The New York Botanical Garden Orchid Dinner

Happy Friday!  You don’t have to wait for the weekend to have a little fun.  On Tuesday, February 10th, guests gathered at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel for the New York Botanical Garden Annual Orchid Dinner, an elegant event benefiting the New York Botanical Garden’s orchid research collection, sponsored by Veranda.   Frank de Biasi and Ally Coulter were among the talented designers to curate tablescapes for the event.  Although, I wasn’t in attendance this year, I wanted to share some photos of the beautiful designs.

Frank’s  table was set with purple and green elements, the classic orchid color scheme: hand-painted Italian ceramic charger plates, basket‐weave detail by Este Ceramiche Porcellane and amethyst goblets by William Yeoward Crystal. He also incorporated beautiful French flatware by Alain Saint Joanis.  I like that he added a touch of green to the chairs with an inviting wreath.

“The New York Botanical Garden reminds me of the hope and promise of the first blossoms of spring.  My idea was to capture the sense of leaving the white snow of winter and entering into the sun showers and promise of spring.”                                                    — Ally Coulter

Ally Coulter for Baccarat

Ally Coulter created fresh, glimmering ambiance for her guests.  Clean, modern lines of the Ally Coulter Designs custom Vincent Table set a sophisticated stage for Baccarat’s elegant crystal tableware. Christofle silverware and Dedar linens complement the pristine crystal setting surrounded by Winston Flowers’ beautiful white orchids.

Veranda contributing editor Danielle Rollins designed a colorful table with whimsy and lush orchids.  I love the Mottahedeh Lace service plate and Merian dinner plate.  When I saw the feed on Instagram of her table, I wanted to jet in and join her.  The creamware monkey bookends also from Mottahedeh are a must have.

Congratulations to all the designers and Veranda.  For more on this spectacular event, hop over to Danielle Rollins and Stacey Bewkes of Quintessence.  Hope you have been inspired to entertain in style on this Valentine’s Day weekend.  Images: 1-3 Courtesy of Head and Hand PR,  Image 4 Courtesy of Danielle Rollins