The event venue--a vacant space that had housed a yoga studio--is transformed in a scant six weeks into a stunning party space. A red carpet--of course--honors the academy's retiring executive director.
Guests enter the "Big B" reception area, which features a 16-by-16-by-16-foot walkaround bar. Overhead, a cornice box showcases four large screens playing video noting the honoree's 27 years of service.
The existing rafters provide support for eight huge lampshades to be suspended overhead.
The event crew at work on the gigantic "B" logo--gold, of course, as a salute to the gold Oscar trophy.
The really big "B" dominates the bar.
Burgundy drape adds richness.
Two alcoves (see rear of photo) set off from the main reception area provide more intimate spaces for guests to mingle.
One of the intimate alcoves gleams in a gold and sage palette.
Seating is a rich mix of sofas, stools and chairs.
Another view of an alcove.
In recognition of the honoree's success in nurturing the academy's library, the bar features a huge "library" decor piece displaying memorabilia.
As guests move toward the rear of the venue, they come to the "Beehive Lounge," a nod to the honoree's growing interest in beekeeping.
A 12-foot-tall "beehive"--complete with swarming "bees"--decorates a buffet.
The unique "honey bar" in the Beehive Lounge.
Black and white stripes make a "bee" decor statement in the Beehive Lounge.
Sauces for freshly shucked oysters are offered in martini glasses.
The menu offers many of the honoree's favorites, including a raw oyster bar, mini sliders, french fries, pizza and fried chicken lollipops.
A sunny yellow buffet station in the Beehive Lounge.
Note the "bee" buzzing around the buffet.
A sweet finale: The "Pie in the Sky" dessert station offers slices of six different pies, along with tiny tarts, gelato and cappuccino.
Guests can choose from lemon, pumpkin, chocolate, berry, apple, coconut and peach pieces.
Guests can take a piece of pie home as a sweet souvenir. For another beautiful Photo Gallery from Someone's in the Kitchen, click here. For more remarkable Photo Galleries, click here.
