Improve a Meeting

Scent can be incorporated into an event through food. Hilton Orlando's purple lavender cream dessert can add a sense of calm for guests.

Started more than 25 years ago in Paris, Dîner en Blanc is an impromptu picnic now held in dozens of public spaces throughout the world each year. Event organizers ask guests to dress in all-white clothing and bring a list of items, including white plastic folding chairs and tables, white tablecloths and napkins, and white dinnerware.

Event planning company Well Rehearsed offers its ready-made Streets of San Francisco centerpiece collection for rent or purchase. The 10 reusable designs in the line incorporate some of San Francisco’s most iconic landmarks, imagery, and neighborhoods.

Searching for modern-looking, green-minded centerpieces? Britton Neubacher-Caligure of Tend Living often eschews florals in favor of succulents, air plants, and cacti, to create organic-looking arrangements. Neubacher-Caligure also offers how-to workshops.

Event planners boarded up the exterior of Long View Gallery with pallets and faux brick to create a speakeasy feel. A sign next to the door read: "Closed for violation of the National Prohibition Act by the order of the United States District Court." Event security wore mafia-style fedoras to complete the scene.

Black and gold accents highlighted another full bar, and a birdcage containing a crystal chandelier hung overhead, adding another on-theme element.

Another custom bar had rows of oversize crystals across its front.

In the tent, a rustic bar served bourbon and Scotch.

At the entry, a partial wall featured a complex Art Deco pattern surrounding the host company's name.

The space was divided into three areas that had their own design themes. One featured black and white furniture, crystal chandeliers, and strings of pearls.

The downstairs space was decorated in tones of gold and black, used to effect in the draped walls. Seating vignettes included chesterfield sofas and black wing chairs.

Roving card dealers dressed in flapper costumes presided over games of blackjack and poker using custom chips—actually chocolate coins—with the company logo.

Servers from Oysters XO roved the grounds shucking oysters for guests. The uniform, complete with pageboys and suspenders, was meant to evoke the scene around a New York City dock.

A deconstructed Caesar salad was served by the glass. The stiff romaine leaves mimicked the look of a flapper's feather headdress. Other bites at the event included wasabi deviled eggs, candied bacon, and a "bees knees" cheese station.

A DJ from Washington Talent Agency spun music from Pink Martini—and offered guests a shot of Maker's Mark. An old-fashioned mail drop collected entries for a drawing to win a bottle of locally made Green Hat Gin.

Made by Meg catered the luncheon at a tabletop decorated with boldly colored ribbons and Munchkin products.