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Summer party ideas

May 6, 2013
At the 2012 Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, presenting sponsor Belvedere offered refreshing beverages made with their Lemon Tea vodka, including the Lemon Tea Classic Punch, a drink that featured sherbet, black tea, and a mint sprig garnish.
At the 2012 Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, presenting sponsor Belvedere offered refreshing beverages made with their Lemon Tea vodka, including the Lemon Tea Classic Punch, a drink that featured sherbet, black tea, and a mint sprig garnish.
Photo: Aubree Dallas for Belvedere Vodka
At Barbra Streisand's recent fund-raiser for the Cedars-Sinai Women's Heart Center in Malibu, guests helped themselves to a raw fruit and veggie bar. In place of a tablecloth, organizers used a quilt to match the vintage-inspired aesthetic of the event.
At Barbra Streisand's recent fund-raiser for the Cedars-Sinai Women's Heart Center in Malibu, guests helped themselves to a raw fruit and veggie bar. In place of a tablecloth, organizers used a quilt to match the vintage-inspired aesthetic of the event.
Photo: Alex J. Berliner/ABImages
Nothing says summer like fresh seafood. At the Power Ball in Toronto, V.I.P. guests helped themselves to shrimp and freshly shucked oysters at a chilled seafood bar provided by Petite Thuet.
Nothing says summer like fresh seafood. At the Power Ball in Toronto, V.I.P. guests helped themselves to shrimp and freshly shucked oysters at a chilled seafood bar provided by Petite Thuet.
Photo: Josh Fee for BizBash
Petite Thuet also served a colorful dish of seafood paella at the Power Ball.
Petite Thuet also served a colorful dish of seafood paella at the Power Ball.
Photo: Josh Fee for BizBash
A garden-inspired dish featuring seasonal vegetables by Great Performances in New York can stand in for a traditional floral centerpiece.
A garden-inspired dish featuring seasonal vegetables by Great Performances in New York can stand in for a traditional floral centerpiece.
Photo: Courtesy of GreatPerformances
En Ville Event Design & Catering in Toronto created a picnic-themed display of fruit, bread, and cheese for a summer event.
En Ville Event Design & Catering in Toronto created a picnic-themed display of fruit, bread, and cheese for a summer event.
Photo: Courtesy of en Ville Event Design & Catering
For Heineken's Inspire Tour in 2010, the food was adapted to the New York market with items like Reuben sandwiches, Chinese dumplings, hot dogs, and falafels served from street carts.
For Heineken's Inspire Tour in 2010, the food was adapted to the New York market with items like Reuben sandwiches, Chinese dumplings, hot dogs, and falafels served from street carts.
Photo: Sara Jaye Weiss
Guests at Stella McCartney's 2011 spring preview were treated to shaved ice by People's Pops in New York.
Guests at Stella McCartney's 2011 spring preview were treated to shaved ice by People's Pops in New York.
Photo: Andrew H. Walker/WireImage for Stella McCartney
At Stella McCartney's Resort 2013 collection preview, waitstaff passed citrus-infused cocktails in Mason jars.
At Stella McCartney's Resort 2013 collection preview, waitstaff passed citrus-infused cocktails in Mason jars.
Photo: Jim Shi
Also at Stella McCartney's Resort 2013 collection preview, dessert stands offered sweets from Coolhaus and Pie Corps (pictured). At the latter, guests could also pick up prepackaged jars of fruit cobbler.
Also at Stella McCartney's Resort 2013 collection preview, dessert stands offered sweets from Coolhaus and Pie Corps (pictured). At the latter, guests could also pick up prepackaged jars of fruit cobbler.
Photo: Jim Shi
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.
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.
Photo: Jim Shi
For the grand opening of the Miami Airport Convention Center in Miami earlier this year, the venue's catering team created an edible garden using toasted pumpernickel crumbs as 'dirt' with spears of baby carrots, asparagus spears, and zucchini, as well as baby tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella 'flowers.'
For the grand opening of the Miami Airport Convention Center in Miami earlier this year, the venue's catering team created an edible garden using toasted pumpernickel crumbs as "dirt" with spears of baby carrots, asparagus spears, and zucchini, as well as baby tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella "flowers."
Photo: Harvey Bilt
At this year's Luminescence gala in Chicago, passed canapes included cured salmon lollipops, displayed on beds of wheatgrass.
