Decor Idea Book

A cluster of hanging beach balls created a whimsical, colorful chandelier at a party created by Swank Productions. Adding to the look were tables covered in bright, summery linens.

This past summer, Chicago's Moto Restaurant created a new dessert inspired by the season: coconut macarons painted to look like beach balls. Chocolate seashells, pineapple starfish, and brown sugar sand completed the plate.

As part of a series of events celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami in 2011, the museum held its annual fund-raiser with with a surf theme that turned up in such details as a DJ booth designed to look like a lifeguard tower.

One of the more striking food presentations at L.A. Center Studios for the Lexus grand tasting during Los Angeles Food & Wine festival last year, was created by Post Ranch Inn. The Big Sur resort used sugar as sand in a metal bucket where it served shaved ice cones. Starfish and greenery decked the beach-like scene.

In 2013, Hermès hosted its whimsical “Les Jeux d’Hermès,” or Hermès games, in Palm Beach, where an area within the tented party space was transformed into a croquet field with eye-catching chandelier, colorful flags, and cabana seating decked with the brand's iconic silk scarves.

This year Chicago experienced one of its coldest winters in decades, so when the Chicago Botanic Garden marked the opening of its new Orchid Show, it opted for a tropical setting. The "Welcome to Paradise" event hosted by the garden's woman's board included a tiki-style bar and warm lighting.

The Travel Channel looked to evoke tropical destinations in March 2009 when it took over Grand Central Terminal's Vanderbilt Hall for a lounge that promoted its Bridget's Sexiest Beaches series. In addition to a tiki hut-style bar, the brand served New York commuters and tourists non-alcoholic piña coladas, margaritas, and strawberry daiquiris during lunch hours.

When Delvinia celebrated its 15th anniversary last August, the Toronto-based digital strategy and customer experience design firm looked to recreate 1950s Havana with cigar rollers, freely flowing rum, models in retro swimwear, and beach balls. The event at the Loft at Andrew Richard Designs even had an indoor pool—or rather, the illusion of one created by a 8- by 18-foot 3-D decal.

Proving that real sand and sea isn't necessary to create a makeshift, Sabra Go Mediterranean brought a promotion to New York's Union Square in 2007 with a beachy area where it handed out product samples. The production team brought in potted trees, seating, and a beach-theme floor cover to complete the Mediterranean cafe feeling.

To fete the opening of its new Canadian office—and to launch Porter Airlines’ new nonstop service to South Carolina—the Myrtle Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau partnered with the Toronto-based airline on a beach-theme party for travel media in 2010. There, beach umbrellas, lounge chairs, and a sandbox all contributed to the look at the wintertime event.

Macy's Star Beach Party brought some warm-weather inspiration to Chicago in March 2011, with pop-up promotions that encouraged guests to pose for photo ops with props like oversize sunglasses and leis against sunny backdrops.

The Grand Marakesh from Raj Tents is a 27- by 44-foot Moroccan-theme tent that includes arches and silk string drops on all openings, a full lighting package, and furniture for 24 guests with low tables and area rugs. It has room for as many as 120 people and is available for rent throughout the United States for $9,950.

Lollipop-style signage clearly lead the way to the TEDxChange dinner.