If you’re searching for a stylish and vibrant theme for your next event, look no further than modern retro! Inspired by the late 1970s through the 90s, our modern retro rentals blend rich colors with sleek, functional designs. Whether it’s a cocktail hour or a laid-back lounge, these pieces are perfect for creating a chic throwback vibe that’s totally on trend. Dive into our collection of party furniture rentals to craft a modern retro experience your guests won’t forget!

Groovy Lounge Vibes

Transform your event into a retro haven with our groovy lounge furniture. Imagine guests sinking into plush sofas and metallic armchairs that evoke the stylish simplicity of late-century design. From muted olive tones to bold, vibrant hues, our lounge pieces offer the perfect blend of comfort and cool. Jacqueline and Fern are fan favorites, made of buttery velvet in rich colors. Pair these pieces with an equally bold armchair, like Gloria in mustard. Or, choose a more sleek design like the Farrah Teal Velvet or Gold Bamboo Arm Chair.

Retro-Chic Accents

It’s all about the details when it comes to pulling off a modern retro theme, and our retro-chic accents are just what you need to elevate your event. Think hammered gold or pewter tables that exude understated luxury, or cozy Turkish Rug Ottoman that add warmth and depth to your seating area. And don’t forget the finishing touch—a neutral cowhide rug that ties everything together with its classic texture. These accessories may be subtle, but they pack a punch, turning any space into a polished, retro-inspired scene that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

Tabletop Time Travel

Bring the past to your party with our retro-inspired tabletop rentals that marry form and function in the most stylish way possible. Our collection includes everything from richly colored linens to funky dinner plates that echo the era’s flair for the dramatic. Start with a bold base, like velvet linens in a warm Golden tone or deep Ocean Blue. Or achieve an eclectic vibe when you feature mismatched napkins! To make these shades stand out even more, place them atop solid plates – Alabaster or Onyx Earthen China. And just because you’re going retro doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a bit of glam! Sprinkle in a few metallics with Gold Rim Glass Chargers or Brushed Copper Flatware.

Retro Cocktail Hour Essentials

No modern retro event is complete without a cocktail hour that’s just as stylish as the rest of your setup. Our retro hour essentials include everything you need to serve drinks with a dash of nostalgia. Picture a vintage bar cart gleaming with brass accents, ready to roll out your favorite spirits and mixers. Or the gleaming Chelsea Marble Top Bar, where guests can treat themselves to water or lemonade in amber or green water goblets. Alternatively, make a statement with our White 6-Tier Serving Tower. A stylish grab-and-go option when you feature our contemporary Cybil Champagne Glasses.

Want to bring these modern retro-inspired party furniture rentals to your Nashville event? Get in touch with our team at info@southerneventsonline.com and let’s start planning! For even more event inspiration, check out our natural-neutral or earth-toned party rentals.

Event planning brings a refreshing shift towards a less-is-more philosophy in 2024! Embracing the essence of minimalism, event designers are choosing quality over quantity. Focusing on elements that make a lasting impact without overwhelming the senses. And Southern Event Rentals is here to help you embrace the trend and champion the art of curated simplicity. Explore our range of in-stock rentals to discover how you can seamlessly incorporate the latest in 2024 event design trends into your upcoming celebrations.

Linens with Whimsy

Gone are the days of elaborate and cluttered centerpieces vying for attention. Instead, 2024 encourages a playful embrace of whimsical linens to set the stage for a vibrant event. Picture bright and wonderful prints that effortlessly contrast with simple serving ware. For example, our Labella Pink and Somerset Blue are subtle designs that give big Bridgerton vibes, perfect for an elegant spring soiree. Meanwhile, Blue Floral and Cerise Kensington is more punchy and perfect for summer! On the other hand, romantic runners allow simple wood furniture to shine and exude softness – we’re loving our Sahara Runners in Indigo, Sage, and Rust. These linens not only add a pop of personality but also eliminate the need for chaotic centerpieces and unnecessary filler, allowing guests room to breathe.

