Spaces shaped with care have their own quiet language.
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
There is a particular quiet joy in completing a collection. It isn’t the hurried thrill of acquiring something new, but the deeper satisfaction of bringing something full circle.
A Quiet Joy in Completion
This past week, as the final pieces of my Lenox Eternal set arrived, I felt a familiar sense of resolution. The ivory china, the warmth of the gold band, and the weight of the new oval platter all belong to a story I began years ago. I built it patiently, plate by plate, cup by cup, moment by moment.
Beauty Lives in the Details
Next week, when the Cote Noire roses arrive, I’ll set the table properly. One arrangement will sit on each side. The new platter will rest on its easel in the center, with taper candles placed intentionally for balance and glow. Even the knife rests, though delayed, have their part to play. I’ve come to understand that beauty lives in the details. A table—like a life—comes alive through care, not speed.
The Table as a Masterclass in Intentionality
In many ways, a well-set table is a masterclass in intentionality. It reflects the same principles that guide my work when planning bespoke events for visionary nonprofit leaders. Balance, proportion, thoughtful placement — and the belief that even the smallest detail contributes to the whole. A curated event and a curated home share the same quiet language: care, presence, and an appreciation for how beauty elevates the moment.
Harmony, Not Accumulation
There is a rhythm to completing something with intention. It reminds me that collecting is not about accumulation. It’s about harmony. It’s about knowing when something is “enough” and appreciating the fullness of that moment.
Where The Gathering Table Luxury Edit Truly Began
It also reminds me where The Gathering Table Luxury Edit began. I wanted to create pieces and environments that don’t shout, but whisper their presence. The way a completed tablescape quietly affirms, “Yes, this is right,” is the feeling I want my luxury boxes and candles to bring into the homes they enter.
Leadership in Subtle Forms
In building this brand, I’ve learned that many things unfold before the public ever sees them. Photographs are taken, edits made, and choices refined. Recently, I’ve noticed moments where others have mirrored that imagery exactly as I created it. Those repetitions, even when quiet or without commentary, remind me that leadership often shows up in subtle ways. Sometimes the strongest influence comes from the visual language you build and the consistency with which you uphold it.
The Throughline: Taste, Choice, Narrative
Completing a collection—whether of china or ideas—allows you to pause and recognize the throughline: your taste, your choices, your narrative. As I prepare my table for the season ahead, I’m reminded that every completed chapter makes room for the next one to rise.
There is something quietly shifting in how we design, live, and celebrate. For me, this shift has been less about what is trending and more about what is timeless. Over the past few weeks, I have been curating a space—a mood, really—that I have named Quiet Luxury.
It is the art of doing more with less. Of choosing fewer, better things. Of embracing intention over excess.
What Quiet Luxury Means to Me
As someone who has built a career designing events that move missions and create legacy, I have always leaned toward meaning rather than spectacle. Recently, I find myself even more drawn to softness, to neutral tones, to natural textures, and to curated elegance. Elements that do not shout, but speak clearly.
Beauty That Does Not Ask for Attention
Quiet luxury is not about labels. It is about legacy. It is about understanding that beauty, when done well, does not need to ask for attention. It naturally commands it.
I see it in a single linen napkin folded just right. A candle lit not for fragrance, but for ambiance. A moment around a table that does not need staging, because it was created with care.
In my event work, this has always been the ethos—small gatherings with a generous heart, spaces that hold people and purpose. Now, I am expressing that same intentionality through design inspiration, and inviting others into it.
A Visual Moodboard
Leaning Into Quiet Luxury
I have created a new Pinterest board that reflects this aesthetic. It captures intimate dinner moments, curated interiors, and floral restraint. It is not just a moodboard; it is a mindset.
Creating More Than Moments
This board is only the beginning. Over the coming weeks, I will be releasing more content, styled imagery, and curated offerings, beginning with my Luxury Edit Candle Box, designed for quiet gatherings and meaningful gifting.
Designing with Grace and Intention
If you are drawn to intentional design, intimate experiences, and quietly elevated living, I hope you will stay connected.
Together, we can create more beauty, more space, and more meaning.
Have an amazing week!
Fondly, Monique
Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury. Coco Chanel
The holiday season invites us to gather, celebrate, and create memories that linger long after the festivities end. Whether it’s a cozy dinner party or a dazzling gala, the magic lies in the details that bring your vision to life. From thoughtful planning to inspired design, every element works together to craft an unforgettable experience.
