Retro event design is getting lots of love, especially among brides and grooms. And what’s not to love about the vibrant color schemes, modern retro furniture, and nostalgia-inducing decorations? Even better, this theme can encompass a variety of styles. Whether you prefer a minimalist look, a bright whimsical vibe, or a dark and moody design. Check out some ceremony and reception ideas that can be used to host a colorful retro wedding, featuring our stylish event rentals.
Retro-Inspired Wedding Ceremony
Planning a retro-inspired wedding ceremony is easy with our on-trend seating and decor. Pick from a variety of chairs, such as our Acrylic Ghost Armless Chairs or Acrylic Ghost Arm Chairs. Our Black Resin Folding Chairs are a classic choice for a moody retro vibe. One of our favorite retro wedding ideas is the use of layered rugs to decorate the aisle way. Use a mix of cowhide or vintage rugs, depending on whether your theme leans toward modern or bohemian.
A retro wedding calls for bold trendy tablescapes! We have countless pieces of serving ware and luxe linens that can be used to create colorful retro reception tables. Whether you are running with a cool or warm-toned palette, or a minimalist or maximalist design. Should you prefer a bold luxe look, start with a vibrant tablecloth in a rich Magnolia or Coral. Pull off an alternative look by stacking colorful serving ware on top of Black Velvet Linens. For a warm metallic table, stack our Darcy China and Kate Polka Dot China. Pair it with Amber Goblets and Austin Flatware to round out the look. Use runners for a layered maximalist design, or keep the look simple yet luxe with vibrant napkins. Or use mismatched napkins in retro tones, placed atop Earthen Alabaster China, for a whimsical touch!
Planning to host a cocktail hour on the big day? Colorful wedding rentals are our favorite, and that’s exactly what a retro-chic cocktail hour calls for! Check out our cozy sofas, such as the Fern Velvet Sofa, Jacqueline Sofa, and Saylor Navy Velvet Sofa. Pair them with a set of trendy armchairs or ottomans, like the Gloria Velvet Armchair or a Turkish Rug Ottoman. Especially popular are the White Eiffel Arm Chairs – a design straight from the ’50s. Or grab the Regent Black Velvet Sofa and a set of acrylic chairs for a moody look. If you need more social areas, set up cocktail tables outfitted with bright linens and our Midcentury Barstools in White or Black.
Let our team help you plan a colorful retro wedding that will be the envy of every bride! Send us a message at info@southerneventsonline.com, or view our full range of rentals in the catalog.Dreaming of a more low-key, modern rustic event design? Take a look at this Sweet & Simple Garden Wedding at the Cordelle.
New Year, new business! Every year, more than 600,000 new businesses open their doors in the US. Many of them kick things off with a grand opening celebration to show off their services or products and build hype around their brand. In 2023, start your new business off on the right foot when you host an experience-focused grand opening that guests won’t soon forget. Keep reading to learn about our small business grand opening rentals that can be used to put together a memorable event!
Grand Opening Cocktail Bar
Nowadays a bar, big or small, is a must-have at a grand opening. You don’t need anything fancy (unless that’s what you want), just a bar and a simple menu will do. Just don’t forget to include some mocktails! We stock a variety of bars to suit every style, such as our rustic Bond Bar or elegant Harpeth Bar, the latter of which can be customized with your business logo. Depending on the size of your drink menu, our 4-foot Franklin Bars will get the job done. They’re the perfect size for a small selection of wine or champagne. To help your bartenders, grab a set of shelving to stock glassware. Either our Gold Avenue Bar Back Shelf or Black Bar Back Shelf will do. If you have room, you could also include a lounge area! Check out any of our curated lounge packages, or mix and match furniture to create an on-brand social area.
Serve up Light Bites & Bubbly
To serve up delicious drinks you need equally impressive glassware. Our catalog of glassware is expansive and features options for every type of drink and every style of event. The Cybil Champagne Flutes are a quirky option for serving up a little bubbly. Or opt for our Pure or Madison Glasses when featuring a selection of wine. For specialty drinks, grab classic Martini Glassware or trendy Coupe Glasses.