Serving Ware that Elevates

Quality serving ware is a silent yet powerful player in the symphony of event design. It’s a tactile detail that can make or break the overall aesthetic of a table. Clean and simple is an easy choice, especially in contrast to busy printed linens. However, china adorned with timeless prints and subtle pops of color is equally striking and looks stunning atop a bold tablecloth. Likewise, our Cabo China comes in beautiful shades of Blue and Marigold, lending a chic coastal vibe. Meanwhile, Liana in a rich green is a modern twist on a vintage print. Textured chargers and colored glassware further enhance the visual appeal! Try the Rattan White Wash or Scalloped Wood Charger for added texture. Or allude to eras past with our pastel Amalia or Deco Glassware.

Clutter-Free Bars 

Simplicity extends beyond aesthetics to the culinary domain. That is to say, steer away from the temptation to stock every conceivable beverage option. Instead, focus on creating a thoughtful menu featuring signature drinks presented in eye-catching glassware. Such as our contemporary Cybil or sleek Upton Glassware! Instead, for a hassle-free approach, consider batch cocktails or mocktails elegantly displayed in beverage dispensers. This will help streamline serving for a more seamless experience. Moreover if you choose a bar of the appropriate style and size. For example, our expansive Thompson White Bar Collection. Or perhaps the likes of our smaller Collins Black Wood Bar. To match a theme, check out the sophisticated Alice Bar or retro-inspired Chelsea Marble Top Bar.

Home-Like Lounges

Hotel vibes are taking a backseat in 2024! With event designers prioritizing the creation of cozy spaces that mimic the warmth of home. Southern Event Rentals always encourages planners to prioritize functionality over aesthetics in lounge areas. Picture accent tables strategically placed for guests to comfortably rest their drinks, appetizers, and handbags. This deliberate design fosters an intimate and relaxed atmosphere. Encouraging guests to connect and enjoy the event in a more personal setting. If you need inspiration, take a look at our curated collections, such as the Ellison Lounge. Or, mix and match to create a custom seating area featuring sofas (Sloan is a current fave). Along with armchairs and an ottoman or two. Top it off with a rug for a cohesive and refined look.

A commitment to curated simplicity reflects a deeper understanding of the evolving preferences of event-goers. Ensuring that every gathering is a memorable experience! Contact our team today at info@southerneventsonline.com to book an appointment in our showroom. We’d be happy to help incorporate these 2024 event design ideas into your celebration!

In 2022 we brought a lot of trends to fruition, from micro-weddings and backyard gatherings, to boho and retro-inspired rentals, as well as neutral and earth-toned color palettes. But now it’s time to look to the future! Today we’re going to take a look at some of the anticipated 2022 event trends, so that you can start planning your best gathering yet.

Bridgerton-Inspired Design

We saw a snippet of this trend in 2021, with opulent garden parties. But in 2022, we’re taking it to the next level with set ups inspired by the hit series Bridgerton, also known as Cottagecore. For this event style, we’re expecting pastel-rich color palettes, luxe textures, and vintage-inspired furniture.

Start with memorable tablescapes, featuring unique colors and fun rentals. For example, our Fern or Sea Glass velvet linens, or more decade appropriate Blue Kensington print. Top them off with our mismatched Heirloom China, or break up all the prints with our dainty Darcy China. The best choice for flatware is our versatile Abby or Sophia flatware. Finally, incorporate a splash of texture with our Green or Amber Goblets.

If you’re hosting an accurate event, then you’ll also need an equally impressive cocktail hour setup – high-society gatherings were all about mingling! Rent our Franklin Antique White Bar and a lounge to match. Such as our Fern Velvet Sofa, a set of Everly Chairs, and our Rhodes Coffee and side tables. Cocktail tables are also available for those who prefer to remain standing room!

Sequel Weddings!

Due to a large number of couples postponing their nuptials in 2021, sequel weddings will be a hit in 2022. That is, a big party following an intimate ceremony. Which can also be used following a vow renewal, or any type of post-pandemic celebration. These events will be focused on living in the moment, so they don’t have to be luxe – but they can be!

