Cipriani 42nd Street's ballroom was in fragrant, full bloom for the Horticultural Society of New York's Flowers & Design: A Floral Symphony benefit, which brought together a group of floral designers to create different table designs. Cathy Knowles, the society's director of special events, placed 430 dinner guests at 47 uniquely designed dinner tables, many of which incorporated the musical theme into the table decor. "Music and flowers are so similar in the ways they inspire people," said Knowles, who credited HSNY development director Jennifer Klopp with the event's theme and title.
The table decor ranged from simple and elegant—like Miho Kosuda and Mille Fiori's use of white calla lilies—to wildly colorful and imaginative, like Jane Packer's musical notes made of Lucite flags and flowers and Belle Fleur's eye-grabbing poppy and tulip-laden design that featured a music stand in the center of the table. The eclectic mix of decor was only part of Knowles' goal for the event, aside from the obvious fund-raising.phpect. "I always try to mix new designers with more established ones," Knowles said. "New York is a competitive town, so [new designers] don't always get a chance. I consider this a showcase where new florists can show off and prove themselves. If they do well, we'll ask them back next year." Lisa Fireman of Studio Sweet Pea, who was named the event's emerging designer, got perhaps the ultimate push: Knowles seated tastemaker Martha Stewart at the table Fireman designed.
—Suzanne Ito
See more photos from this event...
Read about last year's benefit...
Read about Diffa's Dining by Design benefit...
The table decor ranged from simple and elegant—like Miho Kosuda and Mille Fiori's use of white calla lilies—to wildly colorful and imaginative, like Jane Packer's musical notes made of Lucite flags and flowers and Belle Fleur's eye-grabbing poppy and tulip-laden design that featured a music stand in the center of the table. The eclectic mix of decor was only part of Knowles' goal for the event, aside from the obvious fund-raising.phpect. "I always try to mix new designers with more established ones," Knowles said. "New York is a competitive town, so [new designers] don't always get a chance. I consider this a showcase where new florists can show off and prove themselves. If they do well, we'll ask them back next year." Lisa Fireman of Studio Sweet Pea, who was named the event's emerging designer, got perhaps the ultimate push: Knowles seated tastemaker Martha Stewart at the table Fireman designed.
—Suzanne Ito
See more photos from this event...
Read about last year's benefit...
Read about Diffa's Dining by Design benefit...