Alongside beverages, you should also offer some light bites or appetizers. To create a stylish display, consider renting a second bar to serve as a budget. Alternatively, our Market Cart offers a chic look. Consider showcasing food on crisp white serving pieces or silver trays. If you need to make the most of limited space, cake stands of various heights will look gorgeous and lend dimension. To add a little color and soften up the display, grab a table runner!
Create a Grand Entrance
The most popular pieces out of our small business grand opening rentals are those that can be used to create a grand entrance. This is an effective way to catch the eye of passerby and make an outstanding first impression. Start by rolling out the red (white, purple or blue) carpet for guests. For an extra luxe look, we even have a red rope and stanchion.
Ready to plan your small business grand opening? Send us a message at info@southerneventsonline.com and a member of our team would be happy to help you choose the best rentals to make a lasting impression.
Winter wonderland parties are where it’s at, with a wintry white color scheme, rows of cozy candles, and lots of twinkling lights. Bring the magic of the outdoors inside when you create a glittering wonderland that is equal parts chic and nostalgic. Learn how you can host a beautiful ice-inspired event with our blue party rentals, from luxe lounge furniture to bold velvet linens.
Solid foundations are essential for a stylish dinner table. We stock a variety of luxurious linens in an array of colors – blue included! For a modern luxe look, feature bright blue hues such as Ice Blue Poly or Light Blue Pindot. If you prefer a more cozy vibe, consider dark blue linens made of ultra-plush velvet – say a classic Navy Blue or cool London Fog. Just don’t forget napkins! You will also need chairs, which we have a fun selection of. Pair bright fun cocktail tables with Mid-Century White Barstools, for a trendy retro accent. Or go simple and elegant, with our Antique White Bentwood Chairs. Our favorite choice is Acrylic Ghost Armless Chairs. They look like slick ice under the right lighting (don’t worry, they’re much more comfortable)!
Cozy Winter Lounge Areas
Winter events can feel cold without a cozy lounge! We have everything you need to create a stylish space for guests to sit back and relax. Velvet sofas, trendy armchairs, and plush rugs! Start with a focal point, such as a large sofa or loveseat. The Saylor Navy Velvet Sofa is a fan-favorite, as is our Henley Grey Velvet Tufted Sofa. Next, grab a set of stylish chairs, such as the sleek Acrylic Fantasma Side Chairs or retro White Eiffel Arm Chair. Or the accompaniments to the mentioned sofas. You will also need a place for guests to set drinks or appetizers. The Echo Mirror Side Table features bright silver, or opt for the more down-to-earth Wood Distressed Side Table.
Feeling inspired by our ideas for Winter Wonderland Parties?
Send us a message at info@southerneventsonline.com for assistance designing a blue-hued seasonal get-together. Need to expand your event space or construct one in your backyard? Take a look at our tent packages.
Skip the crowded downtown scene this year and opt for something a little more elevated: a moody modern New Year’s Eve party. Whether you’re planning a large corporate gala, a laid-back office party, or an intimate countdown cocktail hour, we’ve got the rentals to help you ring in the new year in unforgettable style. Think luxe neutral linens, plush retro-inspired lounge furniture, and a bar setup that’s practically made for Insta-worthy sips. Keep reading for ideas on everything from moody metallic tablescapes to cozy lounge setups that invite your guests to sit and stay awhile.
Moody Metallic Tables
Hosting a seated dinner? Set the mood with a bold and modern table design. Black is a natural go-to for New Year’s Eve, but don’t shy away from layering in metallic touches for extra glam. Start with a luxe linen—go solid with our Black tablecloths or add subtle texture with Black Nova. Prefer something warmer? Gold Furrow makes a striking statement.
No New Year’s Eve party is complete without a lounge space. It’s going to be a long night, so give your guests a comfy-chic place to sip, chat, and take it all in. We love the drama of our Regent Black Velvet Sofa paired with Acrylic Ghost Arm Chairs. Add contrast and polish with the Avalon Round Coffee Table or go modular with our Pearce Lounge. It can easily be customized to fit any space or guest count.
Want to dial up the cozy factor? Layer in some textured rugs for warmth and style. And for larger gatherings, don’t forget to sprinkle in a few bistro tables and barstools near the bar. So guests always have a place to perch!