At these events, we’ll want to help create a small and cozy feel, which can be achieved with soft textures and warm colors. Think earthy, natural tones, like Terra Cotta or Rust. For a ceremony, start with our classic White or Fruitwood Folding Chairs and line the aisle with mismatched cowhide rugs.

For your reception, as well as any other small dinners, you’ll want to create cozy tablescapes and lounge areas where people can gather. Start with one of our beautiful Farm Tables paired with a neutral-colored runner, in Ivory or Natural Sahara. Next, feature simple serving ware, such as our Artisan or Earthen Alabaster China. For some fun pops of color, consider our Amber Goblets and elegant velvet napkins in Spice or Cameo Blush. Easily create a complementary lounge with our Santorini Off-White Sofa and Adeline Dining Chairs.

Mocktails & Sober Cocktails

Wellness is a priority for a large amount of the population at the start of a new year. And to help you and your guests achieve that goal throughout the year, we recommend upping your mocktail game! Which is easy to achieve with our wide selection of gorgeous glassware rentals. For this 2022 event trend, grab some of our favorites, like our Audrey Gold Rim Glassware and Whimsical Cybil Glassware. If you want a more colorful look, go with our Colored Glassware in a Meridian Blue and Smoke.

At Southern Events, we’re excited to help you continue to celebrate with these 2022 event trends! A reminder, however, that as we see an increase in gatherings our rentals will book up faster than ever. Be sure to secure your rentals as soon as possible to ensure that the pieces you love the most will be available at the time of your event. Reach out today, at info@southerneventsonline.com!

Neutral color palettes have been popular as they offer a stylish yet timeless look. However, there are both cool and warm neutral colors, which will lend a completely different vibe to an event. Today, we’re doling out some inspiration featuring our natural-neutral wedding rentals! These warm-toned pieces will lend a modern yet organic theme to your event.

Natural-Neutral Place Settings

One of our favorite ways to feature natural neutrals is via an elegant tablescape. We carry a large variety of warm-toned serving ware for creating a cohesive and memorable layout. For starters, consider our Fruitwood Farm Table for the perfect warm-toned base. Alternatively, a table with light-colored linen will add a brighter base.

These elegant tables are warm and feature pink for a fun feminine flair. Both are accented with metallic gold accents, for a wonderful luxe look! We always recommend a touch of texture. For instance, using neutral velvet table linens or a wood tabletop with a table runner.

Photo by Renrose Photography

Photo by Madi Flourney

Worried that your tablescape will be overwhelmingly warm-toned? Add in a touch of cool-toned neutrals. These tables are beautifully balanced thanks to silver accents. Our Earthen Onyx or Earthen Stone China always pairs well with a warm-toned charger or napkins. Or feature silver flatware atop a neutral table or table linens.

Photo by Kelsey Leigh Photography

Photo by Kelsey Shea Photo

Linens

Speaking of linens, let’s cover a few of our favorites. First up is our stunning Golden Velvet Linens. With a buttery texture, this piece will make a gorgeous base for a luxe tablescape. It pairs well with cream, white or brown. Next up is Kennedy Natural, with a beautiful woven texture. It will lend a touch of texture to a table and is a subtle and elegant color. Finally, there is our Ivory Sahara Runner. Place this runner atop our Fruitwood Farm table for a slightly more casual vibe.

Neutral Lounge Furniture

What’s a social event without a cute and cozy lounge area? We carry a range of comfortable, natural neutral furniture. First up is our Tessa Tufted Beige Linen Loveseat, which is a beautiful piece for a sweetheart table, as well as smaller lounge areas. Alternatively, our Bennett Leather Sofa is a rich brown color and the perfect size for a larger event. Lastly, be sure to check out one of the newest additions to our catalog, the Everly sofa! This cream-colored piece features an arched silhouette, pad feet, a camelback, and carved arms, plus a distressed wood frame.

