Decor and accessories

Red threads also appeared on the edges of a communal table designed by Perkins & Will and the Ruder Group. Like many of this year's tabletop settings, the design had a natural look. The table had no linens and was topped with succulents and white taper candles. Small sprigs of greenery were tied onto white napkins with twine, and a furry throw added texture to the seats.

More doodling was encouraged at the table designed by Allsteel and Henricksen. The design incorporated pages plucked from adult coloring books, and centerpieces held crayons and colored pencils. Like many others this year, the table was flower free.

An Illinois bar mitzvah on March 12 had a Candy Land theme. Designer Event Chicago planned the event, as well as the design and concept for a sweets table—actually part of an entire sweets room—over which colorful candies dangled from multicolored ribbons of varying lengths. HMR Designs handled decor.

Fox celebrated its fall television lineup with a casino-style event in Los Angeles. YourBash! and Sada's Flowers collaborated on the event's shabby chic look, which included simple arrangements of succulents decorating the tables.

David Stark’s table designs at the fall gala for New Yorkers for Children included high and low glass containers filled with moss, ferns, and candles.

For the launch of the catering and event program at New York’s WTC860 - Riviera at the World Trade event space in December 2015, Riviera Caterers built a 24-foot-long, 8-foot-high pretzel wall. The interactive wall held 600 pretzels of different flavors, including garlic parsley, cheddar, cinnamon, salted, and plain, along with dipping sauces. The setup is customizable and can be converted for a variety of displays such as a salad or bagel bar.

"Modern means 'minimal' in my book," writes Larson. "Clean lines, simple color palettes (whether bold or demure), repetition in pattern and style." Often spotted at modern, organically styled weddings, succulents are a wildly popular wedding centerpiece trend. Larson recommends pairing a succulent table runner with white square chargers and simple cutlery for an understated vibe.

At a table called “Boho Gypsy Princess,” designed by Bluebell Events and Mark’s Garden, clusters of flowers by type from Revelry Event Design filled vessels of varying kinds and heights.

Gold stemware and gold-rimmed china added glamour to contrast with the whimsical vibe.