Party Concepts

Dessert table offerings sat upon rustic wood slabs at the Little Maven event.

After a move to Las Vegas, Maxim's annual Hot 100 event returned to Los Angeles this year. Taking over SBE's newest property, Create (formerly Vanguard), the Visionary Group transformed the raw space into an ode to American summer nights. Outside, the patio had a bonfire built into a real sandpit.

Conceptbait Global Events & Florida Design Group used real graham crackers, Hershey bars, and two sizes of marshmallows to create centerpieces at the launch party for Three Olives S’mores Vodka at Hattricks Tavern in Tampa. Designers spray-painted manzanita branches brown and used a blowtorch to char the marshmallows before attaching them to the branches.

At the Catalina Casino for the Catalina Island Conservancy Ball in Los Angeles, the camp theme included centerpieces of illuminated apothecary jars filled with the makings of s'mores. Although the chocolate, graham crackers, and marshmallows on the table were there for the look, guests did have a chance to taste the nostalgic treat. Chef Paul Hancock of the Santa Catalina Island Company, who created a three-course meal for the evening, served a dessert that comprised layers of graham crackers with bittersweet dark chocolate and melted marshmallows.

The rustic look has moved into the realm of total refinement, as seen in the setup from Simply Chic Events, which came complete with reclaimed wood and an Edison-style bulb chandelier.

The ever-chic black-and-white motif gets new energy with the help of dramatic metallic accents. At the setup by Events in the City, a gold sparkle wall and gold glitter flatware add festivity to an otherwise preppy look.