February in New York doesn’t exactly bring warm temps and exotic florals to mind, but the New York Botanical Gardens’ recent Orchid Dinner provided a temporary escape into luxury and warmth. Sara was thrilled to be one of almost 40 designers tasked with creating a table that reflected the evening’s theme of Mexican Modernism.
Mexico has one of the world’s largest native orchid populations, making it an ideal inspiration for this historic dinner at The Plaza Hotel in New York City. Sara leaned into one of Mexico’s other natural wonders, the annual monarch migration, when designing her tablescape.
Delicate silk monarch butterflies danced among a vibrant floral design crafted by Rachel Cho Floral (and aligned on the backs of chairs). At the table’s center was a gorgeous walnut, red oak, and poly-wax sculpture of a monstera plant titled Two Leaves in a Pot by Raul de Lara, a contemporary sculptor from Mexico.
The tablecloth’s neutral palette and festive Mexican pattern accentuated the sculpture’s wood tones while hand-painted plates from Mexico City reflected the artisans’ craftsmanship. Tall tapers in slim glass hurricane holders lent a romantic, intimate feel to the guests’ experience, as if being invited to dine in a secret garden.
Although the design and installation teams had less than six hours to put everything together for the dinner, the final tablescape was one that perfectly combined Sara’s timeless design aesthetics and preference for artisanal products with the lush flora of Mexico.
Proceeds from the evening support the New York Botanical Garden’s commitment to using their expertise and collections to amplify the role of plants in solving the climate and biodiversity crises. It was an honor to be a part of such an important and gorgeous affair!
Thank you to Veranda Magazine & Hearst for sponsoring this event.
We were a proud participating designer in this incredible event, benefitting the nybg’s efforts toward conservation & education
How do you create an elegant spring tablescape? Sara Hillery Interior Design explores floral-inspired entertaining ideas, botanical design elements, orchid arrangements, and luxury table setting inspiration from the New York Botanical Garden Orchid Dinner.
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