Augusta Cole knows how to party. More specifically, she knows how to throw one. With the holidays around the corner and small weddings the new normal, the seasoned event planner has some tips for giving your small gathering big style.
Augusta, tell us about yourself!
Hello! So excited to be a part of the Weezie Hype Girl squad. Thank you, thank you.
So a little about me… I grew up in Nashville and went to college at The University of Virginia in Charlottesville. I studied Art History and Architectural History and enjoyed a focus in Arts Administration. Finding ways to gain first hand experience among my career ambitions was always a priority. So, I rounded out my college years first working at a floral design shop, and then most impactfully, interning at Easton.
After years of planning weddings (including our CEO, Lindsey’s!) with Easton Events, you recently launched your eponymous firm. Congratulations! Tell us about your decision to take the leap of faith and go out on your own.
Thank you! It really was a timing decision. I am forever grateful for my decade-plus experience with Easton and Lynn’s empowering mentorship. Eventually, there came a time where I knew I needed to challenge myself with a new adventure and pursue going out on my own!
Events are looking a little bit different these days, but we’re loving the intimacy and special memories smaller affairs allow. Even with scaled-down soirees, there’s no sacrificing style, as evidenced by a quick skim through your feed. Ready, set, petite wedding: how are you setting the table?
The tablecloth...
If possible, go custom! Now is the time to invest in your very own table linen design. One of my clients fills her home with eclectic John Robshaw prints, so of course, we had to pick our favorite print to build on. And just yesterday, I was shopping in the Garment District for the perfect guipure lace overlay for a petite table design.
Some of our favorite John Robshaw prints for a perfectly set table:
- We love this John Robshaw print for an intimate, winter wedding.
- This print would work well in all seasons– from your holiday table to a summer soiree.
- Lastly, we love this print in a very Weezie shade of blue.
The plates...
This can be a little headcount dependent - let’s say 16 and under… consider investing in a pattern that you love and will cherish in your home for years to come. Otherwise, there are phenomenal rental houses for beautiful plateware coast to coast - consider The Ark, Small Masterpiece, Casa de Perrin, Maison de Carine to name just a few.
Here are some of our favorite options for rental:
- How lovely is this unique alabaster plate from Maison de Carine?
- Keep things classic with this gold rimmed plate.
- Not quite a plate, but these rattan chargers warrant a mention!
Let's talk napkins...
Ooh this is a fun one… embroidery is always a special touch. Whether you like a monogram, a simple flourish, or a scalloped hem, beautiful linen napkins always elevate a place setting. Courtland & Co, Sferra, Julia B Handmade, India Amory, and Zojora - this is a good start for a range of formal to playful!
Our napkin picks:
- We are big fans of India Amory linens and included this set in one of our holiday table schemes!
- We love this personalized option from Julia B Handmade.
- If you're looking for a more classic, neutral option, we love these from Courtland & Co.
And your tips for glassware?
Stemware is very important. A strategy for balancing the many visuals at play in one given place setting is to go clear and delicately stemmed for the white and red wine glass (consider Riedel, Schott Zwiesel) and then pop the table with a decorative or colorful water glass. And don’t forget the flatware! Depending on where and how intimate, perfect reason to shine the silver! Also, rental houses are racking up on a variety of Sabre options from tortoise and mother of pearl to lavender stripes.
Our flatware and stemware finds:
- Sign us up for this pearl Sabre set!
- Loving the shape of these Schott Zwiesel wine glasses.
- The lavender stripe flatware set Augusta mentioned, swoon!
Next up: breakfast with Millie (our newest patterned robe addition!) While we sadly can’t celebrate her launch IRL, a girl can dream... What do you have in mind for the launch event?
I'm thinking a Parisian breakfast as lovely as this pattern, here is a mood-board:
Invitations by: Susannah Garrod printed by Buckhead Printery
On the menu: The pattern reminds me of Les Touches from Brunschwig & Fils… so let’s go French! Two perfect soft boiled eggs (learn how here!) served in charming egg cups paired with berries and avocado tartine! And let’s serve espresso & champagne.
Playlist: Breakfast with Millie
Other: To really lean in to the French cafe vibes… you too can own this darling breakfast set!
Sounds dreamy! What gets your creative juices flowing? When, where, and by whom are you most inspired? Fill in the blanks…
Well this will be just the tip of the iceberg…
- Hotels: Travel experiences inspire SO much of my work! Il San Pietro, Le Sirenuse, Four Seasons Cap Ferrat, Ritz Paris, Firmdale Hotels, The Lowell… not a hotel but aesthetically an all time favorite Club - 5 Hertford St.
- Influencers) / tastemakers: The list could go on for so many different reasons…
- Coffee table books: 4 current favorites in my living room: Degournay, A Place to Call Home (thank you @lucycuneo), Rattan (thank you @davidstark), and Slim Aaron's - Once Upon A Time
- Brands: Emilia Wickstead, Moda Operandi, Land of Belle, Silvia Tcherasssi, Labortoria Paravicini, Schumacher, La Maison Pierre Frey, Goop, Stephanie Fishwick, Happy Menocal, Agua by Agua Bendita, Sezane
Talk about inspired! Thank you, Augusta! For more ideas for setting the table, check out our holiday table settings roundup.