At this year's Luminescence gala in Chicago, passed canapes included cured salmon lollipops, displayed on beds of wheatgrass.
Photo: Courtesy of John G. Shedd Aquarium
As part of Colgate's White Beauty Bar event in Los Angeles, Skintimate treated attendees to a self-serve sorbet station.
As part of Colgate's White Beauty Bar event in Los Angeles, Skintimate treated attendees to a self-serve sorbet station.
Photo: Glenn Lipton
Boston-based event design firm LoLo Event Design recommends setting up self-service bars at summer events. The display includes premixed drinks in large Mason jars, along with fresh herbs and seasonal flowers.
Boston-based event design firm LoLo Event Design recommends setting up self-service bars at summer events. The display includes premixed drinks in large Mason jars, along with fresh herbs and seasonal flowers.
Photo: Studio Vitri
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 fun spin on a summer favorite, LoLo Event Design has caterers serve passed bite-size ice cream cones and ice cream sandwiches.
Photo: Bliss Celebration for the Charles Hotel
At this year's Tony Awards gala in New York, guests could serve themselves cups of YoArt's frozen yogurt. There were 80 different toppings, including fresh fruit and gummi candies.
At this year's Tony Awards gala in New York, guests could serve themselves cups of YoArt's frozen yogurt. There were 80 different toppings, including fresh fruit and gummi candies.
Photo: Anna Sekula/BizBash
Tabú nightclub at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas is offering several Fourth of July-inspired cocktails this summer. The White Night (pictured) is a sweet and savory blend of Malibu rum, Frangelico, Rumplemintz, and cream strained and served over ice, then garnished with raspberries and blueberries.
Tabú nightclub at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas is offering several Fourth of July-inspired cocktails this summer. The White Night (pictured) is a sweet and savory blend of Malibu rum, Frangelico, Rumplemintz, and cream strained and served over ice, then garnished with raspberries and blueberries.
Photo: Johnny Mancuso/onefive4.com
At Barbra Streisand's fund-raiser for the Cedars-Sinai Women's Heart Center in Malibu, colorful floral arrangements in wooden vases played off the outdoor setting.
At Barbra Streisand's fund-raiser for the Cedars-Sinai Women's Heart Center in Malibu, colorful floral arrangements in wooden vases played off the outdoor setting.
Photo: Alex J. Berliner/ABImages
For the dinner, held inside Streisand's home, the summery atmosphere featured neutral tones and fresh-picked centerpieces.
For the dinner, held inside Streisand's home, the summery atmosphere featured neutral tones and fresh-picked centerpieces.
Photo: Alex J. Berliner/ABImages
California-based rental company Archive Rentals offers a large collection of authentic vintage Western and camping-themed items, including reclaimed barn-wood tables, camping trailers, Airstream trailers and canoes.
California-based rental company Archive Rentals offers a large collection of authentic vintage Western and camping-themed items, including reclaimed barn-wood tables, camping trailers, Airstream trailers and canoes.
Photo: Alesandra Dubin/BizBash
The centerpieces at Diffa's Garden gala in Chicago this year included candelabras wrapped in greenery and white flowers surrounded by Mason jars holding tealights.
The centerpieces at Diffa's Garden gala in Chicago this year included candelabras wrapped in greenery and white flowers surrounded by Mason jars holding tealights.
Photo: Nicholas Foli
For the Central Park Conservancy's annual 'Taste of Summer' event in New York, designer Marc Wilson punched up the all-white furnishings with drapes and throw pillows in bright pink, green, and yellow hues.
For the Central Park Conservancy's annual "Taste of Summer" event in New York, designer Marc Wilson punched up the all-white furnishings with drapes and throw pillows in bright pink, green, and yellow hues.
Photo: Peter Peck Field
The V.I.P. area of Toronto's Power Ball was styled with rustic elements for an English-picnic look. Designers used loading palettes as banquet seating and cocktail tables.
The V.I.P. area of Toronto's Power Ball was styled with rustic elements for an English-picnic look. Designers used loading palettes as banquet seating and cocktail tables.
Photo: Josh Fee for BizBash
Markus Daly Ryan produced Univision's Deportes launch in New York, where picnic tables formed the bulk of the seating and found lumber was turned into cocktail tables for a neighborhood-block-party feel.
