Blooms-‘Very’

Colorful table design by Renny & Reed (Click on images for larger views)

Notwithstanding the unseasonably cold weather as of late, (which makes it feel more like fall/winter than spring), it’s been hard not to take note of the spectacular flora and fauna blooming all around us. And in a case of life imitating art, flower prints (and often NOT your ‘garden variety’), which had been seen all over the runways for Spring 2013 (carrying into fall), have covered many of the coats, jackets, pants, dresses, and gowns worn by women attending the numerous soirees and galas which have dotted the spring social calendar. Unsurprisingly, many of these events have had themes built around nature’s beauties, as was the case last night.

Guest matching the table setting

The New York Horticultural Society (www.hsny.org), founded in 1900, with J. P. Morgan, Louis C. Tiffany, and J.J. Phelps among its earliest members, held it’s 16th annual Flower Show Dinner Dance. Comprised of a community of ‘urban gardeners’, it’s mission has long been to ensure that “vital connection between people and plants”, and to “further the love and knowledge of horticulture through informative monthly meetings, formal lectures, and seasonal flower shows.”  Funds raised support their enrichment programs for inner city children who suffer the lack of green spaces, fresh foods, and exposure to the natural world.

Charles Masson

This year’s honorees were Charles Masson, owner of La Grenouille, the quintessential master of seasonally-inspired arrangements that fill his restaurant, and Hunt Slonem, internationally-renowned American painter, sculptor, and print maker, who contributed two of his paintings to auction at the event in support of The Hort’s education programs.

Barbara Regna in green dress with pink flower bag

Approximately 350 elite guests (including Nina Griscom, Mario Buatta, Peter and Barbara Regna, Robert Ruffino, CeCe Black, James Taffin de Givenchy, Elizabeth Stribling) filled the Altman Building on West 18th Street, which was transformed into a magical setting thanks to 30 one of a kind tablescapes created by New York’s finest floral, fashion, and interior designers. Among the standouts: ALARIC Flower Design’s over scaled bouquet, Renny & Reed’s colorful floral fantasy, Zak Events’ magnificent greenery, Plaza Flowers’ glorious blossoms,  OCCASION9 INC’s whimsical butterfly, and Charles Masson’s elegant simplicity. 

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