Photo by Alex Thornton Photography

Want to feature one or several of these natural neutral wedding rentals at your event? Contact our team at info@southerneventsonline.com & let’s start planning! Or if you prefer a moodier vibe, take a look at our blog on earth-toned party rentals.

Two entirely different yet equally beautiful styles, Bohemian and Diva elements have been combined to create a new look: Boho Diva! It’s the perfect balance of chic, contemporary, and moody details, for a look that is relaxed, but bold and unique! Get inspired for your upcoming event with this bold boho diva event style we created at Franklin wedding venue Southall Meadows featuring our stylish rentals.

Bold & Moody

Our first tablescape is moody but romantic, with a black, rust, and pink color palette. Situated on top of our Fruitwood Farm Table is a deep Magnolia Green Runner. To complement the warm wood of the table we opted for our Medallion Gold Glass Charger and Onyx Dinner Plate, paired with Gold Austin Flatware.

Matching the elegant serving ware, we featured our Pure and Audrey Gold Rimmed Glassware.  To spice the look up a little, our beautifully textured, vintage-inspired Amber Goblets. Gold Chiavari Chairs were an easy choice for seating, with their dainty but luxe look.

Clean & Bright

Should you prefer a neutral palette, our second tablescape combines classic colors in an elegant and striking way. Also atop our Fruitwood Farm Table, is a Driftwood Table Runner and Yarrow Velvet Napkins. This design features silver metallic details, which complement the bright white centerpieces and crisp glassware. Notice our Silver Rimmed Glass Charger and Onyx Dinner Plate. Black is a key accent that is common with a Boho Diva inspired look.

Aiming for a slightly quirky but still elegant look, we carefully selected a few of our favorite contemporary rentals. Including our Como Flatware and gorgeous Cybil Glassware. And of course, our always popular Acrylic Ghost Armless Chairs – also available with arms.

Glam Cocktail Tables

Cocktail tables, spread throughout an event space, make for the perfect opportunity to feature glam linens. Our Sequin tablecloths, shown in Gold, are available in 5 gorgeous colors. Or opt for one of our etched velvet linens, for a less over-the-top but equally elegant look.

Thanks to the Nashville Vendor Team that partner with us on this look!

Planning: Erin Lynn Events

Photography: Kelsey Leigh Photo

Florals: Stella Rose Floral

Neon Light: Nash Neon

Lighting: Nashville Lighting & Production

Want to recreate this boho diva event style? Reach out to our team for help or to secure your rentals at info@southerneventsonline.com. For additional ideas and inspiration for your 2021 event, check out the latest trends featuring our in-stock rentals.

In recent years small gatherings have peaked in popularity! As there is something extra charming about a party that is smaller in size, or more exclusive, yet stylish. Get inspired by some of our must-have rentals for small gatherings, perfect for hosting intimate parties in the greater Nashville area.

Chairs & Tables

We’re kicking things off with the basics! Chairs & tables are a must, whether you are serving food or simply want to encourage guests to sit down and stay for a while. Our lounge packages feature beautiful furniture, perfect for a casual evening in the backyard. When it’s time to eat, gather around our always beautiful Fruitwood Farm Table, with child-sized furniture (chairs included) to match. For a cocktail hour, a set of bistro tables and bar stools are a classic choice.

Stylish Rugs

Rugs are a must-have when it comes to defining a space. Large or small, they create a frame in which to lay out a social area. Alternatively, they add an additional level of comfort underfoot. With summer coming we’re favoring bright colors, like our Aqua Rug or Blue-Red Rug. For some extra pizzazz, try layering a few of your favorites.

Photo by Phindy Studios

Bar Service

With the weather warming up, you’ll want to treat your guests to a cold drink. We offer a variety of beautiful stands and displays, perfect for a small bar or self-serve area. Our 4ft Antique White Bar is an elegant choice for a more upscale event. Or for a quaint but stylish self-serve area, check out our Avenue Bar Back Shelf or Gold Rolling Bar Cart. Each of them has just enough space to hold glassware, alcohol, and your ingredients of choice. You will also have a wide selection of gorgeous glassware to choose from, to complement the style of your event!

