dvGreen, my sustainable event design and production company, recently partnered with L’Olivier Soirees & Galas, one of NYC’s favorite floral design houses.  L’Olivier was founded by South of France native Olivier Giugni, and my focus is high-end eco style, so a Sustainable South of France wedding was right up our alley.

A yellow and neutral color palate came naturally as we found ourselves focusing on sunflowers, herbs, cork and other elements native to the South of France and available here in NY.  The white and yellow toile linen gave us a soft, literal backdrop upon which we felt free to go more modern and clean with our designs, using masses of flowers designed in square vessels.  Our flowers were not only reminiscent of native France but were also seasonal and local here, so we were able to stay sustainable et tres chic.

French fare?  Summer bouillabaisse featuring local seafood presented in cork trays placed family style down the length of banquet tables combined with ceramic terrines of roasted seasonal vegetables with aioli make for the perfect Provencial menu.  Et a boire? Why, Pastis of course!  Adorable vintage and recycled glass pitchers of NY tap water accented the table and allowed guests to find the perfect h20-Pastis proportion to suit their individual taste.

So, with the right team and the season on our side, it is possible to bring a little sustainable South of France into the East of the United States!

Guest blog by Danielle Venokur

Danielle Venokur Greenberg is the founder of dvGreen, a sustainable event design and production firm.  She hosts The Green Party on MNN.com and has been featured in New York Magazine, Gotham, Vogue and Modern Bride as one of their 25 Trendsetters of 2008. Contact 646 872 7872 for more information.

Known for his original event and wedding design, Olivier Giugni is the creative force behind L’Olivier floral atelier which has studios both uptown and downtown New York.  Contact 212 255 2828 for more information.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of dvGreen and L’Olivier

For their 150th Anniversary, Chopard retained Ron Wendt Design to create an event environment around the theme of Animal World. The black-tie event would launch the fine jeweler’s newest collection, which featured 150 one-of-a-kind designs that were inspired by fauna from around the globe such as a koala shaped diamond ring and cognac diamond monkeys swinging from a gemstone-laden vine.

Without hesitation we knew The Garden Court at The Frick Museum would be the perfect backdrop for their VIP celebration because of its old world setting. For the event décor, we played on the concept of the Garden of Eden and replicated the various habitats of the animals featured in the jewelry. We fabricated custom rectangular dining tables with burlwood framed mirrored tops.  The tablescapes were collections of woodland tree stumps which served as vases that held exotic lady slipper orchids, fern shoots, ivy, succulents and water lilies.

We created jewelry vitrines on oval columns, which showcased the Chopard pieces, to represent trees in a forest with vines growing around them.  Topped with the clear acrylic bonnets, each jewelry suite  presented an organic tableau inspired by nature with real organic tree stumps or stones to support the jewelry. In the case of the “arctic” collection, shells, white coral and molten glass rock chucks were used to simulate glacial environments. In place of a “red carpet,” we custom dyed a moss green carpet runner leading in to the Garden Court.

For the after party, we wanted a departure from the dinner and the exhibition of jewels so we gave the music room a face lift by creating a cool and sexy environment for a performance by John Legend and the hip music of DJ Mia Moretti. The existing decor of the museum had a very heavy Edwardian mood. We modernized it by doing wall to wall white carpet, bringing in white banquettes Philippe Stark Ghost chairs and coffee tables. White anemones accented the tables and two large Palm arrangements flanked the piano where Mr. Legend performed. The room was flooded with lavender light by Frost Lighting.

It was an incredible celebrity-filled evening with attendees including Gwenyth Paltrow, Kate Hudson, Christina Ricci, Natalie Cole, Georgina Chapman, Claire Danes and socialite Fernanda Niven, decked out glamorously in Chopard jewels, of course!

GUEST BLOG by Ron Wendt and Philip MacGregor of Ron Wendt Design

For over a decade, Ron Wendt and partner Philip MacGregor have worked with high end luxury and fashion companies and private clients to create tasteful, memorable and beautiful events.  To contact Ron Wendt Design, contact 212-290-2428.

PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of Ron Wendt Design

It may be the dead of winter but, at this time of year, we turn our thoughts to pretty blossoms and blooms that reflect our love-filled hearts.  For an original bouquet to offer to your loved one this Valentine’s Day, we visited the floral studio of our friend Bess Wyrick of Celadon & Celery for some inspiration.  We asked the talented designer to guest blog to share her thoughts on the romantic holiday and to gives us a sneak peak at her newest arrangements.

Valentines days is all about the adoration that lovers feel and express grandly toward one another. Ralph Waldo Emerson said the, “Earth laughs in flowers,” and nothing is a more romantic expression of love than flowers.

This season we are offering five unique bouquets for Valentines Day – each that reflect a different sentiment. Our luxurious designs have a couture aesthetic, combined with eighteenth century romance and our passion for organic. All arrangement will arrive in used and recycled rustic containers, giving them a slightly old world feel.

My inspiration for these pieces come from art, nature and travel. My business partner and I just returned from two weeks in Belize where we scouted new inspiration for our designs on my parent’s property which is about 100 yards from the ocean on a cul-de-sac street. The colors of the houses there ranged from starburst yellow to lime green to grape punch.  Air plants, green and red lady slippers, varigated ti -leaves and bushes of gloriosas fill my parents’ garden and gave me so many ideas for our new arrangements.

Maid Marian (White calla, lambs ear and white agapanthus) $ 150
With soft shades of silvers and whites, this crisp and clean bouquet sits in a vintage white container.

Plum Crazy (Purple clematis and purple and blue anemonies) $185
This reminds me of the vivid wilderness of Belize.  We biked around and found blooms of trailing clematis with wild anemonies. The vase that we used is the same color as the the ocean of Belize.

New Mexico Sunset (Red and orange gloriosas, red mokara orchids, red ranunculus, scented geranium) $150
The bold colors of red, yellow and orange together reminds me of the desert sunsets of northern New Mexico.

Dark Romance (ti leaves, fiddles heads, and lady slippers) $250
With luscious shades of reds, this bouquet is perfect for the girl that loves vampires. Inspired by chocolate cosmos, the dusky blossoms are the color of fine, bittersweet chocolate and their dark, velvety shade hits a striking noir-ish note.

Soft Kiss (Pink lisianthus, snap dragons, green and pink variegated angel parrot tulips) $125
This is an ultra- chic bouquet and is the embodiment of every woman.  The soft color of pink is texturized with the characters of every bloom that is in the composition.  The container is made from an improvised wicker ball and showcases the trendy asymmetrical movement of the floral piece.

All of these bouquets must be ordered by February 12, 2010 in order to reach your loved one Valentine’s Day (February 14, 2010).  Orders can be placed by calling the studio at 646.833.7609.  Please add $20 dollar for delivery which is restricted to New York City.

Also available is our special Valentine’s Day class geared to set the mood for a romantic rendezvous with your special someone for $195. Classes will be held on February 8th, 9th, and 12th. As part of our regular class schedule, Celadon & Celery will offer its clients private workshops, taught in our Chelsea studio at a special rate of $187 (originally $250 per person) with a group of 6 or more.   Seats are limited.

- Bess Wyrick

Trained in fashion and event design, founder Bess Wyrick is known for her creative floral arrangements. Since opening her company, Celadon & Celery Events in 2009, Wyrick already has a strong following in fashion, beauty, events, and restaurant circles, including Rouge Tomate, Apotheke, BET Entertainment, Estee Lauder, Elle Décor, Nonoo Lyons, Generra Apparel, and L’Oreal.  Celadon & Celery’s client’ dedication to green floral design allowed the firm to develop relationships with such vendors as Flower Power, Delaware Flowers, and Organic Bouquet.

PHOTO CREDIT:  John Messinger for Celadon & Celery

Leave it to one of the city’s chicest entrepreneurs to turn her weekend hobby into a cool new business.  Ria Browne, best known as the founder of Mella, the flip flop and beach accessories brand, and more recently as a partner at Mayle, took a well deserved break from the world of fashion to pursue some personal passions including opera singing and shopping the flower market.

After sending her friends some of her adorable potted creations, the requests starting pouring in and Tiny Park Flowers was born.  For holiday Browne offered small potted amaryllis, cyclamen, paperwhites and mini evergreens housed in white or natural ceramic pots or vintage silver cups.

