Design Ideas

AV Nightclub opened in April in the historic Marion building with room for 320. A DJ booth is the centerpiece of the space, and it is surrounded by Baroque-era-inspired embellishments. There are Roosevelt tufted chesterfield banquettes behind each table, and there’s a patio with ivy-covered walls and an outdoor fireplace. AV comes from hospitality veterans Matt Bendik and Tosh Berman of AV Hospitality. Interior designer Davis Krumins is behind the look, and Steve Lieberman of SJL Lighting designed the lighting system to go along with the venue’s Funktion One Sound System from Dan Agne of Sound Investments.

Marwen’s Paintbrush Ball in Chicago June 2 celebrated the nonprofit’s 25th anniversary, or silver birthday. To underscore the theme, guests entered the dinner tent through a tunnel of silver balloons.

Long, communal tables and lounge-like configurations provided more relaxed seating on the upper level. For centerpieces, the designer incorporated square-shaped canopies, illuminated by candles that hung from the leaves in glass cylinders. Gift bags from sponsor Cartier were placed on guest's seats prior to the start of the event.

Bonnaroo attendees could relax in hammocks and enter to win V.I.P. passes in the "Great State Lounge" hosted by State Farm. The insurance company also provided what it called "Bonnaroo Roadside Assistance"—free services such as help with lockouts, flat tires, and dead batteries.

Andrew Zill of production and marketing firm Feats Inc. said a hot trend is bringing the outside in for event decor. For a dinner event, he upholstered tables with preserved moss.