In this post, we’ll explore how to bring your holiday celebrations to life, from finding inspiration in floral design to setting a stunning table, curating menus that delight, and elevating your event with decadent desserts and festive drinks. No matter the size of your gathering, these ideas will help you celebrate with style and creativity.
To dive deeper into the topics covered in today’s post, please visit our Pinterest board, where curated sections have been organized for your convenience.
Every unforgettable celebration starts with a solid foundation. To help you set the stage for a truly memorable gathering, here are my top five tips for event success, designed to ensure your holiday festivities are as seamless as they are spectacular.
Monique’s Five Tips for Event Success
Start with a Vision Every unforgettable event begins with a clear vision. Define the atmosphere you want to create—festive, elegant, or cozy—and ensure every decision reflects this theme. Think about how lighting, music, and décor can work together to set the tone and bring your vision to life.
Curate Guest Experiences Delight your guests with thoughtful, interactive touches that make your event memorable. Consider holiday-inspired photo frames, personalized keepsakes, or a signature cocktail station that adds a festive and fun element to the celebration. These details create lasting impressions.
Feature Vendors You Admire Hosting doesn’t mean doing everything yourself. Collaborate with trusted vendors—talented florists, musicians, and caterers—who can help you bring your event to life. Not only will this guarantee professional results, but it will also give you the freedom to enjoy your own celebration as a guest.
Streamline Communication Clear communication is key to a smooth event. Send detailed invitations well in advance, including essential information like dress code, agenda, and venue directions. For an environmentally-friendly and elegant choice, try Greenvelope, a digital invitation platform that combines convenience with style.
End with Gratitude Leave a lasting impression by showing your appreciation. Whether it’s a handwritten thank-you note, a holiday card, or a small gift, a thoughtful gesture of gratitude ensures your guests feel valued and helps make the celebration unforgettable.
Finding Inspiration in Floral Design
Creating an unforgettable experience often starts with flowers. Floral designers have a unique ability to transform spaces and evoke emotion.
This year, I had the privilege of witnessing Rachel Cho Floral Designs‘ artistry firsthand during the AFUWI Annual Gala. Her refined and elegant arrangements brought the event to life, making every detail simply unforgettable.
Another creative whose work inspires me is Raul Avila, renowned for his bold, transformative floral designs, like those seen at the iconic Met Gala. His artistry continually raises the bar for creativity and luxury.
Flowers can help set the stage for a memorable event, but the magic of a holiday gathering truly comes alive when your dining table is thoughtfully curated. From rich textures to ambient lighting, every element creates a welcoming atmosphere.
For the record, I’m a traditionalist at heart. That said, there’s no “right” or “wrong” way to showcase your personal style. Building on timeless traditions, here are four tips to inspire your holiday table settings:
Layered Elegance: This year, embrace rich jewel tones. Start with a dramatic hunter-green or burgundy velvet tablecloth as your base and layer with luxurious gold accents, utensils or charger plates. Textures like velvet and shimmer add depth and visual interest.
Seasonal Blooms: Bring the season’s natural beauty indoors with crimson amaryllis, ruby red berries, and lush evergreen sprigs.
Mixed Metals: Pair gold and silver accents to add modern sophistication. From gilded chargers to shimmering candlesticks, the interplay of metals adds sparkle and elegance.
Lighting Enhancements: Layer candlelight with reflective elements to create an ethereal ambiance. Mirrored trays or glass prisms double the brilliance of flickering flames.
To help bring these ideas to life, I’ve curated a special Holiday Tabletop Inspiration Board on Pinterest, filled with elegant table settings, stunning floral designs, and festive décor ideas.
A Feast for the Senses: Sample Holiday Menus
With your table beautifully set, it’s time to craft a meal that transforms your gathering into an unforgettable celebration. I have provided sample menu ideas below.
For an expanded view of these and other suggestions, visit our Holiday Menu: Entrees and Sides Board on Pinterest. It’s filled with ideas to delight every palate.
The Festive Feast:
Entrée: Standing Rib Roast of Beef Sides: Classic Potato au Gratin, Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Pancetta Wine Pairing: Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot
A Harvest Holiday:
Entrée: Roasted Cornish Hens with Herb Butter Sides: Wild Rice Pilaf with Pecans and Dried Cherries, Green Beans with Lemon and Garlic Wine Pairing: Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling
Every celebration deserves a touch of sweetness to leave a lasting impression. A beautifully arranged dessert table not only satisfies cravings but also adds a touch of charm and creativity to your gathering. From bite-sized delicacies to rich, indulgent cakes, these treats ensure a memorable conclusion to your holiday festivities.
