Design Creativity Revealed

A Touch of Elegance Goes 212!

2011-09-29T06:53:00.000-07:00

Although far from complete, we have enough furnishings to begin meeting with clients in our new Manhattan office. We are looking forward to many exciting consultations, and are already feeding off of the hustle and bustle that is the Big Apple. More to come...

By Appointment Only:
267 5th Avenue, Suite 506 (at 29th Street)
New York, NY 10016
212-889-0913
http://www.atouchofeleganceeventdesign.com/

New Furniture Debut at the Stonehouse!

2011-05-09T19:02:00.000-07:00

We were so psyched to showcase our new furniture for Cathy & Steve's wedding at the Stonehouse Restaurant in Warren, NJ (www.stonehouseatstirlingridge.com ). This is one of my favorite venues because of its eclectic modern decor - lots of copper, stone, and over-sized wood beams, peppered with unexpected pops of geometrical accessories. An eye-catching color scheme of black & white paired with Apple green was well suited to this exciting environment. We fabricated a long multi-sectioned head table, covered with plush black fabric accented with large bejeweled buttons. A trio of Apple bengaline runners draped off the front of the table, with their tips weighted with large black gemstones. Gorgeous green cymbidium orchids, submerged in glass cylinders with black river rocks and lit above with floating candles, adorned this show-stopping table. Clusters of pale green carnation spheres added more green where it counted most. Guests at the head table sat in high-backed white leather chairs. Adjacent seating areas offered stylish comfort with white leather ottomans and lighted end tables.
A white pipe-and-drape backdrop ensured a clean background, while an amber lighted room wash set the tone for a super chic soiree!

A striking damask pattern carried the black and white theme overhead in the form of a grand custom-made chandelier, strung with black crystals and hanging votive candles. The strong damask pattern covered two large columns flanking the head table, and once more in the foyer as vertical strips beside the bride and groom's initials, spelled out in green Kermit mums. A solid layer of carnations supported the seating cards on an oval-shaped marble table.

A series of large black cylinder vases brought attention to two very long tables adjacent to the dance floor. Ornate black mezzo vases supported hemispheres of mixed flowers for standard round tables. Black charger plates and damask runners contrasted with the cool green bengaline linens.

Low floral arrangements consisted of vibernum, hydrangeas, cymbidium orchids, carnations, and hypericum berries. Shiny ceramic balls provided textural contrast for these lush centerpieces.

Many thanks to the talented team of event planners from My Bellisima (http://www.mybellissima.com/ )for making this set up an enjoyable one!

Save the Date!

2011-05-02T19:53:00.000-07:00

A Touch of Elegance pairs up with the incredible fashion designers of Mataano to create an extravagant floral head piece for one of their hottest looks! Join us for a great cause and a spectacular night of design creativity. Visit www.mataano.com to see the high-style resort wear we will be drawing inspiration from! For video and images of the previous Tulips & Pansies shows, go to www.villagecare.org/Event_Information/tulips/

And So It Begins

2011-04-13T19:34:00.000-07:00

After humble beginnings over 12 years ago, A Touch of Elegance has reached a critical point of super expansion as evidenced by this behind-the-scenes teaser photo. A host of builders have descended on our warehouse locale to begin construction of our new design home! Operations are scheduled to begin at this modern base of operations June 2011, including sales offices, mezzanine display level, vast inventory storage, and upgraded refrigeration & production areas.

More info to come to this blog soon on our big move, expanded services, new partners, and novel identity!

AOL Gets Devilish with Decor

2011-02-17T07:39:00.000-08:00

A Touch of Elegance partnered with Indiana Market & Catering to help AOL promote their Project Devil campaign last night at the super-chic Publicis Modem Innovation Lab in lower Manhattan. An intimate cocktail hour was presented to AOL executives with an appropriately devilish theme. Red Deviltinis were served alongside hot and spicy hors d' oeuvres. Cocktail tables offered Red Hot candies and mints and were adorned with flower arrangements inspired by red flames.

To emphasize the video projection of the Project Devil advertising, designers flanked either side with tall vignettes of decor elements. Dynamic floral arrangements atop mirrored columns were illuminated from below by clusters of candle flames in cylinder vases. The vases were accented with red acrylic beads that looked just like the Red Hot candies served on cocktail tables. Red lighting around the rectangular space completed the hot feeling and made this event a tempting one that people were talking about!

Hot Off the Presses!

