"The dinner tables were dressed in a combination of white textured linens and silver birch linens to provide a polar-landscape-inspired foundation," designer John Hensel of HMR Designs said. Tabletop decor also included hand-carved "icebergs," iced-glass hurricanes, aluminum vases, and tall iced-glass cylinders. Hall's Rentals provided ice-blue wine glasses, and a box of Altoids at each place setting made for a thematic gift.
In Miami, the Bass Museum of Art hosted its 50th anniversary gala on November 1. Alejandro Muguerza of Le Basque Catering and Productions designed the event in accordance with its "gold" theme, adding glowing tabletop decor in the warm hue. And at each place setting, guests found a golden gift: a limited-edition brooch by artist Cristina Lei Rodriguez.
The Joffrey Ballet Women's Board hosted a luncheon to celebrate the company's production of "Swan Lake" at RPM Steak in Chicago on October 1. A Perfect Event designed the flowers, incorporating roses in ballet-pink hues and white feathers that evoked the ballet's theme.
#14 Benefit
With an “Arctic Blast” theme, this year’s function had wintry decor from HMR Designs and Frost. The event, which drew more than 850 guests, raised around $1.1 million. The zoo’s carousel is left open for rides during the ball, and guests don animal-inspired black-tie garb. Next: July 15, 2016
#15 Benefit (up from #20)
This year, the event stayed on celestial theme with star-shaped butter on bread plates and a giant moon cutout that served as a photo backdrop. The ball raised $1.7 million for programming. Organizers connected guests to the cause by having local high school students perform science experiments at dinner tables. In recent years, the event has changed its format by adding a tent for cocktail and dessert receptions. Next: September 2016
#19 Benefit (up from #24)
This year, the event (formerly known as the “Medicine Ball”) got a new name and took place at a new venue: the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel. The program included cocktails, dinner, and dancing to a DJ. The evening raised a record-breaking $1.5 million (compared to $1 million in 2014) and drew some 400 guests. Next: Fall 2016
#3 Theater, Dance & Music Event
The theater company’s prestigious event drew some 550 guests and raised $1.2 million this year. On the guest list were well-known ensemble members such as Gary Sinise and Joan Allen, and the evening included a performance of scenes from The Way West. After the show, a tented dinner featured English garden-inspired decor from Event Creative, and a rousing live auction featured packages donated by actors. Next: May 16, 2016
