BizBash
  • Production & Strategy
  • Catering & Design
  • Event Tech & Virtual
  • Venues & Destinations
  • Meetings & Trade Shows
  • Sports
  • Advertise
  • Events
Topics
  • Production & Strategy
  • Catering & Design
  • Event Tech & Virtual
  • Venues & Destinations
  • Meetings & Trade Shows
  • Sports
  • Advertise
  • Events
  • Industry Buzz
  • BizBash Lists
Resources
  • On-Demand
  • White Papers & E-Books
  • Podcast
  • Magazine
  • Events
  • Awards
  • Subscribe
User Tools
Follow BizBash
Instagram iconLinkedIn iconFacebook iconTwitter X icon Pinterest iconYouTube iconTikTok
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Get Featured
  • Press Releases
  • Newsletter Signup
  • Subscribe to Magazine
Follow BizBash
Instagram iconLinkedIn iconFacebook iconTwitter X icon Pinterest iconYouTube iconTikTok
  • Production & Strategy
  • Catering & Design
  • Event Tech & Virtual
  • Venues & Destinations
  • Meetings & Trade Shows
  • Sports
  • Advertise
  • Events
  • On-Demand
  • White Papers & E-Books
  • Podcast
  • Magazine
  • Events
  • Awards
  • Subscribe
  1. Catering & Design
  2. Event Design & Decor

21 Ideas for Black-and-White Parties

From black-and-white straws to striped linens, here are clever ideas for executing the classic theme.

Jenny Berg
March 20, 2014

A black-and-white decor scheme never goes out of style. Whether you're planning a mod, '60s-style bash, a fete that celebrates old Hollywood, or just want to give your event a slick, classic look, here are clever ideas for decking events with a black-and-white theme.

Emmy Governors Ball
Emmy Governors Ball

The 2011 Emmy Governors Ball had the theme of "mod illusions" with a 1960s-style black-and-white decor scheme that hearkened back to the era of Truman Capote's famous bash.

Photo: Nadine Froger Photography
Two by Two for AIDS Art Gala and Action
Two by Two for AIDS Art Gala and Action

Todd Events designed the October 2013 event at the Rachofsky House in Dallas. "The black-and-white theme was selected because every year the event has an honorary artist," said a rep for the company. "The artist from last year worked in a black-and-white medium for his art pieces, so we played the event decor off that." Tables were decked with striped linens and glassware that reflected the theme.

Photo: Roderick Peña
Two by Two for AIDS Art Gala and Action
Two by Two for AIDS Art Gala and Action

The event's menu items also reflected the black-and-white theme.

Photo: Roderick Peña
Two by Two for AIDS Art Gala and Action
Two by Two for AIDS Art Gala and Action

Instead of a red carpet, designers laid down a black-and-white-striped carpet at the entrance.

Photo: Roderick Peña
Canada's National Ballet School Gala
Canada's National Ballet School Gala

This year's event took place at Toronto's the Carlu in February. To bring the old-Hollywood-style Casablanca theme to life, planners filled the dining room with tables decked in simple black linens and surrounded with white-cushioned chairs.

Photo: Courtesy of National Ballet School
The Walrus Gala
The Walrus Gala

Books and the printed page inspired the Walrus Gala in Toronto in January. The black-and-white color scheme carried over into decor elements such as festive cocktail straws.

Photo: Tom Sandler Photography
Design Exchange Gala
Design Exchange Gala

For the 2008 event in Toronto, graffiti artist Mike Echlin painted trees against a black backdrop for a haunted-forest effect.

Photo: George Pimentel
TV Land's 'Happily Divorced' Season 2 Promotion
TV Land's 'Happily Divorced' Season 2 Promotion

For a 2012 wedding in New York that promoted the series, Sylvia Weinstock designed the cake, which was a black-and-white confection designed to look like a large vase of flowers. Fran Drescher (pictured) officiated.