2011-01-14T10:15:00.000-08:00

"A Certain Grandeur" (pp. 78-85) covers the breathtaking marriage of Vannessa Abreu to Patrick Deyhle at the Venetian in New Brunswick, NJ. Olde-world class was seamlessly accented with modern elements in this palatial show-stopper. Watch for a variety of table shapes & sizes, along with a mirrored sweetheart table fit for a queen. What a magnificent ballroom! Featuring the incomparable photography of Josh Lynn.

We are honored to have not one, but three, Real Weddings featured in this edition of New Jersey Bride!

"Tropical Extravaganza" (pp. 172-173) highlights Ashley Newborn and Anthony Bertolini getting hitched at the Palace at Somerset Park, in Somerset. This event gets my vote for most PIZAZZ of the year - vibrant tropical flowers, twelve-foot palm trees, and a rock-and-roll back story. An animal theme was supported by a "kissing lovebirds" cake, live fish in the centerpieces, and having "Juicy" the Yorkie as a flower girl. All of these eclectic elements were woven together with whimsy by event planner extraordinaire, Jenny Orsini, owner of Pampered Brides Weddings.

"I Carry Your Heart with Me" (pp. 176-177) is the poetic story of the romantic wedding of Claudia Kim and Andrew Wu at the Crystal Plaza in Livingston. The romanticism found in the grand ballroom of the Crystal Plaza was played upon perfectly with mostly black-and-white fashion and flowers, with the addition of hot pink for a trendy signature touch.

"Enchanted Garden" (pp. 180-181) is the must-see magical wedding of Dorian Muench and Kevin Fritze at the Spring Brook Country Club in Morristown. The scope of this vision knew no bounds as we spun a fairy tale with talented planner, Samantha Goldberg. Our largest production to date, the entire venue from ceiling to floor was covered with fresh flowers, greenery, and real trees. Even the chargers, napkin holders, and menu holders were customized out of oak and birch trees. Without a doubt, one of my favorites!

Congratulations to all four of our featured couples; may you continue to be happy and prosperous in 2011 and the years to come!

An Enchanted Garden... for Two!

2010-07-14T11:04:00.000-07:00

It's not every day that we completely transform a country club into an indoor 'Enchanted Garden', but for Dorian & Kevin's June 19th wedding reception at the Springbrook Country Club, that's exactly what happened! Production started earlier that week at Delaware Valley Wholesale Florist's Edison warehouse, where pallets of flowers were used to create an enormous array of arrangements. A second design team worked from our Rockaway location, where Trish climbed onto the work table to reach the top of a huge topiary design.

Our task was to bring in a lush overgrowth of greenery and beautiful flowers, so that the space felt like a vast garden, infused with the wild and mystical forces of nature. Designers climbed ladders to adorn brass chandeliers and hang a semi-transparent organic "drapery", which blocked most of the invasive sunlight without blocking the spectacular view outside.

Two long tables flanked the dance floor and displayed a miniature forest of tree-inspired centerpieces.

Two square tables for Honored Guests were positioned prominently as bookends to the sweetheat table, and each was housed in its own black metal gazebo. Our designers customized floral chandeliers to perfectly hang inside the structures and provide overhead candlelight.

The rest of the tables were round and featured magestic colorful arrangements on black iron stands, crested with birch branches and lit from beneath by hanging votives in petal-lined glass cups.

Elaborate place settings brought the party theme within the guests' touch with real birch napkin rings and menu holders, as well as the surprising velvet texture of authentic maple chargers, all especially prepared for this event. Fresh florals accented gathered linens and natural wood chiavari chair backs. Even small details, like votive candles, became 'enchanted' with real moss.

Remember those topiaries Trish was working on? They were positioned as triplets in all corners of the room to bring floral spectacle up to the ceilings at every turn. Even the club's wall sconces were floralized - basically, if it didn't move, it was covered in flowers!

Foreshadowing of a metal gate motif was introduced to the guests at the seating card table, where a bed of colorful gerbera daisies cheerfully greeted them.

The sweetheart table became the focal point of the room by backing it with an incredible mantel display and a hand-made floral work of art, complete with picture frame. Inside the hearth, logs were replaced with a vignette of bright flowers and burning brown and green candles.

The anticipated reveal of the ballroom resulted in what every event planner and designer hope for: amazement and joy!! Moments later, Kevin and Dorian paused for a picture with planner Samantha Goldberg (left) and Designer Lisa Plociniak (right).

Impressive wrought iron gates opened from the cocktail space into the ballroom for a soiree that was, in a word, ENCHANTING!