Photo by Megan Stark

A Fun Focal Point

Every party needs a unique, eye-catching focal point. When hosting happy hour or your event will include alcohol, our Boxwood Wall makes for a fun interactive photo backdrop or central spot for guest place cards. It can also be used to serve up refreshing beverages throughout the duration of your event!

Photo by Megan Stark

Tabletop Decor

Don’t let your tables sit bare! Even a small centerpiece goes a long way. We offer a variety of lanterns and votives in various colors. Use these as decoration or to create a warm ambiance once the sun goes down. If you plan on showcasing some flowers fresh from the garden, our cylindrical and square glass vases are an elegant choice.

Photo by Joe Hendricks Photography

Photo by Jen & Chris Creed

Want to feature one or multiple of these stylish rentals at your upcoming small gatherings? We’ve got you covered! Contact our team at info@southerneventsonline.com & let’s start planning!

2021 is rapidly approaching and with it are new event trends! Our team at Southern Events is looking forward to getting creative to help you design memorable celebrations in the year ahead. Get inspired for your future events by looking at the 2021 trends, featuring our in-stock rentals.

Luxe But Sustainable

Luxe events aren’t going anywhere but we’re seeing an increased interest in sustainability. There are multiple ways to host a sustainable event via rentals. The first is reusable serving ware, including china, flatware, glassware, and linens. Rentals are an easy and beautiful way to reduce the waste produced by your event.

In terms of styling, expect lots of lush plants & greenery. Potted plants are especially beautiful and perfect for aisle decor and table centerpieces.  The same goes for dried plants, which lend lots of texture. Pampas grass in particular is trending, as it easily adds volume and height. Expect to see an increasing amount of dried flower bouquets and arrangements.

This emerald, cream & gold tablescape features our Gold Rim Glass Charger, Alabaster Earthenware, Gold Austin Flatware, Fern Velvet Linens, Colored Glassware & Pure Glassware.

Photo by Nyk and Cali

All Out Events

Go big or go home right? One 2021 trend is events that are memorable, not necessarily in size but in the details. Diva Boho-themed events are a great example. Think of bold & intricate geometric patterns, and voluminous flowers or other organic arrangements. Metallics are also here to stay, as they are a quick way to add some sparkle and shine to an event. At this type of event, you can tell that every thoughtful detail was well planned and executed.

This bright textured tablescape was created using our Medallion Gold Glass Chargers, Onyx Earthenware, Austin Flatware & Audrey Gold Rim Glassware.

Photo by Kelsey Leigh Photography

A Focus on Sentimentality

People are gravitating towards heirlooms and the texture of various things that draw them to the past – we expect this event trend to only get bigger in 2021. Not necessarily a boho theme, but colors and textures that incite a sense of nostalgia. So sustainable handmade pieces lend texture, such as clay, jute, and wicker decor. This trend also applies to attire, in the form of heirloom jewelry, clothing, and accessories. For weddings, think dresses with intricate old-school embroidery in an ivory or cream color. One great example is celestial-inspired events, where texture and vintage or retro items are easy to incorporate into the design.

Recreate this romantic neutral design with our Driftwood Velvet Napkins, Artisan China, Cybil Glassware, & Como Flatware.

Photo by Kelsey Leigh Photography

2021 Wedding Colors

In 2021, we’re expecting to see every color & combination imaginable. After a year of postponing and adjusting, why not throw out the rules a little?! While neutral-themed weddings are timeless, more and more couples are seeking to host an event that is unique and memorable. The colors you feature are one easy way to showcase your personality. Here’s some 2021 color trend inspo!

• Muted/Matte Jewel Tones – Mustard, Dark Plum, Hunter & Emerald green, Inky Indigo, Sapphire

Photo and Film by Luann

• Pastel Tones – Light Aqua, Baby Pink, Peach, Cantaloupe

Photo by Abigail Lewis Photo

• Bold & Bright – Coral, Fuschia & Sherbert

Photo by Gray Kammera

• Dark & Moody + Black – Burgundy, Olive Green, Cinnamon, Crimson, Navy

Photo by Nyk and Cali

• Pantone Colors of the Year – A bright and positive combination, the Pantone Colors of the Year are Illuminating (yellow) and Ultimate Gray. We’re excited to see how these colors are featured at 2021 weddings!

