Art of Celebration Washington, D.C.—SNIPPET by Panache Partners

inspiration and ideas from top event professionals

A fantastic celebration is never forgotten—and with a little guidance, anyone can be the host of one. What is it that makes celebrity parties so desirable? While insiders tell their stories, stunning photographs fill the pages, inviting everyone to step inside. Art of Celebration Washington, D.C. gives you a detailed look at the event world’s most prominent movers and shakers. Tips, hints, and ideas from planners, caterers, floral artists, photographers, and other specialists will prove priceless in throwing memorable bashes. Whether commissioning a designer or going it alone, learn the ins and outs of crafting the perfect party. Class, style, and unabashed fun come together in this comprehensive collection. Think you can’t re-create a DuFour & Company Productions or Capital Décor and Events look? Think again. Whether entertaining at the Smithsonian, Mount Vernon, or your own home, you will benefit from Art of Celebration Washington, D.C. advice. Hear it from the imagineers of the event industry, including Bryan Rafanelli, André Wells, and Sandi R. Hoffman—sought the world over. No detail is forgotten; from Windows Catering Company’s delicious cuisine to Volanni’s amazing floral creations, peek into the elite social scene of Washington, D.C. and its environs.

w a s h i n g t o n, d. c.

inspiration and ideas from top event professionals

Published by

Panache Partners, LLC 1424 Gables Court Plano, TX 75075 469.246.6060 Fax: 469.246.6062 www.panache.com Publishers: Brian G. Carabet and John A. Shand Copyright ÂŠ 2011 by Panache Partners, LLC All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system, except brief excerpts for the purpose of review, without written permission of the publisher. All images in this book have been reproduced with the knowledge and prior consent of the professionals concerned and no responsibility is accepted by the producer, publisher, or printer for any infringement of copyright or otherwise arising from the contents of this publication. Every effort has been made to ensure that credits accurately comply with the information supplied. Printed in Malaysia Distributed by Independent Publishers Group 800.888.4741 PUBLISHER'S DATA

Art of Celebration Washington, D.C. Library of Congress Control Number: 2010930002 ISBN 13: 978-1-933415-79-6 ISBN 10: 1-933415-79-7 First Printing 2011 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 This publication is intended to showcase the work of extremely talented people. The publisher does not require, warrant, endorse, or verify any professional accreditations, educational backgrounds, or professional affiliations of the individuals or firms included herein. All copy and photography published herein has been reviewed and approved as free of any usage fees or rights and accurate by the individuals and/or firms included herein. Panache Partners, LLC, is dedicated to the restoration and conservation of the environment. Our books are manufactured with strict adherence to an environmental management system in accordance with ISO 14001 standards, including the use of paper from mills certified to derive their products from well-managed forests. We are committed to continued investigation of alternative paper products and environmentally responsible manufacturing processes to ensure the preservation of our fragile planet.

w a s h i n g t o n, d. c.

i n t ro d u c t i o n

Celebrations are woven into our lives from the moment we are born; we pave our long and winding road with revelry. Cultures are identified by their milestones, rites of passage, and faiths. From the visions of a select few, through the work of many, and motivated by all, our life's celebrations are truly universal. In Art of Celebration Washington, D.C., we chart the area's modern-day visionaries who mastermind remarkable events, creating everlasting memories. The magic of a phenomenal celebration is achieved with great collaboration. This book will take you on a journey, sharing the insights and creations of the gifted. We start this journey Before the Music Begins with the event planners—the directors and producers—who pull it all together, manage, and execute the visions. And because once you've set the date, the next step is Location, Location, Location, we turn our focus to Washington, D.C.'s most incredible venues in and around the U.S. capital city, which become inspirational backdrops. The event, floral, and lighting designers are true visionaries of Creating an Ambience; these artists are responsible for the endless ideas and boundless efforts and are often the heart and soul of an unforgettable gala. Then Eat, Drink & Be Merry in the culinary world of caterers, whose works of art and ingenious creations delight the palate and astound the mind. Through the amazing talents of photographers, Capturing the Moment will forever keep alive the experiences of life's ritual—the art of celebration. And for a stunning conclusion, we present highlights of the 2009 Inaugural Balls dreamed up and produced by the talented people whose work is featured throughout the book. These special pages document our nation's leaders enjoying history-making events—D.C.'s most resplendent parties of the year.

