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Austin Settings FAQ
What is Austin Settings?
Austin Settings, formerly known as Kappa Settings, is an annual event put on by the Austin Area Alumnae Association of Kappa Kappa Gamma that brings together exclusive designers and merchants to creating festive and elegant table settings for the enjoyment of its guests –all benefiting Austin area charities. 2009 marks the 12th annual event. The 2009 event will be on Wednesday, April 22 (cocktail preview party) and Thursday, April 23 (luncheon), 2009 at the Austin Country Club. The cocktail preview party includes a live band, cocktails, and festive food for its of attendees. The luncheon features a special guest speaker, a raffle and a silent auction.
Through this event we have donated more than $250,000 to area non-profits to help improve the health, education and well being of women and children in our community. This year's charitable beneficiaries are: ArtHouse and Dell Children's Hospital
Who Attends Austin Settings?
About 600-700 people attend both the luncheon and the cocktail party with the audience being primarily a 30-75 year old female. Attendees include business owners, style-savvy Austinites and their friends, as well as Kappa Alumni, friends and family.
Who Participates as Designers in Austin Settings?
Designers include a variety of Austin businesses, mostly small businesses, which feature everyone from floral companies and retail businesses, to event and party planning services. Designers that have participated for multiple years include: Breed and Co., Austin World of Rentals, [Click] Events, Northwest Hills Pharmacy and Florist, Smith and Hawken, The Menagerie, Word of Mouth Catering, Zinger Hardware, Terra Toys, and many more.
What kids of table settings do Designers traditionally create?
Depending on the business that is participating, Designers usually decorate each table according to a sort of theme that is often related to their business. Floral companies often create table settings with artful, and often large, centerpiece arrangements. Event and party-planning companies might create a table setting for a themed event, such as a child’s birthday, wedding, or imaginative theme party. Retail stores often incorporate their merchandise into a creative, yet luncheon-appropriate, table setting. Basically Designers can do whatever they feel would be festive and engaging. Previous event pictures are available here.
How much money does Austin Settings cost a Designer?
There are no entry fees to participate. Designers are required to give a small gift to each Luncheon attendee (8 total) that is valued at no more than $8.
How much money do Designers spend on decorating their tables?
Designers can spend anywhere from $0 to several hundred, or even thousands of dollars, depending on table themes. Most of the effort involved is spent in planning and execution of the table decorations. Because many Event Planning companies and Floral Design businesses design tables for Austin Settings, they may have all the supplies needed to create an impactful table setting, or, they may reuse or recycle table setting arrangements in their future projects or retail businesses.
Do Designers get free or discounted tickets to the events?
Because the purpose of this event is to raise money for our designated charities, no one gets free or discounted tickets to any event.
Do guests eat on or use my flatware, sliver, or glassware, and therefore do we need to provide 8 table settings as part of the design?
No. All place settings, including flatware, napkins, silverware, and glassware is provided by the Palmer Events Center. If you are providing those items for decoration or display as part of your design, you must indicate on your checklist what you want to be moved and “packed” below the table during the actual luncheon. In fact, some designers do not even include plates , sliver, or glasses as part of their theme. It is entirely up to the designer as to what they want to provide. The only real requirement is that the table design affords a natural and comfortable space for people to eat during the luncheon.
Are there any special “rules” for do’s and dont’s?
There are no open flames or candles allowed on tables at Austin Settings, and no live animals (goldfish, puppies, etc.) The table design must also afford a natural and comfortable space for people to eat during the luncheon. For more information or specific questions contact
Katherine Harner, Designer Co-Chair.
How do I get all my table setting decorations to and from the event?
Designers need to provide the necessary means for transporting their decoration items to and from the Palmer Auditorium before and after the event. There are four different move-in times on Wednesday April 22 at 8:45 AM, 9:45 AM, 10:45 AM and 11:45 AM. There are parking spaces for unloading at the Austin Country Club.
For more information about loading and unloading contact Leigh Richards or Laura Murphy, Austin Settings Co-Chairs.
Will there be someone to help me unpack or load in heavier items?
There will be active Kappa Volunteers available to help you move in your items from 8:30-12:30.
More Information
If you have questions about Austin Settings, please contact Leigh Richards or Laura Murphy, Austin Settings Co-Chairs.