Summer dreaming at the New York Botanical Garden Orchid Diinner's Key West Contemporary theme-inspired evening

 The 12th annual New York Botanical Garden's 

Orchid Dinner inspires
us to glean tabletop ideas 
while dreaming of summer fetes, 
set at the glamorous Mandarin Oriental Hotel
 in New York City!

  

 the stars were twinkling last eve with 

Philip Gorrivan and Martha Stewart

a quick shot of Philip Gorrivan's tall, gorgeous table setting

The annual Orchid dinner could not come soon enough this year.  One of my favorite evenings of design, the Orchid Dinner never fails to inspire, uplift and confirm my appreciation for the botanical world.  This year's theme was perfectly planned to lift our spirits in the midst of a deluge of snow and and cold in New York City -- the Key West Contemporary idea brought designers to all corners of the nautical world with their creativity with many tables teaming with a love of sea life and the natural world.  This was a great source for me as I am in the throes of planning my dining room for this April's Design On A Dime at Housingwork's annual fundraiser.  My design will be a French-inspired dining room by the sea, and I am up to my elbows in orchids, coral and star fish these days so it was great to see what these designers had on their radar.  What a perfect evening with great company, delicious food, a fabulous live band and some of the industry's biggest design names and brands collaborating to show us gorgeous and creative design. 

Come take a look...

 A gorgeous table and unique custom made Baccarat chandelier showing a modern flair

Dedar fabric for Hermes 

sets a sophisticated tone on the table

My favorite table has a subdued but elegant aesthetic--yellow orchids, Dedar fabric, Baccarat lighting/crystal.

In conjunction with VERENDA magazine, with Editor in Chief of VERENDA's  Clinton Smith chairing the event, there were 23 designers showcasing their talent.  Proceeds for the evening underwrite the development of the museum's orchid research collection, which helps to maintain the highest standards of horticultural preservation.  

Gala Chairs include:  

Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan C. Clay

Mr and Mrs Charles M. Royce

Mr. and Mrs. Steven R. Schwartz

a well-healed group of designers, committed patrons and brands joining forces for the fundraiser--orchid sale was completely sold out in only a few minutes.

The annual Orchid Dinner reminds us

summer is just around the corner, 

and I hope you are getting your party hat ready!

Happy Nesting

XO Tamara