It has been amazing to be involved for the past seven years with Kappa Kappa Gamma’s now-famous Tablescapes charity event that has been a Dallas tradition since 1995. Each year we select an exciting antique theme to represent our table setting. As many as 40 other designers, florists and notable retailers such as Nieman Marcus, Horchow, and others participate as well.
In years past our table settings have revolved around themes such as~ Country French, Italian Renaissance, Noelle Francaise, Black Forest, French Gothic and more. This year we decided to do a mix of Italian and French ~ the Arte Povera style.
The Arte Povera style emerged as a movement popular in Italy during the 60’s. It has recently experienced a renaissance throughout Europe, enjoying a new popularity that has spilled over the Atlantic into homes of American cognoscenti. The style is somewhat similar to the British and American “shabby chic” style, but more oriented towards classic and rustic antiques. Finishes are typically painted, stripped or distressed by age.
For our Tablescapes display this year we combined etched and mercury glass with linen runners and napkins for a supple, natural texture. The centerpiece of the display was an antique 18th century polychrome statue of Saint Paul we found in Italy. A pair of grand cast iron Napoleon III period jardinieres held lush arrangements of hydrangeas, kale, natural greenery and lilies of the Nile.
The Dallas Alumnae Association of Kappa Kappa Gamma organizes this unique event each October. The Tablescapes event consists of both a festive evening gala and the following day, an elegant luncheon for a fun-filled and visually inspiring two-day event. Local designers, retail & antique stores (like Inessa Stewart’s Antiques & Interiors), and florists create incredibly unique tables for displaying their interpretations of the latest trends. It’s easy to pick up interesting entertainment tips, and always a pleasure to enjoy the presentations from exciting featured speakers such as eminent designer Charles Faudree.
This year’s venue was the Brook Hollow Golf Club and the featured speaker, Bettie Bearden Pardee, who graciously autographed copies of her latest book, “Elegance on the Atlantic: Newport, Rhode Island”. Her unique perspective as one of its most gracious hostesses enables her to describe Newport’s high style and exceptional entertaining throughout its long and storied history. Surrounded by breathtaking ocean views, Newport is renowned for its colonial heritage, the Vanderbilts and Gilded Age decadence, the romance of Jack and Jackie Kennedy, the spirited tales of heiress Doris Duke, and its polished yacht fleets. She produced the “Entertaining With Style” feature as a contributing editor to Bon Appetit for 11 years. Well-versed in television work, Bettie was the creative producer and host of the series “Presidential Palate: Entertaining at the White House” on PBS and additionally, she has produced and appeared on many morning television programs including Good Morning America.
We hope you can attend next year’s event! Stay in touch with our Dallas showroom or just checkout Kappa’s website for details. We’ll see you then!
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