Raise a glass in style with a bar setup that’s as functional as it is fabulous. Our Black Franklin Bar is a sleek statement piece. Especially when paired with our Black Bookcase to display bottles or showcase glassware. Opt for elegant Gatsby Champagne Coupes for toasts or the Upton Glassware for a more classic cocktail service. Planning to serve a signature welcome drink? You’ll love our White 6-Tier Serving Tower—it’s perfect for pre-poured bubbly or mocktails.
Feeling inspired? We would love to help you plan a Moody Modern New Year’s Eve party in Nashville. Whether you’re hosting a small at-home gathering or a large corporate event! Send us a message at info@southerneventsonline.com, or take a look at our catalog of rentals on the website.
A lush garden. Elegant wooden furniture. A chic neutral palette. Sounds like the making of a dreamy wedding! Hosted at The Cordelle, Claire and Austin’s modern rustic wedding was simple yet oh-so chic. From the timeless decorations to the modern color scheme, it was a gorgeous celebration. One sure to inspired many brides! Take a look at the details from their day, including how they incorporated our stylish rustic event rentals.
A Garden Ceremony
Firstly, the pair’s vow exchange took place in the lush garden, surrounded by manicured hedges and towering trees. It was a warm but overcast day, ideal for the outdoor celebration. Guests sat facing a breathtaking, white floral backdrop. Seating was simple; clean rows of our ever-popular Cross-Back Chairs including cushions to ensure guests sat comfortably. Our Harlin Dining Chairs are an equally gorgeous alternative we’d recommend paired with candles in Davis Glass Cylinders for aisle decor.
Simple Cocktail Hour
Guests enjoyed cocktail hour hosted on the patio as the garden flipped from the ceremony to the reception setup. The bar staff prepared bubbly in classic champagne glasses. For an especially impressive display, consider displaying champagne or a cocktail of choice using our Fruitwood Champagne Shelf. Our bistro tables with luxe linens paired with our stylish bar stools are a great way to hold over guests until they can be led to their dinner tables.
Elegant Wood Banquet Tables
Our favorite design, by far, was the reception tables! Claire and Austin desired an intimate vibe for their dinner, opting for banquet tables. Set up side by side, our Fruitwood Farm Tables looked stunning and sat dozens comfortably, and to complement the modern rustic wedding colors, place settings were simple. Consisting of white round dinner plates, Abby Flatware, and Carly Water Goblets. If you prefer a subtle pop of color, take a look at our luxe napkins! Lush garlands made of bright greenery were the perfect modern rustic centerpieces. As the sun went down, the overhead bistro lights came on, casting a warm glow on the party below. It was a beautiful gathering and our team felt honored to be a part of it.
Shout out to John Myers Photography for sharing the images from Claire and Austin’s wedding with us!
Hosting your own modern rustic wedding? Contact our team at info@southerneventsonline.com for help recreating this elegant ceremony or reception setup. Or, for help bringing your unique wedding vision to life!
Nothing brings good tidings and cheer like delicious holiday fare – deviled eggs, butter-laden potatoes, gravy-smothered turkey. In fact, food remains the focal point of most holiday celebrations, wherein family and friends gather around the table. This makes it all the more important that you serve your painstakingly created dishes in style – that and it somehow makes the food taste better. Take a look at our stylish serving pieces for holiday parties, and other catering rentals, that will make for a memorable food-focused gathering.
Luxe Hors D’oeuvres & Entrees
Which is better – hor d’oeuvres or entrees? We can’t decide, but there is no doubt that appetizers have picked up in popularity in recent years. Maybe it’s the charcuterie fad, but people seem to love these flavor-packed and visually stunning creations. And what better way to display them than a gorgeous Silver Tray – try Carson Rectangle for charcuterie or Carson Round for tidbits on toothpicks. If you prefer a rustic-inspired alternative, our Wood Charcuterie Board or Wood Melamine Tray are both gorgeous.
Come time for dinner, create a complete look using our crisp white Melamine Serving Pieces. From deep platters to bowls and trays, there is a piece for every tasty morsel. Add on other essentials, like a Rattan Bread Basket – for those fan-favorite rolls. Plus a Stainless Steel Gravy Boat (or two)! If you plan to have a larger guest count and want to keep dinner service easy peasy, no problem. We rent chafing dishes, plus stock a variety of other catering rentals.
