Tuesday evening the New York Botanical Garden celebrated its Orchid Dinner benefit at the Rainbow Room with the customary mélange of tables decked out in a multitude of styles and packed with masses of orchids. Twenty-eight designers, largely from the interior design world, created settings ranging from traditional and elegant (like Baccarat's table with branches dressed up with orbs of orchids) to modern and austere (David Mann for MR Architecture and Decor's translucent column with branches of orchids laced within).
A dominant theme this year was the recurring use of metallic objects, like golden chargers at David Easton's table, shimmering golden lanterns at Vicente Wolf's setting, and shiny metal orchids accenting the design from Stephen Elrod for Lee Jofa. Other trends included a smattering of unique textile patterns (on napkins, table linens, and even chair pillows), and napkin rings crafted from unexpected objects.
The garden's Jennifer Rominiecki, vice president for individual giving and special events, oversaw the benefit, and Carolyn Englefield, Veranda magazine's editor at large, once again served as decorations chair. The Tiffany & Company Foundation, the Bank of New York Mellon, and Veranda sponsored the event. Dan Dahl of Bowman Dahl once again served as design coordinator. All in all, the fund-raiser garnered $600,000 for the garden's orchid-research collection.