Although summer's official start is June 21, Memorial Day is behind us and spring benefit season is winding down. As planners catch their breath and prepare for months of barbecues, picnics, and alfresco cocktails, here's a look back at the best ideas we spotted at this year's springtime galas. From adorable schoolchildren as greeters to festive bunting made from photos and clothespins, here are ideas to inspire design at your next fund-raiser, or keep in mind for next spring.
The Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario Gala
Photo: Caitlin Wickham/Photagonist.ca
The Chicago Botanic Garden's Antiques & Garden Fair Preview Evening
Photo: Cheri Eisenberg
58th Annual Corcoran Ball
Photo: Tony Brown/imijphoto.com for BizBash
Friends of the High Line Benefit
Photo: Nadia Chaudhury/BizBash
Museum of Modern Art's Party in the Garden
Photo: Nadia Chaudhury/BizBash
Pratt Institute Fashion Show and Cocktail Benefit
Photo: Claudia Castro
Horizons for Homeless Children's Gala and After-Party
Photo: Jacquie Spector/Spector Photography
Tate Americas Foundation's Artists Dinner
Photo: Nadia Chaudhury/BizBash
Opera Atelier Versailles Gala
Photo: Tom Sandler
Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute Gala
Photo: Courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum of Art/BFAnyc.com
Adrienne Arsht Center
Photo: Justin Namon
The American Cancer Society's Discovery Ball
Photo: Jenn Gaudreau
The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum's Butterfly Ball
Photo: Steve Becker/beckermedia.com
The 20th Anniversary Daffodil Ball Benefitting the Canadian Cancer Society
Photo: Stephane Poirier
The Chicago History Museum's Costume Ball
Photo: Ryan Sjostrom for Kehoe Designs
SMMoA's Precognito Gala
Photo: Courtesy of Santa Monica Museum of Art/Vince Bucci
The Washington Humane Society’s Fashion for Paws Fund-Raiser
Photo: Travis Vaughn Photography
The Starlight Children's Foundation's Starlight Gala
Photo: George Pimentel Photography
The Bal de la Rose du Rocher
Photo: Pierre Villard/Monte-Carlo SBM
The Goodman Gala
Photo: Ryan Sjostrom/Kehoe Designs
New Museum Spring Gala
Photo: Nadia Chaudhury/BizBash
The American Heart Association's Heart Ball
Photo: Ryan Sjostrom/Kehoe Designs
Chefs' Playground
Photo: Galdones Photography
Artists for Humanity's "Greatest Party on Earth"
Photo: Artists For Humanity Photography Studio
The Ronald McDonald House Storybook Ball
Photo: Courtesy of the Ronald McDonald House
The Society of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and Harry Winston Inc.'s Spring Ball
Photo: BFAnyc.com
Make-a-Wish Ball
Photo: Courtesy of Make-a-Wish
Steppenwolf Gala
Photo: Kyle Flubacker
American Cancer Society's Key Gala
Photo: Michael Blanchard
Royal Ontario Museum's Ancient Prom
Photo: Russell Vance Photography
Steppenwolf's Red or White Ball
Photo: Mark Campbell