Event Planning: Samantha Goldberg (http://www.goldeventsplanning.com/)

Lighting: Infinity Studios (http://www.infinitystudioslightingandevents.com/)

Venue: Springbrook Country Club (http://www.springbrookcountryclub.com/)

Flowers: Delaware Valley Wholesale (http://www.dvflora.com/)

Floral Design: A Touch of Elegance (http://www.njweddingflorist.com/)

Menus: Cherese Rambaldi (www.facebook.com/.../The-Honour-of-Your-Presence/42360368565)

Candelabra/Gazebos: Regal Candelabra (http://www.regalcandelabra.com/)

Entrance Gate: Ruth Fischl Rentals (http://www.ruthfischl.com/)

Westin Bridal Show - Jersey City

2010-04-21T07:05:00.000-07:00

We brought a trio of different looks to the Jersey City Westin for a Sunday bridal show last weekend. Shows are fun for the designers because we get to play around a bit and try out some new ideas - like this massive mirror tower! Great for getting attention at a show, this show-stopper would be more appropriate for a seating card table, or it could be scaled down to work as an actual centerpiece.

In stark contrast, a classic garden feel permeated the neighboring table, accented with mossed candle holders and real birch branches holding napkins and menus.

A surprising pop of yellow at the base of a damask lampshade defines this modern design. Check out the incredible menus and napkin treatments on all the tables, provided by Cherese from Honour of Your Presence.

Some fab bouquets to accessorize the models working the runway...

These ladies knew where to find the finer things!

Stunning Winter Wedding

2010-03-07T09:22:00.000-08:00

The A Touch of Elegance army stormed the Venetian yesterday for a 600 guest wedding set-up; the break down lasted well into the wee hours of the night. Our team of 23 designers and movers used a fleet of trucks to transport fresh florals for installation throughout the venue. Hawaiian dendrobium orchids were tiered and towered up for a seating card table beneath the gorgeous Dale Chihuli glass sculpture.

Other areas were adorned with all white flowers and vases, with gold candles as accents.

Descending the staircase for their reveal of the Palazzo Ballroom, the newlyweds couldn't have been happier with the incredible decor!

Younger guests were seated at long Tuscan-inspired tables flanking the expansive dance floor, to place them at the center of the action. Tall gold candelabra were draped with crystals and the tables shown brightly with candlelight at various levels.

Several square tables added interest to the room layout. They had unique tableware and linens, and featured smaller floral arrangements atop graduated mirrored columns.

The majority of the tables were round with gorgeous crystal candelabra and hanging spheres of hydrangea and spray roses. The stars of these impressive arrangements were perfectly-opened pristine white amaryllis blooms.

For a modern twist, the sweetheart table was completely made of mirrors, with mirrored columns flanking and a monogrammed mirror backdrop. White padding and fabric behind the table, and plush white carpet beneath softened the raised sweetheart table focal area.

Gold laden tableware, runners, and vases matched the ballrooms gold accents and added a richness to the celebration.

Congratulations to Vanessa and Patrick!! Many thanks to them both for including us in on their wedding day. Lisa and I were honored to attend as guests and experience the energy and joy of an incredible evening.

Join us for "The Heart of ISES"

2010-02-21T13:34:00.000-08:00

A Touch of Elegance will partner with Frungillos Catering and Recreation Picnic Service, Inc. at the Mezzaninie in Newark to bring together a fantastic networking meeting for the North Jersey Chapter of the International Special Events Society (ISES).

We have been long-time ISES members and look forward to decorating a romantic ceremony room with some of our custom rentals as part of the "Heart of ISES" theme for this event. If you want a stunning metropolitan venue without the stinging NY price, you must visit the vaulted ceilings and breathtaking architecture of this historic building, previously a major bank.

Please join us for a great evening with the fun-loving professionals of ISES:

The Mezzanine

744 Broad Street

Newark, NJ 07102

Wednesday, Feb. 24th

6:00pm - 9:00pm

Business Attire

KUDOS! KUDOS!

2010-02-08T18:49:00.000-08:00

I am pleased to announce two distinguishing honors for A Touch of Elegance at the beginning of 2010! We have recieved the Bride's Choice from Wedding Wire ( http://www.weddingwire.com/ ) and inclusion in Style Me Pretty's preferred vendor listing, The Little Black Book ( http://www.stylemepretty.com/ ), both for the second consecutive year.

