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Deco

April 10, 2017
Wolf Trap Ball
Wolf Trap Ball

The event design of the Wolf Trap Ball, hosted by the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts, featured screens with scrolling images of the national parks that rotated throughout the reception and dinner. Plants and greenery walls around the dining areas, as well as floral centerpieces, also reinforced the night’s theme celebrating the National Park Service's 100th anniversary. The event was held in September in Vienna, Virginia, and raised $1.5 million.

Photo: A.E. Landes Photography
Headdress Ball
Headdress Ball

For the  2016 Headdress Ball, which was held in September at the Orlando World Center Marriott, the Hope and Help Center selected “Love” as the theme. It included a pre-party dubbed the “Love Lounge,” which was filled with red lighting and decor and logo gobos on the walls, while chocolate-heart centerpieces decorated the tables in the ballroom. The event is the largest annual fund-raiser for the nonprofit, which provides support and services for people infected with and affected by H.I.V./AIDS around Central Florida.

Photo: Kayla Hernandez for BizBash
MoMA PS1’s Fall Fund-Raiser
MoMA PS1’s Fall Fund-Raiser

MoMA PS1, which is housed in a former public school building in the Long Island City neighborhood of Queens, New York, hosted its first fall benefit in September. The event, which was conceived by performance artist Ryan McNamara, featured an artistic, subversive twist on the high-school theme, with guests dressed as they were back in the day and throwback activities such as paper airplane-throwing.

Photo: Cornelia Stiles/BizBash
The Canadian Opera Company’s Centre Stage
The Canadian Opera Company’s Centre Stage

At the Canadian Opera Company’s fund-raising gala, Centre Stage, held in November at Toronto’s Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, lights and projections transformed the venue’s ceiling into a cloudy blue sky with 14 suspended orbs draped in white silk orchids that hung above the dining guests. The tabletop floral arrangements consisted of white hydrangeas and white orchids in gold vases.

Photo: Ryan Emberley
Spirit of Life Gala
Spirit of Life Gala

For the City of Hope’s Spirit of Life gala, which was held in November, Natalie McAdams of Namevents designed a night under the stars—inside a tent in the parking lot below the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles. To recreate the outdoor evening look, the production team built a stage that resembled the moon's surface and used fiber-optic panels to resemble stars.

Photo: Line 8 Photography
The Grand Gala
The Grand Gala

Baptist Health Foundation’s The Grand Gala fund-raiser, which took place in November at the soon-to-open campus of the Miami Cancer Institute, featured a reception, dinner, and dancing, plus a silent auction. The cuisine and decor was created by Le Basque. The event raised $4.5 million for the Miami Cancer Institute, which is slated to open later this month.

Photo: Courtesy of Manny Hernandez
Big Orange Ball
Big Orange Ball

Howard Brown Health held its second annual Halloween soiree, the Big Orange Ball, at restaurant and event space Carnivale in Chicago in October. More than 400 costume-clad guests attended and raised money to provide health and social services to Chicago’s L.G.B.T.Q. and allied community. RuPaul’s Drag Race season eight winner Bob the Drag Queen performed and emceed the event, along with a special meet-and-greet for “R.I.P.” ticket holders. Kehoe Designs provided the themed decor.

Photo: Courtesy of Studio This Is
Boston Symphony Orchestra’s Opening Night Gala
Boston Symphony Orchestra’s Opening Night Gala

The Boston Symphony Orchestra held its opening night gala in September, raising $1.5 million. The gala dinner, created by Café ArtScience's Patrick Campbell, was served in four rooms at Symphony Hall, each decorated in different artistic themes (watercolor, charcoal, dance, and architecture) that were inspired by Russian composer Modest Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition," which had been performed by the orchestra prior to the dinner.

Photo: John Gillooly
Choral Arts Society of Washington’s Annual Gala
Choral Arts Society of Washington’s Annual Gala

At the Choral Arts Society of Washington’s annual fund-raising gala at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington in December, event designers created a snowy Swiss Alps theme complete with icicle-like chandeliers and wintry decor.

