In a departure from last year's event, which had a very modern, futuristic feel, event producer David Tutera--perhaps inspired by the marble columns and high ceiling of the Regent's ballroom, or the post-September 11 trend of making more inviting environments--decided to create an event with a warm ambiance. "The whole feeling is very Old World elegant," he says. "This year there's a very opulent, rich feeling. The food and stage have a very Renaissance feeling overall."

That feel was created by using a luxe color scheme of burgundy, coral and terra cotta for all of the event's d?cor accents. The awards stage was carpeted in burgundy, and 40-foot-tall burgundy drapes extended across the entire width of the stage. (Those were flanked by smaller, terra-cotta colored drapes.) The "2001 Toy of the Year" logo was framed in gold.

On tables, pillar candles in burgundy and coral and golden urns of calla lilies, hydrangea, and green viburnum provided an elegant look. In the cocktail area, simpler floral arrangements of red and coral roses sat on top of gold-colored raw silk tablecloths, and tall candelabras topped with white pillar candles and ivy added to the soft lighting. Tutera's floral director, Diane Wagner, also decorated the stage and dining are with flowering plum, magnolia, delphinium, and larkspur in large decorative urns.

bout 680 guests from the toy industry attended the dinner, which included an appetizer of smoked salmon, and then a choice of filet mignon or sea bass as an entr?e. The two-act awards show was hosted by Hollywood Squares host Tom Bergeron and featured a performance by vocalist Carol Sylvan.

--Erika Rasmusson