Alice in Wonderland

Sean Daly created a precarious-looking house of cards decor piece, decorated with trailing ribbon.

Oversized faux flowers in pink, yellow, and white decorated of the venue's two outdoor fireplaces in an unusual arrangement that seemed to defy gravity.

Nibbles from Modern Art Catering included on-theme sweets and savories. For dessert, there were sugar cookies in the form of playing cards, chocolate mousse teacups, pink and purple popcorn, and mini chocolate cupcakes with red rose-shaped frosted tops.

OfficeMax’s Green Tie Ball XXI, held September 15 at A. Finkl & Sons in Chicago and hosted by nonprofit organization Chicago Gateway Green, had an Alice in Wonderland theme. Roaming actors and performers from Redmoon Theater were dressed as characters from the story.

Produced by Absolute Production Services, the Green Tie Ball had three tented areas. The V.I.P. tent, called the "Mad Hatter's Tent," featured rustic, organic decor by Kehoe Designs. The focal point of the bar area was a giant drum shade embellished with a bronze tree, oversize pocket watches, and wine bottles. Absolute worked with Windy City Music on the lighting design, which included timepiece gobos.

In a homage to the 150th anniversary of Lewis Carroll’s tale, the Canadian Cancer Society hosted an Alice's Adventures in Wonderland-inspired fund-raiser in Montreal in April. Produced by Alison Silcoff Events, with decor by Decor & More, the event had guests helping themselves to champagne from the Queen of Hearts' dress during the cocktail reception.

At the Canadian Cancer Society gala, topiaries divided the cocktail reception and dining areas. The eclectic dining room design included five different table centerpieces, seven linen combinations, three types of chairs, and four colors of chair cushion. Giant playing cards hung overhead.

Chefs from Fairmont the Queen Elizabeth created an inventive Alice in Wonderland-inspired menu with items like "Large and Small Shellfish in a Pool of Tears."

Guests at the Canadian Cancer Society fund-raiser were also served soup from a teapot. An edible pocket-watch crust rested inside the teacup.

The Washington Ballet turned to its production of Alice for inspiration when designing its annual gala in April. Organizers tapped Syzygy Event Productions to produce the event. Guests were greeted by younger members from the ballet school dressed like the card guards from Alice in Wonderland.

Syzygy Event Productions worked with Digital Lightning to turn the reception and ballroom areas into a whimsical environment. A large, white tree decorated with red hearts inspired by the story's Red Queen served as the backdrop for the check-in desk.

The valet drivers from Gatsby Valet Inc. were dressed as white rabbits.

In the dining area, checkerboard tables covered with mismatched gold and silver cutlery added to the Alice theme. Giant mushrooms and heart-shaped hedges served as centerpieces.

Specialty "White Rabbit" cocktails were served in William Ashley teacups.

Cossette Communications in Toronto paid tribute to Alice in Wonderland with their 2007 holiday party featuring teapots filled with flowers, topiaries, and paper roses. Wooden signs hanging from one of three 12-foot juniper trees pointed guests in the right direction.

In October 2007, fashion line Alice & Olivia hosted a "Mad Tea Party" at its Bryant Park boutique to debut the Spring 2008 line. A bright yellow table held refreshments and served as a decorative centerpiece to the room. Tea sandwiches and cocktails were served in teacups.

For an Alice in Wonderland-inspired design inspiration shoot, Kate Miller Events displayed Luxecuts custom laser-cut place cards leaning against vintage teacups filled with flowers at each place setting.