Wednesday evening I was thrilled to attended the New York Botanical Garden‘s annual Orchid Dinner. This year’s event honored Tiffany & Co. for their foundation’s decade of support as the Founding Sponsor of The Orchid Show. There was also reason for celebration as the iconic company is about to celebrate its 175th anniversary. In addition to Tiffany, BNY Mellon and Veranda Magazine were again sponsors for the evening. I had heard what a beautiful event this was but must admit I was not prepared for the truly spectacular tables and centerpieces that were designed for the evening. Although I didn’t make it to every table, here is a round up of several I loved.
Anchoring the room was the gorgeous Tiffany and Co. table designed by Richard Lambertson with David M. Handy Events. Elegant yet fresh and modern, it handled its size with grace and glamour.
As soon as I saw this striking table, I knew it was the work of Alessandra Branca. Using her signature black, white and red color palette, she created a dramatic look. It was my pleasure to have a chance to chat with the talented designer whose effervescent personality is often expressed in her interiors.
I loved how Angelica Gomes of Angelica Flowers and Events set off her fabulous colorful bouquet against the dark tablecloth. And you can’t really see the vase but it was a fun handpainted almost graffiti-esque container that was a great counterpoint to the elegant flowers. Be sure to visit her website – it is as colorful and beautifully designed as her table.
Just like his work, architect/designer Rafael de Cardenas‘ table with Baccarat, reflected his cosmopolitan respect for tradition with an eye toward the contemporary. The crystal was a sparking addition to the elegant bouquet.
Bowman Dahl Floral & Event Design had a very clever solution to the centerpiece. Set in a very thin candlestick like structure, the bouquet explodes at the top in a canopy of color, leaving room below for across-the-table conversation.
My photo does not do justice to designer Campion Platt‘s jubilant ode to Chinese New Year. The fantastic paper dragon towered ceremoniously above an elegant table display.
The table of antiques dealer David Duncan was a carnivale worthy display of color. What a great mix of size and form in the centerpiece.
Felipe Sastre created a majestic statement for FlowerSchool New York. With such a fabulous tree-like structure, I think it was the right decision to keep the table neutral. It was all about texture and proportion.
Boutique owner Laura Vinroot Poole‘s table, executed with John Lupton, Andrew Thomas and Leontine Linens, was an explosion of color. And I of course loved the orange monogramming on the napkins!
LMD Lewis Miller Design set an elegantly simply table where the pure white of the orchid was offset by the metallic tablecloth and napkin rings.
How beautiful is this riot of purple at MagnaFlora Design‘s table.
Michael Walter for Lexington Gardens created a fun vertical ode to the garden with tools and bird houses at practically every level.
Philip Gorrivan partnered with Lalique to create a table inspired by the classic Normandie. With flowers from l’Olivier Floral Atelier, Sferra Linens, Christofle flatware and china and deco style embroidery courtesty of Villa Savoia, the table was a spectacular contemporary nod to the amazing style of that iconic liner.
Robert Marinelli, RMID Enterprises purposefully created a low centerpiece to enable conversation. The incredibly youthful looking designer’s table had a lovely natural organic feel.
It’s always fun when designers set the stage. Roric Tobin for Geoffrey Bradfield created an entire safari theme, hats and all. The rustic chic worked perfectly with the beautiful yellow.
One of the most creative centerpieces of the evening was by Selina van der Geest – NL-GB with Brett McCormack. Constructed entirely of paper, this was truly a work of art.
How fabulous is their signature, reminiscent of childhood tree carvings.
Sherrill Canet with Phillip Jeffries table had a sophisticated sort of Out of Africa appeal. I loved the play of textures and the jolt of slightly acid green.
Lastly, Stephen Elrod for Brunschwig also gave a nod to Africa with his giraffe topped bouquet. The riot of color in the flowers was echoed in the colorful new Brunschwig pattern.
The crowd was happy as the proceeds from the evening, around $600,000, support the Garden’s orchid research and education.
Left to right, Thierry Chaunu, Georgia Fleming, Philip Bershad, Decorations Chair and Veranda Director of Decoration and Special Projects Carolyn Englefield, Event Chair and Veranda Editor-in-Chief Dara Caponigro, Cobus Gauche, James Steinmeyer, Alexa Wilson, and Jennifer Levene-Bruno. I was delighted to discover that friend Maureen Chilton is now Chairman of the Botanical Garden Board and did a lovely job making all the presentations. Starting on March 3rd, The 10th annual Orchid Show will feature the spectacular vertical wall creations of French Botanist and artist Patrick Blanc. Blanc’s “living tapestries” will be accompanied by orchid related classes and workshops. Tickets are available on the NYGB website.
