Dome-shaped birdcages painted red with touches of gold add an exotic air to a tableau where Brighton Pavilion orientalism meets romantic bohemian chic.
The idea behind this high-concept cocktail reception is flexibility. Yes, the theme would work for a wedding, but wouldn't it also be perfect for an engagement party? Or how about using just one of the seasons as a single-color theme for a rehearsal dinner? Look at each table as a well of ideas that you could adapt to suit your own palette.
What creates the impact for our tables? In a word: saturation. Everything—from the cloth to the flowers to the serving pieces and food—is a nuance of a single color. Here, the reds range from vermilion to garnet to plum. Deep-brown wicker trays and touches of green leaves keep it real.
Two domed birdcages reminiscent of fanciful Asian architecture were painted red and accented with gold for gleam. Dome birdcages, $79.95 and $69.95, Koleksyon, koleksyon.com.
One of the two birdcages was hung from the ceiling on a rope of orchids; the smaller adds height to the table.
The birdcages were painted red and accented with gold for gleam.
The birdcage was hung from the ceiling with a strong wire.
Red orchids have an exuberant, rich luster.
The orchids were strung onto a wire like a lei.
The orchid lei was tied to the hanging birdcage.
Red candles with bark-like flecks of brown add an earthy element to the table.
Red wine is the perfect complement to this table. Small scarlet wineglasses, $59 each, from William Yeoward Crystal, williamyeowardcrystal.com. Tracy Porter Jardiniere salad plates in wine, $5 each, by Tracy Porter, tracyporter.com.
Candles were placed inside this lantern, shedding flickering light on the table.
Red tassels, an extra exotic touch, were tied to the birdcage and the lantern.
For the centerpiece, a deep-brown wicker tray was filled with fruits and flowers in a variety of warm red hues: baby pineapples, pomegranates, artichokes, protea, Black Magic roses, amaryllis and begonia leaves. Java wicker tray, $14.95, by Crate & Barrel, crateandbarrel.com.
To make the centerpiece, a wooden florist stick is placed into the different elements.
After placing the wooden florist stick into the different elements, we artfully arranged each item on top of a block of oasis that added height to the center.
Protea, an unusual flower that almost looks like a fruit, gives the centerpiece a natural, earthy feel.
Black Magic roses add a rich red luster to the centerpiece.
Red-tipped pineapple leaves add subtle texture and color.
Bittersweet chocolate-dipped strawberries, from Bob Spiegel, Creative Edge Parties, creativeedgeparties.com. Persimmon wood tray, $167, set of 3, from Importu, importu.com.
This simple vase of red anemones provides a counterpoint to the table's exuberance.
The flowers are gathered into a bouquet, tied with hemp string, their stems cut to the same height, then nestled into a water-filled compote.
Twist napkins in begonia, $35 each, Anali, anali.com.
Twill tape was sewn on four sides of the tablecloth skirt in a curved corner design that mimics classic architectural panels. Fabric, Middleton linen in tea rose, from F. Schumacher & Co., fschumacher.com. Trim, twill tape in red No. 10016, from Mokuba, mokubany.com.
A trio of zesty tomato soups, from Bob Spiegel, Creative Edge Parties, creativeedgeparties.com. Vodka glasses, $34.95, set of 6, from Crate & Barrel, crateandbarrel.com. Java wicker tray, $14.95, from Crate & Barrel.
Live orchids complement these colorful soups.
Tuna tartare is mounded on crisp rounds and topped with chopped scallions, from Bob Spiegel, Creative Edge Parties, creativeedgeparties.com. Round red platter, $28, from Fishs Eddy, fishseddy.com.
A handful of parrot tulips arranged in a simple vase.
Parrot tulips, known for their bright color and unusual curled petals, have a warm, rich, red hue and bring an interesting texture to the table.
The Big Picture
Clockwise, from top left: Dome birdcages, $79.95 and $69.95, from Koleksyon, koleksyon.com. Small scarlet wineglasses, $59 each, from William Yeoward Crystal, williamyeowardcrystal.com. Tracy Porter Jardiniere salad plates in wine, $5 each, tracyporter.com. Persimmon wood tray, $167, set of 3, from Importu, importu.com. Twist napkins in begonia, $35 each, from Anali, anali.com. Java wicker tray, $14.95, vodka glasses, $34.95, set of 6, from Crate & Barrel, crateandbarrel.com. Round red platter, $28, from Fishs Eddy, fishseddy.com. Fabric, Middleton linen in tea rose, from F. Schumacher & Co., fschumacher.com. Trim, twill tape in red No. 10016, from Mokuba, mokubany.com. Tables and chairs, from Party Rental Ltd., partyrentalltd.com.
