Nomi Rubinstein, expert in exquisite Tablescapes

Nomi Rubinstein

Nomi Rubinstein, Expert in Exquisite Tablescapes

Nomi Rubinstein is fashion veteran. She spent decades as a designer, creating everything from cocktail dresses to exquisite evening gowns and has sold her collections to the likes of Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue, just to name a few. Nowadays, Nomi has shifted her attention from dressing ladies to dressing tables, creating spectacular tablescapes by sourcing unique linens and accessories for high-end clientele looking to host a dinner party or liven up their dining rooms with a beautifully dressed table as the centerpiece.

We recently sat down with Nomi to learn more about her background, upcoming tips & trends, and more, read on below!

Tell us a little about yourself. What is your background? What do you specialize in?

I am the founder of By Nomi, a company that specializes in making unique and elegant dining decor. Before I started this company, I spent 30+ years in the fashion industry as a self-labeled designer of women’s elegant evening attire. I manufactured everything from cocktail wear to mother-of-the-bride gowns, to bridal gowns and everything in between. I have sold to retailers such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom’s, Neiman Marcus, and numerous high-end couture boutiques. Some of your readers might remember the famous boutiques in Miami, 24 Collection and Lillie Rubin. Today, I design and manufacture beautiful custom-made tablecloths and matching runners, placemats, napkins, napkin rings, and other table accessories.

Where do you draw your inspiration from for your designs/linens/table settings and how does your design process work?

I draw inspiration from so many things! A gorgeous bouquet of flowers might have some unique color combinations that I would then try to find in a fabric. The serene, early morning waves on the beach have inspired me to find a pattern that imitates their gentle, flowing shapes. The changing seasons always provide me with renewed inspiration. Summer means bright colors and bold patterns. Winter means warm, rich colors and more subtle patterns.

Sometimes, I might have a certain holiday or special event in mind, and I’ll search for a fabric to match that theme. Other times, I just go into the fabric stores with an open mind, looking for the fabrics that make me catch my breath from their incredible beauty.

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What makes your linens unique?

Each product is custom made according to the specific needs of my clients. These needs vary not only according to their design tastes, but they also vary according to the shape of their dining room tables. All of our products are manufactured when orders are placed, and we do not mass-produce our tableware. This means that each client is receiving a special and unique work of art. I work with every customer to ensure that the final product is a perfect fit and a show-stopping complement to their dining room. I also vary our products with the changing seasons, making their look appropriate not only for a specific occasion, but for the time of year as well. Spring and summer patterns are light, colorful, and crisp, while fall and winter patterns may have deeper colors and richer tones, which adds a warm and cozy elegance to the tablescape.

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Where are your products manufactured?

We manufacture everything in Miami, Florida. We ship all over the world, and our presentation is second to none. Every tablecloth and accessory is packaged together in a beautiful, reusable box, along with a personalized note of thanks and care instructions. Our clients love our presentation so much, many have told us that it’s almost a shame to take the accessories and tablecloths out of the box!

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Any tips you can share with us on caring for your linens?

Let’s be realistic. When entertaining, linens are going to get dirty. That’s why I place so much emphasis on finding fabrics that are gorgeous and practical. It’s no fun to entertain and spend the entire night nervous that someone might spill their drink or food on the tablecloth. My tablewares are designed for real life. Entertaining is stressful enough! I want to add an extra measure of elegance and joy to your evening. And for that reason, I have made sure that all of my fabrics are completely machine washable. They don’t even need to be ironed! The tablecloths are extremely versatile; enjoy them in your cozy breakfast nook on Sunday mornings, or use them for your next five-star dinner party at home.

Any tips on styling the perfect table for our readers at home?

This is the fun part! I personally work with customers to design a product that complements their tastes. Together, we review the dining room furniture, the room, and all of its details, such as curtains, lighting, even the colors on the walls. I then ask my clients to describe to me the exact look they would like to achieve, and I do my best to meet their needs. The right tablecloth should not only meet their needs; it should surpass them as well.

There are two important tips I share with my clients. First, when shopping for a tablecloth, bring one of the plates and glassware (if it’s colorful) with you to the store. Colors can vary so slightly, and it’s important that you make sure you have the color combination that you’re looking for before you buy a tablecloth. Do not count on your estimation of what you think might match your dinnerware! Another tip is to bring pictures of your dining room to the store. Make sure to take pictures of the chairs, the paint on the walls, any paintings and/or curtains that you wish to match.

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Any upcoming trends in terms of linens and table settings that you can share with us?

Summer is around the corner, and that means fun, exciting, and bright colors. We currently have fabrics with yellow, turquoise, mint green, fuchsia, and white. These add an element of relaxed elegance to your dining room, which creates a perfect environment for enjoying those warm summer sunsets.

How would you define your signature look? What are you known for?

I love classic elegance, and my tablescapes use various combinations of gold, silver, ivory and white. I like ornate, complex designs in combination with luxurious, shiny, sparkling fabrics.

What has been your favorite project so far?

There are two that come to mind. The first was designing my daughter’s wedding dress. To work closely with her to create a stunning work of art gave me such priceless memories. It was truly unforgettable. The other is more recent. I had an order for a 35 yard tablecloth. That’s 105 feet! I keep the trimmed edge on the wall of my factory as a treasured memento.

My vision for each client is to create nothing short of a masterpiece that will not only show off their dining room table, but will bring new color, life, and elegance to their dining room. It brings me great joy to know that my clients will use their tablecloths and accessories for all of their special occasions, and I am honored to be able to contribute such a vital and central addition to their dining and entertaining experience.

If you’d like to turn your dining room table into a work of art, please call Nomi Rubinstein for a free consultation at 305-467-7888 or email her at nomirubinstein@gmail.com.