Design Mind: Tony Conway, CMP, A Legendary Event, Atlanta, www.alegendaryevent.com
DIFFA Strokes: For a recent Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS fundraiser, Conway and crew created a nature-inspired “Fashionably Sustainable” table intended to acknowledge the end of Georgia's long drought.
Water Wise: Upon a 5-by-16-foot table paved with wheatgrass, the team placed drought-resistant plants and succulents — selections included the hearty Tillandsia, able to grow in rocks, trees and even in midair — potted in simple translucent containers. Tall white birch panels served as a backdrop for the spare, striking design.
Green to Go: Along with the table's central display, each guest's place setting was a unique vignette. Arrangements ranged from pencil cacti nestled in white landscaping rock to a mix of ground cover, kale and decorative moss balls. Tabletop plants doubled as take-home guest gifts, leaving diners with what Conway calls “a resonating message of nature.”
Pro Quote: “In working with my design team and floral designers, I am constantly challenging them to remember the importance of comfort for the guest sitting at the table.” — Tony Conway
Design Mind: Antony Todd, Antony Todd Inc., New York, www.antonytodd.com
Lean and Luxe: A California wedding received Manhattan designer Todd's signature tabletop treatment — understated elegance, exquisitely executed.
Garden Party: Working with a color scheme of gold and natural canvas and a “simple, linear, sophisticated, smart” theme, Todd topped long dining tables with natural canvas and mirrored gold Lucite. Gold flatware and the designer's own Signature Antony Todd gold chargers gave the tablescape a warm glow, while Signature Antony Todd gold bowls, each holding a single floating gardenia, achieved a striking balance of opulence and minimalism.
Tall Order: Adding architectural variety to the low-profile layout, towering clear glass candleholders, also from the designer's line, provided the appropriate height and scale for the room's dimensions and the grandeur of the occasion.
Pro Quote: “It's all about scale and balance. No table should ever be overdone.” — Antony Todd
Design Mind: Janet Flowers, Janet Flowers Wedding and Event Designs, Rockville, Md., www.weddingandevent.com
Le Cirque: Gala Award-winner Janet Flowers turned out a French cirque-theme fête at a Georgetown mansion in shades of red, yellow and black complemented by bold, exotic floral and burlesque-style mannequins.
Stage Style: Theatrical tabletop touches included vases wrapped in fishnet stockings, luxurious satin ribbons, feather plumes and rhinestone embellishments.
All That Glitters: Among Flowers' favorite decor elements from this design were Smithers-Oasis' brightly hued floral foam bricks, Accent Decor's edgy glassware and a sprinkling of crushed glass, assorted rocks and textured sisal.
Pro Quote: “Inspiration is key in all facets of design — from a shopping spree to window shopping to see the latest fashions, from a trip to a furniture store or paint shop or carpet store to see color trends to a visit to the local flower market.” — Janet Flowers
SCENE STEALERS
With a sculpted nickel brushed finish, DC RENTAL'S stackable Ribbon Chair adds refinement to dining tables and an intriguing edge to theater-style setups. Visit www.dcrental.com.
Each Classic Party Rentals 12-inch square Riven Passing Tray is a work of glass art and a wonderful way to serve eye-catching hors d'oeuvre. Visit www.classicpartyrentals.com.
Just in time for spring flings, the new Hawaiian Ginger outdoor umbrella tablecloth from TABLECLOTH CO. offers Velcro closures for setup ease and a vibrant floral pattern for oohs and aahs. Visit www.tablecloth.com.
RELATED ARTICLES FROM SPECIAL EVENTS
Special Events' Tabletop Gallery 2008
