Meet Kimberly Schlegel Whitman
Kimberly Schlegel Whitman has taken her passion for parties and created businesses that help her clients entertain with ease and style. Her joyful take on turning everyday occasions into meaningful celebrations made her a leading authority on entertaining, etiquette, and gracious living. An accomplished author and television personality, she is celebrated for preserving timeless traditions while reimagining them for modern life.
From curated gatherings to everyday refinement, Kimberly champions the belief that elegance is not about perfection but about intention. Through media, speaking engagements, her books, and social media influence, she encourages others to create homes and lives filled with beauty, warmth, and connection.
AUTHOR, PUBLIC SPEAKER, & LIFESTYLE EXPERT
Kimberly’s Story
It began, as many good stories do, around a celebration. While planning her own debutante ball in Dallas, Kimberly noticed something missing: beautifully designed, high-quality pieces that could be rented with the same care and refinement found in a well-appointed home. That observation led her to launch RSVP Luxury Event Rentals—an early expression of what would become a lifelong focus on elevating the way people gather.
From there, her world expanded naturally. Entertaining gave way to storytelling. Tables became narratives. Celebrations became a way to preserve tradition while welcoming the modern moment.
As her point of view resonated, opportunities followed. Kimberly authored nine books on entertaining and lifestyle, appeared regularly on national television, and became a trusted voice in the conversation around gracious living. In 2011, she was named Editor-at-Large of Southern Living, a role that reflected her deep appreciation for heritage, hospitality, and the enduring beauty of a well-set table. Her regular contributions to NBC’s TODAY Show brought her joyful ideas for celebrations inside homes across the nation. Her cheerful segments continue to inspire on her social media channels, through speaking engagements, television appearances, and in print media.
“ Entertaining has always been about thoughtfulness and making people feel special. ”
Meaninful Entertaining
At the heart of Kimberly’s work is the belief that the table is a place to connect, celebrate, and make memories.
Her most recent book A Loving Table explores this idea through the stories of women who honor the traditions passed down from mothers and grandmothers, blending heirloom pieces with modern sensibility. From formal dinners to everyday meals, the tables she celebrates tell stories of family, history, and belonging.
This philosophy extends beyond the pages of Kimberly’s books. Through creative collaborations, curated collections, and thoughtfully designed tables, Kimberly continues to shape how beauty and hospitality show up in everyday life—quietly, elegantly, and with intention. Through her e-commerce site, TRUNKcurated.com, Kimberly hosts virtual trunk shows that highlight the quality collections that she knows will make your home and celebrations more beautiful.
“ The most meaningful tables carry stories. They are reflections of where we come from and provide a place to make memories that connect us. ”
Present Day
Kimberly also hosts the RSVPcalendar.com, a calendar style listing of non-profit events in the Dallas Metroplex. She finds great joy and fulfillment in serving on the Board of Southern Methodist University Meadows School of the Arts, the National Advisory Board of the Laura W. Bush Institute for Women’s Health, the Advisory Board of Children’s Cancer Fund, the board of The Sweetheart Ball, and as a member of the North Texas Food Bank’s LIFE Council. Kimberly was named one of the Ten Best Dressed by Crystal Charity Ball in recognition of her style and charity work. Kimberly lives in Dallas with her husband Justin, two children and her giant schnauzer, Zeus.
