V54: Expert Style Tips – Tips for Setting A Stylish Table by Robin Zachary :: CeciStyle

First up in our design challenge is stylist extraordinaire Robin Zachary. You may recognize her from some recent CeciStyle cover shoots like The White Issue, inspired by Diddy’s White Party, or the Exotic Excellence issue (loved the photo with the colorful roses she put in my hair!). Robin is known for her work in many of the world’s leading magazines and collaborating with top talents in New York City. Styling everything from models to tabletops, Robin has a wonderful eye for detail and I was thrilled to have her accept my design challenge. Below are her six looks (lucky for us, she did a look for each placemat design!). She also gave us truly helpful tips on how we can use her technique at home. The looks were photographed by William Brinson of William Brinson Photography and David Lazarus.

To make it easy, I’ve started off each challenge showing the Vivre products each stylist chose to work with. Then you can see how he or she brought them to life in the pictures. I’ve even throw in some of my own recommendations for you to try. Enjoy the results, below!

ROBIN ZACHARY
Bridal fashion and prop stylist Robin Zachary knows a thing or two about weddings. A veteran of the bridal industry, she’s the former Creative Director of Bridal Guide Magazine and now styles photo shoots for major magazines, retailers and private clients. She teaches an always sold-out styling class at New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology and muses on work, her inspirations and styling-related adventures on her blog, Prop Closet.

“Robin has a truly artistic eye. She is one of those rare talents you can give a concept to and she will run with it, requiring little to no supervision. She just nails it each time. I appreciate her sense of detail and deep desire to create something uniquely beautiful. Whether you need fashion, beauty or prop styling, Robin will get it right every time!” - CECI JOHNSON

Look 1: Bird Watching

Robin used azalea bird cage place cards.

Linens and napkin ring from Nüage Designs. Pink plates, glassware and pewter stemware from ABC Carpet & Home. Photography by William Brinson.

Look 2: Caribbean Palms

Robin used green palm leaf placemats.

Photography by William Brinson.

Look 3: Divine Damask

Robin used silver trim place cards paired with silver damask placemats.

Napkin and tablecloth from Nüage Designs. Grey bowls and dinner plate from ABC Carpet & Home. Photography by William Brinson.

Tips for Setting a Whimsical & Stylish Table by Robin Zachary:

Themes: Create theme-based table vignettes to set the tone of your party. Use one-of-a-kind vintage finds or family heirlooms as props.
Colors: Define your color story. Find your inspiration and pick out a palette of two to four colors. Or create a monochromatic color story with varying shades of one hue with a pop of one contrasting color.
Surprise: Leave a little surprise at each place setting. Think of interesting ways to prop up the place card. The Ceci Vivre laser-cut bird place card rests inside a tiny nest and the Ceci Vivre laser-cut shell place card sticks out of a bowl of sand.
Fabrics: Use fabrics to cover tables and as napkins. Textured linens add depth to the vignette. Lay something sheer over a rustic wood table to allow some of the surface to peek through. Or place a Ceci Vivre laser-cut placemat over fabric.
Glassware: Mix and match assorted glassware. Use tumblers and stemware in varying heights to create levels that add interest.