Art of Celebration Washington, D.C. will inspire, inform, and just might take your breath away!

contents B efore

the

Music B egins

Dufour & Company Productions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Finishing Touches Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Sandi R. Hoffman Special Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Events by AndrĂŠ Wells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Creative Parties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 GEP Washington . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Rafanelli Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Location, L ocation, Location Sequoia Presidential Yacht Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Sunset Crest Manor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Mount Vernon: George Washington's Estate & Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 National Building Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 Smithsonian Institution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 The St. Regis Washington, D.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

Creating

A mbience

Capital DĂŠcor and Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 Marc Friedland/Creative Intelligence, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120 Edge Floral Event Designers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128 Digital Lightning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136 Syzygy Event Productions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142 Helen Olivia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148 Perfect Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152 Volanni . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156

Eat , D rink & Be Merry Windows Catering Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162 Design Cuisine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174 Occasions Caterers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180 Alchemy by Carla Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186

Capturing

the

Moment

Freed Photography, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192 Clay & Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198 Len DePas Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202

Before the M

Music Begins

D u f o u r & C o m pa n y P ro d u c t i o n s P hilip D ufour

Philip Dufour is more than a passionate and creative event production guru; he is a philanthropist who brings sincerity

and integrity to every celebration that he and his talented team at Dufour & Company Productions create. Philip has carved out his own professional niche with more than 25 years of experience producing political, corporate, social, and nonprofit events. More importantly, he has established contacts that make his company ever popular among Washingtonians in both the corporate and cause marketing arenas. Social secretary to the former Vice President of the United States, Philip is a talented graphic designer and fundraising mastermind who stages events in D.C.'s landmark venues with amazing finesse.

There's a buzz about this event management firm. Washington press praise Philip's themed soirĂŠes for everything from their swanky invitations and grand entrances to afterparty lounges, theatrical lighting, and celebrity entertainment. Every element underscores the host's brand image or delivers an inspiring message. Whether working on a seated dinner for 500 guests in an art museum or an epic event on the National Mall for thousands, Dufour & Company handles every detail with personalized attention, closely partnering with the official team of hosts to focus on the event from concept through to the big night. Most corporate-sponsored galas require months of designing and planning to execute flawlessly, yet the energetic team also puts together impromptu celebrations. Booking the venue, securing caterers, florists, and dĂŠcor experts from a vast pool of resources, and working in collaboration with great names like Target, MSNBC, and the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, Dufour & Company has one goal: to create incomparable, high-impact events.

We designed the Radio and Television Correspondents' Association Dinner After Party hosted by BBC World News America in The Historical Society of Washington, D.C. museum. With limited setup time to prepare for 800 invitees, we created lounges bathed in tangerine and fuchsia light with contemporary dĂŠcor, while the DJ was staged on a platform in front of the antique wall clock.

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Photograph by Tony Brown, Imijination Photography

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Photograph by Tony Brown, Imijination Photography

Photograph by Connie Reider Photography

Above: The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship's Rays of HopeÂŽ Gala was held in the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium, transforming the classical space. The theme was "Fashion in Action," honoring the apparel industry's support for the cause. The elegant benefit dinner for 600 was emotionally moving with projected images depicting brave survivors. Facing page: Our team transformed the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium into a violet-lit MSNBC After Party following the annual White House Correspondents' Association Dinner. Between columns, banner portraits of leading anchors honored special guests. We designed a classic diner, a spot for host-mixologist Rachel Maddow's bar, and intimate L-shaped bars. After midnight, breakfast appeared as KC and the Sunshine Band played.

"The true test of a good event firm is the ability to reimagine the same space in completely different ways." â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Philip Dufour

Previous pages: Our juxtaposition of whimsical fuchsia lighting against the neutral marble interior created an airy ambience for the BBC World News America After Party. Signature drinks, desserts, and savories were served, for a tasteful late-night networking experience.

