With a name like Mary Chris Smith, it’s hard to imagine any other way to spend a 60th birthday celebration in December than with a prominent Christmas theme. So, for Smith’s birthday event, Table 6 Productions decked the halls in a glitzy dream world of Pink Christmas, and the results were a scene to remember.
Held at the iconic Vinoy Renaissance Hotel, along the harbor of St. Petersburg, Fla., the holiday theme took on a Florida flair with touches of flamingo décor stationed throughout the location. With changing LED graphic backdrops on stage and a snowflake light show reflecting off the pink-lit hotel, the scene was set.
Everything in sight was Christmas-themed, including this table, which was wrapped in a ribbon and bow. Photo courtesy of Damon Tucci Photography
Upon arriving, guests entered through a monogrammed pink glitter walkway with drifting snowflakes and were serenaded by a soloist and human harpist singing “Carol of the Bells.” Nearby, 12-foot pink toy soldiers stood at attention. The scene was something out of the second act of the Nutcracker ballet, except this dreamy Kingdom of Sweets was a monochromatic pink wonderland. Continuing along, guests walked through a pink Christmas fantasy world, with a pink lacquered Santa sleigh pulled by flamingo reindeer. A sugar plum fairy ballerina fluttered through pink Christmas trees.
Rosy Christmas trees wound their way throughout the event space and onto the stage, where two massive 24-foot custom-built three-level pink tree silhouettes showcased performers. The entertainment kept guests in good spirits, from glittering pink-gowned electric violinists and tutu-clad ballerinas, to Santa’s performing elves and a toy soldier hip-hop dance troupe. A nine-piece band played tunes, LED-lit sugarplum ballet dancers twirled across the stage, and even contortionists twisted about in giant snow globes. To fill in between sets, a DJ kept the night hyped up (wearing a pink satin tux, what else?).
Above, Santa's dance troupe performs for the evening. Below, a contortionist in a snow globe thrills the crowd. All photos courtesy of Damon Tucci Photography
The flamingo theme was in full swing at multiple bars, where a mixologist styled like the blushing birds offered specialty cocktails, including the evening’s signature drink “Mary Mary Quite Contrary,” a vodka-based beverage with maraschino liqueur, pineapple and lemon juices, raspberry syrup, and topped with sparkling pink cotton candy and a blood orange wheel. Catered cuisine provided by the Vinoy was presented in a miniature village of custom-designed interactive food stations by Lowe and Behold Designs out of Orlando. One of the favorites from the night was Santa’s Salty Pretzel Bar, a pink food truck serving freshly baked soft pretzels. All food and beverage staff wore pink Santa hats and MC’s Elves tees to fully participate in the fun.
Guests brought home a souvenir of the evening from elf workshops offering custom cookie tins and personalized glass ornaments. To round out the event, fireworks lit up the harbor, announcing the celebration of two holidays—wishing guests a Merry Christmas and a Merry Mary Bash.
To see more photos, check out the photo gallery for our Gala Awards series—Merry Mary Bash won a 2022 Gala Award for the category of Best Entertainment.
