On Monday night, H.R.H. Prince Edward headed to the U.S. Capitol for a special reception to promote the Duke of Edinburgh's Award—Young Americans' Challenge, a self-improvement program for youth held in 132 countries around the world. Held in the Mansfield Room of the Capitol, the invite-only cocktail reception organized by Will Milligan of Will Milligan Events hosted about 140 senators, media, and House representatives.
Milligan opted to forgo heavy decor in favor of letting the historical room's inherent stand out. Surroundings Flowers and Events accented the space's all-American ambience with flower arrangements inspired by the guest of honor. In addition to the English boxwoods dotting the perimeter, Surroundings created eight smaller arrangements using antique green hydrangeas, yellow Latina roses, yellow emerald yarrows, blue delphiniums, bells of Ireland, and yellow Asiatic lilies. The flowers on the mantelpiece sat inside pieces from an antique gold English tea set, accented by matching canned arbors to frame the George Washington portrait hung above the fireplace.