Markus Daly Ryan produced Univision's Deportes launch in New York, where picnic tables formed the bulk of the seating and found lumber was turned into cocktail tables for a neighborhood-block-party feel.
Photo: Brian Ach/AP Images for Univision
At Stella McCartney's Resort 2013 presentation, a large cart overflowing with roses and peonies stood near the entrance to the venue. As guests left, they were given small bouquets or single stems as festive gifts.
At Stella McCartney's Resort 2013 presentation, a large cart overflowing with roses and peonies stood near the entrance to the venue. As guests left, they were given small bouquets or single stems as festive gifts.
Photo: Jim Shi
At Glossed & Found's Meredith Wendell luncheon in Chicago, A Perfect Event placed giant, colorful pool inflatables throughout the venue to set the tone for the pool party theme.
At Glossed & Found's Meredith Wendell luncheon in Chicago, A Perfect Event placed giant, colorful pool inflatables throughout the venue to set the tone for the pool party theme.
Photo: Trevar Evett/Fig Media
For the picnic-inspired Absolut Orient Apple launch party in New York last summer, organizers covered the floor of the indoor venue with sod, and brought in live trees and wooden barrels filled with thousands of apples.
For the picnic-inspired Absolut Orient Apple launch party in New York last summer, organizers covered the floor of the indoor venue with sod, and brought in live trees and wooden barrels filled with thousands of apples.
Photo: Gustavo Campos
At a Belvedere-sponsored event during the 2012 Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, guests sat on haystacks covered with bright orange blankets and chevron-patterned pillows.
At a Belvedere-sponsored event during the 2012 Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, guests sat on haystacks covered with bright orange blankets and chevron-patterned pillows.
Photo: Aubree Dallas for Belvedere Vodka
Chevron-patterned linens were also used on cocktails tables, and sunflower bouquets served as centerpieces.
Chevron-patterned linens were also used on cocktails tables, and sunflower bouquets served as centerpieces.
Photo: Aubree Dallas for Belvedere Vodka
At this year's Casa de Don Julio event in New York, the outdoor terrace was decorated with Mexican-inspired decor, with barrels and wooden benches used for guest seating and cocktail tables.
At this year's Casa de Don Julio event in New York, the outdoor terrace was decorated with Mexican-inspired decor, with barrels and wooden benches used for guest seating and cocktail tables.
Photo: Marion Curtis/startraksphoto.com
This year's Adam Smith Awards gala, which took place in Washington, D.C., had a red-white-and-blue theme.
This year's Adam Smith Awards gala, which took place in Washington, D.C., had a red-white-and-blue theme.
Photo: Nick Khazal
LoLo Event Design offers hand-painted handkerchiefs that can serve as table numbers at a garden event. Geraniums in a terra cotta pot have a more casual feel than an elaborate formal centerpiece.
LoLo Event Design offers hand-painted handkerchiefs that can serve as table numbers at a garden event. Geraniums in a terra cotta pot have a more casual feel than an elaborate formal centerpiece.
Photo: Studio Vitri
LoLo Event Design also creates message-in-a-bottle place cards for beach-inspired events.
LoLo Event Design also creates message-in-a-bottle place cards for beach-inspired events.
Photo: Kjeld Mahoney Photography
At Sears' and Kmart's 2012 collection press preview, the design team brought in foliage, benches, and six live canaries. The birds chirped from freestanding cages placed around the product vignettes.
At Sears' and Kmart's 2012 collection press preview, the design team brought in foliage, benches, and six live canaries. The birds chirped from freestanding cages placed around the product vignettes.
Photo: Anna Sekula/BizBash
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.
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.
Photo: Courtesy of Swank Productions
For an indoor summer-themed gathering, Swank producers used beach balls to create playful 'chandeliers.' Tables were covered in summery yellow and orange linens.
For an indoor summer-themed gathering, Swank producers used beach balls to create playful "chandeliers." Tables were covered in summery yellow and orange linens.
Photo: Courtesy of Swank Productions
At Glossed & Found's book launch party designed by A Perfect Event, guests took home summer cocktail recipes provided by Grand Marnier.
At Glossed & Found's book launch party designed by A Perfect Event, guests took home summer cocktail recipes provided by Grand Marnier.