Photo: Shannon Finney Photography
Outward Bound’s National Benefit Dinner
Outward Bound’s National Benefit Dinner

Nonprofit educational organization Outward Bound hosted its National Benefit Dinner in October at Cipriani 25 Broadway in New York. Artist Michael Arthur, who specializes in live drawings of key moments, sketched on a projection screen as current and former students spoke about their experiences in the organization. The artistic showcase was designed to capture the impact and inspiration created by an Outward Bound experience. The event raised nearly $700,000 for the group’s work and chartered schools.

Photo: Michael Priest Photography
DX Intersection
DX Intersection

Design Exchange's annual fund-raiser, held in November at the Canadian design museum in Toronto, featured the theme "Dispatch" and explored the country’s intersections of design, art, and culture. Each floor showcased interactive installations and multi-sensory experiences, while Drake’s producer DJ Boi-1da performed a live set. Proceeds from the event support DX's public and education programs.

Photo: Courtesy of Design Exchange
Knock Out Abuse Gala
Knock Out Abuse Gala

For nonprofit organization Knock Out Abuse Against Women’s Knock Out Abuse seated gala dinner at the Ritz-Carlton, Washington D.C. in November, florist Millicent Bluford created a mix of centerpieces, including some with thistle, cabbage, and miniature carnations.

Photo: Davide DePas
High Line Art Dinner
High Line Art Dinner

In September, Friends of the High Line hosted its 2016 High Line Art Dinner featuring a seated dinner for 200 guests under the Chelsea Market passageway in New York. Proceeds from the event helped support the High Line’s public art projects as well as the ongoing maintenance and operation of the park. The colorful rainbow-inspired decor was designed by Van Wyck & Van Wyck, with catering by Bite Food and lighting by L&M Lighting and Sound.

Photo: Liz Ligon
Once Upon a Time Gala
Once Upon a Time Gala

In October, Events By Fabulous produced the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles "Once Upon a Time" gala, complete with whimsical storybook tablescapes and decor. More than 1,200 philanthropists, local dignitaries, and supporters gathered at the Event Deck at L.A. Live to raise $4 million in support of the hospital. The main stage featured a beanstalk-wrapped proscenium and larger-than-life props from fairy tales such as Peter Pan and Cinderella, while the cocktail area included theme performers and a Mad Hatter acrobat troupe.

Photo: Andrew Herrold
Keep a Child Alive’s Black Ball
Keep a Child Alive’s Black Ball

Keep a Child Alive’s Black Ball, which was held in October at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York, evoked the spirit of '80s activism, when the fight against AIDS began, and paid respect to those who acted during that time. The decor reflected the theme with elements such as a glow-in-the-dark graffiti wall and street art-inspired linens, programs, and graphics. In addition, for the first time the event was live-streamed on Tidal. The evening raised $2 million for children and families with H.I.V. in Africa and India.

Photo: Kevin Mazur
Meridian Ball
Meridian Ball

In October, Meridian International Center hosted the 48th annual Meridian Ball. Following dinners at venues around Washington, guests, including high-level officials, ambassadors, business leaders, and media, gathered in the Meridian House’s gardens, as well as inside a tent on the venue’s lawn for dessert and dancing. The event’s inspiration was the Orient Express, featuring elements such as hanging faux gas lamps, luggage accessories, leather furniture, and a travel-theme dinner menu. In addition, the dance tent was transformed into the Moulin Rouge (since Paris was a popular spot on the Express) with marquee letters and fiery red accents.

Photo: Joyce Boghosian
New Yorkers for Children’s Fall Gala
New Yorkers for Children’s Fall Gala

In September, New Yorkers for Children hosted its annual fall gala, which celebrated its 20th anniversary benefiting youth in foster care in New York City. The event, which took place at Cipriani 42nd Street, included an evening of dinner and dancing, with a standout decor element in an oversize number “20” decorated with a collage of children who have benefited from the organization. David Stark Design and Production designed the event.

