at the table.
Forbidden Faux Pas:
No-no: To have a centerpiece too high so guests cannot see one another across the table. The purpose of dining at a dinner table is to have conversations while seeing the other guests’ eyes.
NOTE: The "Naples Tables" event is an exception to the above no-no. The centerpieces are purposely created to be dramatically tall and command attention to the table and room!
Happy Birthday to you, my lambie, Caroline!
Xx Holly