Dinner Party Ideas

The event, a joint birthday party, took place at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium.

Brown, gold, and cream tones dominated the cocktail space, which was intended to evoke the Negev Desert.

A custom bar was created with textured faux stone and had real stones at the foot. Water features—normally not allowed in the venue—were contained with Plexiglas.

The dining space was surrounded by four living trees as well as projections of trees to create a forest-like atmosphere. The lush flowers from Amaryllis included a mix of high and low arrangements along the length of the table.

The first course from Occasions Caterers was served on clear dishes with moss, flowers, and pine needles nestled in between the bowl and the plate, reinforcing the room's forest-like decor. The flatware resembled twigs.

An emerald green curtain divided the dining area from the after-party space. "I reestablished the layout of the space as people would know it," planner Jodi Moraru said. "Nothing about it felt familiar."

Spanish guitarist Michael Bard played for guests during dinner.

After dinner, guests were ushered by staff carrying lanterns into an area meant to look like an outdoor space. The after-party began after a concert on the main stage.

Custom tables at the after-party had clock and moon motifs.

The five birthday cakes were arranged on fabricated pedestals intended to evoke a stalagmite.

The event had extensive lighting design, including gobos and projections on the floor.

Guests received milk and cookies as a take-home treat.

The booth included a s’mores-making station.

A grass centerpiece, along with lily of the Nile, added a touch of spring to designer Marc Blackwell’s “This Life!” installation's industrial setting, which was surrounded by a clear Lucite frame.

Inspired by office design, Rockwell Group and Knoll partnered to create a dining environment they billed as the “ultimate whiteboard” experience. All of the surfaces were covered with IdeaPaint, a dry-erase paint, and decorated with doodle art by New York-based artist Jon Burgerman.