Tablescapes

Topiaries decorated the stage.

Todd Events made a wedding held inside a large barn in Aspen seem more intimate with two tall signature bars and scattered seating and food station vignettes. Hanging glass globes appeared to lower the ceilings.

At a casual outdoor wedding in California planned by Kate Miller Events, gingham flags displaying table numbers were tucked into vintage soda bottles filled with flowers.

For a New York couple marrying at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando, Heather Snively of Weddings Unique recreated the newlyweds’ hometown with a hand-painted backdrop of Central Park from Greenery Productions. Lighting and real trees helped the scene come to life.

McCartney's carnival-themed presentation also had a mac 'n' cheese station. Guests could grab a mini serving wrapped in a spinach cone from a Ferris-wheel stand, or opt for a full cup that could be topped with veggie bacon bits, truffle oil, jalapeños, scallions, or sriracha sauce.

For a fun spin on a summer favorite, LoLo Event Design has caterers serve passed bite-size ice cream cones and ice cream sandwiches.

For a recent pool party, the team at Swank Productions kept the decor streamlined, with a mostly white color palette, mirrored furnishings, and plenty of sheer draping.

Zen Arts in Southern California offers an array of entertainment that can take place in or around a pool, including their transparent spheres that hold performers and float on water.

At Sunglass Hut's summer block party in Miami, family-friendly games included corn hole, bocce ball, ping-pong, and hopscotch.

Dubbed "Hannah Mermaid," model Hannah Fraser is available for corporate events, and specializes in underwater "aquabatics" and open-water diving.

Blueberry pie pops, blueberry cobbler in iron skillets, and Guinness stout cake, by A Divine Event (770.587.9117, adivineevent.com) in Atlanta

On June 22, the Chicago Botanic Garden celebrated its 40th anniversary at the annual Summer Dinner Dance. For the tent,  designer William Heffernan of HMR Design Group created what he called "an impressionistic painting of a pink rose garden." The tent had a color scheme of raspberry, red, and white—"a raspberry parfait, really," said Heffernan—with thousands of roses in different shades of pink.

Conceptbait Global Events & Florida Design Group used real graham crackers, Hershey’s bars, and two sizes of marshmallows to create centerpieces for  the launch party for Three Olives S’Mores Vodka Monday night at Hattricks Tavern in Tampa. Designers sprayed manzanita branches with dark brown paint and used a blow torch to char the marshmallows before attaching them to the branches.

The entire floor of the clear tent was paved with real grass and frosted with faux snow.

Centerpieces of white carnations designed by Feats Inc. evoked fluffy snowballs.

Some methods of saving money that came about during the recession are likely to stick around, including the move toward more intimate, low-key events. While 64 percent of respondents in last year’s holiday survey said their party was held at a bar, restaurant, or event space, almost 37 percent of survey-takers reported that their festivities took place at the office or at the home of a boss or colleague. And while parties at low- to no-cost venues may have initially been an idea born out of tight budgets, it’s a trend that’s continuing for different reasons. “Starting last year, I saw more companies hosting the event at the C.E.O.’s home, with made-to-order food stations set up throughout the space,” Gorjestani says. “Companies are distributing what they spend their money on differently. Inviting employees into your home is a really nice touch because it adds such a thoughtful, personal aspect to the event.” As for in-office parties, new  holiday party decor collections from Revelry House, MarthaCelebrations for J.C. Penney, and Minted make it easier than ever to make the meeting room look festive. Pictured: Stationery e-tailer Minted’s new holiday party decor collections start from $65, and include customizable banners, napkins, signage, and more.

The event also showcased tabletops from different vendors. Ashland Addison Florist created a hanging table strewn with hundreds of pink and white orchids.

At the Joffrey Ballet's “Cindy's Having a Ball” luncheon in Chicago in 2010, diamonds, rose petals, and purple linens decorated the tables, which had been preset with popovers and rosemary-flavored purple butter.

At Essence magazine’s Black Women in Hollywood awards luncheon in Los Angeles in February, vibrant purple and white flowers topped tables in the dining room and cocktail space.

A floral centerpiece added drama suspended over the “Only Love Sees Color” table, designed by Percy Sales Events and Butterfly Floral & Event Design.

Designer Douglas Little partnered with Liaigre to create The New York Times’ irreverent table, which Little described as “a dinner party gone mad.” Towering skyscrapers of champagne flutes lined the space, while a crashing chandelier took center stage.

A romantic tabletop used Luxe’s Enchanted linen in Mist. It was designed by Natalie Sofer Weddings & Events with florals by Butterfly Floral & Event Design.

Using Luxe’s Villa Tile linen in Blue, the table by Sterling Engagements and Shawna Yamamoto Event Design offered a darker, elegant take on the tropical theme. With a name that translated to “garden of dreams,” the backdrop spelled out “Never Stop Dreaming” in purple neon. Chiavari Chair Rentals provided the chairs.