The winter season will feature mini orchids potted in silver julep cups, begonias and Browne’s current favorite, starburst hydrangeas, which have tiny buds and flowers that look like white stars.

Named after her original consulting company where she worked with clients, including hotelier Andre Balazs and designer Kate Spade, Tiny Park Flowers is a stylish (and affordable) option to sending cut flowers for a variety of occasions including birthdays, engagements and baby showers.

“I thought it was the perfect name because I only do potted plants and you can think of each one like a little park. They represent nature and I really do believe that surrounding yourself with greenery is very therapeutic.”

Prices start at $35 for a basic potted plant, $45 for a mini orchid and up to $125 for a large multi-stem orchid.

To place an order, contact Tiny Park Flowers via email or call 917 623 0950.  Delivery available in Brooklyn and Manhattan. For more information, visit their Facebook page.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Tiny Park Flowers

Decorating with a heavy hand can leave your holiday party looking a little too much like Santa’s lair.  Our friend and celebrated event designer David Stark shows us how to lay off the tinsel and faux snow for a more natural aesthetic this season.

For The Lazy Hostess, Stark shares his top 5 design ideas for a festive home including a few favorite pieces from his new collection at west elm.

1. The supermarket is a decorator’s best friend, and a bag or two of fresh cranberries goes a long way in creating a holiday look without a lot of fuss.  To give inventive cheer to the standard escort card table, fill serving trays with a carpet of fresh cranberries and arrange the cards over the top in rows.  Line trays of hors d’oeuvres with the cranberries to create a bed of rich color for the food.  To round out the theme, serve a cranberry cocktail with a fresh cranberry garnish.

2. Our Natural Weave Trees from west elm are the no mess/no waste version of a Christmas tree! There is virtually no “set-up” unless you feel like decorating them – you can pin ornaments, holiday cards, or garlands to the cones or simply enjoy them as minimalist sculptures without any ornamentation at all!

3.  Use the holiday gifts that you will be giving family and friends as your holiday décor prior to giving them as gifts.  Instead of storing them in your closet or under a bed, wrap them in coordinated papers and ribbons and place them around the house in beautiful vignettes.

4.  Candles are instant magic.  I am using our gold flower candle lantern from west elm a lot this season.  They last and last and last – I love the pattern which is celebratory but not particular.  They have gone from Halloween to Thanksgiving and now will hit Christmas and New Years in my home.  Buy design elements that have multiple holiday uses – GREAT on the wallet. GREAT on time!

5.  A simple cloth napkin can provide all the décor you need to make your dining table feel special and the fold takes only seconds.

David Stark Design (87 Luquer Street, Brooklyn 718-534-6777) produces and designs a wide range of events, from intimate dinner parties to elaborate weddings, museum openings, foundation and non-profit benefit galas, and large-scale corporate functions for clients including Tory Burch, MOMA, Target, and the New York City Opera.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of David Stark Design and west elm

Related Posts:  Easter with a Twist,  Green Inspiration

Handmade of die-cut stock paper in 7 different color combos, the flowers, circles and hexagon shapes are strung together on clear, sturdy thread with loops at the ends for easy hanging.

The garlands, which retail for $38, are delivered flat packed in envelopes and take 2-5 days to arrive.  Other items by artist Heather Frazier include paper mobiles and wall hangings.  Orders can be placed at frazierandwing.com

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Frazier & Wing

Beauty without boundaries.  That is the mantra of floral design company, Celadon & Celery, and its founder, Bess Wyrick, who is quickly becoming the eco-chic darling of the events scene.

Often described as unexpected with a modern twist, Wyrick’s floral event designs are rustic, elegant and often enlivened with playful elements such as garden herbs.

After a four month field study on bioregionalism and sustainable living in Santa Cruz, CA, the entrepreneur became committed to the ethical and organic lifestyle.  Her company makes every effort to create gorgeous events using only locally grown and seasonal flowers, and whenever possible, organic flowers.

“Sustainable living involves a tangible and daily expression of intimacy with our place,” explains Wyrick. “It has been a learning process, but I know that we can respect our planet while we invent beautiful products.”

