| EVENT REPORT 06.15.09 2:30 PM |
PRINT | SEND TO A FRIEND |
|
| Turning Tables |
| For its annual tabletop design competition, the D.C. chapter of the International Special Events Society filled the House of Sweden with truckloads of flowers and a competitive spirit. |
|
| At 6 p.m. on June 10, under threatening skies and with the near flood-level Potomac River just feet away, more than 200 members of the D.C. chapter of the International Special Events Society gathered at the House of Sweden for the group’s annual tabletop design contest, cocktail reception, and dinner. Like the group’s annual gala, the event showcases members' work, with tabletop concepts both streamlined and over-the-top. This year, 13 competitors vied for prizes, which included ad space on the ISES Web site and a trophy. |
|
CONTINUED > |
|
|
PHOTO GALLERY |
 | Bill Enright of Edge Floral Event Designers used a custom mirrored table and a Lucite lampshade, and won for originality.
Photo: Tony Brown/Imijination Photography for BizBash |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 | The winner in the innovation category, Rick Davis of Amaryllis Inc. relied on a glittering mirrored linen edged with purple feathers and a rotating glass globe filled with purple calla lilies.
Photo: Tony Brown/Imijination Photography for BizBash |
|
|
|
|
|
 | A flat-screen TV installation covered with more than 500 white hydrangeas won Sharone Abarjel of Da Vinci's Florist the creativity award.
Photo: Tony Brown/Imijination Photography for BizBash |
|
|
|
|
|
For the first time, ISES gave the contest a theme, directing contestants to choose a song and illustrate it. They could use a table provided by sponsors Ridgewells or Cort Event Furnishings or bring their own. The viewing areas included the House of Sweden's ground and lower levels, where Ridgewells provided three Mediterranean-themed buffet stations (at a discounted rate).
The chapter's director of programs, freelance event stylist Jennifer Fontaine, who produced the event for a second year, said her biggest challenge was the deliveries of flowers, linens, furniture, and props from multiple vendors. “With close to 50 companies involved, this was not an easy load-in,” said Fontaine. “Starting at 7:30 a.m., each vendor was given half an hour. Then from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. they had time for building the tabletops." During the cocktail hour, members voted in categories of innovation, creativity, and originality.
By night’s end, Michelle Christian of Fandango Productions took home the Best Table trophy for her Cindi Lauper-inspired “Time After Time” entry. (Sponsored by Party Rentals, the table, unlike most of its competitors, closely followed a musical theme. Her custom vinyl-covered plates carried clock images, and the color palette was 1980s-inspired, with hues of yellow, pink, black, and white. Last year’s winner, Sharone Abarjel of Da Vinci’s Florist, took this year’s prize for creativity. As his focal point, Abarjel propped a 32-inch flat-screen TV face down in a box covered with more than 500 white hydrangeas. The innovation winner was Rick Davis of Amaryllis Inc.; Bill Enright of Edge Floral Event Designers rose to the top for originality.
—Walter Nicholls
RELATED TOPICS
ISES
MORE EVENT REPORT STORIES
Microsoft Introduces Windows 7 With Cute Kid, Product Vignettes
Shriver's Women's Conference Adds Second Day of Programming—Plus a Step-and-Repeat—for 25,000 in Attendance
Fairies, Towering Trees, Roller Skaters Amp Up Harman Center Gala
Volkswagen Party Launches Car and Its iPhone App Counterpart
Women in Real Estate Celebrate 30th Anniversary With Under the Sea Theme
MORE STORIES ABOUT ISES
In the News: Cheap Rentals Pave Way for Pop-Ups, ISES Event Raises Money for Planners in Need
Low-Cost, Crowd-Pleasing Catering
Roller Skating Waitresses, Gospel Choir Amp Up ISES Awards
| More Suppliers/Venues to Consider |
ADVERTISEMENT |
|
|
|
Strike Bethesda
Strike combines the "all-American" bowling tradition with funky retro design, cutting-edge technology, fabulous food and drink, and excellent service. The 28,000-square-foot space houses 34 lanes of bowling, two bars, a restaurant, a V.I.P. lounge, and a giant video wall. More >>
EMAIL THIS RESOURCE |
|
AFR Event Furnishings
AFR Event Furnishings is thrilled to introduce a new, captivating custom line of event furnishings. They provide exceptional rental solutions for special events, corporate meetings, and trade shows nationwide. More >>
EMAIL THIS RESOURCE |
|
Sara McGregor's Capitol Catering
Beautiful meals and Washington's finest events—Sara McGregor's Capitol Catering has been making memorable moments in the nation's capital and beyond for more than two decades. Capitol Catering is a full-service catering company, meaning they can do as much or as little as you like! More >>
EMAIL THIS RESOURCE |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
