4 Southern Entertaining Resources For Stylish Spring Soirees

Elevate your gatherings with four chic and essential entertaining resources, curated to enhance and enliven any soiree with style and flair.

Stylish Resources For Your Next Spring Party

Emerson James

PHOTO: KATE THOMPSON

First founded in Charlottesville by wedding photographer Elisa Bricker in 2017, Charleston-based Emerson James takes the guesswork out of table settings for events, providing both inventory and design services via a West Ashley studio. Counting brands like Juliska, Spode, Laboratorio Paravicini and Caskata as mainstays, Bricker also works directly with suppliers on one-of-a-kind products. Each of her seasonally shifting, curated arrangements can be further customized for any occasion. Green is a huge color story for spring, says the proprietress, who recently added classic cabbageware, hand-painted scenic Italian plates and shell-handled flatware in the verdant hue.

Canary

PHOTO: EMILY BENNETT CREATIVE

Raleigh, North Carolina, creative Beth Nash unveiled tabletop rental company Canary in 2021 with the idea that even pizza nights can be pretty. Sourcing from England, India and beyond, her array of brands includes D’Ascoli, Sharland England, Amuse La Bouche and Loulou La Dune, plus a few with Southern roots. Selections on the website are automatically paired with complementary—even unexpected—products sure to reinvigorate the most humdrum heirloom china. For 2024, Canary welcomes brightly colored napkins by rising Nashville maker Modafleur, table toppers and numerous new lines, with candles close on the horizon.

Wentworth

PHOTO: CLAY AUSTIN PHOTOGRAPHY

Wentworth, an experiential new boutique opening this spring from award-winning event designer Gregory Blake Sams brings Charlestonians the same high-end accoutrements he uses to produce his luxury fetes. The 2,600-square-foot Harleston Village space exudes old-world charm via plaster walls, quarter-sawn oak millwork, antique lighting and marble countertops. The tastemaker has also relished the opportunity to showcase brands and artisans he’s long admired while becoming the first U.S. retail partner for others. Peruse at your leisure or schedule a design studio appointment for a more bespoke experience.

Hostess

PHOTO: EMMA LILI PHOTOGRAPHY

In just two short years since launching an e-commerce store dedicated to their shared expertise in table arrangements, Charleston event planner Blythe Hill and interior designer Grace Frederick’s curated and signature wares are now available worldwide. Divided into easy-to-navigate collections, Hostess tablescapes feature the duo’s original designs as well as those cherry-picked from their favorite brands. Inventory runs the gamut from Greek key place mats and bamboo-handled entertaining essentials to whimsical place cards by New York illustrator Jill Delavan. “It’s foolproof to style a fun event because you know the hard work has been done for you,” explains Hill, whose new collections drop seasonally.