6 Tropical Party Ideas to Warm Up Winter Guests

The opening party for the Chicago Botanic Garden's Orchid Show had Hawaiian music, pink cocktails, and other tropical tropes.

March 5, 2014

On Valentine's Day, in the midst of one of Chicago's coldest winters in decades, the Chicago Botanic Garden hosted a tropical-theme event. To celebrate the opening of its new Orchid Show, which features more than 10,000 flowers in floor-to-ceiling displays, the garden's woman's board hosted a bash called "Welcome to Paradise." Here's a look inside the event, which gave guests a rosy-hued—if brief—respite from the winter blues.

Meetinghouse Companies provided the tiki-style bar, which had a large sign that read 'Welcome to Paradise.' Frost designed a warm, vibrant lighting scheme that gave the space a sunny feel.

Meetinghouse Companies provided the tiki-style bar, which had a large sign that read "Welcome to Paradise." Frost designed a warm, vibrant lighting scheme that gave the space a sunny feel.

Photo: Robin Carlson

At the entrance, representatives from the Hawaiian Islands doled out leis for guests.

At the entrance, representatives from the Hawaiian Islands doled out leis for guests.

Photo: Robin Carlson

Pink 'Paradise' cocktails nodded to the rosy hue of the surrounding orchids. Guests sipped the drinks in resort-style lounge furniture donated by Williams Ski & Patio.

Pink "Paradise" cocktails nodded to the rosy hue of the surrounding orchids. Guests sipped the drinks in resort-style lounge furniture donated by Williams Ski & Patio.

Photo: Robin Carlson

Culinary Landscape handled the catering and served dishes like mini coconut cream pies on plantain chips.

Culinary Landscape handled the catering and served dishes like mini coconut cream pies on plantain chips.

Photo: Robin Carlson

Guests also snacked on pineapple bruschetta with coconut cream cheese.

Guests also snacked on pineapple bruschetta with coconut cream cheese.

Photo: Robin Carlson

Hula dancers added to the Hawaii-theme atmosphere. The band Aloha Live also performed.

Hula dancers added to the Hawaii-theme atmosphere. The band Aloha Live also performed.

Photo: Robin Carlson

The welcome dinner took place at a communal table flecked with decor in desert-inspired hues. The Valley handled furniture rentals, while Let’s Bash provided tabletop rentals.

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