Photo: Joe Schildhorn/BFA.com
The iPad centerpieces from Keep Interacting can be customized for events.
The iPad centerpieces from Keep Interacting can be customized for events.
Photo: Courtesy of Keep Interacting
Block-letter table centerpieces at Revlon's philanthropic luncheon had a 'love' theme supporting the brand's Love Is On Million Dollar Challenge.
Block-letter table centerpieces at Revlon's philanthropic luncheon had a "love" theme supporting the brand's Love Is On Million Dollar Challenge.
Photo: Donato Sardella/Getty Images for Revlon
Artist Curtis Kulig's artwork advanced the theme and added dramatic pops of red alongside monochromatic rose floral arrangements.
Artist Curtis Kulig's artwork advanced the theme and added dramatic pops of red alongside monochromatic rose floral arrangements.
Photo: Donato Sardella/Getty Images for Revlon
A Victorian-style greenhouse design from ATGStores.com featured an English luncheon setup with an eclectic mix of springtime prints, accessories, and quirky details.
A Victorian-style greenhouse design from ATGStores.com featured an English luncheon setup with an eclectic mix of springtime prints, accessories, and quirky details.
Photo: Taylor McIntyre/BizBash
In conjunction with Steelite International and Materials Inc., Tzelan’s design celebrated the five elements found in Chinese philosophy: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water.
In conjunction with Steelite International and Materials Inc., Tzelan’s design celebrated the five elements found in Chinese philosophy: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water.
Photo: Taylor McIntyre/BizBash
The tabletop featured Tzelan plates that depict the movement of the sea atop hand-woven metal tablecloths made by French artisans. The mushroom lamps, which are a Tzelan and Contardi collaboration, are portable and come in nine metal finishes.
The tabletop featured Tzelan plates that depict the movement of the sea atop hand-woven metal tablecloths made by French artisans. The mushroom lamps, which are a Tzelan and Contardi collaboration, are portable and come in nine metal finishes.
Photo: Taylor McIntyre/BizBash
Interior Design’s “All You Need is Love” table featured bold graphics and messages in a red, white, and black color palette.
Interior Design’s “All You Need is Love” table featured bold graphics and messages in a red, white, and black color palette.
Photo: Taylor McIntyre/BizBash
Design firm Language Dept. built a lush garden setting for Design Within Reach, complete with a moss-covered tabletop and hanging vines; mirrored walls and place settings offered a manmade contrast to the natural habitat.
Design firm Language Dept. built a lush garden setting for Design Within Reach, complete with a moss-covered tabletop and hanging vines; mirrored walls and place settings offered a manmade contrast to the natural habitat.
Photo: Taylor McIntyre/BizBash
M Moser's table, which was titled Race to Zero, looked at the fight against AIDS as it progressed from a virtual death sentence to a treatable chronic illness.
M Moser's table, which was titled Race to Zero, looked at the fight against AIDS as it progressed from a virtual death sentence to a treatable chronic illness.
Photo: Taylor McIntyre/BizBash
New York School of Interior Design’s red-and-white installation with vertical lighting rods was inspired by a pulsating heartbeat.
New York School of Interior Design’s red-and-white installation with vertical lighting rods was inspired by a pulsating heartbeat.
Photo: Taylor McIntyre/BizBash
Interior design company Blue Ocean Design, along with Charleston Limewash, used recycled and organic materials, plus eco-friendly lime paint (which is made from lime and natural pigments), to achieve a contemporary beachy vibe.
Interior design company Blue Ocean Design, along with Charleston Limewash, used recycled and organic materials, plus eco-friendly lime paint (which is made from lime and natural pigments), to achieve a contemporary beachy vibe.
Photo: Taylor McIntyre/BizBash
Inspired by its Spring 2017 collection, the Ralph Lauren Home installation featured a graphic nautical theme with white lacquer and natural materials like teak and braided water hyacinth.
Inspired by its Spring 2017 collection, the Ralph Lauren Home installation featured a graphic nautical theme with white lacquer and natural materials like teak and braided water hyacinth.
Photo: Taylor McIntyre/BizBash
Students from Parsons the New School for Design used materials found in the city’s five boroughs to construct their vignette, which was painted all white.
