Other desserts included macarons in nontraditional flavors such as chocolate-sesame and chai latte.
Martha Stewart’s Wedding Party took place at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Chicago on March 22. At a vendor showcase held in the ballroom, Elysia Root Cakes showcased elaborate, multitiered confections decorated with edible flowers. Frosted in a pale purple hue, another cake was sculpted to look like a stage with its curtains drawn back.
The Martha Stewart event also featured playful ideas for signature drinks. One such libation, the Cottontail, was made with two types of vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup, apricot liqueur, fresh mint, and bitters; it was served in a Collins glass.
The Revel Group in Chicago hosted "Revel Provocateur," a dinner for the area's top event planners, on March 30 at Revel Downtown. Decked in black hues and Gothic-style decor, the event eschewed seating cards and instead printed guests' names on the back of chairs.
Masked servers roamed Revel's event during the cocktail hour. The evening's design was inspired by "a fashionable twist on a fairytale, with hints of mystery and sex appeal," said a company rep. The servers held an appetizer known as the "Vegetable Garden," which comprised raw spring vegetables with a trio of dips.
The dinner menu, which was prepared by Limelight, appeared in a gobo on the floor of the dinner space. To enhance the evening's intended vibe, fog swirled over the illuminated signage. Items listed included egg yolk and fresh ricotta raviolo, pan-seared loup de mer, and "Salad Under Glass" made with Humboldt Fog goat cheese.
At each place setting, sleek black boxes tied with silver ribbons held candles from Voluspa.
Be Inspired PR hosts and produces the Tassels and Tastemakers event twice each year for event and wedding industry professionals, plus media, bloggers, and other influencers. The most recent iteration on March 25 brought a Western theme to Carondelet House in Los Angeles. The event offered lounge seating under a lacy canopy.
Underscoring the theme of Tassels and Tastemakers, dream catchers hung throughout the space. The ethereal decorations had woven-in hashtags that encouraged guests to post pictures to social media.
In Toronto, Weddingbells magazine celebrated its 30th birthday with a bash at the Design Exchange on April 1. The event featured prominent branding with illuminated letters flanking the DJ booth; the dance floor also showcased the magazine's name and milestone anniversary.
Drawing on the event's signature hue, its dessert table offered light purple miniature cupcakes, swirled lollipops, and more.
The 2006 ball had a look inspired by writer and illustrator Edward Gorey. Grayson Bakula Design's enchanted forest looked slightly more sinister with Bentley Meeker's barren branch projections.
Todd Events designed the October 2013 event at the Rachofsky House in Dallas. "The black-and-white theme was selected because every year the event has an honorary artist," said a rep for the company. "The artist from last year worked in a black-and-white medium for his art pieces, so we played the event decor off that." Tables were decked with striped linens and glassware that reflected the theme.
The event's menu items also reflected the black-and-white theme.
Instead of a red carpet, designers laid down a black-and-white-striped carpet at the entrance.
This year's event took place at Toronto's the Carlu in February. To bring the old-Hollywood-style Casablanca theme to life, planners filled the dining room with tables decked in simple black linens and surrounded with white-cushioned chairs.
Books and the printed page inspired the Walrus Gala in Toronto in January. The black-and-white color scheme carried over into decor elements such as festive cocktail straws.
For the 2008 event in Toronto, graffiti artist Mike Echlin painted trees against a black backdrop for a haunted-forest effect.
For a 2012 wedding in New York that promoted the series, Sylvia Weinstock designed the cake, which was a black-and-white confection designed to look like a large vase of flowers. Fran Drescher (pictured) officiated.
The museum hosted a gala in 2013 to fete its "Impressionism, Fashion, and Modernity" exhibition. Event designer Bill Heffernan of HMR Design Group used a black-and-white color scheme inspired by some of the 19th-century dresses on display. To complement the fashion-inspired setting, tables were topped with 19th-century-style wire urns set atop black-and-white hat boxes.
Here's a clever idea for a black-and-white centerpiece: at the 2009 event in Miami, miniature working pianos were used as centerpieces in the dining room.
At the 2007 event in Washington, designer David Tutera wrapped napkins in paper filmstrips to create an old Hollywood look.
The 2011 event in Boston had a Batman theme. In a subterranean carnival area, black-and-white signs for sponsors hung above the games. Winners received prizes from the designated sponsor.
At an HP promotion in Los Angeles in 2013, a palette of black and white created a visually striking scene.
The 2011 Emmy Governors Ball had the theme of "mod illusions" with a 1960s-style black-and-white decor scheme that hearkened back to the era of Truman Capote's famous bash.
At the museum's 2012 event, a streamlined, modern bar stood at the center of the room with an arrangement of black-and-white lanterns hanging overhead.
