As impactful as the right fabric combination can be in a newly-designed living room or the wow factor of a complete kitchen remodel, nowhere is the power of design more palpable than over a table. That’s where people come together.
Great design has always been about more than just paint color and fixtures, but a feeling. That notion, along with 14 of the most talented designers in Charlotte, was celebrated at the second annual Come To The Table event in February at Quail Hollow Club.
Each designer turned a five-foot table round or farm-style rectangle into a feast for the eyes, which more than 500 guests took in over a two-day event to benefit Beds for Kids. Between an evening cocktail party and a luncheon the following day featuring hospitality expert Kimberly Schlegel Whitman, more than $100,000 was raised to help provide beds and essential furniture to local children and their families in need.
Tables were awash in color and texture, featuring lush florals, both fresh and faux. Designer Kate Newman featured Trompe-l'œil, or ceramics that look edible, to display oysters and a show-stopping caviar setting. Felipe Fisher’s table highlighted sterling silver berry bowls and a five-arm silver candelabra. Sarah Fisher's place settings were accessorized with small whimsical pieces, like a tiny guitar with a handmade inlay, to serve as conversation starters.
“It [all] kind of knocks your socks off,” says Beeland Voellinger, who co-chaired the event along with Jordan Horstman and Graylynn Rodrigues. “It’s all in one room. Everybody just really brought their best and showed it.”
The speaker, Whitman, who has shared her entertaining wisdom on everything from The Today Show to the Style Network, matched the perfect message to the moment, emphasizing connection over perfection.
“She said that all these people she had met around the world had one thing in common, that you treat your guests like royalty,” Voellinger says. “You set the table with intention, do the flowers, choose your meal. The table is where you all come together. And it doesn't matter if it's a nice dinner or casual, whatever, it's your time to show your guests your best, so that everyone leaves feeling really seen, heard and special.”
Each Come To The Table guest left with a copy of Whitman's ninth book, A Loving Table, which is a collection of inspiring entertaining traditions passed down from mothers and grandmothers. Each guest also received a cocktail napkin set from Laura Park.
Georgine Jeffries, who chaired communications for the event, was struck by how Whitman used existing monograms she discovered in antique silver pieces she collected. She suggested unique ways to celebrate the engravings rather than to change them.
“Even the fact that they're not perfect, adds to their character and their story,” Jeffries says. “You bring them to life anew when you use them.”
The luncheon’s floral centerpieces by The Belle Bouquet’s Nicole Arendale were sold to benefit Beds for Kids. A silent auction was new this year as well.
Guests could shop a series of retail pop-ups on both days, which was organized by Rodrigues. They could also buy items directly off of designer’s tables.
Organizers said adding a ticketed event the first night attracted younger professionals who couldn’t otherwise come to the full four-hour daytime luncheon.
“We created something exciting, new and different, and these young women want to be a part of it,” Voellinger says. “I’m excited to see where they can take it the next time.”