Students from Parsons the New School for Design used materials found in the city’s five boroughs to construct their vignette, which was painted all white.
Photo: Taylor McIntyre/BizBash
Crate and Barrel's dark kitchen design served gold-painted “midnight snacks.”
Crate and Barrel's dark kitchen design served gold-painted “midnight snacks.”
Photo: Taylor McIntyre/BizBash
Designer Douglas Little partnered with Liaigre to create The New York Times’ irreverent table, which Little described as “a dinner party gone mad.” Towering skyscrapers of champagne flutes lined the space, while a crashing chandelier took center stage.
Designer Douglas Little partnered with Liaigre to create The New York Times’ irreverent table, which Little described as “a dinner party gone mad.” Towering skyscrapers of champagne flutes lined the space, while a crashing chandelier took center stage.
Photo: Taylor McIntyre/BizBash
Textile company Sunbrella collaborated with home goods company Coral & Tusk on a new line of performance fabrics. Their joint dining design was inspired by the wildlife and textiles of the Great Plains.
Textile company Sunbrella collaborated with home goods company Coral & Tusk on a new line of performance fabrics. Their joint dining design was inspired by the wildlife and textiles of the Great Plains.
Photo: Taylor McIntyre/BizBash
Coral & Tusk's table runners were embroidered on Sunbrella fabric with hand-drawn illustrations of wildflowers and animals native to the plains.
Coral & Tusk's table runners were embroidered on Sunbrella fabric with hand-drawn illustrations of wildflowers and animals native to the plains.
Photo: Taylor McIntyre/BizBash
Austin-based online art marketplace Twyla highlighted the work of Brooklyn-based artist Edward Granger, who was painting on-site during the event. His geometric designs were inspired by the digital world, including Microsoft’s bouncing cube screensaver.
Austin-based online art marketplace Twyla highlighted the work of Brooklyn-based artist Edward Granger, who was painting on-site during the event. His geometric designs were inspired by the digital world, including Microsoft’s bouncing cube screensaver.
Photo: Taylor McIntyre/BizBash
Rockwell Group and Ovando built their version of a modern-day potting shed, complete with cacti centerpieces, a vertical garden, and a diffuser that filled the space with a signature scent.
Rockwell Group and Ovando built their version of a modern-day potting shed, complete with cacti centerpieces, a vertical garden, and a diffuser that filled the space with a signature scent.
Photo: Taylor McIntyre/BizBash
Brad Ford, owner of the New York Design Center’s FAIR showroom, used local artisan-made furnishings from his company to decorate the rustic dining setup.
Brad Ford, owner of the New York Design Center’s FAIR showroom, used local artisan-made furnishings from his company to decorate the rustic dining setup.
Photo: Taylor McIntyre/BizBash
The luxe parlor setting created by Arteriors was designed with rich jewel tones and metallic finishes. The place settings included agate slices with name cards.
The luxe parlor setting created by Arteriors was designed with rich jewel tones and metallic finishes. The place settings included agate slices with name cards.
Photo: Taylor McIntyre/BizBash
Design firm Gensler and Knoll's space called attention to Diffa’s fight against AIDS with large typography in bold purple.
Design firm Gensler and Knoll's space called attention to Diffa’s fight against AIDS with large typography in bold purple.
Photo: Taylor McIntyre/BizBash
Roche Bobois partnered with Gensler to create a colorful cushion-lined booth, which included projection mapping on a large drum installation.
Roche Bobois partnered with Gensler to create a colorful cushion-lined booth, which included projection mapping on a large drum installation.
Photo: Taylor McIntyre/BizBash
Herman Miller's vignette featured a mix of chairs from the company’s iconic designs. A large glowing spherical lantern hung above the table.
Herman Miller's vignette featured a mix of chairs from the company’s iconic designs. A large glowing spherical lantern hung above the table.
Photo: Taylor McIntyre/BizBash
Benjamin Moore’s table highlighted the spectrum of rich colors in the company’s recently launched Century paint collection.
Benjamin Moore’s table highlighted the spectrum of rich colors in the company’s recently launched Century paint collection.
Photo: Taylor McIntyre/BizBash
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