Terraza

Real tree branches and miniature faux tree centerpieces were part of the garden motif.

With less than three hours for set up, David Beahm and his team converted Saks Fifth Avenue's third floor into a veritable garden of Eden.

The backdrop for the green-colored red-carpet arrivals area was a vertical living garden, which the organizers have created at previous iterations of the auction. This year, for the first time, the press wall incorporated found branches alongside palm fronds, moss elephant ears, phalaenopsis, air ferns, clovers, cabbage, Boston ferns, pitcher plants, staghorn ferns, asparagus ferns, busy ivy, English ivy, and lemon leaf. Many of the plants were replanted after the event.

For additional seating, plush velvet couches lined both sides of the cocktail area. Candles and small plants decorated the tops of the mirrored tables.

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.

The "Shogun-Era Japan Circa 1600" area had a garden of oversize Bonsai trees.

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.