TABLE HOPPING: THE NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN ORCHID DINNER

There's always room for more beauty in the world, as the splendorous Orchid-filled tables at the New York Botanical Garden's annual Orchid Dinner proved.  More than 25 designers worked their floral magic again this year, at the Veranda Magazine-sponsored event, creating visions of Key West Contemporary to kick off the 12th Annual Orchid Show. Funds raised from the evening and the sale of rare Orchids go towards Orchid research at the Botanic Garden. What is more glorious than seeing masses of orchids imagined in a variety of fantastical settings? From monochromatic palettes to a fruity-colored mix, the tables tapped a tropical vibe. The designs were a bit tamer than in years past ie, not as enormous in scale, but as usual this event is a delight for the eyes. Even more breathtaking in person, this will give you a sense of the creative botanic artistry that went on this year. Be sure to visit the NYBG Orchid Show which is on till April 20th, it provides another Orchid gazing opportunity that should not be missed.

Photos courtesy of Billy Farrell
A ring of fuchsia orchids were suspended above the Robert Couturier-designed  table in an act of suspended disbelief.

 Danielle Rollins, a talented new addition this year, created a bright, multicolored ethnic global-inspired setting.

She used wonderful embroidered napkins and one of my favorite Schumacher classics on the chairs, a multicolored ikat.

Stephen Elrod, creative director of Brunschwig and Fils went bold with turquoise, hot pink and acid green pairing a floral printed skirt and striped chair covers.

Capturing the essence of Hemingway's Key West,  a signpost that was tangled up in orchids.

Canet stayed on message with some of Papa Hemingway classics strewn about.

With a little razzmatazz and a lot of color, Cullman and Kravis created a party-ready mood with their tiki hut table topper.

 A riot of color, the china matched the flowers in their brilliance.

A geometric box balanced on an angle rose out of a low arrangement at David Easton's stunning table design.

I have to say, Phillip Gorrivan won the prize for most height and drama- his towering lacquer white urn rose towards the sky. The palm leaves and orchids took it even higher. It was really something.

A charming low green arrangement by Magnafloral in a white vessel was understated chic.

Pastel blues and yellows provided the backdrop for draping fronds and acid green orchids by Sherrill Canet.

Shawn Henderson's centerpiece was inspired by the Florida work of prominent modernist of the 1960's, Paul Rudolph, and his custom plaster piece features a concrete ball suspended from a rope. Very minimal and chic.

 A veritable tropical jungle!

Alison Spear for Arquitectonica Interiors showcased their wallpapers in place of a fabric tablecloth.

SOLD! The rare Orchids were sold out in the blink of an eye.

CLASSICALLY- INSPIRED PORCELAIN GARDENING POTS FROM CULTIVATED GARDENS FOR MIDDLE KINGDOM

Photos courtesy Rosie Sauser of Cultivated Gardens for Middle Kingdom

Now that we are into March, I think it is safe to start thinking about gardening and flowers in general. On that note, I have been biding my time, waiting for the right moment to share one of my gift show discoveries. Taking their cue from classical Greek and Roman urns, Cultivated Gardens for Middle Kingdom's bisque-finish porcelain Oggee Vaso footed bowls possess extraordinary beauty. The appeal lies in their utter simplicity--  a pared-down form with the cleanest of lines, in a matte gesso finish. They may appear delicate, with their thin silhouette and whisper thin edge, but their durability comes from being fired in a kiln at high temperatures.  You can find them at leading home and flower shops around the country, as well as from Washington, D.C.-based Cultivated Gardens directly.

In matte grey,  white hydrangea provide a robust filler for the bowls. I would love to see a loose arrangement done with drapey material too.

Available in two sizes in pale hues of retro green, grey, and biscuit,  the footed bowls are perfect for fruit, centerpiece arrangements, or as a vessel to throw mail in by the front door.