We are excited about our continued success in the eyes of these companies, which exhibit the highest standards of professionalism in the wedding industry in their own rights.

The WeddingWire Bride's Choice Awards ™ recognizes the top local wedding professionals from the WeddingWire Network that demonstrate excellence in quality, service, responsiveness, and professionalism. Unlike other awards in which winners are selected by the organization, the Bride's Choice Awards are determined by recent reviews and extensive surveys from over 500,000 newlyweds. This year's winners represent the top five percent of WeddingWire's vendor community, which consists of over 100,000 local wedding professionals nationwide.

Thank you so much to all who responded positively towards their experiences with A Touch of Elegance; we are truely grateful!

Jersey City Reception in the Knot NJ

2010-02-07T11:45:00.000-08:00

We were happy to return to the Liberty House for a tailored damask-inspired reception on the Hudson. Our hand-made lampshade centerpieces and lucite chuppa added to the clean upscale look.

Gorgeous menus and programs by Cam Turner Couture Stationary

Bouquets displayed jewel-toned versions of purple, and actual jewels.

Jenny Orsini and Pampered Brides executed the event flawlessly.

Suzanne and Chris LoBue from CLB captured all the action with amazing photography.

Thank you Nicki & Michael for including us on your wedding day. Congrats!!

"The Wedding Party" A Smash Hit

2010-01-24T20:11:00.001-08:00

I am happy to report that our first attempt at producing our first bridal show was an overwhelming success! Exhaustion is totally setting in, but in a good way. With over 200 guests braving the rain, the Meadow Wood Manor in Randolph, NJ helped provide a fantastic wedding planning experience with outrageous gourmet food from Growth Catering, some of which was served up in STYLE by a live strolling table provided by Screaming Queens Entertainment. Later, this beauty dolled up in a bright pink "cupcake" outfit to serve jello treats in the reception area.

Lots of action on the vendor floor, where guests interacted with talented vendors, and bid on prize packages of their choice in a "tricky tray" platform.

A super swanky all-white lounge and stage were provided by Jersey Street Furniture Rentals.

We outdid ourselves decorating the main ballroom, with four seasonal display tables for Lisa's educational chat. Props to Something Different for hooking us up with some stunning tableware!

This six foot autumn-styled manzanita tree centerpiece almost stole the show.

Silver was matched up with an elevated horizontal wreath for a spring motif.

A more affordable metal stand was one of the four designs for the twenty guest tables - BLING!

Hand-made damask lampshades played upon the lounge thread.

Black bamboo in a vase with white dendrobium orchids on another table, simple yet chic.

Many thanks to all that helped make this inaugural event a blowout! Autism Speaks will be receiving our donation as soon as we balance our record books. Thanks to all the fantastic and enthusiastic guests who fed us their excitement and energy - congratulations to all the prize winners - nearly $50,000 in wedding goods & services (not too shabby for our first year).

Until we see you again - remember to plan for YOUR wedding day, no matter what you read or see on TV! Have fun with it!

Michael

A Touch of Elegance Appears in Brides NJ

2010-01-17T05:56:00.000-08:00

Editor Kim Forrest of Brides New Jersey Magazine asked us to share one of our favorite bouquet-and-boutonniere pairings from 2009 - "What was your inspiration for the pairing, and why do the flowers go together?"

Here's how we responded to Kim's design question:

"The bridal bouquet was designed to satisfy a formal and upscale "Fun and Fresh" look that also featured yellow as the dominant color. To these ends, we combined white mini callas and white cymbidium orchids (upscale) with stunning yellow spray roses and freesias (a fun amped-up version of yellow), hand-tied with double-faced ivory ribbon, accented with two small pearl pins (classic and formal). The exposed lengths of green stems anchored the bright yellow and repeated the touch of green appearing in the freesia inflorescences and rose sepals."

"The second photo is the matching boutonniere- equally clean and uncomplicated, allowing a single perfect white cymbidium orchid to be the sole focus of attention. This impeccable orchid was one type of flower used in the bridal bouquet, and this variety has a subtle touch of yellow on the throat to tie in with the bride's favorite color. A straightforward black ribbon treatment matched the black tuxedo lapel, and once again did not distract from the power of the simplicity that is a perfect bloom."

Our thanks go out to David Lau Photography (http://www.dlauphoto.com/) for permission to submit two of their crisp portrait-like photos of our work for publication!

