One of the highlights of the evening is the way that the galleries are decorated and the design of the tablescapes that the guests sit at. The event is catered and designed annually by Occasions Caterers, one of DC’s premiere catering companies, in conjunction with the Gala Committee. I had the opportunity to walk through the Gala to see the beautiful tablescapes and unique touches Occasions created for the guests of the Ball.

Congratulations to the Corcoran and to Occasions for a gorgeous event!

Flowers are by Jack Lucky, lighting by Light-olutions, and equipment/rentals and tenting are by Perfect Settings.

the main floor

double napkins are all the rage

these chandeliers are stunning

the view from above

triple plates and a dramatic napkin fold

tassled chair topper

purple + red = drama

rose petals dot the plate

forgive the photo... here is stunning, masculine setting perfect for the charcoal-paneled room

lush texture makes for a stunning arrangement

I love this napkin fold

yellow is always so cheery; paired with black it packs a punch

each plate around the table had a different letter on it, drawing from the "alphabet" tablecloth

I adore this chair cushion. It is the epitome of feminine.

sparkle, sparkle, sparkle

here, umbrellas are a fun way to add height to a room with a seemingly limitless ceiling

I love the repetition of circles in this tablescape

this flatware is adorable

forgive the fuzzy photo of this beautifully canopied table grouping

copper, mint, and brick red is a fabulous combination

once again, the chair cushions are divine

the canopy

a tropical wonderland

a coconut water glass -- too clever!

mod tables with a pop of poppies

cocktail tables in the late night party space

lounge area for the late night party

gorgeous planters each filled with one type of flower line the grand staircase

First row: Anthropologie, Divine Twine
Second row: Brides, Martha Stewart Weddings
Third row: Martha Stewart Weddings, Style Me Pretty

Custom crossword puzzle; via Martha Stewart

A custom crossword puzzle would be a perfect way to create discussion at a bridal luncheon, or wedding or baby shower. Try Variety Games or Puzzle Maker for customizable templates.

"Fun Facts" card; via Style Me Pretty; photo by Olive Juice

Even listing some fun facts about the bride and groom or guests of honor at a party can be a great way to start chatter around the table. This card is adorable!

Question-prompting guest book; via Martha Stewart

Create your own thought-provoking guest book that guests can sign and pass around the table.

DIY fortune cookies; via Once Wed

I love these DIY fortune cookies found on Once Wed. Create a series of “fortunes” or best wishes and insert them into the folded fortune-cookie-look-a-like and encourage guests to share their wishes around the table.

Paper Leaves of Thanks; via Martha Stewart

With Thanksgiving coming up it’s a perfect opportunity to create some interactivity around the table through having guests share what they are thankful for. Even just writing little thoughts on these simple but pretty paper leaves could be fun.

What’s your fun idea for making your special occasion dinner table interactive?

I am always looking for non-floral decor alternatives for weddings and other events. My husband and I went on a hike today in Great Falls and everywhere I turned I found inspiration for Fall decor!  My mind is now spinning with ideas for incorporating natural elements — like pinecones, greenery, branches, and acorns — into designs.

In fact, I worked on an event recently where a team of us collaborated on nature-inspired centerpieces — we filled clear vessels with pears and apples and used acorns and pinecones as filler. I can’t take credit for the design, but it looked great!

Below are a few images that are inspiring me to go out and collect all of the pinecones I can find — then I’ll be prepared for Fall decorating next year, too!

DIY pinecone wedding bouquet via Once Wed

pinecone boutonniere via Martha Stewart

Rustic pinecone monogram via Martha Stewart

pinecone escort card table via Martha Stewart

pinecone monogram via Martha Stewart

pinecone wreath via Country Living

gilded pinecone placecard via Country Living

I want to have breakfast in this very spot! The serenity of the outdoor setting, the comfy couch, the refined, yet subtly casual tablescape… I love it all!

The melons are prepped and conveniently served with spoons.The mixture of neutral china with clear glassware and silver serving pieces set a clean, cohesive tone. The white scalloped cocktail napkins are adorable wrapped around the cup and saucer…

Let me say it again, I love it all!

{images via Town & Country magazine; photographs in the magazine taken by Victoria Pearson}