Photo: Courtesy of Debi Lilly
Megavision Arts created 2-D and 3-D wall projections as a nod to the pool theme at a party to celebrate newly renovated Los Angeles venue Nic's Beverly Hills.
Megavision Arts created 2-D and 3-D wall projections as a nod to the pool theme at a party to celebrate newly renovated Los Angeles venue Nic's Beverly Hills.
Photo: David Corwin
The recent Beverly Hills Hotel & Bungalows 100th anniversary bash kicked off with a performance by the Aqualillies, a troupe of water-ballerinas.
The recent Beverly Hills Hotel & Bungalows 100th anniversary bash kicked off with a performance by the Aqualillies, a troupe of water-ballerinas.
Photo: Michael Buckner/Getty Images for Essie
At the Power Ball in Toronto, piñatas made for a kid-friendly activity.
At the Power Ball in Toronto, piñatas made for a kid-friendly activity.
Photo: Josh Fee for BizBash
At the Seersucker Ride and Social in Washington, D.C., guests enjoyed music from a 1920s jazz band. As a nod to the theme, participants dressed in seersucker and Jazz Age fashions.
At the Seersucker Ride and Social in Washington, D.C., guests enjoyed music from a 1920s jazz band. As a nod to the theme, participants dressed in seersucker and Jazz Age fashions.
Photo: Courtesy of Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens
Guests also played lawn games like croquet at the Seersucker Ride and Social.
Guests also played lawn games like croquet at the Seersucker Ride and Social.
Photo: Courtesy of Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens
At last year's Stella McCartney spring preview, guests played ping-pong at a table set up outside.
At last year's Stella McCartney spring preview, guests played ping-pong at a table set up outside.
Photo: Andrew H. Walker/WireImage for Stella McCartney
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.
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.
Photo: Josh Reiss
At the Power Ball in Toronto, guests took a ride on wooden swings in the main party area.
At the Power Ball in Toronto, guests took a ride on wooden swings in the main party area.
Photo: Josh Fee for BizBash
At Sunglass Hut's summer block party in Miami, family-friendly games included corn hole, bocce ball, ping-pong, and hopscotch.
At Sunglass Hut's summer block party in Miami, family-friendly games included corn hole, bocce ball, ping-pong, and hopscotch.
Photo: WorldRedEye.com
Pop-a-shot basketball was a popular activity at Sunglass Hut's summer party.
Pop-a-shot basketball was a popular activity at Sunglass Hut's summer party.
Photo: WorldRedEye.com
For Yahoo's Genome relaunch party in New York, organizers brought in a trio of synchronized swimmers from Gotham Synchro to swim in the venue's indoor pool. The water dancers sported alien-inspired body suits as a nod to the event's futuristic theme.
For Yahoo's Genome relaunch party in New York, organizers brought in a trio of synchronized swimmers from Gotham Synchro to swim in the venue's indoor pool. The water dancers sported alien-inspired body suits as a nod to the event's futuristic theme.
Photo: Sean T. Smith
Dubbed 'Hannah Mermaid,' model Hannah Fraser is available for corporate events, and specializes in underwater 'aquabatics' and open-water diving.
Dubbed "Hannah Mermaid," model Hannah Fraser is available for corporate events, and specializes in underwater "aquabatics" and open-water diving.
Photo: Jaime Gianopoulos
Carlson Wagonlit Travel "Thrive in Retro" Event
Carlson Wagonlit Travel 'Thrive in Retro' Event
The Global Business Travel Association hosted its annual conference in Boston in late July, and participating company Carlson Wagonlit Travel hosted an after-party at Symphony Hall on a Tuesday night. Benefiting Project Step, the event was produced by Kuoni Destination Management had a "Thrive in Retro" theme inspired by Mad Men. Models dressed in sleek, '60s-style outfits and carried retro-style cocktail trays with specialty drinks such as classic Manhattans and sloe gin fizzes.
Photo: Courtesy of Kuoni Destination Management
Carlson Wagonlit Travel "Thrive in Retro" Event
Carlson Wagonlit Travel 'Thrive in Retro' Event
At Carlson Wagonlit Travel's late July gathering, snacks matched with the retro theme. Served in spoons, on square plates, and in decorative bowls, menu items included assorted deviled eggs, Caesar-salad spring rolls, and BLT-stuffed tomatoes.