Now considered one of her signature pieces, Wyrick creates live vertical walls, installations of succulents and air plants that are both sustainable and striking.  Some of her other looks  include using the “un-vase,” a vintage bottle, coffee can, tea canister or ceramic to hold her arrangements and the “table-with-a-view,” tables that are landscaped – covered with moss, rocks, flowers and candles – to resemble individual gardens.

To hire Celadon & Celery for your next event or special occasion, contact Bess Wyrick via email or at 917 655 2271.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Celadon & Celery

A decadent pillar of black bees wax embedded with an opulent gold wax cameo, Le Cierge Imperial candle was originally created in limited edition to commemorate the christening of Napolean’s son.  Created by the legendary candle purveyor, Cire Trudon, this unscented candle would make a dramatic centerpiece for a dinner setting or a romantic decoration on a marble bedside table.

Cire Trudon, who has been producing candles since 1643, is one of the oldest wax artisans in France and has worked with esteemed fashion houses including Hermes, Guerlain and Dior.

The candles including the exquisitely scented Bougies Parfumees and the original Bustes de Cire (wax busts of Napolean and Marie Antoinette) are available at specialty stores around the world.  Find them at some of our favorites shops such as Aedes de Venustas, John Derian and Barney’s.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Cire Trudon

At their New York launch party, VERT featured a product showcase of Yoko Chapman carbon neutral stationery (with complimentary Sweet Impression vegan cookies), Gardenia Organic fair trade floral bouquets and Fernando Jewelry recycled gold, conflict free rings.  The fashion show, emceed by Starre Vartan, author of “The Eco Chick Guide to Life: How to Be Fabulously Green,” featured designers such as Jessica Iverson and her collection of eco-couture wedding dresses.

Preston Bailey, beloved event designer to the stars (think opulent affairs for Oprah, Joan Rivers, and Donald Trump), was the unlikely guest speaker at this green gathering. But, his honest, from-the-heart detailing of his baby steps toward green which started with a project that required him to consider sustainability, was inspiration for brides and planners alike.

The venue host for the night was The New York Academy of Sciences, a LEED-certified building and, in my opinion, an often overlooked location for chic, eco-weddings,

For the final kicker, VERT’s, “Go Green, Save Green,” promise means you can introduce sustainability into your events without going broke.  Their site is full of easy planning tips for saving money for the budget bride.  So, sorry kids, but no more excuses – time to introduce some green into that white wedding.

Contributing green writer Danielle Venokur is the founder of dvGreen, a sustainable event design  and production firm.  She hosts The Green Party on MNN.com, and has  been featured in GOTHAM, The Knot, Treehugger, Vogue, and Modern Bride as one of their 25 Trendsetters of 2008.

PHOTO CREDIT:  David Lindner

Swank Productions, a New York based events company, is having their highly anticipated, annual sample sale on Friday February 6th at Union Square Ballroom.  It’s a great place to pick up original tabletop accessories and decor items that were used at some of their most memorable events.

Rummage through the displays of cut-crystal chandeliers, fun throw pillows, glamorous candelabras, beautiful candles and lots of quirky, random items that will no doubt inspire your next get-together.

After shopping, hostesses can enjoy a complimentary Swanktini in the lounge while getting expert advice from Maya Kalman’s team of planners and designers.

The sale will be held on Friday, February 6th at Union Square Ballroom, located at 27 Union Square West (between 15th and 16th), from 10AM to 8PM.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Swank Productions

Planning an event?   Let us help you find the perfect spot for your next party with our free venue concierge service.  Click here.

For an elegant yet inexpensive alternative, we turned to our friends at Ron Wendt Design, who have created florals and decor for some of New York’s most fashionable including brands like Cartier, Frederic Fekkai and the New York City Ballet.

Inspired by the traditional “ring in a box,” Ron Wendt and Philip MacGregor show us step-by-step how to create this floating rose bud gift which can be seen as a unique expression of your affection.

SUPPLIES
1 5 x 5 clear glass cube
2 yards sheer organza ribbon
6 pieces of variegated lily grass
1 full open large head rose

Fill the glass cube with about 1.5 inches of clean water. Take all of the lily grass and wrap it around your hand. Then set into the bottom of the cube so it lines the interior. Cut the stem of the rose to 1/4 inch and set into the cube to float in the water. Find the center point of the ribbon and lay across the top of the cube. Wrap the ribbon around to the bottom of the cube, twist the 2 ribbon pieces together and wrap up around the other sides of the cube and tie it in a bow at the top, just like a gift box.