Wow! These tables are extravagant and stunning! I have never seen so much beauty in one room. I know that you were happy to be able to be a part of such a worthwhile benefit.
I am so happy to see the Leontine Linens napkins with their orange monogram. Just added that to my list of thing to do this weekend.
Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful event. So many great companies and designers taking part, and happy birthday to Tiffany and Company, my favorite store.
Teresa
xoxo
Absolutely spectacular! Each one lovelier than the next… I can only imagine how fragrant it must have been as well!
I am in orchid heaven! Wow so many fabulous tables. My faves were the Tiffany table and the Allesandra Branca. Looks like a fun if not over the top beautiful evening!
Amazing. I can’t imagine what it must have been like just to walk into that room. The Tiffany table is my favorite as I tend to lean towards the understated. Plus, who wouldn’t enjoy a little blue gift bag :)
I think the safari hats on the chairs were a fun addition.
All such fabulous displays but Laura Vinroot Poole’s table is my favorite with all the orange since it’s my favorite color. Enjoy your weekend Stacey!
XX
Debra~
I hope they hire you as their PR agent, you do such a fantastic job of bringing us inspiring treats.
Orchids are in fact one of my favorites, they immediately add a cultured elegant touch and wow those displays are incredible. I think I need to add a set of Leontine Linens with a PvE!
pve
oh my goodness Im officially inspired!! Im doing a junior league Table event in Toronto in april. I do believe I need to up my game :) thanks for sharing!! xo
Like being there, Stacey! Thanks for the tour.
It’s especially interesting for those of us who work in special events.
All so dramatic and lovely, but that paper one blew me away…maybe they should collaborate on arrangements with Stark!
Such beauty! I’m not sure if I would ever want to leave a room filled with such gorgeous flowers and settings. Wow!
How magical! Thank you for sharing.
Oh my goodness. I am speechless. So stunning in photos, I can’t even imagine what it must have been like in person.
Lynn
Oh the tables are all gorgeous!! The Tiffany design and Alessandra’s are my favorites!
What an exciting event!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
What an incredible event! One beautiful table after another. And those orchids! How lucky you were to be able to go to this. Thanks for bringing all that beauty to us.
Whoa! Seriously stunning! What table were you sitting at Q?
xo Cathy…
who would love to peek in all those gift bags/boxes.
Thank you for sharing this! This is my favorite blog post this week! Down here on the “Redneck Riviera” , events with this much style and glamour are few and far between. Thanks to your expert photography and commentary, I’ll be able to “hijack” a few ideas from this lovely event. Have a great weekend….k
Lucky you! I am so jealous that you were there and saw such beautiful works of art!! I am so glad you shared this exquisite evening with us. WOW! Every table is more amazing than the next. Can I come next time??
Tiffany – 175 yrs??!! Love those blue boxes. Stunning tables, eye candy everywhere. I like the linen napkins with orange monogram!
enjoy your day ~ leslie
what an amazing event! thank you for sharing these stunning images!! the paper orchids and the safara hats are fantastic.
Spectacular is just the right work for this Orchid fantasy! I don’t know what table is my favorite -although I do love the Canet/Jeffries combination of zebra, fresh green and abundant white. And just when I think I like white orchids best, the bright colors capture my gaze. A brilliant roundup, Stacey. Thank you!
Stacey – what a gorgeous event!
How great to have a room filled with orchids (one of my favorite flowers, and the flowers of my wedding table center pieces too!)
Great designs, great uses of colors and materials.. and like Cathy commented ~ what was in those goodie bags?
xo J
Thank you so much for the great article, photo and notice on our vase design!
It is much appreciated!!
Best,
Angelica Gomes.
Angelica Flowers and Events
Gorgeous! Looks like a fun and elegant evening!
These are absolutely amazing!! So many great ideas, I love every elaborate detail!!
Damn! Didn’t you almost swoon from all that?
Excellent reporting. I want to read this twice…so much to enjoy. Did you have a favorite?
Amazing & beautiful, every single table. So glad you included Leontine Linens! Thx for stopping by RHS! Have a great weekend.
AMAZING orchids! I had to take a second look at a couple of them. Love the silver orchid napkin ring. Delightful! Especially in the Year of the Dragon.
Best,
Amy
What a fabulous night! A BIG thanks to Veranda and designer Sherrill Canet for using PJ items to help create a beautiful table.
Thank you,
Jordan from Phillip Jeffries Ltd.
I love your insights. I too is a big orhid hobbyist and I’ve been looking for a good blog. Good job. Keep it up.
Some really great ideas, thanks,
Brigid
http://www.themetablesettings.com