Photo: Courtesy of Kuoni Destination Management
Harris Theater Gala
Harris Theater Gala
On June 26, the Paris Opera Ballet performed Giselle at the Harris Theater in Chicago. Drawing on the ethereal, ghostly set of the famous ballet, designer Bill Heffernan of HMR Design Group brought a moonlit-forest look to the tent that housed the ensuing gala in Millennium Park. Large, transparent cubes decorated with projected branch patterns hung overhead in the dining space, while ferns and white freesia topped the tables.
Photo: Bob Carl
The Shedd Aquarium's Luminscence Gala
The Shedd Aquarium's Luminscence Gala
For the Shedd Aquarium’s Luminescence gala in Chicago, a Shedd trainer holding a penguin modeled an auction prize, a pendant that was inspired by the Chicago institution’s beaux arts clock.
Photo: Courtesy of John G. Shedd Aquarium
Lincoln Park Zoo's Zoo-ologie
Lincoln Park Zoo's Zoo-ologie
The Lincoln Park Zoo's auxiliary board hosted its second Zoo-ologie on the tiger- and lion-filled grounds in June. The carousel stayed spinning until 11 p.m., proving to be a popular attraction—and, it turns out, a competitive one. Guests playfully raced toward the creatures they wanted to ride, shouting out dibs on the swan, the cheetah, and the frog.
Photo: Jaclyn Simpson
Washington National Opera Ball
Washington National Opera Ball
The Washington National Opera Ball was held at the United Arab Emirates and, consequently, had an Arabian theme. After walking through a series of Arab pergolas, guests entered the embassy's grand portico, which featured a 23-foot starburst lantern lit by candles that the Kennedy Center built for the event.
Photo: Margot Schulman
Chefs' Tribute to Citymeals-on-Wheels Gala
Chefs' Tribute to Citymeals-on-Wheels Gala
The 27th annual Chefs' Tribute to Citymeals-on-Wheels took over the rink at New York's Rockefeller Center in June. With a cinematic theme, renowned chefs created dishes inspired by their favorite movies, including Jaws, The Perfect Storm, and The Godfather.
Photo: Nadia Chaudhury/BizBash
Kiehl's Amfar Ride Finish-Line Wrap Party
Kiehl's Amfar Ride Finish-Line Wrap Party
Kiehl's 10-day philanthropic motorcycle ride along the Eastern Seaboard wrapped up with a finish-line party July 20 at the Kiehl's Georgetown store. The event, which raised awareness for H.I.V./AIDS research and resources, had motorcycle-inspired decor and cuisine including a dessert display from Georgetown Cupcake.
Photo: Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Kiehl's Since 1851
The Parrish Art Museum's Midsummer Party
The Parrish Art Museum's Midsummer Party
In the Hamptons, the Parrish Art Museum's Midsummer Party included dinner in an ornate tent. Overhead, a leafy projection and twinkling rope lights contrasted with a more high-tech lighting rack, which produced a dancing effect.
Photo: Patrick McMullan/PatrickMcMullan.com
ArtHampton's Jackson Pollock Centennial
ArtHampton's Jackson Pollock Centennial
On July 13, ArtHamptons celebrated the centennial of Jackson Pollock's birth—and raised funds for the Jackson Pollock Lee Krasner Study House—with an event that included a performance art installation of a couple getting paint thrown at them.
Photo: Michael Heller
Fashion As Art Exposed
Fashion As Art Exposed
Fashion as Art Exposed, a fund-raising event in support of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, took place in Ontario in June. To showcase the work of Canadian designers—and to underscore the theme of fashion as art—organizers posed models in giant frames.
Photo: George Pimentel
The National Ballet of Canada's Diamond Gala
The National Ballet of Canada's Diamond Gala
The National Ballet of Canada celebrated its 60th anniversary in June. During the reception, which had a specialty vodka cocktail called "Diamonds in the Skyy," ballerinas danced and stretched casually amid the guests.
Photo: Gary Beechy
Keep Memory Alive's Shakespeare Ranch Rodeo
Keep Memory Alive's Shakespeare Ranch Rodeo
In July, Keep Memory Alive hosted its Shakespeare Ranch Rodeo in Nevada. The summery event included bronco riding, barrel racing, and kids' watermelon-eating contests.