Fanciful Dessert Plates
What are the holidays without your favorite desserts? Alongside charcuterie, dessert displays are also popular – elegant tiered arrangements featuring everything from homemade pies to handheld puddings. Our Marble and Gold Cake Stands are adjustable, ideal for creating a custom arrangement. And our Windsor Stands would be a fun add-on. For a rustic-inspired table, feature the Wyatt Pedestals alongside the Willow 2-Tiered Stand – perfect for minis! Of course, you’ll also need plates. We recommend any of our gold accent china, for that luxe seasonal look. Check out Hamlet for a traditional table, or Athena for a more modern setting.
Beautiful Beverage Displays
Easily the most underrated serving pieces for rent are our beverage dispensers, for a coffee or tea service. Regardless of the size of your holiday party, these elegant pieces will make for an elevated experience. We have options for table service or drink stations, including the Silver Coffee Server and Silver Coffee Urn. Just don’t forget the matching cream and sugar set – a must for that charming old-school look. For larger parties, or if you plan to feature a build-you-own hot chocolate bar, opt for a larger Copper Coffee Urn. You might also throw in a second Silver Urn, to provide a spiked coffee or hot chocolate option for the adults!
Want to feature a number of these serving pieces for holiday parties? Peruse our full inventory of stylish serving ware, or get help from a team member at info@southerneventsonline.com. We look forward to making your holiday gatherings a success! Need more help for the upcoming holidays? Take a look at our holiday party planning tips & checklist!
Cocktail hour on your wedding day. It’s a fancy happy hour – with all of your closest family and friends. Along with planning your favorite signature drinks for your guests (and yummy hors d’oeuvres), you’ll also want to create a comfortable space that’s perfect for conversation. Cocktail hour is for moving around as your guests meet new people and connect with each other. With this in mind, barstools and cocktail tables are ideal when creating a setup fit for mingling! Take a look at our unique cocktail tables and bar stools that will complement your reception theme or venue.
Rustic Chic
Do you love farmhouse-inspired style? Our Farm Bistro Tables are a classic choice, available in two beautiful colors: White Wash and Fruitwood. If you prefer a more subdued rustic setup, you can top any of our classic bistro tables with luxe linens that will suit a woodsy setting. Forest Poly or Kennedy Natural will complement any rustic venue, as well as most urban backdrops. For a complete look, be sure to grab our Crossback Barstools.
Modern Romantic
Bright colors and chic rentals are a must-have for a modern romantic celebration! Vibrant linen-dressed cocktail tables are an easy way to feature some color at the reception. And if you’re into the clean lines of mid-century modern, our Mid-Century Barstools in Black or White will fit perfectly into your theme. Prefer a more luxe look? Our Charleston Bistro Table is an easy choice. It looks stunning with a set of popular Gold Chiavari Barstools.
Modern Minimal
Going for a modern or minimal theme? Our Loren Gold Bistro Table and Acrylic Ghost Barstools are a darling pair, especially when set atop one of our vintage rugs. For a softer look, you might place a runner across the table, for that modern romantic look. Try a neutral color like Havana Ecru or Bloom Chiffon! To create an equally impressive but more traditional setup, opt for a simple bistro table outfitted in bold linens. Any color will look stunning with a pair of sleek Acrylic Casper Square Back Barstools – or any of our acrylic chairs for that matter.
Photo by Nyk + Cali
Cocktail Hour Essentials
A successful cocktail party requires some specific furnishings! Starting with a beautiful bar, where mixologists can whip up impressive beverages. To assist them in a stunning presentation, be sure to stock the bar with a selection of gorgeous, on-theme glassware.
If you’re ready to get started planning your upcoming cocktail hour, we’d love to help! Send us a message at info@southerneventsonline.com, or view our full range of wedding cocktail tables and barstools.
Nashville’s gem of an event and wedding venue, The Ruby lives up to its name. Beautiful in her simplicity yet modern for her age, the urban chic event space is a timeless backdrop for a wedding. The vintage space was rejuvenated specifically for social gatherings, featuring modern amenities and industrial details. To help you determine whether this venue aligns with your grand vision, we’re sharing a few ideas for hosting a wedding at The Ruby, featuring our stylish event rentals.