Photo: Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for Flying Television
The Art Institute of Chicago's Woman's Board Gala
The Art Institute of Chicago's Woman's Board Gala

The museum hosted a gala in 2013 to fete its "Impressionism, Fashion, and Modernity" exhibition. Event designer Bill Heffernan of HMR Design Group used a black-and-white color scheme inspired by some of the 19th-century dresses on display. To complement the fashion-inspired setting, tables were topped with 19th-century-style wire urns set atop black-and-white hat boxes.

Photo: Courtesy of Art Institute of Chicago
Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation's Art for Life Fund-Raiser
Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation's Art for Life Fund-Raiser

Here's a clever idea for a black-and-white centerpiece: at the 2009 event in Miami, miniature working pianos were used as centerpieces in the dining room.

Photo: Alex Tamargo/WireImage
The Phillips Collection's Gala
The Phillips Collection's Gala

At the 2007 event in Washington, designer David Tutera wrapped napkins in paper filmstrips to create an old Hollywood look.

Photo: Anne E. Stewart/BizBash
Central Park Conservancy’s Halloween Ball
Central Park Conservancy’s Halloween Ball

The 2006 ball had a look inspired by writer and illustrator Edward Gorey. Grayson Bakula Design's enchanted forest looked slightly more sinister with Bentley Meeker's barren branch projections.

Photo: BizBash
Massachusetts General Hospital's Storybook Ball
Massachusetts General Hospital's Storybook Ball

The 2011 event in Boston had a Batman theme. In a subterranean carnival area, black-and-white signs for sponsors hung above the games. Winners received prizes from the designated sponsor.

Photo: Aviran Levy for BizBash
HP Promotion
HP Promotion

At an HP promotion in Los Angeles in 2013, a palette of black and white created a visually striking scene.

Photo: Courtesy of HP
Whitney Museum of American Art's Art Party
Whitney Museum of American Art's Art Party

At the museum's 2012 event, a streamlined, modern bar stood at the center of the room with an arrangement of black-and-white lanterns hanging overhead.

Photo: Carolyn Curtis/BizBash
BET "Pre" Dinner Before the BET Awards
BET 'Pre' Dinner Before the BET Awards

Striped tablecloths and mismatched seating offered a funky take on the theme at the 2011 event in Los Angeles. White messages decorated black walls in the dining room, and bright green floral arrangements added a pop of color.

Photo: Davide DePas Photography
'Variety' and British Airways A380 Launch and 10 Brits to Watch Reception
'Variety' and British Airways A380 Launch and 10 Brits to Watch Reception

The 2013 event took place at a Los Angeles mansion, and black-and-white decor took on a residential feel. To celebrate the heritage of British Airways, the Union Jack appeared on black-and-white pillows at a seating group that surrounded a modern fire pit.

Photo: Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Variety
HBO's 'Boardwalk Empire' New York Premiere Party
HBO's 'Boardwalk Empire' New York Premiere Party

The theme played out in an exotic, draped setting at the 2010 premiere in New York. The venue was divided into three distinct areas, one of which was the black-and white-toned Rink Bar. The producers built custom cabanas in the area, using striped draping, votive candles, and seven-watt globe lights for illumination.

Photo: Keith Sirchio for BizBash
The San Francisco Symphony's Black and White Ball
The San Francisco Symphony's Black and White Ball

In 2012, the symphony decked its ball in elegant, black-and-white decor from Blueprint Studios.

Photo: Damion Hamilton
LongHouse Reserve Summer Gala
LongHouse Reserve Summer Gala

In 2010, the summertime event took place at an East Hampton sculpture garden and preserve. Presenting a more casual take on the black-and-white theme, planners erected a tented white lounge with large black scrims. The scrims displayed lyrics from honoree Laurie Anderson's songs, including "Falling," "Strange Perfumes," and "Thinking of You."

