Dozens of foreign dignitaries donned their finery on September 19 for the 29th annual Ambassadors Ball, to honor Washington’s diplomatic corps. Hosted by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the event brought nearly 750 guests to the Washington Hilton and Towers’ international ballroom, including 20 members of Congress and representatives from 60 embassies (though the only guest to request a private security detail was Supreme Court associate justice Samuel Alito).
Trappings for the ball, as per custom, were simple; the event is more about charity (and donated vendor services), raising $800,000 this year. The evening’s main challenge is seating all of the guests to their satisfaction, said Nancy Landers, event manager for the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Lockheed Martin bought a table, for example, so that its executives could dine with particular ambassadors. “They have business deals going on in multiple countries, so they do have very specific requests,” said Landers, who spent nearly a year planning the four-hour event.This year was the first back at the Hilton after 14 years at the Grand Hyatt Washington. “It was just one of those time-for-a-change things,” Landers said, adding that the event had originally been held at the Hilton. Another new facet: The traditional silent auction became part of the evening’s decor. Items set on a balcony encircling the sunken oval ballroom included a handcrafted tea set from Uzbekistan and silk scarves and neckties designed to reflect the architecture of the Finnish embassy. Also up for bidding was a golden retriever puppy, whose handler strolled around with her, attracting coos but also speculation that the serene little dog looked sedated.
Seating the guests for dinner proved another challenge—they were quite busy perusing the auction items. A series of announcements, light flickers, and live herald trumpet calls gradually nudged them toward their tables, draped in basic black and tan linens and adorned with centerpieces of roses and hypericum berries as well as white votives.
The meal of smoked roasted chili-glazed salmon was accompanied, for the first time, by entertainment: two 10-minute performances by an African drumming and dance troupe and a pair of flamenco dancers. After a brief award presentation, the guests took to the dance floor themselves, filling it entirely when the Wright Touch 10-piece jazz band struck up “In the Mood.”
Earlier in the week, the embassy of Singapore had hosted a private cocktail reception for the ambassadors and the 100 or so table buyers—an elbow-rubbing fete that is incentive enough for some potential table buyers.
Trappings for the ball, as per custom, were simple; the event is more about charity (and donated vendor services), raising $800,000 this year. The evening’s main challenge is seating all of the guests to their satisfaction, said Nancy Landers, event manager for the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Lockheed Martin bought a table, for example, so that its executives could dine with particular ambassadors. “They have business deals going on in multiple countries, so they do have very specific requests,” said Landers, who spent nearly a year planning the four-hour event.This year was the first back at the Hilton after 14 years at the Grand Hyatt Washington. “It was just one of those time-for-a-change things,” Landers said, adding that the event had originally been held at the Hilton. Another new facet: The traditional silent auction became part of the evening’s decor. Items set on a balcony encircling the sunken oval ballroom included a handcrafted tea set from Uzbekistan and silk scarves and neckties designed to reflect the architecture of the Finnish embassy. Also up for bidding was a golden retriever puppy, whose handler strolled around with her, attracting coos but also speculation that the serene little dog looked sedated.
Seating the guests for dinner proved another challenge—they were quite busy perusing the auction items. A series of announcements, light flickers, and live herald trumpet calls gradually nudged them toward their tables, draped in basic black and tan linens and adorned with centerpieces of roses and hypericum berries as well as white votives.
The meal of smoked roasted chili-glazed salmon was accompanied, for the first time, by entertainment: two 10-minute performances by an African drumming and dance troupe and a pair of flamenco dancers. After a brief award presentation, the guests took to the dance floor themselves, filling it entirely when the Wright Touch 10-piece jazz band struck up “In the Mood.”
Earlier in the week, the embassy of Singapore had hosted a private cocktail reception for the ambassadors and the 100 or so table buyers—an elbow-rubbing fete that is incentive enough for some potential table buyers.
The ball returned to the Washington Hilton after 14 years at the Grand Hyatt.
Photo: Colin Loughlin for BizBash
The Ambassadors Ball returned to the Washington Hilton this year after being held at the Grand Hyatt for 14 years.
Photo: Colin Loughlin for BizBash
Glass vases of Cherry Brandy and orange Milva roses, green and brown hypericum berries, sprigs of crocosmia, and green hydrangea sat atop simple black and tan linens.
Photo: Colin Loughlin for BizBash
The drumming and vibrant dancing of Farfina Kan: The Sound of Africa entertained guests during dinner.
Photo: Colin Loughlin for BizBash
A violin trio played for guests at the ballroom entrance.
Photo: Colin Loughlin for BizBash
For dessert, guests ate a warm chocolate soufflé served with vanilla ice cream, berries, and a chocolate garnish.
Photo: Colin Loughlin for BizBash
Large projection screens flanked the stage, displaying auction items as well as live video feeds of the presenters, including mistress of ceremonies Norah O'Donnell, MSNBC's chief Washington correspondent.
Photo: Colin Loughlin for BizBash
A puppy was part of the silent auction.
Photo: Colin Loughlin for BizBash