Insider Tip: To ensure a proper match, take either the rose or one of the outer petals with you when selecting the ribbon. In terms of roses, try the Grand Prix for red, Esperance for pink, Skyline for yellow, Faith for lavender and Tibet for white.

It’s a great way to utilize flowers that have broken or to get a few more days of enjoyment out of a fully open rose. When you place several floating buds (without the ribbon) in a row interspersed with low votive candles, they become a simple and romantic centerpiece for any dinner table.

Ron Wendt Design (245 West 29th Street, 212-290-2428) is known for their refined classic aesthetic with cutting edge style for clients ranging from Hermes to People Magazine.

PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of Ron Wendt Design

With delicious and almost edible scents including Beeswax & Whipped Cream (with essence of steamed rice, honey and cognac) and Wild Oats & Bourbon (with wild oats, mandarin ginger and bourbon), the original fragrances make wonderful gifts for the foodies in your life or simply for those who enjoy living well.

Available for $32 at luxury department stores nationwide including Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus.

PHOTO CREDIT: Nest Fragrances

In the back of the store, there is a flower bar where each day fresh blooms wait to be put in arrangements. “I wanted to encourage people to use their creativity,” says Tallman. “The store has a relaxed atmosphere where people can come in to discuss an arrangement they would like to send, plan flowers for a party, or simply pick out a few stems to bring home.”

For Mother’s Day, Tallman tells us about some of her favorites from her collection:

Decorative Glass Trays by Superdeluxe (from $140 – $225)
For the classic, polished Mom.

Jeweled Frog Box (small $60, large $75 large)
Ridiculously cute – anyone would be crazy not to love this as a gift.

Jet Setters Cashmere Blanket ($450)
For the chic Mom that pretty much has it all or just likes cashmere a whole lot.

To visit Grove, New York, head to 617 Hudson Street (between Jane and 12th Street) or call 212-673-8300.

PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of Grove, New York

Known for his imaginative events for clients like Target and the Sundance Institute, Stark often uses unconventional décor elements that transform the ordinary into the outstanding. Here are three fresh ideas inspired by some of his best events:

Use Bright Colors for a Visual Pop
At the American Patrons of the Tate Gala, we used Benjamin Moore paint strips to create an undulating wall of color, which paid homage to painting in general.

For your Easter palette, use paint strips in vibrant spring colors found at your hardware store. Home Depot has single square options that can be made into chic place cards. Strips are great for gift tags which can be calligraphed with the guest’s name in a coordinating color. Table runners or hanging displays can be made by punching small holes in the top and bottom center of each strip and joining them with a ribbon or s-hook clasps.

Repeat an Everyday Item For Dramatic Effect
For the Robin Hood Foundation gala in 2007, we made an urban version of Sherwood Forest from materials found in New York, like a castle made from street vendor coffee cups and trees made of faux lotto tickets and newspaper.

For Easter, you can use seasonal candy like Peeps to create a kitsch painting that will make your guests grin. Just take the Peeps out of the box – they’re already attached to one another like a brick – and hot-glue them to a pre-stretched canvas from a local craft store. Fill in any white areas or cracks with feathers from a bright marabou boa, if you have the time.

Change the Scale of a Centerpiece
For a wedding at Lincoln Center we incorporated potted, flowering bulbs that were replanted en masse. This strategy works for a breakfast or luncheon because arranged cut flowers sometimes give too grand an impression!

Simply buy multiple pots of daffodils, tulips, ranunculus or hyacinths (it’s a really good time to be a flower!) and replant them into a larger one to create a striking centerpiece for your serving table or foyer. I love this clay pot at GRDN in Brooklyn (my favorite plant store) or these Terrazo Planters from Crate and Barrel.

If you don’t have time to repot your plants, wrap a piece of Kraft or colored paper around the plastic pot and nestle moss around the plant stem for a quick and stylish fix.