THE FLOWERS OF AMY MERRICK

Photos courtesy of Amy Merrick

Amy Merrick's flower arrangements have an ethereal, otherworldly quality to them. Their free and unbridled-ness make them an instant mood-uplifter. The Brooklyn-based floral artist includes an array of natural elements, also found in the wild, so the unexpected addition of fruit or branches adds a whimsical element.  And the way she photographs her creations, the arrangements really take on an Old Master painting still-life quality. I adore her work and think you will too.

An arrangement taking shape.

A yellow arrangement reads spring.

The containers Amy chooses provide an additional storytelling element.

Lush greenery.

Dahlias! And cherries.

Moody pinks and reds.

A perfect still life.

PERFECTLY CLEAR: SPECTACULAR VASES WORTH THE INVESTMENT

Few things are as jaw droppingly-beautiful as the Wiener Werkstatte creations gathered in the shop at New York City's jewelbox of a museum, the Neue Gallery.  I have long coveted the Moser cut crystal vases they have there; they are perfection. I noticed they recently expanded their vase assortment, so with the abundance of spring flowers, you have  a reason to splurge.

  Photos courtesy of the Neue Gallery

Smooth, softly curved lines in the Bell-Shaped Bohemian-made blown glass Vase Joseph Hofmann designed in 1915 look as fresh today as they did then. Simplicity goes a long way.

Moser crystal makes me swoon.  The Hoffman-designed Facet-Cut Vase they produce is

shown in Rose and also comes in cobalt, pale emerald, and dark violet. 

If height is what your after, the Hoffman-designed Facet Cut Vase with a splayed base is the answer. Felekşan Onar for Neue Galerie creates this mouth-blown glass piece exactly the way it was  made way back when.

The emerald green orb of mouth-blown, hand-cut and polished glass by Feleksan Onar for Neue NOW was introduced last year and inspired by Josef Hoffmann

Choose from emerald or cobalt blue with the Hoffman Facet-Cut Glass Vase by Felekşan Onar for Neue Galerie design that was created by the Weiner Werskstatte master in 1910.

THE BIG BLOOMS OF PAUL LANGE

Photos courtesy of Paul Lange

Art imitates life and life imitates art. Art also has the power to transform, unite, as well as be uplifting.  In floral photography, the life of a single, gorgeous bloom is frozen in time, giving each detailed, flower everlasting life. Capturing flower stems at the peak of perfection is former fashion photographer Paul Lange's specialty. A single, robust bloom, shot against a stark white backdrop makes them look as though they are floating, while the large scale of his work captures every detailed petal's crease and frilly edge with magnified clarity.  It just so happens that Lange works with some of my favorite flowers, including peonies, anemones and poppies- so I was instantly smitten with his over sized prints named for women.

You may recognize the Hudson Valley, New York-based artist's work from Vogue, or perhaps you have seen his work hanging in Aerin Lauder's new Aerin offices, when they were featured in Architectural Digest.  The magic in Lange's work is that it captures ephemeral moments of a flower's life cycle- a flower almost in bloom, at it's most perfect, and towards the end of it's greatness, as it is about to drop it's petals.  The impact of these color saturated photos is undeniable- hung as a single piece or as a grid they make a BIG statement. I have shown only an assortment here, and his website reveals even more flowers that are part of his Big Bloom series. Since he prints his photographs himself, you can order them directly, and specify size. They are just happy-making, smile-inducing art and a nice way to start building a collection around color. Plus, it is a great way to kick off the month of April.

Francesca, 2012

Veronique, 2011

 

Evelyn, 2013

Laura, 2011

Christina, 2012

Marquerite, 2012

Paulina, 2012

Rachel, 2010

Consuelo, 2013

Miranda, 2013

ORCHID MANIA: THE 11th ANNUAL NYBG ORCHID DINNER

Photos courtesy of Patrick McMullen

Designer  Katie Ridder with sponsor Veranda Magazine's Editor in Chief, Dara Caponigro, event Chair.

