The event showcased a giant wall that explained the steps of how cotton becomes denim, which is then recycled into insulation. The diagonal sections each had a backdrop of the item relevant to the process it described.
Photo: Taylor McIntyre/BizBash
The gallery had a life-size timeline that highlighted notable moments in history when celebrities including Beyoncé and Rihanna sported denim outfits.
Photo: Taylor McIntyre/BizBash
Another wall featured a backdrop made of insulation that provided statistics including how many pairs of jeans it takes to create enough for one home, as well as organizations such as Habitat for Humanity that have received insulation from the program.
Photo: Taylor McIntyre/BizBash
A GIF photo booth featured a backdrop of various jean washes.
Photo: Taylor McIntyre/BizBash
On-theme decor included centerpieces made out of cotton.
Photo: Taylor McIntyre/BizBash
The inaugural event took place at the Toronto Reference Library on April 27. The foundation used projection mapping to light up the building and showcase words and images along the walls of the library, while reinforcing the event's red-and-black color palette.
Photo:Â George Pimentel
Event sponsor Toronto Life had a branded champagne bar at the entrance of the venue.
Photo: George Pimentel
Universal Music Group's "Digging in the Crates" station allowed guests to pick their favorite song from the library's 170,000-piece vinyl record collection to have it played during dinner.
Photo:Â George Pimentel
Elevators featured branded doors with the name of the event and sponsor TD.
Photo:Â George Pimentel
Attendants wearing branded outfits escorted guests to the second floor.
Photo:Â George Pimentel
An area sponsored by Type Books featured branded tables with word games including crossword puzzles.
Photo:Â George Pimentel
Guests were invited to participate in giant word searches using glow-in-the-dark markers.
Photo:Â George Pimentel
Attendees could bid on silent-auction items with tablets powered by Givergy.
Photo:Â George Pimentel
The event's name was spelled out giant white letters on the floor that overlooked the dining area.
Photo:Â George Pimentel
The Digital Innovation Hub was turned into an bustling tech bar where guests could test out technology found at the Toronto Public Library, including robotics and a 3-D printer.
Photo:Â George Pimentel
On the main level on the library, guests were invited to try out a variety of virtual-reality headsets.
Photo:Â George Pimentel
Brian Leonard created latte portraits at the library's Blazac’s Literary Café.
Photo:Â George Pimentel
On-theme table settings had placemats that doubled as word searches.
Photo:Â George Pimentel
Bellosound spun tunes at a branded DJ booth during the post-dinner party.
Photo:Â George Pimentel
Stella Artois launched its "Host Beautifully" campaign in Los Angeles last May with a picnic-style alfresco event that invited guests to go in short rides on tethered hot-air balloons that were branded with the company's logo.
Photo: Michael Buckner/Getty Images for Stella Artois
Guests at the Stella Artois event dined at several long, farm-style tables, which had no linens—but were instead topped with abundant white flowers.
Photo: Michael Buckner/Getty Images for Stella Artois
At the Adam Lippes for Target preview in New York last year, David Stark Designs set up a rooftop garden for a picnic-style event using Adam Lippes blankets, pillows, and travel bags.
Photo: Courtesy of LaForce & Stevens
Adding sparkle to the notion of traditional picnic decor, Starbucks Canada promoted its Teavan Sparkling Tea Juices last summer with an event that used golden fruit for an eye-catching centerpiece.
Photo: Courtesy of Media Profile
As outdoor affairs, picnics can entice guests with pet-friendly offerings. At the Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS Picnic by Design fund-raiser in New York last year, Rixner & Wright created a cheerful picnic setup with a patterned doggy bed and accessories.
Photo:Â Cornelia Stiles/BizBash
Also at Picnic by Design, Gensler demonstrated that picnic-style events don’t have to include springlike colors and patterns. Instead, Gensler created a minimalist design using gray felt for an understated feel.
Photo:Â Cornelia Stiles/BizBash
Bunting hung over 170 tables for 700 guests in the V.I.P. picnic space within the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic in Los Angeles in 2013.
Photo: Claire Barrett Photography
Adrienne Bosh, who is married to Miami Heat player Chris Bosh, hosted a motivational event known as “Glamchella” last summer in Miami. At the affair, bohemian-inspired decor included textured table linens, Buddha sculptures, lanterns, and jewel-toned cushions for seating.