Striped tablecloths and mismatched seating offered a funky take on the theme at the 2011 event in Los Angeles. White messages decorated black walls in the dining room, and bright green floral arrangements added a pop of color.
The 2013 event took place at a Los Angeles mansion, and black-and-white decor took on a residential feel. To celebrate the heritage of British Airways, the Union Jack appeared on black-and-white pillows at a seating group that surrounded a modern fire pit.
The theme played out in an exotic, draped setting at the 2010 premiere in New York. The venue was divided into three distinct areas, one of which was the black-and white-toned Rink Bar. The producers built custom cabanas in the area, using striped draping, votive candles, and seven-watt globe lights for illumination.
In 2010, the summertime event took place at an East Hampton sculpture garden and preserve. Presenting a more casual take on the black-and-white theme, planners erected a tented white lounge with large black scrims. The scrims displayed lyrics from honoree Laurie Anderson's songs, including "Falling," "Strange Perfumes," and "Thinking of You."
At the 2011 fund-raiser in Miami, Truman Capote's famous Black and White Ball inspired the look. Deco Productions created two 16- by 42-foot prints to display on either side of the stage, one showing a reclining model, the other showing a large eyeball. Each was divided into six individually framed panels and suspended from the ceiling.
In 2012, the symphony decked its ball in elegant, black-and-white decor from Blueprint Studios.
The April 9 event at the Target Gallery in New York celebrated Todd Oldham's collaboration with the Minneapolis-based retailer and was attended by D.I.Y. bloggers and editors. The D.I.Y. theme of the night carried over to the bars, where guests could build their own mocktail or cocktail.
The Robin Hood Foundation Benefit—New York’s largest single fund-raiser—raised a record $101.7 million Tuesday night at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Guests entered the event through a giant camera lens, alluding to the portraits used throughout the decor and program.
The long-running festival made its United States debut in Las Vegas on May 15 and 16. Three so-called Rock Streets, lanes with storefront façades and three-dimensional decor, have themes inspired by Brazil, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The Rock Streets offer street food, cultural offerings, and performances from the likes of Spock Frevo Orquestra, the Street Dance Crew, and Pepeu Gomes.
At the recent Knot Gala at the New York Public Library, ribbons and bistro lights offered the illusion of a lower ceiling. At one food station, globes filled with tuna ceviche hung from trees, and guests were encouraged to “forage” for the items with help from staffers.
The Revel Group in Chicago hosted "Revel Provocateur," a dinner for the area's top event planners, on March 30 at Revel Downtown. Decked in black hues and Gothic-style decor, the event eschewed seating cards and instead printed guests' names on the back of chairs.
Be Inspired PR hosts and produces the Tassels and Tastemakers event twice each year for event and wedding industry professionals, plus media, bloggers, and other influencers. The most recent iteration on March 25 brought a Western theme to Carondelet House in Los Angeles. Underscoring the theme, dream catchers hung throughout the space. The ethereal decorations had woven-in hashtags that encouraged guests to post pictures to social media.
Escort cards on custom drink stirrers were placed in glasses of white peach sangria at a summer wedding produced by Camp Hill, Pennsylvania-based catering and events company the JDK Group.
On April 15, Target took over Bryant Park in New York to fete the launch of its collaboration with resort wear brand Lilly Pulitzer. A Lilly Pulitzer watercolor artist painted the scene at the space, capturing the party in the park—all done in Lilly’s classic color palette.
At a sweet sixteen party produced by Magnolia Bluebird Design & Events, a hot chocolate to-go wall featuring custom mugs, gourmet marshmallows, and milk chocolate hot cocoa allowed partygoers to leave the sweet sixteen with a sweet treat.
In what was considered a giant coup for the city of Chicago, the James Beard Foundation decided to uproot its award gala from New York City for the first time and held the prestigious event at the Lyric Opera of Chicago on May 4. HMS Host, which owns Wicker Park Seafood & Sushi Bar at O'Hare International Airport, set up an eye-catching sushi bar that featured fish and marine life frozen into blocks of ice.
Backing away from its huge estate party, H&M hosted an exclusive sunset cocktail reception at the Parker. There, summery hors d'oeuvres included skewers of mint, feta, and watermelon.
Brent Bolthouse's massive Neon Carnival went into its sixth year with a new lineup of sponsors. It was the major event on the Saturday-night calendar off the festival grounds and the biggest unofficial party.
Also among the weekend's big-scale parties was the Bootsy Bellows estate, where the logo and slogan of sponsor McDonald's backed a ball pit. The Narrative Group handled media, producing the party with support from ESE Lifestyle.
An dramatic art installation was made from multicolor neon ribbons at PopSugar and ShopStyle's Cabana Club hotel takeover. The piece was a collaboration with the Las Vegas festival Life Is Beautiful.
Alessandra Ambrosio launched her BaubleBar jewelry collection at the Avalon hotel. At the event, guests picked up Voco drinks at a bar decorated with open coconuts and vibrant flowers.