Looking for dessert inspiration? My Holiday Dessert Idea Board on Pinterest offers a variety of sweet treats perfect for any gathering.
Bite-Sized: Mini fruit tarts, chocolate truffles, macarons. Fruit: A festive bowl of pomegranates, grapes, and sliced pears. Cheese: A variety of cheeses with accompaniments (crackers, honey, fruit). Cake: Spiced pear cake or gingerbread cake with cream cheese frosting. Chocolate: Rich chocolate lava cake or flourless chocolate torte. Sorbet: Cranberry sorbet or blood orange sorbet. Coffee & Tea Station: A thoughtful conclusion for guests to linger and enjoy.
Champagne Wishes: A Festive Bar
No holiday celebration is finished without a touch of sparkle. A well-curated Champagne bar adds an air of sophistication and joy to any gathering, inviting guests to raise their glasses in style.
Whether you’re toasting the season with classic Champagne or adding a modern twist with Prosecco, here are a few delightful selections to elevate your holiday festivities.
For festive drink ideas, check out my Holiday Champagne & Wine Board on Pinterest. It’s filled with bubbly and wine pairings to elevate your celebrations.
Creating a holiday event involves blending style, simplicity, and a personal touch. Whether it’s an intimate dinner or a grand gathering, I hope these ideas inspire your creativity and help you craft a truly unforgettable celebration.
Fundraisers and event planners know the important role budgets play when working with business and organization leaders. The event budget serves as a guide when hiring vendors, can serve as an effective negotiating tool and will help keep track of expenses. While this process can be layered, and usually requires several revisions, it cannot be minimized. Today I am sharing some insights into the expense budget planning process. I will discuss how the expense budget impacts fundraising goals in future posts.
Over the years, one technique I have found to be helpful is to group expenses into categories. This is a quick way to compare items from multiple vendors and make adjustments as needed.
THE VENUE Selecting the perfect venue gives leaders an opportunity to impress donors and stakeholders. When reviewing options, comparing the cost of each venue is key. Here are some items to examine:
Venue (Room rental fee)
Venue (Room taxes)
Venue (Additional set-up time)
Reception (menu)
Reception (beverages)
Reception (premium bar service)
Reception (limited bar service)
Dinner (menu)
Dinner (wine and beverages)
Speciality Dessert
Catering Service Charge (ranges from 18 to 21%)
Food & Beverage Tax (waived for non-profits)
Tasting Fee
Additional insurance usually in effect the day of the event and for a few days after
SAVE-THE-DATE NOTICE, THE FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN & INVITATION Once the venue is confirmed, the next step is organizing the campaign for support. I realize we live in a time where e-mail and social media are heavily used, I have come to realize many corporations, foundations and donors require – and appreciate – written requests for support. Social media and e-mail outreach can be used as a follow-up to a written request. Here are some items to include:
Save-the-date card (designer fee)
Save-the-date card (printer fee)
Fundraising package (designer fee)
Fundraising package (printer fee)
Invitation package (designer fee)
Invitation package (printer fee)
Postage
Messengers and/or overnight delivery
Programs and journals to be distributed at the event (designer fee)
Programs and journals to be distributed at the event (printer fee)
COORDINATING THE PARTS As we know, large fundraisers involve many moving parts. For events with a 7-figure fundraising goal, and an attendee goal of 750 -800 guests or more, the organization’s mailing list will need to be in the thousands. Coordinating these items before they are mailed requires hours of preparation. If in-house resources are not available, hiring an outside vendor is critical. Here are some line items to include in the budget:
Mailing list preparation (includes bad address removal and updates)
Fundraising package preparation
Invitation package preparation
CREATING THE VISION FOR THE EVENT This is where leadership and the dinner team work with the event decorator to plan the look of the room, signature colors and the impression they want to make on donors and supporters. Here are some items to include in the decor budget:
Linen
Chairs
Chair cushions
Centerpieces
Stage decor
Step and repeat banner
Speciality lighting package
Speciality lighting (delivery, installation and breakdown)
Fee for the delivery and pick up of all rental items
Ropes and stanchions
Pipes and Drapery
Plants to use in key areas
THE PROGRAM Once guests have been seated, its time for the show to begin. Think of how embarrassed the President or Board chair will be to learn his/her remarks can’t be heard? If a video is planned, the playback must be exceptional. Here are some items to include in your budget to ensure a professional presentation:
Podium
Wireless microphones
Teleprompters
Video screens
Video recorders
Audio-visual technicians
Video playback units
Program producer
Floor manager
Floor assistants
Entertainment/Musicians
Entertainment/Instruments
Professional photographer
Stage construction
