The massive lobby stairway was transformed into a dramatic backdrop for the bar. Floral sculptures flanking the staircase were large dragon wood branches adorned with orchids, papaya roses, and floral garlands with hanging votive candles. Hundreds of flickering votive and pillar candles ascended the stairs, leading the eye to French door screens of pleated organza.

The massive doors opened to reveal the ballroom, which had been transformed into a chic mix of seating areas, including lounges and dining tables. The goal: for guests to roam and create their own party experience.

The floor plan was designed to facilitate ease of access to food stations while offering guests an array of seating options including the lounges, modern white tufted leather banquettes, high top tables, and traditional table seating. White floor-length linen served as a background for navy blue striped or chevron overlays.

A closer look at lounges.

Oversize hedges in giant white urns.

Chic lounge areas consisted of custom-made aluminum multilevel coffee tables set between contemporary white leather sofas displaying pillows with bold geometric patterns. These settings were completed by ornately carved white high back arm chairs. Swirling gobos projected on the ceiling seemed to guide the eye to all that the room offered. 

Those seeking libations gravitated to the massive custom bar, which featured illuminated panels with the whimsical graphic from the invitation. The wall of the back bar had circles cut out to hold Lucite shelving in Sonotubes, where exotic floral designs seemed to float. Dramatic curvilinear sculptures from the same materials stood at both ends of the bar and completed the design.

A seating area with dark chiavaris.

A table sports awning-stripe linen.

Vibrant orange roses set among lush white phaleonopsis orchids, green and white cymbidium orchids and hanging amaranthus dripped from an array of incredible centerpieces. The floral standouts were original creations that repeated the theme of something “old” transformed into something new.  Clear lucite tubes stole the show in intricate arrangements that glittered among luxurious flowers. 

Contemporary floral centerpieces embellished the tables but the piéces de résistance were the tables surrounding custom designed 12-foot tall courtyard trees embellished with glass votive bubbles.

A closer look at floral.

A dramatic centerpiece.

A beautiful centerpiece.

A closer view of the urns.

The decor incorporated classic Palm Beach patterns in royal blue and lime green in contrast to traditional Delft china pattern. 

Another view.

The ballroom offered stylish indulgence at various custom-built food stations where menus in bold graphics hung from aluminum arches that announced each item.  Here, wheat grass surrounds butcher blocks at carving stations while trays of gourmet risottos are warmed by hundreds of votive candles beneath.

A dance team takes the floor to celebrate the honoree.