ISES Takes on Fairy Tales at Tabletop Design Challenge

T.J. Walter
July 13, 2010
The D.C. Chapter of the International Special Events Society (ISES) hosted its annual Tabletop Design Challenge June 28 at the Mandarin Oriental hotel. More than 150 guests and members turned out to see nine professional tabletops that highlighted many of the trends that are showing up at events throughout the city. This year, ISES challenged the designers to create an original design inspired by a fairy tale. The contenders were judged on their use of innovative products, original design ideas, and level of difficulty.

The Moroccan themed “40 Bandits” table designed by DC Rental, JLB Floral, and Social Scene took home the People’s Choice award as well as Most Creative, while Nora Burgan and Deema Zein of Ultimate Events Inc. won Most Innovative for their “Thumbelina: Princess in a Tulip" tabletop.  The Most Difficult tabletop went to Da Vinci Floral’s “Believe” table that featured live butterflies, a live model, and thousands of flowers placed in a multitude of arrangements and floral trees. 

This year’s event also took on a charitable role by partnering with Operation Starfish, a local charity that helps send children in Haiti to school. Donations received throughout the evening were enough to send 22 children to school in the fall.

2010 ISES Tabletop Design Challenge
2010 ISES Tabletop Design Challenge
Photo: Tony Brown/Imijination Photography for BizBash
Edge Floral Event Designers incorporated small glass lanterns into it's 'Snow Queen' tabletop.
Edge Floral Event Designers incorporated small glass lanterns into it's "Snow Queen" tabletop.
Photo: Tony Brown/Imijination Photography for BizBash
The '40 Bandits' table designed by DC Rental, JLB Floral, and Social Scene used a variety of small and large lanterns in its Moroccan theme.
The "40 Bandits" table designed by DC Rental, JLB Floral, and Social Scene used a variety of small and large lanterns in its Moroccan theme.
Photo: Tony Brown/Imijination Photography for BizBash
Nora Burgan and Deema Zein used oversize mushrooms as decor in their 'Thumbelina: Princess in a Tulip' design.
Nora Burgan and Deema Zein used oversize mushrooms as decor in their "Thumbelina: Princess in a Tulip" design.
Photo: Tony Brown/Imijination Photography for BizBash
Gloria Rhodes and Capital Party Rentals took the 'Princess and the Pea' theme literally by placing peas and pea pods on the utensils and the menu.
Gloria Rhodes and Capital Party Rentals took the "Princess and the Pea" theme literally by placing peas and pea pods on the utensils and the menu.
Photo: Tony Brown/Imijination Photography for BizBash
Edge Floral Event Designers used sugared grapes and pears in its centerpiece.
Edge Floral Event Designers used sugared grapes and pears in its centerpiece.
Photo: Tony Brown/Imijination Photography for BizBash
Ashleigh Dorfman of Posh Parties, Blaise Thompson, and Fusion Cuisine recreated 'The Magic Orange Tree' and used oranges as one of the main decor elements.
Ashleigh Dorfman of Posh Parties, Blaise Thompson, and Fusion Cuisine recreated "The Magic Orange Tree" and used oranges as one of the main decor elements.
Photo: Tony Brown/Imijination Photography for BizBash
Da Vinci Floral's 'Believe' table, which won Most Difficult, featured thousands of flowers placed in a variety of arrangements and floral structures.
Da Vinci Floral's "Believe" table, which won Most Difficult, featured thousands of flowers placed in a variety of arrangements and floral structures.
Photo: Tony Brown/Imijination Photography for BizBash
Gloria Rhodes and Capital Party Rentals created a tower of flower mattresses as the centerpiece on its 'Princess and the Pea' table.
Gloria Rhodes and Capital Party Rentals created a tower of flower mattresses as the centerpiece on its "Princess and the Pea" table.
Photo: Tony Brown/Imijination Photography for BizBash
Tierra Floral Design and Juan Carlos Designs created a high-flying centerpiece for their 'Jack and the Beanstalk' design.
Tierra Floral Design and Juan Carlos Designs created a high-flying centerpiece for their "Jack and the Beanstalk" design.
Photo: Tony Brown/Imijination Photography for BizBash
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