A FEW ADDITIONAL IMPORTANT ITEMS From special gifts of appreciation to honorees and guests, to saying thank you to dinner chairs and key staff members, planning for these items early in the process will ensure no one is overlooked. Here are some items to add to this category:
Gifts and giveaways for guests
Special awards for honorees
Honorarium for emcee and keynote speakers
Transportation for emcee and keynote speakers and other VIPs
Transportation incurred for key staff participating in monthly planning meetings
Hotel accommodations for emcee, keynote speakers and other VIPs
Thank you gifts for dinner chairs, volunteers and key staff members who worked on the event
Refreshments provided at monthly planning meetings
Miscellaneous office supplies
Delivery costs to send items to the venue on the day of the event
MANAGING ALL OF THE DETAILS As my colleagues will attest, planning a fundraiser of this size requires great skill and coordination. Many organizations will look to a professional event planner to ensure the careful management and execution of details. Here are fees you should incorporate into your budget:
Event planner fee
Event planner overhead/administrative costs
Event planner out-of-pocket expenses
Thank you for spending a few moments out of your day with me. I hope today’s post has been helpful to you. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at Monique@Eventstrategies4success.com.
After a brief hiatus, it is good to be back. I look forward to connecting with you and hearing what you’ve been up to. I am also working on ways to engage you further in this process and allow you to share your social and fundraising event success with us.
Please stay tuned for updates to our Facebook page where you will be able to access additional resources and ideas. I am also working on a new Pinterest page that I will unveil in the new year.
Thank you for your patience. I look forward to helping you create success one event at a time.
Blooming champagne cocktail via mollyann-m-blogspot.com
Dear Friends and Colleagues:
As you know, my recent posts have focused on tips for seasoned planners and novices. However, as we prepare to welcome 2015, I would like to offer a toast to you, for a fabulous (and prosperous) New Year.
While making plans to receive family and friends tonight’s New Year’s Eve gathering, I found myself referring to this visual “storyboard” for elegant, yet simple, entertaining ideas. Today, I would like to share my ideas with you, in the same spirit of generosity that you have extended to me. So here’s a toast to you my friends.
In the New Year, may your right hand always be stretched out in friendship,
but never in want.
At some point in your career, a client (or organization’s leader) might say to you “I been thinking about our upcoming event and I have everything figured out. By the way, I will only need your involvement with the event’s logistics.”
Depending upon your workload, you might be tempted to view this as a huge blessing. However, if you are in the business of producing successful fundraising events, you will instinctively know that logistics are one important piece of a very large puzzle. Based on my past experiences, I can assure you things are always more complex than they appear.
This may sound like Event Planning 101, but before you can confidently say “Let’s Begin”, I strongly recommend that you spend some time working with your client (organization’s leaders or stakeholders), to determine their definition of success. Achieving clarity around the vision and goals is essential to planning and executing a successful event.
Need some ideas on how to direct this process? Here are some questions you might want to ask.
What is the purpose of this event? Why is it important to your organization?
Who is your target audience? What do you know about them? Where do they gather? What event spaces appeal to them?
Once you understand where your audience gathers, what is the best venue for the event you are planning?
After you have engaged your audience, what do you want from them? What is the call to action? What would you like for them to do?
Are you confident this event is the best way to engage them?
Will this event serve as a compliment to your organization’s existing programs?
What you learn during this “fact-finding stage” will equip you to guide your client (or organization) through the process of setting attainable and measurable goals. Here is one example for your consideration.
POSSIBLE GOAL To raise much-needed financial support from existing donors. Remember, you do not want to stop at this point! The next step, and perhaps most important, is to encourage existing donors to recruit their business colleagues, friends and family to participate.
Lastly, their participation can be measured in a couple of ways including:
Purchasing a ticket or table required to attend the event.
Responding to event-related outreach efforts, such as making a contribution, if they chose not to attend the event.
Hopefully, over time, your organization will have new donors to add to its list. Remember, so much needs to happen before you can confidently say “let’s begin.” Asking the right questions, and probing for answers, is the key to a successful event.
In future posts, I will share some of the metrics that you can use to evaluate your event’s success.
