The New York Botanical Garden's annual Orchid Dinner benefit returned to the Mandarin Oriental on Tuesday night. After cocktails and a sale of rare orchids, about 250 guests entered the hotel's 36th-floor grand ballroom, which was filled with 24 dinner tables designed by floral, event, architectural, and interior designers. Dan Dahl and Veranda magazine oversaw the event. Nearly all of the the tables dripped with the event's namesake flower, but some dominant elements were spotted on multiple settings, such as napkins in bright, preppy prints, contrasting patterns on linens and other tabletop items, and woodsy touches. Here's a closer look at these trends.
Photo: Jeeyun Lee for BizBash
Twenty-four tables filled the Mandarin Oriental's 36th-floor ballroom.
Photo: Jeeyun Lee for BizBash
Stephen Elrod's setting for Lee Jofa had a mix of neutral patterns on plates, napkins, and seat covers. Flokati pillows on each seat added a cozy touch.
Photo: Jeeyun Lee for BizBash
Deborah Buck's table for Buck House contrasted a light blue printed tablecloth with bold blue-and-pink-striped napkins.
Photo: Jeeyun Lee for BizBash
Laura Vinroot Poole, John Lupton, and Andrew Thomas used colorful contrasting prints and a tiered floral-laden centerpiece to create a cheery setting with a tropical feel.
Photo: Jeeyun Lee for BizBash
Tiffany & Company's table by Richard Lambertson and David M. Handy Event Design & Planning had a woodsy look, contrasted with strands of crystals and LED-lit globes in the jewelry company's signature turquoise. Handy described it as "walking in the woods and stumbling upon a New York penthouse."
Photo: Jeeyun Lee for BizBash
Sara Bengur Interiors' outdoorsy table had oversize owl sculptures, pinecones, and mossy votives. Brown burlap linen added to the look.
Photo: Jeeyun Lee for BizBash
Lexington Gardens' table had a whimsical forest look with a massive nest decorated with ostrich eggs, feathers, and a bird made out of greenery.
Photo: Jeeyun Lee for BizBash
Lexington Gardens also included mini nests at each place setting.
Photo: Jeeyun Lee for BizBash
For his Babe Paley-inspired setting, Rod Winterrowd incorporated preppy pink patterned napkins and glassware, a tablecloth in shades of pink and blue, and framed photographs of his muse.
Photo: Jeeyun Lee for BizBash
Timothy Whealon and L'Olivier Floral Atelier went for a classic yet preppy look with bold black and white printed napkins set against green chargers, and a whimsical elephant made of white orchids.
Photo: Jeeyun Lee for BizBash
