Vibrant Table
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Catering to the Senses

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Event Design Ideas: Playing With Opposites

Filed Under: Setting the Stage, Soiree Spotlights

Sophisticated and rustic? Shimmer and timber? How do you marry opposing design elements into an elegant event backdrop? Watch Vibrant Table’s Kurt Beadell describe his inspiration for this stunning holiday party at the Portland Art Museum.

More Eye Candy

Here are a few stunning shots from the talented Ambient Sky Studios, who also created the video above. Based in Portland, Oregon, we cannot say enough wonderful things about Ambient Sky!

Lighting played a crucial role. Hanging globes and stage backdrop conjure snow, while candles represent a warm hearth.

Lighting played a crucial role. Hanging globes and stage backdrop conjure snow, while candles represent a warm hearth.

These amazing linens from La Tavola create a rich, textural backdrop.

These amazing linens from La Tavola create a rich, textural backdrop.

Details of pine cones, winter greens, and raw-cut branches create a woodland feel.

Details of pine cones, winter greens, and raw-cut branches create a woodland feel.

Hanging snow globes with 'snow' and twinkling fairy lights add height.

Hanging snow globes with ‘snow’ and twinkling fairy lights add height.

Vibrant Table's menu incorporated earthy flavors to complement the rustic theme.

Vibrant Table’s menu incorporated earthy flavors to complement the rustic theme.

Salmon Tartar with creme fraiche and caviar on a cucumber round.

Salmon Tartar with creme fraiche and caviar on a cucumber round.

A majestic dessert display offers home-style treats.

A majestic dessert display offers home-style treats.

Self-Serve-Smore-Bar

Reminiscent of nights around the campfire, a self-serve Smores Bar is a popular hit.

What a Winter Wonderland!

What a Winter Wonderland!

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Using Fruits & Vegetables in Floral Decor

Filed Under: Brilliant Blooms

fall produceIt’s not hard to notice the rich colors and intricate textures of Autumn.  As the season changes we are reminded just how lucky we are to be here, witnessing the beauty and bounty of nature surrounding us.

Our grocery stores are stocked with tremendous sculptures of produce, some of which we haven’t seen since last year, leaves turn colors we never expect, the sky light reflects a different hue that accentuates textures and colors we could not see before.

fall leaves

 

As florists and decor specialists, we cannot ignore the new variety of ingredients we have to work with!  This time of year is so exciting, flavorful and luscious.

Here are some examples of Vibrant Flowers beautiful bounty. Our designer’s favorites this year have been osage oranges, lady apples and persimmons. We are grateful to have and use these amazing combinations of color, form, line and texture. Enjoy!  We sure did!

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Fall table arrangement by Vibrant Flowers in Portland, Oregon

Romanesco Broccoli

Fall flower arrangement in mercury glass vase by Vibrant Flowers in Portland, Oregon

Pomegranates, Cranberries & Figs

Fall table arrangement by Vibrant Flowers in Portland, Oregon with peach roses and persimmons

Persimmons

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Interview with Creative Director Kurt Beadell

Filed Under: Biz Buzz, Catering Chronicles, Inspiring Ideas, Setting the Stage, Soiree Spotlights

Creative Director Kurt Beadell shares his inspiration behind the event design for the opening gala of “Riches of a City”, an art exhibit at The Portland Art Museum showcasing local artists – a celebration that absolutely needed to honor our wonderful city.

How does he do it? Watch the video by Ambient Sky and find out!

Photo Credit: Header image is from the Madame Pompadour opening gala, also at the Portland Art Museum. Photo taken by the talented Evrim Icoz.

Venue Transformations: Leftbank Annex

Filed Under: Catering Chronicles, Inspiring Ideas, Setting the Stage, Soiree Spotlights, Spectacular Spaces

Last night’s event at Leftbank Annex was one-of-a-kind. Local chef celebrities – including Gabriel Rucker from Le Pigeon, Naomi Pomeroy of Beast,  Natalie Harkness of Nel Centro and David Anderson of Genoa – each prepared a course. Billy Schumacker of Food in Bloom Catering prepared the hors d’oeuvres and Vibrant Table staffed and styled. Guest sommeliers were Gaironn Poole of Blue Hour and Savanna Ray of Wildwood Restaurant , and our great friend Dianne Hosford of Oregon Brand Management MC’d. A giant thank you to all that took part!

Design elements included a wall of votives, mirrors, white circular leather couches, and rich eggplant-colored blooms. We thoroughly enjoyed working with First Republic Bank’s event planner, Kymberlie Boston-Kiplinger.

We are proud of how it turned out! Here’s a glimpse at before-and-after:

Guest chefs help plate the main course, including Top Chef and James Beard Award nominee Naomi Pomeroy, James Beard Award winner Gabriel Rucker, Chef Billy Schumacker, and Nel Centro manager Darren Hamilton.

Vibrant Table event manager, Clayton Allport, instructs staff before guests arrive:

Personalizing your Wedding Flowers

Filed Under: Bridal Boutique, Brilliant Blooms

When you get dressed in the morning, when you accessorize, when you define your space at the office, do you strive to make it “you”?  Chances are, you do.  There are some accoutrements you would never want to associate with your personal space, there are accessories you would never think to wear. And of course, there is that signature piece or color you can’t do without; all are elements of a style that is truly your own. You wouldn’t think of being someone who you aren’t, so why should your wedding be any different?

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