Delicious Event in Park Place Magazine

2010-01-09T09:24:00.000-08:00

We are excited to appear in the Jan/Feb 2010 edition of Park Place Magazine as contributing designers for a chic girls-only get-together at the Donna Toscana Chocolate Lounge in Cranford, NJ (http://www.donnatoscana.com/). Event planner Jenny Orsini envisioned an innovative party where chocolatinis were served up South Beach style. Orsini reserved this private party space and decorated it with a tropical flair for an intimate evening of unbelievable chocolate decadence!

The swanky, yet casual, setting was achieved with white leather banquettes and lighted Lucite coffee and end tables. The party space was completely draped in white to define the space and keep it bright,clean, and true to theme. Chic tropical florals and a scattering of candles in white, aqua, and chocolate browns completed the decor.

These lucky girls were catered to by the masterful chocolate artisan, Diane Pindar, who served hand-made chocolates as innovative and modern as the party setting. Her signature olive-oil and sea-salt chocolates dazzled the diners along with chocolate fondue, cake, and favors. When you visit, and you must, try my personal favorite, Thai chocolate - an exotic mix of peanut butter, coconut, fresh ginger, and African piri-piri pepper.

So much for New Year's resolutions....

Enjoy,

Michael

Huge News!!!!!

2010-01-05T10:02:00.000-08:00

The ever so gracious Meadow Wood Manor is giving away some amazing prizes at our bridal event The Wedding Party on January 24th. The first prize is a $10,000.00 gift certificate, the second prize is $5000.00 and Any bride who books the Meadow Wood Manor at the Event will automatically get 10% off their wedding. To all you newly engaged brides out there - start your planning off right with some amazing savings!!! Register today at http://www.theweddingpartynj.com/ tickets are selling quick and with this latest announcement from the Meadow Wood Manor - I am sure we will sell out.

Thanks So Much,

Lisa

A Truly Amazing Event

2010-01-03T10:04:00.000-08:00

First of all I would like to thank all of my beautiful and wonderful brides that we had in 2009... you guys gave us an amazing year of creativity and beauty that surrounded us all year. We are truly blessed to be able to do what we love every day.

Now we are heading to a new year - a new decade! Time for some changes. We have teamed up with the elegant Meadow Wood Manor Infinity Entertainment, and Eloquent Studios, along with the amazingly talented Jenny Orsini from Pampered Bride Weddings and "Whose wedding is it Anyway" to bring you a one of a kind event The Wedding Party !!

Join us On January 24th 2010 from 3-6 pm at the Meadow Wood Manor in Randolph New Jersey. Meet the area's most talented individuals for weddings and special events. You will have an opportunity to win Thousands of dollars in high-end wedding essentials through our exclusive bridal "tricky tray" .

Jenny Orsini will be the MC for this lavish affair. I will be speaking on the hot new event design trends for 2010, Richard Segrave from Infinity Entertainment will be discussing the necessities for entertainment and lighting for your event and Walter Cmilewski from Eloquent Studios will be discussing the ins and outs of Photography for your special day! Lot's of information - more so, lots of excitement and fun!!!

Some of the Exclusive prizes that will be given away are Lounge Furniture from Jersey Street Furniture Rental, Wedding Day Stationary from the amazing Cam Turner Designs, Pampered Bride Weddings "Spoiled" package - this "day of" coordination package is valued at over $2,000. We are giving away one $1,000 Wedding Flower Package and two $250 Gift Certificates towards wedding flowers.

For a full participant list and to register for this amazing event please visit http://www.theweddingpartynj.com/ There is an early bird registration of $20.00 per couple till January 8th.

Thanks so much.
Hope you all can come and here is to an amazing 2010!
Lisa

It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That BLING

2009-11-20T14:25:00.000-08:00

Every woman wants her jewelry to sparkle on her wedding day, and more and more that shimmer and sparkle is making its way into decor themes for the modern bride. A wide variety of floral gems are available to florists to match bouquets to a gown's embroidery and make them shine like a diamond engagement ring. Gems shaped like butterflies, flowers, and hearts personalize while they beautify.

Pieces of clear or colored acrylic ice and strands of crystals in all shapes and sizes are a great way to bring the bling to tablescapes, or just about anywhere. Sometimes we submerge fresh flowers on fine strands of crystals to make vases more interesting.

Candlelight from hanging votives reflects off of the crystals in this elegant manzanita branch arrangement. Colored crystals lend a subtle touch of ocean blue for a seaside theme with an all-white arrangement. And if you want showstopping opulence, go big or go home, and don't forget to drape it with scads of crystals! This is just the middle portion of a triple tiered centerpiece designed to let everyone know which table was reserved for the wedding party.