Photo: Dalia Photography
City of Hope Gala
City of Hope Gala
For the City of Hope "Spirit of Life" gala in Los Angeles, Namevents turned a parking lot adjacent to Geffen Contemporary at MOCA into a dinner space meant to evoke a high-end nightclub. Guests sat in lounge areas with plush couches and blankets, and dinner was served on glass tables with programmable LED bases. On some tables, tall glass vases designed by Chris Matsumoto were filled with water and stones in colors that echoed the hues on the invitation.
Photo: Line 8 Photography. All rights reserved.
Cedars-Sinai Women's Heart Center Gala
Cedars-Sinai Women's Heart Center Gala
At Barbra Streisand's summer fund-raiser for the Cedars-Sinai Women's Heart Center in Malibu, guests helped themselves to a raw fruit and veggie bar. In place of a tablecloth, organizers used a quilt to match the vintage-inspired aesthetic of the June 14 event.
Photo: Alex Berliner for AbImages
Watermill Center Summer Benefit
Watermill Center Summer Benefit
On July 28, some 1,200 guests headed out to the Watermill Center in the Hamptons for the art organization’s annual benefit, one of the season’s biggest draws for philanthropists. Inside the dinner tent a chandelier positioned over the dance floor was made up of plastic recycling bags and pink fabric streamers.
Photo: Billy Farrell/BFAnyc.com
Chefs in Shorts
Chefs in Shorts
Apparently, a little rain doesn’t dampen the allure of a summer barbecue. On June 22, Boston’s "Chefs in Shorts" benefit for Future Chefs drew some 900 guests who sampled grilled snacks from 38 local eateries while hoisting umbrellas. At the booth from Bond at the Langham Hotel, soaked-but-undaunted staffers busily prepared sliders and champagne cocktails.
Photo: Bethany Versoy/V2Visuals
Ravinia Music Festival
Ravinia Music Festival
Ravinia music festival celebrated its women's board's 50th anniversary at a black-tie gala in July. After a performance from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and singers including Patti Lupone, guests had dinner in a tent lavishly decorated by Event Creative. At the entrance, designer Jeffrey Foster created a custom wooden canopy of trees inspired by Ravinia's logo.
Photo: Patrick Gipson/Ravinia Festival
The Chicago Botanic Garden's Summer Dinner Dance
The Chicago Botanic Garden's Summer Dinner Dance
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, with thousands of roses in different shades of pink.
Photo: Bob Carl for Chicago Botanic Garden
The Lincoln Park Zoo Ball
The Lincoln Park Zoo Ball
The Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago gave its annual summertime ball a "Great Cats-by" theme this year. To channel the interior of a grand East Coast estate described in F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, Frost's David Kelly worked with designers from Event Creative to hang a cluster of ornate chandeliers form the top of the dinner tent.
Photo: Alain Milotti
The Lincoln Park Zoo Ball
The Lincoln Park Zoo Ball
The Village People made a somewhat random—but definitely appreciated—surprise appearance at the Lincoln Park Zoo Ball. A band member lead locals through the appropriate steps to the "Y.M.C.A.," and the iconic group also performed "In the Navy." Guests danced enthusiastically along.
Photo: Bob Carl
The Justice Ball
The Justice Ball
Toast produced the Justice Ball (a fund-raiser for nonprofit Bet Tzedek) at the Book Bindery in Los Angeles. The event had a speakeasy theme replete with roving flappers, prop barrels, and a bar that was cheekily referred to as the "Juice Joint."
Photo: Courtesy of Toast
Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery's Power Ball
Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery's Power Ball
Kobo was a sponsor of the June Power Ball at Toronto's Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery, where guests could also indulge the child inside. The brand dangled e-readers from a tree in one of the event's main areas, and nearby, guests could take a ride on a swing that read "Take a Moment to Breathe."
Photo: Josh Fee for BizBash
The Boys & Girls Club's Summer Ball
The Boys & Girls Club's Summer Ball
At the Boys & Girls Club's Summer Ball in Chicago, HMR Design Group created lounge areas in the same space where the dinner was held. The residential-feeling areas had zebra-striped throw pillows, tufted leather seating, and lighting from candles and oversize lamps.
Photo: Bob Carl
American Cancer Society's Skyline Soiree
American Cancer Society's Skyline Soiree
The associate ambassador board of the American Cancer Society hosted its Skyline Soiree at Chicago's River East Art Center in July. Playing off the society's tagline—"the official sponsor of birthdays"—the whimsical event had a birthday-party theme replete with giant balloons floating above bars and in place of floral centerpieces on tables.