Photo by Alex Thorton Photography

Want to incorporate some of these 2021 trends into your upcoming or future Nashville or Franklin, Tennessee event? Reach out to our team for styling help or inspiration, or to secure your rentals, info@southerneventsonline.com.

Vibrant and whimsical, these colorful backyard party ideas that are sure to bring some wonder & whimsy to your next Nashville, Tennessee event. Perfect for a kid’s birthday party, fun gender reveal party or daytime wedding, check out how we use our party rentals to create a bold & colorful look that is timeless, stylish and fun!

Mix & Match Furniture

Keep your event casual yet maintain a consistent aesthetic with a mix of furniture that complements one another. By using Barnwood Furniture of a variety of shapes, you can make the most of the space and also feature some statement pieces. Take for example our beautiful Fruitwood Farm Tables. In regards to chairs, we used a mix of rustic benches and our elegant Cross-back chairs. Although simple, it creates a foundation from which to add color!

Photos by Krista Lee Photography

Metallic Place Settings

An easy way to add warmth to a colorful backyard event is with gold or silver accents. Featuring our Gold Round Lacquer Charger and Austin Flatware, adds a touch of metallics that contrasts beautifully against turquoise centerpieces. It also complements the golden yellows and sunset-inspired oranges throughout the event design. Don’t forget to pull these accents into other parts of your events with gold-rimmed glasses on your bar or gold side tables in your lounge. This creates a more cohesive look.

Bold Centerpieces

When it comes to table centerpieces people often feel the need to use matching pieces. A colorful backyard party is a perfect time to experiment with creative shapes and colors. This tablescape features a mix of vases, in teal, white, gold and clear glass – easy for a DIY backyard party. For candles, we suggest varying heights to add some dimension (though you can also create this with taller arrangements). As far as flowers go, consider keeping it simple but bright with a variety of wildflowers. Orange & yellow tones perfectly contrasted and popped against the teal and white glassware!

Vibrant Linens

Vibrant linens are so much fun! The use of bright colors will lend a sense of liveliness to your event, plus make your event photos pop. Don’t be afraid to use different linens for each table either! Note how we were careful to switch up the color of our table centerpieces depending on the linen color. As a general rule: place lighter colored centerpieces on dark tablecloths and vice versa. Our Fuschia Etched Velvet Linens with their gold veining would be a another way to bring in a subtle metallic accent and a bold pop of color.

Loving these colorful backyard party design ideas? Contact our team for more inspiration and rentals for your event! Plus check out our previous blog for Season-less Event design.

Emerald and gold speaks to opulence and set the tone for the event design at the 13th Annual Rutherford Society Gala. A black-tie affair, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Nashville in southeast Murfreesboro was transformed into an elegant affair. A mix of vibrant and deep greens, white furniture and golden accents made for a luxurious setting.

It is easy to take emerald and gold event design and end up over the top. With beautiful but simple pieces, a chic and functional space is possible. Alongside a pleasing aesthetic our aim is to eliminate any feelings of claustrophobia. It is a cocktail hour after all! Pieces like our Pearce Furniture, a chic modular lounge, and bistro tables will prompt guests towards social areas for a drink well throughout the evening.

The elegant layout and grandeur spilled over to the main ballroom for a 3-course meal. Paired with rich velvet tablecloths and white linens are the perfect amount of gold metallics to make it all pop! This includes Chiavari Chairs, gold-rimmed Athena Plates, and Austin Flatware. A touch of fresh florals in clear glass vases goes on to add some natural beauty.

Images courtesy of Jen and Chris Creed Photography

Want to feature emerald and gold event design at your next event? Send us a message at info@southerneventsonline.com.