Photo: Marc Dimov/PatrickMcMullan.com
The InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball
The InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball

At the 2011 fund-raiser in Miami, Truman Capote's famous Black and White Ball inspired the look. Deco Productions created two 16- by 42-foot prints to display on either side of the stage, one showing a reclining model, the other showing a large eyeball. Each was divided into six individually framed panels and suspended from the ceiling.

Photo: Matt Horton/Artist Group Photography for BizBash
Latest in Event Design & Decor
BET's 45th anniversary dinner was held on June 7 at the Beverly Wilshire.
Event Design & Decor
How BET’s Stylish Anniversary Dinner Honored the Past—and Embraced the Future
The gala took place on April 26, with a sports-centric design and production from the museum's internal events team.
Event Design & Decor
Why Guests Wore Sneakers to This Black-Tie Gala
Enso Creative
Event Design & Decor
8 Steal-Worthy Event Ideas BizBash Spotted on Instagram
Projection mapping helped immerse guests into the theme.
Event Design & Decor
‘Feathers Galore’: Step Inside the Colorful Carnaval Ambiance of City Harvest’s Annual Gala
Related Stories
The Hearts & Stars gala returned to the $40 million estate of Miami Beach mogul Bill Dean. New production elements at the event complemented the 'Beyond Macau' theme.
Event Design & Decor
Gala Guests Make Glamorous Entrance Via Water Taxi
In 2012, Internet Week title sponsor Yahoo gathered 100 business executives from various companies at a private event at a five-story loft town house in New York to mark the relaunch of Genome, a brand previously known as Interclick. The design team incorporated the brand's logo by using it as art to hang on the walls.
Event Design & Decor
Event Decor
Rolling carts stacked with 1,000 white flip-flops with the blue American Express logo flanked the entry to the opening party for the Delta Air Lines Global Sales Conference at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin in 2011. As the 850 guests arrived, they swapped their shoes for the flip-flops and headed out to the party set up around the Swan’s pool and beach, where the sandals left logo impressions in the sand as guests walked.
Event Design & Decor
When Less Is More: 12 Ideas for Subtle Branding at Events
23581292 Floating Flowers
Event Design & Decor
Revel Decor Inc.
More in Event Design & Decor
Event Design & Decor
How BET’s Stylish Anniversary Dinner Honored the Past—and Embraced the Future
A rich color palette, archival footage, and a carefully curated performance lineup brought legacy and innovation together for this 480-guest celebration of BET’s 45th year.
BET's 45th anniversary dinner was held on June 7 at the Beverly Wilshire.
Event Design & Decor
Why Guests Wore Sneakers to This Black-Tie Gala
At the California Science Center’s 26th annual Discovery Ball, attendees enjoyed Dodger Dogs, danced on a basketball court, and raised paddles—or foam fingers—for a good cause.
The gala took place on April 26, with a sports-centric design and production from the museum's internal events team.
Event Design & Decor
8 Steal-Worthy Event Ideas BizBash Spotted on Instagram
Take a peek at Instagram photos full of wow-worthy event ideas to serve as inspiration for your next gathering.
Enso Creative
Event Design & Decor
‘Feathers Galore’: Step Inside the Colorful Carnaval Ambiance of City Harvest’s Annual Gala
The NYC food rescue organization hosted its yearly fundraising event, which featured a vibrant tropical theme inspired by lively cultural celebrations.
Projection mapping helped immerse guests into the theme.
Event Design & Decor
This Historic Theater Turned a 100-Year Milestone Into a One-of-a-Kind Gala
The Pasadena Playhouse celebrated its centennial with a bold, unconventional gala featuring immersive projection mapping and a surprise escrow announcement—all while shattering fundraising records.
While officially buying the building before the gala was always the goal, event planner Sam Palmer was careful to ensure the gathering would be successful even if the timing didn’t work out. “We had a million different plans, because quite frankly, a million details needed to go right for that to happen,' he said. 'Our leadership and board worked very, very hard to get us across the finish line, and it was a beautiful moment.”