The hosts' names decorated the hotel's existing privacy hedging, which was visible from the street entrance.
M.A.C. and Mia Moretii hosted their festival collection with a pool party at the Ingleside Inn. Stoelt Productions produced the event, which was hosted by the BMF Music Lounge. A trio of colorful umbrellas made for a colorful photo backdrop.
At the Retreat at Sparrows Lodge, guests dined on healthy fare from New York's Fat Radish at a long, bohemian-style table. Steph Sciré and Isaac Ferry, who were behind the event, said they were motivated to create a place where they and their friends would want to be. Jeff Consoletti of JJ-LA produced, along with tour and event producer Tanya Slater. Taylor & Taylor managed the production design, which included antique Persian rugs, Native American artifacts, succulents, whimsical floral arrangements, oversize and kilim pillows, leather, and a silk patchwork canopy.
My Jewel Bar set up a table at the Retreat where guests could customize baubles from festival-appropriate charms and details.
Dior provided nail art at the Retreat, including festival looks with palm trees, Ferris wheels, flowers, and animal prints. The offerings also included a full hair and makeup boudoir, a spa with whole-body massages, oxygen facials, reflexology, and a vinyl listening lounge.
At the Sunday afternoon event, guests sat poolside for vitamin and hydration IV treatments—using real needles.
A logo floated in the pool and covered oversize props at the Moschino party. DeLeón Tequila sponsored.
Culture Collide, a new editorial platform from the co-founder of Filter magazine, presented the annual Coachella kickoff party known as Not a Pool Party, ahead of the festival on April 9 at the Hard Rock.
Guests came to the NVE-produced Nylon event on Sunday for a yoga session in the sun. It was part of an experience meant to revive guests with wellness activities and offerings after the hectic weekend.
Rachel Zoe hosted an intimate brunch with DVF and Moët & Chandon Ice Imperial at the dFm House in Palm Springs. Fare Trade and Workshop Kitchen & Bar provided food.
A giant logoed teddy bear decorated the Moschino party hosted by Jeremy Scott.
Pandora brought Questlove for its Cathedral City party, which announced brand names on a round central bar. The event also included a hair-braiding station, giant chessboards, ping-pong, and beanbag toss games.
Ocean Pacific set up a surf shop at the Ingleside Inn as part of the Music Lounge.
Stoelt Productions produced the event, which offered a teeter-totter and snow cones.
Kari Feinstein was also among the hosts kicking things off early—and in Los Angeles. The Kari Feinstein Style Lounge gifting suite took over the Sunset Marquis hotel, where an arrivals backdrop had a festival-appropriate, tassel-like look.
In Los Angeles, Deutsch LA hosted its holiday party in December at Hangar 8 at the Santa Monica Airport. The company chose a "Studio 54" theme based on the address of its office: 5454 Beethoven Street. To bring the theme to life, Schaffer's Genuine Foods added miniature disco balls to a food station.
The company hired performers to dress in disco-appropriate garb, hit the dance floor, and mingle with guests.
The Village People made a surprise appearance at Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo Ball in 2012. A band member led locals through the appropriate steps to the disco hit "Y.M.C.A.," and the iconic group also performed "In the Navy." Guests danced along enthusiastically.
Bud Light turned Crested Butte, Colorado, into “Whatever, USA,” painting the streets and lamp posts the brand’s signature light blue color and bringing in 1,000 fans for an all-expense-paid weekend in September. KC and the Sunshine Band performed during a Saturday Night Fever-theme event. Bud Light provided guests with '70s-era costumes.
At the after-party for a 2012 gala at the Art Institute of Chicago, Kehoe Designs brought in bars that were covered in mirrored tiles. A glowing display of Absolut vodka bottles formed the bars' backdrops, and golden drapes surrounded the room.
The game show's wrap party had a '70s theme in 2011, and guests danced on a colorful, light-up dance floor. The Los Angeles bash was produced and designed by Poko Event Productions.
Vintage-inspired furnishings from Town and Country Event Rentals decked the Hangar 8 space, where the wrap party was held.
The Chicago museum hosted an event to celebrate the opening of its David Bowie exhibition in September. At the after-party, a slew of hanging disco balls added a Studio 54-style vibe to a pop-up concert venue that offered a performance from Bryan Ferry. Kim Merlin, Event Creative, and Partytime Productions all worked on the lavish event.
The Toronto benefit for Rethink Breast Cancer had a disco theme in 2010. Signage, designed to look like pink disco balls, highlighted various activations throughout the venue, including the booth where DJ Vaneska spun tunes.
M.A.C. Cosmetics studded a branding event in Toronto in 2008 with golden mirror balls, bare-skinned servers with gold-colored trays and cocktails, and a slew of go-go dancers.