The Hall
With a vaulted wood ceiling and plaster walls, the Hall is both historic yet contemporary, expansive yet intimate. Doors that access the courtyards with the park beyond fill the space with natural light, creating a bright and cozy glow. The vast room is incredibly versatile, allowing couples to use the space as desired to bring their vision to life. Create elegant rows with our Black Resin Folding Chairs, the aisle lined with layered rugs, vintage and cowhide. For a more romantic look, feature our Davis Glass Cylinders with candles. As for a backdrop, the white textured walls will complement any style of decor, from a floral arch to greenery or signage.
Elevated and enclosed by the surrounding trees, the Treehouse Courtyard greets guests when they enter. This space serves as a gorgeous setting for a cocktail hour. Here you can set up a variety of bistro tables, decorated with our luxe linens, as well as lounge areas. Our Bennett Leather Sofa, paired with the Rivet Accent Tables and a set of Gloria Velvet Arm Chairs, are the perfect choice for the urban chic event space. Guests will enjoy views of Dragon Park, including the facade and its towering 15-foot doors. The space is covered for sun and rain, and walled in the wintertime for year-round use.
The Park Courtyard
Fitting to its name, The Park Courtyard is surrounded by the park on all sides – making it a popular space for wedding party photos and bridal portraits. From the brick exterior, towering doors and light blue railing, these details make for trendy urban images, fitting for a frame. During spring and summer, as well as warm fall days, guests are drawn out by the light drifting through towering maples and tall grasses. It is a great transitional location for food stations or food trucks, and bars. Depending on your event theme, both our Franklin Black Wood Bar and Whiskey Barrel Galvanized Bar would look stunning. Just don’t forget to grab a selection of equally impressive glassware! Or expand your social areas by adding another lounge set with appetizers displayed on any of our stylish serving pieces.
Host an Elegant Indoor Reception
Following a quick flip, the white plastered Hall is an equally stunning setting for an intimate wedding reception. As the sun dims, the room lights up with soft overhead chandeliers and downlights. Meanwhile, there is enough floor space for up to 130 of your loved ones. Create a unique set up, featuring a mix of round and banquet tables. including our Fruitwood Farm Tables. It beautifully complements the wood ceiling, while our Black Resin Folding Chairs provide some contrast. If you prefer a more modern look, consider our Ghost Acrylic Arm Chairs. As far as place settings, the options are endless! We, however, are partial to neutral servingware with a subtle pop of color. Like our Earthen Alabaster China and a Fern Velvet Napkin. And should you choose to feature a dance floor, we recommend our Black or White Dance Floor.
Ready to plan your wedding at The Ruby in Nashville? Contact our team at info@southerneventsonline.com for help recreating this elegant urban wedding. Or, for help bringing your unique vision to life!
The holidays always come with a heavy dose of nostalgia, so why not carry this feeling over in your event design? Featuring a mix of the old and new, a modern vintage event is a beautiful balance. The perfect theme when you consider that we are celebrating both the end and beginning of yet another year. Check out our modern vintage rentals below and how they can be used to host a charming holiday party. For more help, take a look at our Holiday Party Planning Tips!
Luxe Linens in Every Shade
Linens are undoubtedly our favorite way to feature color at a holiday event. And for the holidays the options are endless! If you’re looking for linens to complement your modern vintage rentals, consider those that feature a subtle pattern. Our Ivory Pearl Shalimar and Victoria Gold Luxe Linens ooze luxury and would complement any neutral-colored place setting. Meanwhile, a solid shade will look gorgeous with more intricate serving ware. Such as our Scarlet Red Velvet or Magnolia Green Velvet Linens. As always, don’t forget napkins! Contrast a bold or patterned tablecloth with classic white or ivory napkins.
Photo & Film by Luann
Vintage-Inspired Servingware
There is a charm to vintage-inspired serving ware that is perfect for the holidays! It lends a subtle sense of nostalgia that also happens to perfectly suit a modern vintage theme. Our inventory of servingware includes a range of pieces that can be used to create a stylish holiday tablescape. Either for a casual at-home soiree or for a formal corporate gathering.