Sometimes, less is more, and the perfectly placed gem can bring a whole new element.

We love to display a signature fabric with customized "lampshade" inspired pieces. The pairing of illuminated crystals with the colors and textures of fabrics and feathers is a lot of fun! These lamps work well for cocktails and reception dinners.

By request, we even created a functioning Princess table for a clean 'modern chic' take on dining. Pink crystals and votive holders splashed color throughout a 20-foot tall manzanita tree. A hanging crystal chandelier with flowers and votives made the ultimate cake topper, while lighting this gorgeous cake from above.

Bling comes in black too! Strands of onyx crystals add drama to this huge 'jellyfish' inspired novelty piece constructed for a vendor show (it also rotated on a motor, just in case someone wasn't paying enough attention). Our winter holiday window display was far from traditional - totally over-the-top with bling surrounding a pair of chic mannequins, sporting red feather boas and hats.

As designers, we extend the concept of bling way beyond gems to anything refective, transparent, or brilliantly colored. This plexiglass roofed structure was built to shine while magically supporting flowers overhead (notice the ceiling architecture captured in the pane).

Shiny silver metal design wire adds bling to a bouquet of colorful callas - serving as a backdrop for the bridal jewelry. Mirrored surfaces are definitely a bling factor, at a relatively low price too. A large lounge arrangement takes on a totally glam feel when put in a mirrored vase and placed on a mirrored box.

Gold chargers and gold branches work just as well as, if not better than, silver to convey luxury.

And lets not forget pyrotechnics, in all their forms, as being undeniably BLING!

OOOOOOOOOOHHH!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!

"Bashing" the Ordinary in New York City

2009-11-17T12:50:00.000-08:00

One part of my job that I really love is keeping my finger on the pulse of what's hot in the special events industry. There's no better place to do so then at the BizBash Event Style Expo!

This intense mecca of networking most recently took place at the Javits Center on Oct. 21st. Besides the keynote speakers, book signings, awards ceremonies, and educational platforms, over 300 vendor displays were bursting with new products, ideas, demonstrations, samples, and information. We popped into a vendor booth for a quick photo-op with the visual entertainment spectacle that is the Screaming Queens! If your next event needs some Vegas-style glamorous showgirls, brilliantly costumed live "walking tables" for food service, or over-the-top meeters and greeters, you've GOT to contact this amazing troupe of entertainers.

With the wealth of new inspiration gained at this upbeat event, I'm not sure where to start, but I am definitely incorporating some new mojo into our decor! I'll look for you at the next expo!

Daisy Masterpiece - The Latest Work of Art From A Touch of Elegance

2009-06-26T12:23:00.000-07:00

The month of May brought the 6th Annual Dining Spaces Tabletop Design Competition and NJ North ISES to the Olde Mill Inn at Basking Ridge, New Jersey. The designers from A Touch of Elegance were just one design team competing and helping to raise money for the Search Foundation, a non-profit organization benefiting members of the special event industry dealing with catastrophic losses or illnesses.

This year, our table was named "Daisy Masterpiece" and sought to elevate the common white daisy to a status worthy of a high-end modern wedding celebration. To emulate an organic country setting, our team constructed a refurbished-looking wooden Pergola, complete with dents, saw marks, and remnants of charcoal from fires long ago. A lawn of "grass" was placed under the pergola to lend a sense of an outdoor dinner party and green lighting illuminated our corner of the room to reinforce the grassy feel. Wood beams were softened with draped ivory Georgette fabric. Party Rental, Ltd. (http://www.partyrentalltd.com/) provided a gorgeous rustic wooden table and matching chairs, along with tableware for this design.

A palette of yellow, green, and white from the Daisy itself was used throughout the table design. Gold urns contained luxurious arrangements of yellow garden and spray roses, green viburnum and snow-on-the-mountain, and white daisies and hyacinths. The daisy was the real star of the night, however, as spheres hanging from chair backs, by adorning customized lampshades, and as a large framed abstract "daisy" made of, you guessed it, more real daisies!

We were fortunate to win awards for People's Choice, Most Creative, and Connoisseur, and are very grateful to the Olde Mill Inn for hosting and NJ North ISES (http://www.isesnjnorth.org/) for creating this fantastic fundraiser.

Many thanks also to Walter Cmielewski, from Eloquent Studios (http://www.eloquentstudios.com/) for the stunning photos seen here! Cheers!