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Photograph by Connie Reider Photography

Photograph by Tony Brown, Imijination Photography

"Your outdoor event should strike a balance between fun and purpose, designed appropriately for the location." â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Philip Dufour

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Photograph by Steve Allen

Photograph by Jon Hrusa

Above left: We produced the National Night Out 25th Anniversary Family Festival presented by Target for 10,000 attendees. The visual theme was defined by the National Mall site. We programmed nonstop music featuring a diverse mix of entertainers for the epic event. Above right: In Tanzania, Africa, we designed an outdoor seated dinner honoring attendees from the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation; volunteers had walked for five intense days across Tanzania visiting clinic sites to view the foundation's work first-hand. We created a familial experience for 150 guests under the stars replete with glowing lanterns. Facing page left: The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship organization hosted 650 dinner guests at its annual Rays of HopeÂŽ Gala. Inspired by the invitation's graphic design and color scheme, our stage gobo projection reflected the organization's heartfelt mission. In addition to dĂŠcor, we designed a unique and moving program with special tributes that moved efficiently through the weeknight event without ever feeling rushed. Facing page right: Held at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium, the MSNBC After Party for 1,000 people also provided an outdoor experience. We used color-matched lighting effects as a visual link to the larger indoor party.

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Photograph by Tony Brown, Imijination Photography

"A powerful public space makes a great venue for a private event when you use the building's architecture to your advantage." —Philip Dufour Right: Our modern take on an old-fashioned ice cream parlor boasts contemporary acrylic bar stools with blue-illuminated standing cubes for a fun twist at the MSNBC After Party. Facing page: We transformed the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium to stand out amid other buildings with similar classical architecture. Drawing inspiration from the invitation, dramatic purple lighting makes the distinguished façade pop with a trio of clear-tented entrances framing chic comings and goings. Fountains from the neighboring Smithsonian National Museum of American History spray in the foreground. Previous pages: Utilizing the museum's permanent concrete seating, we lined the benches with comfortable pillows, while bistro tables and chairs created a terrace café. We extended the MSNBC After Party to include an alfresco experience complete with full bar, dance floor, and exterior speakers. Photograph by Tony Brown, Imijination Photography

views

Washington, D.C. offers unique venues with amazing views in close proximity to the Capitol, so any event takes on special meaning. Hosting your private function in a historic building or nationally significant space brings a new identity to the brand and furthers the cause. An event management firm that knows the ropes will ensure that rules and regulations associated with organizing events in museums and monument spaces are met while giving your guests a seamless experience.

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Finishing Touches Events M artha K . B indeman

The little girl who mischievously organized surprise parties for her parents managed to set aside ambitions of event

planning just long enough to earn her bachelor's with honors in history, attend law school, and start her legal career. But parties were never out of sight or out of mind for Martha K. Bindeman, CSEP. She sidestepped into the profession coordinating showers and retirement parties at her workplace, the Federal Trade Commission, and then decorating cakes and planning parties for family and friends. In the late '70s, Martha struck out on her own, developing expertise in creative avenues from calligraphy to floral design and gaining a loyal following of people who love Finishing Touches Events.

Officially, Martha is a Certified Special Events Professional—an impressive international designation granted to a select few. But off the record, she's a friend, the person hosts count on to think up and carry out the thoughtful details that will make their celebrations special—décor that alludes to a family's history, grand entrances that match the hosts' personalities, wearable VIP passes that double as escort cards, her custom chocolates stealthily placed in each valeted car. These details, along with her ability to maintain a calm demeanor despite whatever surprises need to be handled behind the scenes, make Martha's approach truly unique. Whether the event Martha's working on is corporate, social, or nonprofit, it's certain to have her special touch. She collaborates with an amazing network of top-tier specialists, but if hosts need just a few floral centerpieces for a night-before event, she's happy to undertake the project. Martha's too humble to admit that she's a master of many trades, but it's true—anyone who's worked with her over the past three decades will attest. Her diverse know-how allows her to speak the language of relevant creative professionals and vendors, which leads to smooth-as-silk, inventive, and memorable celebrations.

