David Stark has planned hundreds of successful parties, penned five books about them, and could probably set a table with his eyes closed. Yet more than nineteen years into his career, Stark still delights in finding inspiration in unexpected places. Happily, he was game to take some time away from planning weddings and corporate events to dress up three tables in looks inspired by the spring runway. Whether layering pattern and texture for a luxe bohemian look, mixing gingham checks, or going bold with bright blossoms, Stark’s sense of play is always balanced by his obsession with quality. Here, he shares tips and inspiration for planning fashionable get togethers.
Dries Van Noten’s Eastern collection inspires a table setting in patterned and natural tones. “Whether culled from actual or imagined journeys all over the world, it s the layering of textures, tones, and items of varying international provenance that give your table richness,” says Stark, who recommends black pillar candles of varying heights to light this exotic assemblage of embroidery, bamboo, glass, and china.
Picnics aren’t the only place for playful gingham, as the spring runways proved. Whether perched on a blanket in the shade of a tree, or more formally seated at a table, there’s a way to take the check in a sophisticated direction. For starters, suggests Stark, “vary the size, scale, and color of your plaids.” Here, he’s shifted the scale by using contrasting gingham for tablecloth and napkins, and then added colored flatware and border-striped teacups that combine a casual look with superb quality.
Romantic blooms have made way for brighter, bolder florals this spring. “Flirty and loud, these larger-scaled, vividly colored blooms make for an exotic garden table,” says Stark.