Event Design & Decor
See Inside This Year’s Bright Blue Public Art Fund Party
The annual spring benefit maintained its playful energy with pingpong tables and ice cream bars.
Blue hues covered everything from the menus to decorative textiles to pingpong tabletops.
Most Popular
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
Cannes Lions 2025: 90+ Bold Builds and Big Ideas From the French Festival of Creativity
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
50 Cool Event Ideas You May Have Missed From Liquid I.V., Martha Stewart, Foot Locker, and More
Sports
Fanatics Fest 2025: This Mega Celebration of Sports Fandom Returned For a Bigger, Bolder Second Year
Industry Insiders
Inside the Build: How Bellagio Fountain Club Delivers F1® Weekend’s Most Luxurious Hospitality Experience
Brands & Event Pros
Industry Innovators 2025: 10 Brands That Took Experiential Marketing to a Whole New Level
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
Gov Ball 2025: 25+ Eye-Catching Brand Activations From the NYC Music Festival
Event Design & Decor
Renowned Event Designer David Stark Breaks Down His Creative Process
What inspires one of the industry’s most creative minds? The chief creative officer of David Stark Design and Production walks us through the design rules he actually follows—and the ones he ignores.
For a Kiehl’s event, Stark turned larger-than-life calendula products into striking art pieces, which were overflowing with flowers as a nod to the brand's natural ingredients.
Event Design & Decor
12 Desert-Inspired Event Ideas From This Skincare Brand's Dreamy Influencer Trip
Native whisked 15 beauty editors to an Arizona resort to test how moisturizing its new products really are.
The welcome dinner took place at a communal table flecked with decor in desert-inspired hues. The Valley handled furniture rentals, while Let’s Bash provided tabletop rentals.
Event Design & Decor
See Inside HBO's Stunning 'The White Lotus' Premiere Event
HBO and UNBOXED GROUP transformed a Hollywood soundstage into a lush Thai resort for the HBO series' highly anticipated season three premiere.
'The umbrella ceiling was a visual highlight and one of our favorite design elements,' said UNBOXED GROUP's Kyle Absolom. 'It featured over 600 white umbrellas, backlit to create a soft glow in that area.'
Event Design & Decor
10 Glam Stations That Stole the Spotlight at Events
Instead of a free water bottle or notebook, these activations send guests home with a glow-up.
It's no secret that glam stations are prevalent at music festivals. At Coachella 2024, Pinterest activated with a fashion and beauty experience called Manifest Station, produced by MKG. Inside, fans could get glowy beauty looks created by celebrity makeup artists from trend-inspired menus built through collaborative boards on Pinterest. Popular options included bold, colorful graphic liners; gemstones; pearls; and metallic stickers. See more: Coachella 2024: Here's What You Missed From This Year's Coolest Parties and Brand Activations
Event Design & Decor
Oscars 2025: Steal-Worthy Event Design Highlights From Hollywood's Biggest Week
Luxe neutral tones and structural elements reigned supreme in this year's event design, popping up at star-studded bashes from Vanity Fair, Universal, Searchlight, ESSENCE, and more.
Governors Ball
Event Design & Decor
17 Stunning (and Unique) Ways Events Have Immersed Guests in Nature
These innovative event designs used natural settings and elements to transport guests to breathtakingly beautiful environments—both indoors and out.
Guests at the viewing party enjoyed a seated meal under a canopy of lush leaves. Avenge Creative worked with vendors including Unmatched Lighting, Jackson Shrub Supply, Event Carpet Pros Inc., GifCube, Town & Country Event Rentals, and Stitch. See more: Golden Globes 2025: See Inside the Award Show, Plus How the Wildfires Are Affecting Other Hollywood Events
Page 1 of 271
Next Page
BizBash
Follow BizBash
Instagram iconLinkedIn iconFacebook iconTwitter X icon Pinterest iconYouTube iconTikTok
  1. Privacy Policy
  2. CCPA: Do Not Sell My Personal Info
  3. Contact Us
  4. Site Map
© 2025 Connect Biz, LLC. All rights reserved.