First impressions are everything. When guests arrived in the foyer outside the ballroom at the Four Seasons, they were greeted by beautifully costumed and painted mimes perched on pedestals holding trays of escort cards. For efficiency and ease of communication, the mimes' belts indicated which part of the alphabetically arranged cards they were holding.

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Photograph by Freed Photography

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Photograph by Freed Photography

Above: My fire eater is the best. He doesn't live in the area, so his act is fresh and always mesmerizing. He's not just a fire eater though: He starts off on stilts dressed like a Harlem Globetrotter wearing a basketball net and comes stocked with plenty of soft ammo for the kids to toss; he then changes clothes and works the crowd with magic tricks from cards to the requisite rabbit; his grand finale is fire eating. I use the segments of his performance to seamlessly transition into different moments of the evening's program. Facing page: The whole party was done in reds, blacks, and whites; we set the theme with the save-the-date cards and carried it through our in-house printed invitations, menu cards, and table numbers. Each of the tables was individually and quite creatively detailed: differing floral centerpieces; tables long, square, and round; chairs from ghost to gray molded plastic and red Chiavari; table linens and chargers of varying motifs. To number the tables, some of the cards had numerals and others had the number spelled out. Doing a design with this kind of variety requires hosts with a fun, contemporary bent. The result was a true feast for the eyes that encouraged people to explore the ballroom and mingle upon arrival rather than going straight to their respective tables.

Event Planning

"If you want a really unique ambience, you have to be willing to try untraditional things like mixed and matched furniture or furry amaranthus stems dripping from a hanging arrangement." â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Martha K. Bindeman

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Photograph by Freed Photography

Same location—The Ritz-Carlton Washington, D.C.—same type of event, two totally different effects that perfectly echoed the personalities of their respective guests of honor. The bar mitzvah had a contemporary vibe and was done in a sleek orange-copper scheme with lights that changed colors throughout the evening. The florist strategically placed mirrors throughout the room to punctuate the boundaries of space and nicely reflect the chandeliers and the floral arrangements atop upside-down glass vases—to give the mirrors personality, the frames were covered with fabric and enhanced with pavéed flowers. In contrast, the girly chic bat mitzvah was decked out with event logos inspired by the young lady's favorite fashion label. Mannequins draped in fabric, ribbon, and flowers galore served as centerpieces. I taught the hotel staff to make napkin roses and we tucked fresh petals inside for added elegance. The perfect favor? Our signature chocolates in the shape of delicate little princess crowns nestled into a box with the young lady's initials. We always like to send guests home with sweets of some sort, so if we don't do custom chocolates, we'll set up our "Sweet Dreams" array of candies that coordinate with the event's color scheme and invite guests to fill miniature frosted carryout boxes on their way out—a note of love and thanks is always present alongside the sweets.

Photograph by Freed Photography

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"You have to know your clients: Listen closely to them and hear what they don't say as much as what they do say." â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Martha K. Bindeman

Photograph by Freed Photography

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Photograph by Freed Photography

Above and right: We created an elegant holiday party defined by vivid orange and red hues; draped ballroom walls softened the space with flair. Red amaryllis and orange roses told the floral story while votive candles created a warm, holiday glow. The entry table's wintry mix of dĂŠcor featured ice sculpture candleholders on clever fabric-wrapped trays to capture melting ice. Gold Chiavari chairs had red and orange seat cushions for comfort and glamour. Facing page: The couple dreamed of a passionate purple party, so we covered romantic round tables with pintuck-stitched iridescent taffeta in violet tones. The legendary Willard Hotel has an atmosphere of grandeur, and unique tablescapes rose to the occasion. Floral arrangements boasted extra-tall vessels topped with brilliant bouquets, floating candle centerpieces encircled by flowers, and full-blown roses at eye level for gazing pleasure during dinner. From custom menu cards printed in-house to lemon wheels in water goblets, every detail was meaningful.

