Tablescaping: Escape into Event Designer Rebecca Gardner's Floral Fantasy

If you're anything like event planner Rebecca Gardner, you may love any excuse to throw a party. "If I’m bored, I throw a party. If I’m sad, I throw a party. If I want to do something for others, I throw a party. It’s my love language," she tells us. The Corpus Christi native recalls decadent parties being part of her childhood and earliest memories of growing up. So much so, that one of her favorite pastimes as a child included planning imaginary events in her backyard while looking to recreate the festivities she observed her parents hosting at home. 

Now, far removed from her home in Texas, it seems as though Gardner's childhood has not escaped her in neither her profession or imagination. As the founder of her own New York and Savannah-based event planning company House & Parties, Gardner creates and designs large scale events through her astute love of details and fantasy-filled inspirations to service her clients around the country and worldwide. Speaking to the storied planner for our newest series Tablescaping, where we research and highlight our favorite designers and event planners, Gardner speaks to us on her career beginnings, favorite home goods brands and provides some insight into how she creates with her signature escapist aesthetic in the art of gathering.

How did you get your start as an events designer?

I have been meticulously planning parties since grade school. I celebrated my eight birthday with a fashion show party. My friends came dressed in fantasy looks and walked the driveway down the side of my house. A glamorous local newscaster served as emcee and announced each guest by name. I closed the show dressed as a bride in shiny off-white polyester.

If I’m bored, I throw a party. If I’m sad, I throw a party. If I want to do something for others, I throw a party. It’s my love language.

You have done some of the most over-the-top floral designs - what is the most outrageous ask you've ever received from a client? Is there anything you cannot do?

We did a party last year with a truck load of fallen branches, dead leaves and all. They were suspended from the ceiling of a hotel ballroom and draped with tulle in pastel colors. I once built a life size baby elephant out of chicken wire and covered it in pink carnations for Derek Blasberg’s Mod birthday party…that’s outrageous.

If you had to choose a favorite, which event was one of your most memorable to work on?

We did a unique and memorable wedding last year for a couple who are now friends. They had an intimate dinner and dancing at the historic National Arts Club in New York - we called it The Age of Innocence on Acid. There was unabashed color, insane tropical fruits and spring branches bursting with personality. The floppy poppies made makeshift umbrellas for a collection of porcelain figurines, then we threw red silk tassels at their feet for extra fun. The best clients make the best projects.

Your table settings are known for their outstanding floral centerpieces, but you often choose floral plates, napkins and tableware as well. What are some of your favorite brands, and what advice do you have for someone who may be a bit timid in trying a more-is-more look?

Oh, well, MORE IS MORE, isn’t for the timid! You have to go for it to be effective. Maybe that should be on my tombstone.

I often begin with a wildly patterned tablecloth. I use a lot of Lee Jofa chintz and Mottahedeh china. My real secret is eBay. I spend an hour every morning in bed hunting for treasure. Courtland & Company has fabulous custom embroidery and can transform your safe, plain linen napkins into little works of art. Be bold, but think about an overall palette and various sizes of the prints. Then, when you’re done, add one more tiny detail… because it’s just a party!

Do brides track you down via Instagram to work with them on their weddings? What design elements do you especially like to see for weddings?

We do a lot of weddings. They are the happiest hopeful occasions. I really enjoy collaboration, translating dreams and bringing them to life. The best weddings are clear reflections of the bride and groom. We first consider how the guests should feel and then design the environment. Gracious hosts make the best parties.

With this horrible pandemic and it’s travel ban, brides are frantic over weddings planned in 2020. We are offering consulting services to plan ahead and maintain joy.

Favorite way to decorate a table in the spring?

Spring is my favorite season. The delicious pastel palette. The luscious flowers and branches. The best hair weather.

What are your tips for someone who may want to bring your whimsical world into their home?

I named my company, Houses & Parties, because they are basically the same thing - personal environments that bring joy. The most important thing is lighting. I avoid overhead lights and put everything on dimmers. Soft pink makes everyone look beautiful, so consider blushing lightbulbs or pleated red silk lampshades.