David Stark Design (87 Luquer Street, Brooklyn 718-534-6777) produces and designs a wide range of events, from intimate dinner parties to elaborate weddings, museum openings, foundation and non-profit benefit galas, and large-scale corporate functions for clients including Condé Nast, MOMA, the Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum and the New York City Opera.

Sending roses might be the tradition for Valentine’s Day but those in-the-know will tell you that the quality of this red flower is significantly lower this time of year. Due to the incredibly high demand, some florists are forced to use roses that have been cut too early or even frozen. And, sending roses that wither in a few days is hardly an expression of enduring love!

So we asked three of the leading florists in New York to share some fresh ideas on romantic arrangements.

SANDRA DE OVANDO of Ovando (337 Bleecker Street, 212-924-7848)

Orchids on Ice ($225) is a stunning arrangement where the phalaenopsis orchids seem to float atop grass circles suspended in an ice vase. Known as an exotic (and somewhat erotic flower), orchids for Valentine’s Day are a stylish and sensual choice.

OLIVIER GIUGNI of L’Olivier Floral Atelier (19 East 76th Street, 212-774-7676)

The Double Tulip Bouquet ($275) is a wonderful arrangement of two bouquets of red parrot tulips wrapped with philodendron leaves (a signature L’Olivier touch) in the shape of a heart. When you send red tulips it is considered a declaration of love.

And, for rose enthusiasts, you can still maintain the tradition by selecting bouquets that incorporate the many colors of love.

MICHAEL GEORGE of Michael George Flowers (5 Tudor City Place, 212-883-0304)

Pale Pink and Hot Pink Roses ($125 and up) are a great choice for those who want to show their admiration and affection. Mixing shades of pink together is a fresh take on a classic bouquet.

All florists deliver within Manhattan for an additional charge. Don’t forget to mention Notes on a Party when placing your order (which you should do as soon as possible).

PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of Ovando, L’Olivier and Michael George.

I’m sure if you ask owner and floral designer Olivier Giugni about it, he would tell you that it was enchantée. His lush garden has been artfully landscaped with an original mix of trees and plants including wax privet topiaries, Japanese stewartia, Japanese Maple (Lace leaf green), morning glories, asparagus ferns, different varieties of jasmine and even pineapples. Born in Provence, Giugni has always been inspired by the rich color palette of the South of France and its fragrant herbs which mixed with his strong sense of modern design gives him his signature style.

Truly a hidden paradise on an otherwise hectic corner of downtown Manhattan, L’Olivier Floral Atelier (213 West 14th Street, 212-255-2828) would be very special venue for an engagement party or even a small wedding. The 1500 square foot garden can host 50 guests (standing) for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. A bar can be set up in the charming pergola with a few food stations near by. Dinner can be served in the 1500 square foot interior of the floral shop which can be transformed by his event staff to hold one long (and dramatic) table of 30 with 2 round tables of 10. For those looking for something more intimate, L’Olivier can set a table for 12 guests on the covered outside deck.

Having one night in paradise does come at a price. Renting the floral atelier and private garden starts at $4000. Catering, staffing and flowers (by L’Olivier, bien sûr) are not included with the venue but can be arranged through the event department for an additional cost.

For more information, contact Caroline Bailly, Events Director at 212-255-2136.

Last Thursday I was given a little taste of the good life at an afternoon tea party hosted by my friends at Ports 1961. Inspired by the painting (top right), “A Mad Tea Party,” by Zelda Fitzgerald (artist and wife of F. Scott Fitzgerald), Creative Director Tia Cibani, Ann Caruso, Lucy Sykes Rellie, Mary Alice Stephenson and Eva Lorenzotti gathered up some of New York most fashionable ladies to preview the new resort collection that pays tribute to the Jazz Age.

Williamson Calvert, an events and cuisine company, was commissioned to create a luxe yet relaxed setting that would transport guests to the 1920′s – a time of elegant garden parties, preppy college boys and high flying flappers.

The terrace was lined with towering birch and maple trees along with conical boxwoods, wisteria, ligustrums, rose topiaries and bougainvillea. Table tops were dressed with maize Damask linens, an eclectic mix of vintage fleur and garden china and antique goblets with gold rims. Lush arrangements of fragrant lilacs and Barrington Belle peonies added bursts of color while vintage Lenox pedestals and Wedgwood teapots accented each setting.

