NYBG Orchid Dinner 2017

It may have been a week of frigid temperatures and snowfall but on Wednesday evening we went to the tropics for the New York Botanical Garden Orchid Dinner 2017. This annual benefit, held for the second year in the The Plaza Grand Ballroom, helps to fund the development of the Garden’s orchid research collection and orchid preservation. With long time media sponsor, Veranda Magazine, the evening was also underwritten by Hearst, BNY Mellon and new participant Louis XIII, the legacy cognac label of Rémy Martin.

This year The Orchid Show celebrates its 15th year by acknowledging Thailand, home to over 1,200 native orchid species and a leading producer of cultivated orchids. The rich cultural history of this exotic nation provided rife inspiration for the 25 designers who created beautiful orchid laden tables for the dinner. One of the most dramatic tables was by Eddie Ross. As style director of ATGStores.com, he culled many of the products from the online retailer including the leaves to create his amazing gold palm centerpiece. His signature modern mix of high/low and old and new included monogrammed fringed napkins from Halo Home by SKW.

Kapito Muller‘s beautiful table had us ready for spring. Schumacher’s Cranley Garden as tablecloth set the tone with Christopher Spitzmiller’s matte white faux bois cache pots and vases.

They set the table with Bunny Williams Melange Dinner Plates and Banded Dinner Napkins for Ballard, with fans for a tropical touch.

Richard Mishaan‘s elegant table felt appropriately lush and exotic with a sumptous embroidered Cowtan & Tout fabric

paired with the beautiful bird themed Bernardaud Aux Oiseaux dinnerware. The giant center vase echoes its bird filled gilt branches within.

Bill Brockschmidt and Courtney Coleman chose China Seas’ lovely Peacock Batik for their fresh, nature themed table, fabricated by New York Custom Furnishings.

Working with Paper Mache Monkey, they created a tree trunk that was then fashioned into an amazing orchid tree with an arrangement by Ariston Flowers anchored in a vintage Asian tribal basket from Art en Objet (purchased through Chairish).

Butterflies from Butterflies and Things and hanging votives from Jamali Garden adorn the tree and individual vibrant purple orchid flowers on brass charged graced each placesetting.

Design Robin Henry‘s first Orchid Dinner table was perfectly on theme with Bob Collins Continents vibrant lime green tropical chintz. Designed in the 60’s, it is populated with elephants which reminded Robin of the wonderful imported Thai ceramic elephants of that same period. Fun Coolie hats, raffia placements from Oriental Trading, rattan lanterns from Serena & Lily and gorgeous orchids from Plaza Flowers completed the look

Thoughtful coordinated details lent her table a colorful, polished and upbeat vibe.

Shelley Johnstone‘s mother was a florist so it wasn’t surprising to see her table graced by such a spectacular orchid centerpiece.

A bold scale Claremont floral tablecloth coordinated with a Cowtan & Tout stripe on the chair cushions. Michael Devine’s lovely Charlotte Dinnerware and Juliska’s classic bamboo flatware mixed elegantly with picot edged embroidered napkins and rattan chargers.