Photo: Jenny Berg/BizBash
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Fords Gin's 'Beyond the Pour' experience spanned a total of 7,378 square feet across four rooms. The final room, 'The Garnish Lounge' (pictured), was the largest, offering guests an array of citrus peels, cinnamon sticks, and even toasted bread to complete their gin cocktail.
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See Inside Fords Gin's Multisensory Experience at Rockefeller Center
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Fords Gin's 'Beyond the Pour' experience spanned a total of 7,378 square feet across four rooms. The final room, 'The Garnish Lounge' (pictured), was the largest, offering guests an array of citrus peels, cinnamon sticks, and even toasted bread to complete their gin cocktail.
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Los Angeles / Southern California
6 New Venues in San Diego for Summer 2025 Meetings and Events
Take a peek at these buzzworthy restaurants, hotels, meeting and event spaces, and more recently opened in San Diego.
Hotel del Coronado
Sponsored
Utah’s Ultimate Athletic Destination Is About to Level Up
The all-new Western Sports Park’s impact on statewide competitive events can’t be overstated.
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Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
No $20 Viral Smoothies Here—How ALDI Created an Outdoor Farmers Market Pop-Up
The grocery store chain showcased its affordable products within a cute farmstand-like setting.
At the smoothie stand, visitors could snag the Not-Your-$20-Strawberry-Glaze Smoothie, which was inspired by the viral smoothie from a popular LA grocery store.
Most Popular
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
20 Times Event Bathrooms Became the Star of the Show (Yes, Really)
Event Design & Decor
7 Smart Ways to Beat the Heat at Outdoor Events
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
See How Disney’s Phineas and Ferb Transformed a Porta-Potty into a Music Festival Activation
Brands & Event Pros
Industry Innovators 2025: Sephora
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
No $20 Viral Smoothies Here—How ALDI Created an Outdoor Farmers Market Pop-Up
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
See Inside Fords Gin's Multisensory Experience at Rockefeller Center
Orlando / Central Florida
5 New Venues in Orlando/Central Florida for Summer 2025 Meetings and Events
Take a peek at these buzzworthy restaurants, hotels, meeting and event spaces, and more recently opened in Orlando/Central Florida.
Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel
Event Design & Decor
7 Smart Ways to Beat the Heat at Outdoor Events
Atlanta-based event designer Frank Carlisi shares pro tips for keeping guests cool, your food fresh, and the vibe polished when temps rise.
'Choose a location where you can offer respite for guests—whether that’s shade elements, indoor-outdoor flow, or partial coverage,' Carlisi suggests. 'It’s all about asking: How many options do we have, and how many ways can we use the space creatively?”
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
See How Disney’s Phineas and Ferb Transformed a Porta-Potty into a Music Festival Activation
At the Vans Warped Tour in Washington, D.C., the network offered the show’s superfans a fun secret spy lair.
The activation was disguised as an ordinary porta-potty.
Phoenix / Scottsdale
11 New Venues in Phoenix/Scottsdale for Summer 2025 Meetings and Events
Take a peek at these buzzworthy restaurants, hotels, meeting and event spaces, and more recently opened in Phoenix/Scottsdale.
Marriott Phoenix Resort Tempe at The Buttes
Sponsored
Cosm Opens Immersive Event Venues in LA and Dallas
Redefining immersive events through Shared Reality
Cosm transports guests to destinations around the world, wherever 'there' may be! Immerse in Shared Reality alongside your friends and family and experience an entirely new way of watching premium content across live sports, art, and entertainment. If you can't be there, be at Cosm!
Event Design & Decor
Inside Rosé Day LA: How This Luxe Lifestyle Event Became a Must-Attend for Brands
From over-the-top floral displays to a skydiving stunt next to a Formula 1 car, here’s how Rosé Day LA continues to raise the bar for experiential design, sponsor integration, and strategic luxury.
Rosé Day Los Angeles took place on June 14. The event is produced by an experienced hospitality team led by Ben Biscotti of 1iota Productions; nightlife visionaries Sylvain Bitton, JT Torregiani, and David Jarrett; Tony Schubert of Event Eleven; and culinary icon Marc Forgione.
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