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Above: Sporty dĂŠcor was just the ticket for an athletic boy's bar mitzvah celebration. Custom acrylic tables displayed a colorful array of baseballs, basketballs, and footballs; matching acrylic seating clearly set the scene. The sheer drapery-paneled walls featured oversized mirrors with pavĂŠ floral accents as dramatic architectural elements. A theatrical effect was achieved using uplights and pinspots to create high energy. Left: Hot pink and orange polka-dotted tablecloths, striped napkins, and fresh gerbera daisies spoke to the young lady's zest for life and her happy bat mitzvah day. Our florist submerged large hot pink and orange gerberas in the glass vase, topped it with a glass shelf of votives, and stacked another towering vase of gerberas intertwined with neon-pink wire for stunning centerpieces. Facing page: Luminary lanterns lined the golf club drive after dark. The b'nai mitzvah celebration was held in tent pavilions, one strictly devoted to the service. Since the brother and sister loved summer camp, our outdoor activity theme was ideal. A rock climbing wall and lawn games engaged young guests, and flashlight favors added campy fun. Organic dĂŠcor emphasized the nature theme: hand-crafted birch branch centerpieces with wildflowers, rattan chargers, cork details, and stained pine dining tables. We designed royal blue and white striped buffet tables offering chef's cuisine for kids, while adults enjoyed attentive waitstaff service throughout dinner.

Photograph by Freed Photography

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Photograph by Freed Photography

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Photograph by Freed Photography

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Photograph by Freed Photography

"Set the date, pick a venue, and then you can breathe a little. From there, it's just a matter of putting all of the pieces into a cohesive plan." —Martha K. Bindeman It's important that the pre-reception décor doesn't give away too much. You want anticipation to build as guests enter the venue, mingle in the reception area, and enter the ballroom. The Club Jake and Ben experience wowed guests—from the mirrored bar on an uplit Lucite platform and dramatic lighting design to the opening video presentation that looked like live surveillance feed. I hired a cool security guard for the event and, beforehand, we filmed a scene of the teenage boys trying to get into their own party; the guard repeatedly blocked the way until they figured out the password. Just as the boys came up with the magic word, "please," on-screen, they burst through the doors in real life and the partying got started.

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Photograph by Freed Photography

Event planning is as much about developing relationships as it is about actually planning the events. To see the joy of a couple celebrating a golden anniversary, be invited to shop for a gown with a young bride, or be asked to do a family's future milestone events—these intangible moments are the most rewarding. The keys to this kind of success? Listening, caring, and making the process as meaningful and fun as the party.

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Location, Loc

cation, Location

S e q u o i a P r e s i d e n t i a l Y ac h t G ro u p G ary S ilversmith

Imagine boarding a yacht that has been graced by more than a dozen American presidents, conversing in the same

paneled room, indulging in chef-prepared menus, while enjoying a leisurely four-hour cruise along the Potomac River. The U.S.S. Sequoia vintage motor yacht, which

is privately operated by the Sequoia Presidential Yacht Group, is considered the most historically elegant vessel in America. A unique venue with a colorful history, it is a popular place to celebrate nonprofit, social, and corporate occasions. Docked at the Gangplank Marina and staffed by an attentive crew, the Sequoia venue is the epitome of sophisticated entertaining in our nation's capital.

Architectural Digest featured the refined vessel on its cover for good reason. The Sequoia is a meticulously restored, 104-foot, Trumpy-designed yacht. Hand-built in 1924, the authentic boat houses a collection of presidential photographs and memorabilia. Its main salon is a finely appointed room with a solid mahogany dining suite suited to formal seated dinners and lavish buffets. The spacious top deck with original teak steamer chairsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;where renowned figures like Winston Churchill once relaxedâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;provides a sunny gathering place for guests. "The Sequoia is perhaps the most important piece of Americana not owned by the government," stated former attorney general John Ashcroft. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987, the classic yacht has great character, providing an incomparable venue for any intimate affair. From the piano that President Truman loved to play to the handsome presidential dining room with wet bar, every tasteful touch you would expect in a world-class yacht awaits.

The main salon dining room is perfect for formal occasions amid treasured presidential photographs. Guests feel as though they are a part of American history.

