The Full Louis: Cosmopolitan by Katy Higgins Creates a Blow-out 40th Birthday, 18th Century Style

Silhouettes of the guest of honor serve as seating guides. The venue: an 18th century-style mansion in Beverly Hills.

The 350 guests were instructed to dress in proper period attire--and they did. The invitations included 25 fancy cupcakes and a DVD of the movie "Marie Antoinette."

A closer view.

A 30-person flash mob--composed of former backup dancers for Michael Jackson--shows their stuff. All 250 staff were also in period dress.

The facade of the mansion used for the event; it has been honored for its architectural integrity.

Photographer John Ganun creates an elegant interior outdoors for period photo shoots. Guests are immortalized in a formal portrait, which then is used in the background for a second shoot. And in a nice detail, rented lapdogs add the proper accent.

The photo crew at work.

Guests find an elegant garden party awaits.

The lounges lead the way to three elegant Raj tents.

A bit of history is woven into the bar: In the 18th century, Russian traders visited the French court to trade furs, caviar and vodka. Here, two good-looking "Russian traders" helped guests with vodka shots and caviar nibbles at the branded ice luge.

An interactive "muddle bar" lets guests get creative.

The old-fashioned look of the tents, including ropes, adds to the mood.

A beautiful interior.

The colors yellow and blue add to the cheerful scene.

Chandeliers are suspended above.

An ice bar with the guest of honor's silhouette--the event's brand motif.

The rich look includes candelabras and an abundance of floral.

A beautiful tabletop ...

and another ...

and another ...

and another.

An overhead view.

A close-up of a place setting with custom menu card.

Cake stands with mini cakes adorn tables.

The mini cakes get their close-up.

Even the signage for the restrooms stays in proper style. And no surprise--this event won a Gala Award at The Special Event 2013 for "Best Event for a Private Individual: Budget $1,000 and Above Per Guest."