As one of the standout table setting events of the year, The New York Botanical Garden's Orchid Dinner the week before last amazed and enchanted. The annual event, sponsored by, among others, Veranda and Hearst Corporation, raises funds for the New York institution and marks the start of their Orchid Show, now in it's 11th year. Seeing tables in the Mandarin Oriental ballroom completely transformed and adorned by orchids, over 25 designers and floral artists showcased their talents, channeling the theme, Exotic Inspirations.  Outstanding creations using the delicate flower literally took your breath away. It is one of those moments in time that is so hard to capture on camera, to do it justice. If you looked one way and you saw masses of orchids. If you looked another, you saw the twinkling city lights and cabs racing by 36 floors below.

 If you love orchids,  then a visit to the NYBG Orchid Show is a must.  Rare orchids of every size and color are masterfully displayed in the Enid Haupt Conservatory at The Garden until April 22nd. I plan on making a weekend jaunt up there soon, so expect to see some snaps soon on my @stylebeat twitter and instagram feeds.

Here are some of the design standouts of the evening:

Mark Cunningham's Alex Gaston created a centerpiece with masses of white orchids in a low rounded arrangement. Organic designs from Canvas are at each place setting. Chairs and tablecloth are covered in all white Sunbrella fabrics.

Another look at the orchids, lit from beneath by small votives.

Green and white  looked fresh and classic on the table from Tiffany by Richard Moore White orchids in a round arrangement in a tall white urn are teamed up with a green and white lattice printed fabric.

Digitally printed place mats carry the floral theme forward.

One of my favorite florists, Connie over at Plaza Flowers created an elevated dome of white orchids high enough to stand full-height candelabras below. Pretty amazing.

A flowering tree emerges from the center of Steven Elrod's gorgeous table for Brunschig and Fils.  As if the tree was not enough of a piece de resistance, he added hanging lanterns.

Chairs covered in vibrant red and white pagoda fabric.

Robert Couturier created the most spectacular tree out of orchid stems.

Incroyable.

What fun Sherill Canet had. A tall pagoda studded with orchid blooms held sway amongst a low orchid  surround. Yellow studded mats add a bit of glamour and texture to the table.

Orchids around the base of the pagoda.

Tiny yellow orchids are a welcome sight amidst all the white. A crown of yellow orchids hang above a centerpiece made from hanging blown-glass orbs with floating votives inside.

A detail of the hanging votives. What a great idea. It was stunning.

Lee Cavanaugh for Cullman and Kravis brought the brights of India to the top of the Time Warner building. Paring turquoise, hot pink and orange fabrics, swags of orchids and vases of oranges and lemons the vision enchanted.

Touches of gold complemented the riot of color.

Bamboo branches and hot pink orchids with paper lanterns gave James Rixner for Saint - Louis and Puiforcat a dreamy escapist feeling.

 Puiforcat flatware and red crystal stemware from Saint - Louis are paired with a rich red and gold palette.

Shawn Henderson worked with Baccarat, pairing large crystal vessels and a stark modern white structure that housed potted white orchids.

Hilary Pereira for Christofle created a white peacock centerpiece out of orchids. Wow.

The Flower School of New York in Tudor City created a tight centerpiece of low, brightly colored orchids. Guests of this table got to take home miniature potted orchids. Mine may need to be put on life support soon.

Jeff Lincoln covered his table in Fortuny fabric. Tall rock crystal candlesticks surrounded a white orchid arrangement.

A close up of the juxtaposition of rock crystal and white blooms.

Nicolette Owens had a low, flowing arrangement of pale pinks and yellows. I liked how she added a shimmery bronze sequin tablecloth for a different texture.

Richard Mishaan, recently re-opened his NYC store Homer. He stands by his tropical vision of colored orchids and ikat.

Mishaan told me his table was tropical-meets-Dr Seuss. Agreed! He covered a vase in colored cord trim creating stripes.

Roric Tobin's high arrangement was potted in a stunning tall antique urn.

Vincente Wolf put orchids on display in a bright red birdcage