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CRAVE BlogInterview with Annette Warnick of Swanky Tables!
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Annette Warnick is the owner of an adorable boutique event design company in Portland called Swanky Tables that specializes in chic and sassy events! If you’re constantly hosting parties and events for friends and family, Annette understands that you need time and energy to be a wonderful and gracious host—so let the event designing up to Swanky Tables and enjoy your own party. Annette’s portfolio of weddings, birthday parties, holiday parties and others give us a sense of her creativity and attention to detail. We knew that she would be the perfect person to do our CRAVE Holiday Party—and a beautiful job she did! Thanks Annette and we hope to be working with you more often in this New Year!
Annette, you are the founder of an amazing company. Tell us how you began your business.
I was working on my boys 1st birthday party, and was frustrated that I couldn’t find modern party goods and ideas that weren’t commercial and unoriginal. I had previously worked at a Seattle Hotel in Private Dining and Events and had always loved the little creative details that make each event unique and personal. I was lucky enough to turn my passion for event design into a career.
How did you come up with the name Swanky Tables?
I had a shampoo bottle with the definition of “swanky” on it and I wanted a name that people could read and immediately visualize.
People can actually save time and money by hiring an event planner. In what ways is this possible?
An event planner has done the research, made the connections, found the best deals and you can enjoy your party and not worry about the details!
What are your favorite parties to design for?
I love designing parties for life events (weddings, baby showers, anniversaries) and holidays!
Do you travel for event planning and designing?
I have not had the opportunity to do so yet, but would love to!
I love reading your blog. Where are your favorite places to look for content for your blog?
There are so many great blogs out there for inspiration, as well as décor/wedding magazines, and everyday occurrences.
Do you have a mentor or role model?
My mom and my brother also run their own businesses so they are great mentors and role models for me. I also have been amazed at the support and guidance I have received from the wedding and event vendor community in the Portland area.
How do you juggle work and family?
I luckily have a very supportive husband and family, so they all pitch in when I need extra help!
What is the most rewarding aspect of your work?
Sharing in the clients’ important moments in their life as well as building long-term relationships with them.
What are some of the challenges of designing an event?
Each event can have some hiccups that you may not expect. It’s good to be prepared and have a back-up plan.
I’m having a few guests over for a Holiday dinner. What are a few simple ways to fancy-up my home for the evening?
Candles and votives—everyone looks better in candlelight. Add a few orchid plants or float single blooms in bowls/vases. Bundles of cinnamon sticks tied with twine at each place setting or cranberries and floating votives also adds to a festive atmosphere.
What were some of your ideas for this past CRAVE Holiday Party?
A modern girly holiday look with a bit of glitz and a fuchsia and red color palette.
Do you have plans for the future of Swanky Tables?
I would like to expand into more innovative designs for weddings and special events that incorporate the personal details in a unique way (ie. snowcone cocktail bars, mini dessert tables, and fancy photo backdrops). I also would like to expand the profile of the Swanky Tables blog as a major resource for event design and décor.
Swanky Tables Website | Twitter
2 Responses to “Interview with Annette Warnick of Swanky Tables!”
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Flowersbyfarha Says:
Congratulations on such a great start and best wishes for the futurw!
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alexis Says:
Love Swanky Tables! Annette does such fun and unique table decor!