On a chilly night in New York, Visit Savannah, the Georgia city's official convention and visitors bureau, created an oasis with Southern moss, oyster stew, and lighted garlands of greenery and gingham fabric.
Dubbed the Savannah Soiree, the media event at the Lofts at Prince in SoHo sought to highlight the city's upcoming events, restaurant and dining scene, and cultural activities. Coming at the start of the holiday season last month, the gathering had Southern festive decor designed by food stylist and author Libbie Summers of Salted & Styled.
Here are ideas from the Southern-styled soiree.
Southern moss was featured in floral arrangements that sat atop high-top tables.
Photo: Jim Anness
Brown paper crinkled into a chicken-wire frame created a hive-like cave for the bartender, who served drinks using honey from Savannah Bee.
Photo: Jim Anness
With a floral centerpiece and tall white candles in silver candlesticks, even a room dedicated to barbecue ribs felt festive. Several dipping sauces accompanied the meat, and bones could be discarded in galvanized pails.
Photo: Jim Anness
The buffet, anchored by a festive centerpiece, contained a spread from Leoci's Fine Foods, an offshoot of Leoci's Trattoria in Savannah. The menu included items such as salumi and raspberry jalapeño jam.
Photo: Jim Anness
Instead of handing out gift bags, organizers displayed several items in a closet and let guests choose pieces they wanted.
Photo: Jim Anness
Bell jars of various sizes covered mini tableau including one with two holiday staples: pinecones and citrus fruit.
Photo: Jim Anness
Savannah favorite Leopold's Ice Cream scooped fresh blueberry ice cream and offered soda-shop-style paper hats for guests to wear.
Photo: Jim Anness
Holiday garlands that included gingham fabric strips decorated the mantel for a warm holiday tableau. Frames of various shapes and sizes completed the hearth.
Photo: Jim Anness
Southern catering ideas include an oyster stew with fresh oysters added just before serving. The dish was served in mismatched tea cups.
Photo: Jim Anness
A triptych of a vintage blue pickup truck hung near the main buffet. The image also was used on the event program.
Photo: Jim Anness
The transom at the Lofts at Prince Street let visitors know they were stepping into a new zip code.
Photo: Jim Anness
