Decor

For the gala, the 4 Sound Group supplied colorful lighting, staging, and audiovisual services.

Many of the tables this year opted against traditional floral centerpieces. David Stark's whimsical installation for sponsor Benjamin Moore, based on the brand’s new Color Stories paint collection, played off the slogan “A whole new chapter in paint color technology is being written.” The library-inspired setting featured a table made from actual books, with handcrafted pop-up books serving as a centerpiece.

On March 15, Glenfiddich hosted a gala to kick off the year-long celebrations for its 125th anniversary. In addition to a live auction that sold a bottle of the 55-year-old Janet Sheed Roberts Reserve at a record-setting price, guests could sign a oversize card, which will be taken to the whiskey brand’s distillery.

Playing off the mobile of paper butterflies hanging above David Stark's literary-themed Benjamin Moore table, guests' names were laser cut onto book pages cut into the shape of butterflies.

At Dufner Heighes' marriage-equality-themed display, each seat at the table had a plate depicting one of the states that has legalized gay marriage.

The color scheme was salmon, dusty peach, and orange mixed with white and iridescent blue.

Words from the script glowed in a surround above the main bar.

Centerpieces were illuminated lamps with text from the play.

Columns with carved-out words from the script were meant to look like pages fanning out over guests.

The event took place at Blackhawk on Halsted.

Lounge furniture was clustered in front of a stage area, where Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band played at the end of the night. Before the show, a DJ from Toast & Jam spun hits from artists like the Beastie Boys.

BBJ provided the linens and Hall's provided some of the rentals.

Thin strips of paper were twisted into flowery shapes on the centerpiece lamps.

Art students from the Community School of Davidson created 40 centerpieces for the party at Discovery Place science museum. The students were asked to focus on science, the environment, politics, or Charlotte.

The Iceman's subdivision iceFX created the Sharp sculpture, which had copies of the book embedded in the ice.

Designed by Shiraz Events, the event took place on December 13 at New York's Angel Orensanz and had a sinister, superhero-inspired look. Deriving inspiration from comic books, the dessert table had candies with phrases such as "pow!" and "blow!" written on bright signs.

The “Facing Center” iPad centerpieces from Keep Interacting allow organizers to incorporate photos and other information into an event’s table decor. Launched earlier this year, the iPads display a slideshow of photos, product images, sponsor information, or other content provided by the event’s host ahead of time. Then, at the event, the company provides a photographer to take photos that are instantly added to the display. Using the touch screens, guests can also share the images on social media, send them via email, and order printed copies to pick up from a kiosk on site.

The Starlight Children's Foundation hosted its Starlight Gala, sponsored by Toys "R" Us, at Toronto's Fairmont Royal York Hotel in April. The event’s circus-inspired ideas included dinner tables topped with miniature Ferris wheels that held cupcakes with colorful frosting.