In a nod to the numerous authors Loomis has worked with throughout his career, Allyson Forbes and Annette Melvin of the publisher's design department fashioned tall hexagonal rings out of plexiglass that displayed covers of books he has edited (such as I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and Sophie’s Choice). Floral designer Jodi Zimmerman arranged leafy plants such as bromeliads and ferns inside the rings, which topped the center of each table. “No two centerpieces were alike,” said Carol Schneider, vice president and executive director of publicity and public relations for Random House. “There were so many book covers to choose from that we couldn’t even use them all.” Schneider oversaw the overall design and production of the event, working with Amira Gertz, catering and event sales manager for Sebastian’s Catering & Special Events, which provided the evening’s menu, including beef with wild mushroom risotto and molten chocolate cakes with espresso anglaise.
Posted 01.23.07
Photos: Doug Schneider Photography
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