In 2021 we saw a shift towards organic event design, featuring natural yet timeless colors and vintage-inspired rentals. A theme that we hope will carry over into the new year, especially for galas, fundraisers and other formal events! If this is a trend that you favor or a style you aim to embrace, check out the details from the annual Heritage Ball for some organic luxe gala inspiration.

A Lush Grand Entrance

A great way to set the tone for an event is with a coordinated grand entrance. Guests were welcomed to the Heritage Foundation Ball with a lush Boxwood Wall Backdrop. Here, sponsors of the event were featured. However, it also doubled as a photo opportunity! The lush green wall beautifully tied into the organic luxe theme that awaited guests.

Green & Gold Tablescapes

As the Heritage Ball is based around a formal seated dinner so beautiful tablescapes are a must. To create an organic look at this event, we featured mismatched tables and place settings. Starting with both round and rectangular tables, dressed in a range of green and ivory tablecloths, as well as subtle floral patterns. A touch of velvet here and there lent a luxe look, as did our classic Chiavari dinner chairs. Each place setting consisted of a Glass Charger with a Gold Rim, Abby Flatware, Ophelia Salad Plates, and Pure Glassware.

Custom Stocked Bars

Personal touches are essential to make any event memorable. And for this organic luxe gala, we featured our custom Harpeth Bar with a fun floral print across the front! To accommodate the large guest count, the bar was flanked by Franklin White Antique Bars and Franklin Black Antique Bars. And as always, each bar was well stocked with a beautiful selection of glassware, including a mix of wine glasses and our Davis Glassware.

Luxe Retro Lounge Areas

Surrounding each bar was a mix of comfy luxe lounge areas. By strategically placing these throughout the event space, guests were encouraged to mingle! They starred a mix of retro and modern rentals. Including our Every Sofa and Chair, Fern Velvet Sofa, and Blanche Coffee Table. Meanwhile, our Charleston Bistro Tables with marble tops were a great option for those who preferred to remain standing.

Elegant Staging for Live Entertainment

Of course, we can’t forget staging, as this event had several speakers and live entertainment. A facade was created with beautiful green and gold drapery, and for the podium, we opted for a contemporary Acrylic piece. And if you have live music you have to have a dance floor! So to complement the luxe look, we decided to feature our classic Black and White Dance Floor.

Thank you to Mindy Thornton Photography for sharing the photos from this event with us!

Love this organic luxe gala inspiration? We would love to help you recreate this look, or alter it to suit your event style. Contact us for design or layout assistance for your next event in Nashville or Franklin, TN, at info@southerneventsonline.com. Or for more formal event inspiration, check out this Gold & Ivory Gala at Cumberland University.

Southern Events was delighted to contribute to the 43rd annual Heritage Ball at the Eastern Flank Battlefield Park in Franklin this September. The Heritage Ball is the historic city’s longest-running black-tie event, and underscores the Heritage Foundation‘s efforts to preserve the architectural, geographic and cultural heritage of Franklin and Williamson County. The theme for this year’s gala came from a visit by the event chair to NYC – she was inspired by the simple refinement of an upscale New York restaurant. A monochromatic color palette of white & gray mixed with metallic accents and architectural decor created an elegantly chic space to raise funds and celebrate for the 700 plus guests in attendance.

The event featured a wide range of inventory items including our Mercer Lounge Furniture, Ghost Chairs & Barstools, Gold & Nickel Grey Velour Benches, London Loveseat, Eiffel Chairs, Conga Gold Drum Side Tables, Black Franklin Bars, White Silver Leaf & Granite Grey Shantung Linens, Darcy Bone China, Abby Flatware, Madison Glassware, Gold Chiavari Chairs, and both our Black & White Dance Floor as ell as our New England Plank Dance Floor.

The vision for this event came to life even more beautifully than we planned! Thanks to all who made this gorgeous event possible, and to those dedicated to preserving Franklin’s rich history!  Thanks to Phindy Studios for their beautiful photos of the event

In September, Southern Events had the pleasure of contributing to the 42nd annual Heritage Ball in Franklin. In support of this historic foundation, the planning committee went with a historic theme of Rhapsody in Blue, inspired by George Gershwin’s jazz age classic. It was perfect for the Franklin’s longest running black-tie gala, creating a rich, upscale look for guests to enjoy. This event style, with it’s color palette of sapphire blue, gold and white, is great inspiration for a winter event, whether it’s another gala, corporate event, or wedding.

Stay tuned for the big reveal of the full event recap on our blog, coming next week!

Product details: Sapphire Pintuck Linens, New Hamlet + Ophelia Gold-Rimmed China collections, Cobalt Glass China, Austin Gold Flatware, Mercury Glass Votives, Antique White Franklin Bar, Santorini Couch.