Jordan Nimura.
With more than 60 highly stylish and uniquely designed hotels in our collection, we’re a natural draw for hosting innovative and memorable social gatherings. Want to learn how a Kimpton hotel gets down and throws a party? We decided to give you an inside look and share what our very own Jordan Nimura, Director of Catering at the Argonaut Hotel and Blue Mermaid restaurant in San Francisco, has to say about staging an elegant, edgy or just plain fun shindig.
Since you can’t get diggity without decorations, we’re taking a peek at DIY centerpieces and tablescape stylin’. Use these five simple ideas to impress guests at your next party at home (and best of all you can keep it low-key — there’s no need to go all-out or break the bank). Jordan recommends using a few essential DIY supplies: Mod Podge, glitter, washi tape, Mason jars, burlap, and ever-important seasonal ingredients like fruit, vegetables and flowers. And check out Jordan’s Pinterest board for more tablescape inspiration.
Mmm. Pie pops.
Pie Pop Centerpiece: Hello, edible celebration on a stick! Our State Fair culture of food on the go never looked as delectable as an arrangement of hand pies in Mason jars. Go for the gold and make these tasty treats for a festive time. It’s food and fun; décor that’s meant to be gobbled up … just save some for us. Check out a recipe right here.
Photo: Babble.com.
Apple Place-Card Holders: Use Granny Smith apples to make an understated-yet-elegant statement with place cards. All you need: place cards, decorative tacks or pins, and shiny apples.
Photo: OhSoLovelyBlog.
Burlap and Votive Centerpiece: Wrap votive candleholders and pint-size jars in burlap using an adhesive. Use an additional strip of burlap as a table runner and then place a stained, painted or rustic board on top of the runner. Alternate votive holders and jars down the center of the board and then fill the larger vessels with seasonal flowers or evergreen. Light the candles in the votive holders and the stage is set for your festivities.
Photo: Brides.com.
Add a Touch of Twine: Just a tidbit of decoration goes a long way for a smaller event. When throwing an elegant dinner party, we prefer a less-is-more approach. A ribbon or twine tied around a votive, an herb like rosemary or lavender tucked on a napkin, or sparkling candles are all tiny touches that show attention to detail and add glamor.
Farmers’ Market Fresh: We’re all about using fresh, seasonal fruit and vegetables as centerpieces. And of course flowers: The perfect floral arrangement can be an eye-catching focal point for any occasion. And shop your local farmers’ market for ingredients because local means fresh — plus it supports the local economy. Win and win.