There will be times when you must constantly navigate deadlines and timelines, especially when planning several events at once. You may feel as if you are always thinking, or as if you are always on! Goodness knows, I can certainly relate.
Last year, there was a 5-month period where I planned two open-house receptions after my job relocated, a fundraiser and reception for 250, a memorial service for a former leader with more than 200 colleagues and dignitaries, and a signature fundraiser for 700 supporters.
When planning multiple events, I become so mired in the details that I forget to enjoy the results. We all know how it feels to be under constant pressure to produce successful events, yet when we deliver, we move to the next one as though we are on auto-pilot.
Despite a proven track-record, do you as though you could use more support? If so, how do you manage? If you are employed, does your environment allow you to address these feelings without judgement? If you are an entrepreneur, have you created systems to provide support? If your answer to either question is no, please know that you are not alone.
Here is some good news. At any given moment, we can build support systems and acquire resources along the way. Here are 4 tips that I thought you would find helpful.
1. Connect with a professional network. Ideally, this is a place where you can seek advice for those more challenging moments. For some a membership fee is required, others might be free. Don’t think of this as just a venting session, for a good network allows you to share advice and your success stories. Here are a few organizations for your consideration. Resources are always growing, and I encourage you to always add to your list.
Association of Fundraising Professionals (for non-profit professionals)
Bizbash
Cvent’s Online Event Management Resources
Event Planners Association
International Special Events Society
2.Create your own “go-to” team. Ideally, this is a special group of friends and colleagues who respect what you are trying to achieve, understand your challenges, and can offer moral support.
3. Connect with a mentor. Ideally, this is a senior industry professional who can help you think through challenges and come up with solutions. He/she can also guide you on ways to build upon your successes and learn from past mistakes.
4. Create your own personal mission statement. A mentor suggested that I develop a mission statement to encourage me during my challenging moments. I came up with GRACE.
G – Be gracious at all times.
R – Be respectful to everyone.
A – Accomplishments are important. Be mindful of what I have achieved.
C – Be a consummate professional in all my interactions with others.
E – Bring excitement, ease, and elegance, to every event.
My Final Question. How do I emerge from each situation with grace and dignity?
This is what gives me pause. To be totally honest, I do not always have the answer to each challenge, but I have noticed that during the process, I am able to ground myself in the confidence needed to complete the task.
From the depths of what I am challenged with, I reconnect with what I strive to be – a gracious woman, committed to doing the best job possible.
When speaking with my fellow special event planners, we frequently comment on how this profession has grown.
One decade ago, events were fairly predictable. At certain points during the calendar year, plans for an organization’s traditional event season would begin. Conversations would focus on upcoming board meetings, annual convention(s) or trade show(s), employee appreciation events and business meetings. In-house event planning teams, and the consultants engaged to provide assistance, would move at a fast pace to keep up with the various projects.
Today the landscape has expanded to include events that are more complex and require greater planning, such as: corporate galas and non-profit fundraising dinners, naming opportunities, client and donor cultivation events, product launches and travel incentive programs. For some professionals, the additional activity can be most exciting. However, for professionals who do not have the resources to lighten the workload, the additional tasks can be most stressful.
Yet, in the midst of this excitement, every event planner must obtain the answers to 3 very important questions.
1. What are your organization’s event objectives?
In other words, why are you hosting this event?
Are you looking to raise awareness for your organization and brand?
Are you looking to raise much-needed funds for your organization’s mission and programs?
Are you looking to engage new donors and reconnect with former donors?
Are you comfortable with your immediate and short-term goals?
Are you clear on what success and failure looks like for your organization at this point in our history?
2. Can your organization afford to host this event?
Do you have the money required to achieve the results that you want?
Will your budget allow you to reflect the image you are trying to project?
Would you consider enlisting sponsors for your event?
If so, have you formed any strategic alliances that we can approach?
3. What is your vision for this event?
Have you given thought to the different elements of the event?
What items are on your “must-have” list?
Do you have a specific location in mind?
What mood are you trying to create?
What feelings are you trying to capture?
We will explore these questions more fully in future posts. As you begin to contemplate your next event, I wanted to start the discussion with these 3 key questions. If taken seriously, the answers will inform your business discussions for weeks to come.
Sending you good wishes.
Monique
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Credits: Event Planning: The Ultimate Guide to Successful Meetings, Corporate Events, Fundraising Galas, Conferences and Conventions, Incentives and Other Special Events by Judy Allen.
