At High Tea-Style Ruinart Auction, Guests Bid With Bespoke Ping-Pong Paddles

Ruinart Champagne hosted an afternoon tea and auction for 150 guests on Sunday at the London as part of its involvement in the Los Angeles fall art season. Ruinart, led by brand manager Dorothy Bakker Lee, worked with Jes Gordon on an eclectic, modern adaptation of a traditional high tea. For the tabletops, Gordon used white linens with Russian khaki runners finished in hot neon-colored borders. On each of the two 64-foot-long tables, monochromatic flowers matched the runners, and cake plates and wooden candlesticks added height. To bid on art, commissioned by Ruinart, guests used bespoke ping-pong paddles, which also sat atop chairs, contributing to a look that popped. Proceeds benefited Art of Elysium.