![The Lyric Opera of Chicago's Fantasy of the Opera Gala](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2013/09/fantasy_rickaguilar_img_5987.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
The Lyric Opera's February event in Chicago had a "Midnight in Paris" theme. In the lobby of the downtown opera house, Event Creative designer Jeffrey Foster erected giant replicas of Parisian street signs. An illuminated windmill nodded to the iconic signage of the Moulin Rouge; downstairs, cocktail tables were covered in giant tutus in a cheeky reference to the dancers.
![The Washington Ballet's Hemingway in Paris Ball](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2013/09/img_4108.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
In April, the Washington Ballet hosted "A Movable Feast: the Hemingway in Paris Ball" at the Library of Congress. Dancers from the professional company dressed in character and put on a skirt-lifting show inspired by the legendary performers of—you guessed it— the Moulin Rouge.
![Hermès Chicago Store Opening](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2013/09/e18605image3.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
At the 2010 store opening in Chicago, New York-based caterer Olivier Cheng prepared a buffet of French desserts. Offerings included strawberry topiaries, macaron towers, rosemary-honey-almond tarts, and salted-caramel mousse in chocolate cups.
![World Presidents' Organization New England Chapter Gala](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2013/09/e17817image4.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
The World Presidents' Organization New England Chapter Gala had a French theme in 2010, when it took over Boston's Langham Hotel. The dining room's decor, inspired once again by the Moulin Rouge, had feather-topped centerpieces that were illuminated from within.
![Motionball's 'Winter Wonderland' Gala](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2013/03/guy_blowing_snow_jason_kwan.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![Unicef Masquerade Ball](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2013/03/002_348a3556.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![La Phil](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2014/01/la_phil.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![The Nature Conservancy of Canada celebrated its 50th anniversary gala in November at the Ritz-Carlton in Toronto, where planners created a wintery forest feel by lining the ballroom with living trees hung with candlelit lanterns.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2013/01/natureconservancy_of_canada_50th_anniversary_celebration_tor_nov.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![The Washington National Opera Ball took over the ceremonial building at the Embassy of the Russian Federation in 2010. Event producer Sandi Hoffman of Sandi R. Hoffman Special Events transformed the lobby into a winter landscape with plush white carpets and white birch trees lining the hallway.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2013/01/e18436image1.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![Groupon's Holiday Party](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2013/01/sheri_whitko.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![The Breeders' Cup](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2013/01/claire_barrett.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![At the Canadian Cancer Society gala, topiaries divided the cocktail reception and dining areas. The eclectic dining room design included five different table centerpieces, seven linen combinations, three types of chairs, and four colors of chair cushion. Giant playing cards hung overhead.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2012/09/alx_5046_chcronpng_1.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![In the dining area, checkerboard tables covered with mismatched gold and silver cutlery added to the Alice theme. Giant mushrooms and heart-shaped hedges served as centerpieces.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2012/09/e20915322.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![Cossette Communications in Toronto paid tribute to Alice in Wonderland with their 2007 holiday party featuring teapots filled with flowers, topiaries, and paper roses. Wooden signs hanging from one of three 12-foot juniper trees pointed guests in the right direction.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2012/09/e9534dsc_0062.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![R821785 Mg 3550](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2011/03/r821785_mg_3550.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![Video Animation](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2012/07/e20637img_8407.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)