Photo by Mindy Thornton PhotographyPhoto by Amilia Photography
Cozy Holiday Lounge Areas
Lounging is what you do at holiday parties. Whether you’re in a post-feast coma or simply need somewhere to sit and sip on a tasty seasonal cocktail. We have the perfect modern vintage rentals to create a stunning seating setup, whether you prefer a set of sofas or an armchair or two. Start with a rug featuring a vintage design to frame the space, adding a touch of warmth. Then choose your seating, such as our Fern Velvet and Bennett Leather Sofa. Either of these are stunning with our Bamboo Arm Chairs or White Eiffel Arm Chairs. Finish the look with a set of Gold Hammered Coffee Tables, where guests can set their drinks and appetizers.
Photo by Elizabeth WisemanPhoto by Jen & Chris CreedPhoto by Jen & Chris Creed
Want to feature these modern vintage rentals at your holiday party in Nashville? Send our team a message at info@southerneventsonline.com for help selecting the perfect pieces for your gathering, big or small!
The key to throwing a successful holiday party (and not throwing your sanity out of the window) is proper preparation. If you’ve ever hosted a holiday party before, you understand how chaotic planning can be. Even then, you may still feel like you’re scrambling trying to get things done at the last minute. This is why we want to treat you to a stress-free holiday party planning experience. Whether you’re hosting an intimate holiday dinner at home or a large formal gala! Check out our tips below on holiday party must-haves, featuring our stylish rentals. Plus, grab our Holiday Party Checklist that will make it easy to execute a jolly affair!
On-Trend Holiday Office Party
Hosting a holiday party at the office can be limiting, but that doesn’t mean it should be boring. Start by adding some color to the office with festive linens in a brilliant Heritage Cranberry or deep Magnolia Green. If you’re serving food, even just appetizers, pass on the paper plates and opt for Gold Accent China paired with matching Gold Austin Flatware. Finally, serve up a DIY Hot Cocoa or Coffee Bar (don’t forget the Baileys!), with our hot beverage dispensers. Alternatively, treat your team to a casual cocktail hour featuring a formal bar and a menu of seasonal cocktails in fancy glassware!
Casual Holiday Luncheon
When hosting a holiday luncheon, chances are you’ll be inviting co-workers, peers, and people you may want to network with. That’s why you’ll want the event to feel approachable, yet still have a formal holiday vibe. In order to achieve this, you’ll want to have coordinating linens such as our Champagne Sequin Linen, Chafing Dishes, and Copper Beverage Service Equipment – to give your holiday party a festive feel. To make sure guests feel welcome and encouraged to mingle, we also recommend a stylish lounge. Our Fern Velvet Sofa and Bamboo Arm Chairs are a chic set!
Photo by Danielle Christine Photography
Feast at a Festive Gala
The holidays are a great time to celebrate in a big way and a grand gala is just the way to thank VIP clients or your team for all they contribute to your company’s success. If you’re hosting a large formal company holiday party, there are a few items you’ll want to make sure you include. Cocktail and bistro tables are a must for mingling and should be decked out with luxe linens, say Etched Velvet or a shimmery Satin. Then there is the bar, where guests can enjoy their favorite seasonal drinks, from a Hot Toddy to spiked cocoa. We also recommend having formal place settings with china, chargers, and plenty of glassware for toasting the year past and ahead.
Photo by Jordan & Alaina
At-Home Holiday Soriee
Cozy home holiday parties are a wonderful and intimate way to share seasonal good tidings with family and friends. But these gatherings can stretch the limits of anyone’s kitchen! Whether you need extra plates or forks, serving dishes and platters, or flutes for toasting, we have it all. We even offer a selection of curated rentals, Styled by Southern, packed with all the essentials for creating a stylish holiday tablescape – like the ice-inspired Silver Soiree! We can also elevate your seating, with our Adeline or Harlin Dining Chairs. As always, we’re glad to schedule a delivery or pick-up at our Franklin warehouse.
Image by Photo & Film by LuAnn
If you’re hosting a holiday party, we’d love to help! Send us a message at info@southerneventsonline.com for assistance designing a seasonal get-together, big or small, that will have your guests in awe.
