Unique ideas

A Great Gatsby-themed wedding planned by Swank Productions Inc. featured escort cards arranged inside of a vintage card catalogue.

To handle large crowds waiting for a single elevator at a 2004 Dom Perignon event, Susan Magrino Agency hired the Harlem Gospel Choir to entertain guests as they waited in line.

Bathroom lines can be notoriously long, so at Redmoon’s Spectacle Lunatique benefit in Chicago, a guitarist entertained guests as they waited.

For a 2006 Motorola event, KSE Productions suspended a metal platform from the ceiling as an unconventional lectern and used stretch-fabric video screens as a backdrop.

At a 2006 Swarovski shoe launch in New York, designer Todd Shearer put shoes on mannequins as well as live models whose sudden movements surprised guests.

Many of the tables this year opted against traditional floral centerpieces. David Stark's whimsical installation for sponsor Benjamin Moore, based on the brand’s new Color Stories paint collection, played off the slogan “A whole new chapter in paint color technology is being written.” The library-inspired setting featured a table made from actual books, with handcrafted pop-up books serving as a centerpiece.

Several tables incorporated patterned fabrics. Marimekko's "Color Therapy" exhibition balanced the company's colorful patterned fabrics with plain white chairs and plates.

Heffernan Morgan Ronsley Design Group created a black-and-white setting meant to look like an illustrated image come to life.

Nuage Designs displayed its new Shabby Chic line of linens and furniture pieces, focused on blush tones and natural finishes.

"A massive, 'wow' bar display upon entering always makes the first party detail most memorable."

A custom neon lounge was available as seating for V.I.P. guests.

Paula Biggs, creative director and stylist at Frog Prince Paperie, designed a purple baby shower with centerpieces made from bundles of lavender on lace handkerchiefs. At each place setting, baby's breath decorated napkins tied with purple ribbons. A gift of lavender-and-lemon salt scrub served as a takeaway.