“Adding gold and rich jewel tones transported me back to the exotic cities of Fes, Marrakech, and Tangier,” Wilson said.
Photo: Richard Luu, Capturecraft Photography
LOS ANGELES—When COVID-19 caused widespread event cancellations, the team at Beverly Hills-based boutique event agency Plan A decided to get creative.
“Since Plan A produces large corporate and nonprofit events, as well as curated private group trips, during quarantine we decided to flex our creative muscles,” explained owner Tarin Wilson, who typically plans gatherings for clients such as Venice Community Housing, Guild Hall, and YPO. “We designed some looks that could translate to our clients’ smaller functions like board meetings, corporate retreats, and investor dinners.”
For the photo shoot, Wilson drew inspiration from her own travels and designed the tablescapes using many items from around her home (with some additional rentals from Premiere Party Rents). For small events, she suggested getting inspired by your own personal items. “Look around at what you own and view your items with a fresh perspective,” Wilson said. “The table doesn’t have to be perfect, but it will feel personal and authentic if you share your own pieces.”
And remember that for any gathering right now—including small dinners—the first step is to communicate a thorough health and safety plan to your attendees to ensure they feel safe and comfortable. “Make sure to have an assigned point person, whose contact information is shared, should there be any questions or concerns,” she suggested.
Even if gatherings can’t be as large as you’re accustomed to, remember that “with a smaller number of attendees, there is room for greater personalization of content, event materials, or gifts. Planners can also add some culinary creativity to menus and food items that may not have otherwise worked for larger groups,” Wilson pointed out. “Smaller events have the ability to foster meaningful connections as guests can spend more time getting to know someone, or the group can dive deeper into a topic.”
Keep scrolling to get inspired by Wilson’s six elegant tablescapes, which evoked settings in Morocco, Mexico City, France’s wine country, and more.
VENDORS:
Design, Rentals, Accessories:Plan A
Additional Rentals:Premiere Party Rents
Napkin Wraps:Tin Parade
Photography:Richard Luu/Capturecraft Photography
Asian Serenity
For the blue-toned “Asian Serenity” tablescape, “It was impossible not to take direction from the large Buddha head fountain in the backyard,” explained Wilson.
Photo: Richard Luu, Capturecraft Photography
“The cool, blue linen paired with the bamboo chairs and blue and white porcelain accents creates a serene feeling,” she added.
Photo: Richard Luu, Capturecraft Photography
Moroccan Getaway
Wilson’s luxe “Moroccan Getaway” look was inspired by poufs she had hand-carried back from a trip to the African country.
Photo: Richard Luu, Capturecraft Photography
“Adding gold and rich jewel tones transported me back to the exotic cities of Fes, Marrakech, and Tangier,” Wilson said.
Photo: Richard Luu, Capturecraft Photography
Bold florals completed the elegant Morocco-inspired tablescape.
Photo: Richard Luu, Capturecraft Photography
Mediterranean Blue
For her outdoor “Mediterranean Blue” table, Wilson drew inspiration from her travels to various countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea.
Photo: Richard Luu, Capturecraft Photography
“This table, set in a sunny outdoor spot, combines deep-sea blue and white with farm-fresh fare,” she said.
Photo: Richard Luu, Capturecraft Photography
Wine-Country Chic
Inside, Wilson created a more understated tablescape she named “Wine-Country Chic.”
Photo: Richard Luu, Capturecraft Photography
“Studying in the south of France during college called to mind the simplicity of a freshly baked baguette, good wine, and delectable cheeses served on a rustic wood farmhouse table,” she explained.
Photo: Richard Luu, Capturecraft Photography
Wilson added, “The lavender sprig is a nod to the gorgeous fields found in Provence.”
Photo: Richard Luu, Capturecraft Photography
Picnic Fiesta
Travels to Mexico City provided the inspiration for a colorful “Picnic Fiesta” look.
Photo: Richard Luu, Capturecraft Photography
Wilson wanted to evoke “Mexico’s colorful festivals, corner fruit stands, and cold sangria on a hot day,” she explained.
Photo: Richard Luu, Capturecraft Photography
Secret Garden Tea Party
To evoke a more formal “Secret Garden Tea Party,” Wilson used “soft colors, quality linen, and a gorgeous cake,” she said.
Photo: Richard Luu, Capturecraft Photography
The pink, floral china collection came from Wilson’s mother’s shop, which specialized in English antiques.
Photo: Richard Luu, Capturecraft Photography
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