A long buffet was filled with savory and sweet treats including petit courgette quiche, cucumber and smoked sturgeon sandwiches, stuffed figs with Stilton and almonds and currant scones with clotted cream. The chocolate truffles infused wtih Earl Grey and Bergamot Tea were especially decadent.

Guests including actress Gabrielle Union, Vanessa von Bismarck, Olivia Palermo, Celerie Kemble, Adelina Wong Ettelson and Zelda’s granddaughter Bobbie Lanahan, enjoyed a private viewing of the new collection while sipping on chilled Elderflower Cocktails, Lychee Ice Tea and the signature drink of the party – The Zelda, a delicious mix of green tea, ginger infused vodka and organic gingerale with a splash of simple syrup and squeeze of lime.

As with all events produced by Tony Alcindor of Ports 1961, the close attention to detail provided a full sensory experience. The Loose Marbles, a band of street musicians from New Orleans (that Tia discovered while walking through Chelsea market), performed as a charming couple danced a little swing and jitterbug – a wonderful and original touch. If you are lucky, you’ll catch The Loose Marbles playing in Washington Square Park this summer.

For more information on Williamson Calvert (whose clients include Vanity Fair and Chanel), contact Deborah at 718-956-5633.

For those reading this post in an email or reader, click on the title to visit the blog for a complete slide show of photos from the event.

Decor photos by Deborah Williamson. Event photos by Patrick McMullan.

If only all messaging was as beautiful as Blik, the award winning product line of surface graphics. With Prose, the company’s newest offering, the writing is on the wall….literally.

You can submit your favorite poem, quote or phrase to be made into stickers in various sizes, colors and fonts. Blik will send you the self-adhesive decals to affix to any smooth, flat surface such as a wall, window, mirror, ceiling, tabletop or floor. Price is based on size and quantity of letters.

A great idea for party decor, these stickers are easy to apply as well as remove. You might chose to decorate a birthday party with energetic dancers by Keith Haring or a going-away party with delicate birds in flight. The geometric shapes by Charles and Ray Eames are some of my favorites.

Whether you are professing your undying love, sending your condolences, begging for forgiveness or thanking your hostess, the gift of flowers can be wonderfully emotive.

Yet, your heartfelt message may be inadvertently misunderstood if you send a scrawny arrangement covered in cheap plastic wrap from 1-800-Flowers. In this case, your gift may not effectively assuage the anger of a scorned lover nor console a wounded friend.

This communication breakdown can be easily remedied by finding a florist with impeccable taste that understands not only your personal style but your relationship needs.

With Mother’s Day just around the corner (and what relationship could be more important than Mom), I reached out to one of my favorite florists, Elizabeth Ryan, (411 East 9th Street, 212-995-1111) who has done events for everyone from Paris Hilton to the Dalai Lama. She shares the following advice.

Try to give general characteristics of the recipient (preppy, modern, bohemian) and then, if possible, move on to more personal details (loves the beach, from the British countryside). A good florist should be able to interpret all the information he/she is given and create something that will appeal to the person’s personality and style as well as convey the right message.

For Mother’s Day, Elizabeth recommends a mixed spring arrangement (shown above), including a combination of any of the following flowers that are now in season: lilacs, peonies (her favorite and mine), roses, sweat peas, tulips, vibernum, lysianthus. Prices start at $65 with $15 delivery in Manhattan. Mother’s Day orders will be sent on Saturday.

Another incredible floral designer is L’Olivier Floral Atelier (19 East 76th Street, 212-774-7676) who has another location downtown on 14th Street. They have a beautiful tulip arrangement in a rectangular vase for $150 which makes a strong visual statement (photo top center).

Finally, VSF (which stands for Very Special Flowers located on 204 West 10th Street, 212-206-7236) is popular with the fashion crowd. I especially like their tightly packed arrangements with Vandella roses, mini calla lilies and snowball hydrangeas all in creams and whites (shown above). The tone on tone is fresh and elegant. A great choice for anyone who appreciates the understated look.

It seems as though a talented florist can work wonders on all of your personal relationships by eloquently telling the people in your life just how your feel. Now, if only your therapist could understand…..