Decor and entertaining trends follow a seasonal path that is often intertwined, and while I prepared for a recent summer party I could not help but acknowledge that the season for relaxed entertaining is drawing to a close. Last month I had the pleasure of asking Lauren Gold and Sasha Adler of Nate Berkus Designs 5 questions on the latest entertaining and design trends that will help us transition from outdoor casual entertaining into the more formal parties that fill our autumn calendar.Coryanne: If you had a budget of $50, $100 and $200 to spend on an entertaining essential or table top item, what would it be and why?
L/S: We would purchase fresh cut flowers in a bright color with $50. Flowers immediately bring life and color to the table. Hopefully there are a few left over to add to a bud vase in the powder room. With $100, we would purchase a unique item to have at each place setting that is appropriate for the event and also something our guests could take home with them. It could be anything from an individually potted plant, to a natural shell, to a framed personal photo of you and the guest. It makes the table festive and fun and we always like to send guests home with a little something. For $200, we would love to purchase an old textile to use as a runner down the center of table. It adds a warm, unique, layer to the table.
Coryanne: What modern design trends are transitioning into table top decor trends for autumn?
L/S: Rather than buying ornate arrangements, we’ve noticed a trend toward more pared down flowers. We love setting the tone for autumn, by substituting your typical bouquet for a natural branch. It could be as simple as cutting something from a tree in your backyard.
Coryanne: When entertaining at home for large crowds, how do you adjust your decor to accommodate the numbers?
L/S: When designing a home for a client, we always have entertaining in mind. We use small-scale, sculptural chairs and stools as decorative accessories that are not only easy to move, but double as additional seating when entertaining a large crowd.
Coryanne: Theme parties are growing in popularity, what theme would you recommend for someone looking to host a party with simple, elegant but modern decor pieces?
L/S: A winter themed party is easy to execute and lends itself toward an elegant, monochromatic, décor. We would layer the table with mirror, crystal, white flowers and lots of votives so the whole room glows.
Coryanne: What is the most lavish thing you have done to prepare for entertaining guests at home?
L/S: When we hosted a bridal shower for one of our friends, we ended up having way more guests than we anticipated. Rather than rent a table, we purchased one that morning and had it delivered moments before the guests arrived.
Recommended Reading
Meet Laura and Sasha | Nate Berkus Design
How to plan a progressive dinner | Housewife Bliss
How to start a wine club | Housewife Bliss