Photo: April Belle Photos
Last year in Southern California, Anheuser-Busch-owned beverage brand Shock Top launched its summer seasonal Lemon Shandy beverage at a Ventura County lemon grove. Appropriately, simple citrus fruits in crates served as tabletop decor.
Photo: Casey Rodgers
Boccie ball was among the casual, picnic-style outdoor activities for guests.
Photo: Casey Rodgers
Capitalizing on the outdoor scenery in the orchard, organizers provided an open frame as a photo prop to encourage guests to snap pics and share on social.
Photo: Casey Rodgers
For its first foray in Austin, Texas, the Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS hosted the Urban Picnic by Design event in 2014. Rebekah Gainsley of Blink Interiors covered a table with a hammock-like lace canopy with lights and potted plants.
Photo:Â Nadia Chaudhury/BizBash
During the Coachella Valley Music and Arts festival in the Southern California desert last year, the Retreat at the Sparrows Lodge topped a table with floral arrangements, taper candlesticks, games, and other objects that created a relaxed atmosphere.
Photo: Tyler Curtis
The Coachella event’s design also included a silk patchwork canopy for relaxed seating amid Persian rugs, Native American artifacts, succulents, kilim pillows, and leather accents.
Photo: Tyler Curtis
American Diabetes Association hosted its annual Los Angeles Political Roast in March in Beverly Hills. Red-and-white checked linens topped tables for a classic picnic look.
Photo: Benjamin Shmikler
At TEDActive in the Palm Springs area in 2013, organizers offered picnic baskets for groups of seven. The idea was to encourage each person to meet six others with whom to eat and connect.
Photo: Marla Aufmuth
Brooklyn Brewery Mash's Beer Mansion
Brooklyn Brewery hosted its first-ever Beer Mansion on April 21 at Monto and the Well in Brooklyn. The mansion featured unlimited tastings in five themed rooms, including the Playhouse, which was inspired by art, tech, and music. The room included interactive paint-by-number artwork.Â
Photo: Chris Logan
Biblio Bash
The Toronto Public Library Foundation hosted its inaugural Biblio Bash fund-raiser on April 27. The event, which was designed by Candice & Alison, featured branded tables with word games for guests.Â
Photo: George Pimentel
A sign announced the theme of "love and leadership" at the entrance to the event space. Guests entered through a heart-shaped cutout that reinforced the theme.
Photo: Taylor McIntyre/BizBash
A decor piece styled like a map listed and thanked the organization's donors.
Photo: Ron Antonelli
Fabricated trees did double duty, hiding structural columns in the venue and adding to the park decor. The leaves were evoked by fabric canopies suspended by airline cable.
Photo: Ron Antonelli
Dancers evoked people who come to the park to read, with a high-tech twist: Their books glowed thanks to LED lights.
Photo: Taylor McIntyre/BizBash
“What I like to do is layer,” said David Stark on his design philosophy, using details that add to the experience. One example: tearaway signs attached to lamp poles that featured positive messaging.
Photo: Taylor McIntyre/BizBash
Major Food Group donated all cocktails at five stations, each branded for one of its restaurants, including the much-anticipated the Grill in the home of the former Four Seasons.
Photo: Ron Antonelli
Familiar landmarks like Bethesda Fountain in Central Park were recreated, with salsa dancers providing entertainment.
Photo: Taylor McIntyre/BizBash
On the main stage, roller skaters performed choreographed routines.
Photo: Taylor McIntyre/BizBash
Catering included classic New York food carts that served pretzels and pigs in a blanket. They were customized with decals of a heart and the Robin Hood logo.
Photo: Taylor McIntyre/BizBash
The dining room's perimeter was lined with 20 movie-theater-size screens.
Photo: Ron Antonelli
Programs had a textured paper cover evoking tree bark with a heart-shape cutout recalling the evening's theme.
Photo: Ron Antonelli
The centerpieces played off the story of Robin Hood shooting an arrow through an apple. Afterward, the organization planned to donate the apples to New York Common Pantry, estimating they would meet the food pantry's need for three weeks.
Photo: Taylor McIntyre/BizBash
Union Square Events provided the catering during cocktails and the three-course dinner, which started with an asparagus salad with horseradish yogurt and mushroom vinaigrette.
Photo: Ron Antonelli
