For the first time, Pantone selected two "colors of the year." For 2016, the selected hues are Rose Quartz and Serenity (a baby blue). In a press release, the company said that the tranquil, soothing hues represent a cultural desire for "colors that psychologically fulfill our yearning for reassurance and security." The company also said the colors reflect a cultural shift toward blurring gender lines in fashion. Though the hues obviously lend themselves to traditional baby showers, there are also plenty of creative ways to use pink and blue in corporate gatherings. Here are 12 ideas for using the pastel shades at events.
For a P.C.M.A. event in Chicago in January 2015, Kehoe Designs created a mirrored bar with a backdrop in the shape of the Chicago skyline. Pink and blue lights bathed the structure. The event took place at the Museum of Science and Industry.
For a wedding at New York's Wave Hill in June, Jes Gordon of Proper Fun created a pink-and-white color scheme for flowers, which ran down the length of the tables.
In 2010, Modern Luxury Brides magazine hosted a showcase at the Ritz-Carlton, Chicago. The cover of the then-current issueâwhich showcased pink and peach tones, tulle, and chiffonâinspired the look of the cocktail area. A photo of the Eros statue in London decorated the bar. HMR Designs handled decor.
In October, the women's board of Chicago's Field Museum hosted a gala with a China theme. HMR Designs employed rosy-hued decor that included pink uplighting on pedestals lining the dining room. Frost handled the lighting.
Carasco Photography hosted "Brides, Bubbles, and Bliss" at Chicago's Bridgeport Art Center in 2013. The bridal event showcased tabletops from different vendors. Ashland Addison Florist created a hanging table strewn with hundreds of pink and white orchids.
In 2011, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation brought its annual Hot Pink Party, a signature fund-raising event, to the Museum of Fine Arts Boston. Brooks Brothers donated pink-striped linens, which added a playful touch to tabletops.
The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach hosted an event-industry gathering dubbed "Dripping in Diamonds" in winter 2014. Each room featured the work of a different design firm, and Blooming Events International designed the "Perfect Diamond" room in blue hues.
Inspired by the ceramics of South African artist Ruan Hoffmann and murals by Rebecca Rebouche, interior designer Alexis Givens created a moonlight feast setting for Anthropologie at Diffa's Dining by Design event in March. The ceiling covering was made from bright blue-painted recycled plastic bottles, and pink flowers decked the tables.
In June, Event Creative gave the summery gala a blue-and-white decor scheme. Bunches of pale blue hydrangeas decorated the dinner tables.
Kehoe Designs provided decor for a private reception at the Art Institute of Chicago in winter 2014. The event featured blue spotlights cascading down the wall in a snowy pattern that matched the season.
In 2009, the Chicago museum hosted a blue-hued event to celebrate its diamonds exhibition. To underscore the theme, Frost created a video of falling diamonds that measured 50 by 660 feet.
Paula Biggs, creative director and stylist at Frog Prince Paperie, designed a baby shower with a "pink birdie" theme in 2013. Decked with birdhouses and an elegant birdcage, the sweets table contained treats in an array of soft pinks. It held raspberry mousse with fresh whipped cream, petit fours, meringues, cupcakes, chocolate brownie truffles, and apothecary jars filled with rosy candies.