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Photograph by Michael Kulik

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Photograph by Michael Kulik

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Photograph by Michael Kulik

"Nothing compares to hosting a celebration in an authentically preserved landmark. The unique ambience sparks conversation the moment guests enter." â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Jonathan Iger

An unparalleled experience is promised on the U.S.S. Sequoia, one of the true megayachts in the world. Dubbed the "Rolls Royce of yachts" by The History Channel, our historic yacht offers the perfect venue for alfresco dining with white tablecloth service, refreshing cocktails, and upper deck lounging in vintage steamer chairs, all while cruising down the Potomac River.

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Photograph by Michael Kulik

Fine dining aboard the Sequoia highlights five-star details, from the golden Presidential Seal embossed on menus to exquisite china and crystal fit for royalty. A full professional kitchen is below deck; we work in partnership with top caterers to fulfill every gastronomic wish.

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Photograph by Michael Kulik

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Photograph by Michael Kulik

"A venue with rich historical significance elevates the status of any celebration." â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Jonathan Iger The Presidential Stateroom is one of four well-appointed staterooms available for relaxing in luxurious style. Whether a delectable Sunday brunch or a full course candlelight dinner, the main salon accommodates 22 seated guests or 50 invitees at a standing buffet reception. The Sequoia yacht is as nattily clad as they come and has carried many distinguished guests. First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy surprised her husband with a chic birthday party on its illustrious decks, President Truman had a lively poker game at the dining table which still bears a surface scratch, and rumor has it that icon Marilyn Monroe set foot on the glamorous yacht during her visits to D.C. Photograph by Michael Kulik

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Private charters should be booked well in advance. National Historic Landmarks usually have limited availability and your reservation may have to be coordinated based on usage by U.S. dignitaries. Remember, your guest list will need to be capped at 50 plus crew and caterers in keeping with the U.S. Coast Guard's safety regulations.

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M o u n t V e rn o n : G e o rg e W a s h i n g to n ' s E s tat e & G a r d e n s

Imagine a special event held on the manicured grounds of America's most historic home, a stunning location about

which George Washington proclaimed, "No estate in United America is more pleasantly situated than this." Today, 20 structures and 15 acres of gardens along with an 18th-century working farm are nestled atop 500 acres of forested land on the banks of the Potomac River. The expansive east lawn near the historic mansion is the most popular venue, where organizationsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;in recognition of an extraordinary donationâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;are invited to co-host exclusive evening functions ranging in size from an intimate group of 20 to 1,200 invited guests.

Tours of the gracious mansion create an incomparable mood for celebratory occasions. And the east lawn is the ultimate option for outdoor tented affairs overlooking the scenic Potomac. The new Ford Orientation Center and Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center are also ideal for sophisticated cocktail receptions and formal dining. Access to the grounds is a short 16-mile drive from Washington, D.C. Groups can arrange to embark from Alexandria or D.C. on river cruises and arrive in style at the wharf landing, where mini-shuttles transport guests to the estate for festivities. Nearby, the Mount Vernon Inn is available for hosting weddings and social receptions, while the newly recreated George Washington's Distillery and Gristmill offers another unique offsite option for events. What better way to experience an authentic piece of our nation's history?

Our early American iconographic venue boasts dazzling fireworks displays that are perfectly choreographed to patriotic music over the Potomac. Invited guests can also enjoy a private candlelight tour of the historic mansion with its charming 18th-century ambience.

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Photograph by Robert C. Lautman

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Photograph by Dean Norton

Photograph by Foster Wiley

Photograph by Russell Hirshon

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Photograph by Foster Wiley

"An inspirational setting enhances the event and provides memories to last a lifetime." â&#x20AC;&#x201D;James C. Rees Elegant dining on the lawn overlooking the Potomac River is an unparalleled American experience. The preserved view from the mansion is the same as President Washington would have seen. Our new Ford Orientation Center provides an environment for formal indoor dinners and receptions; the mechanical Mount Vernon in Miniature is the main hall's centerpiece. Mount Vernon also boasts 23 galleries and theaters with interactive exhibits housed in the Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center to delight visitors with the real George Washington. In the evening shade of George Washington's iconic home, we can create a cocktail reception replete with the colonial pageantry of a fife and drum corps. Our actors portray George and Martha, greeting guests or toasting best wishes and lending unrivaled historic flavor.

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Photograph by Cal McWhirter

When holding an outdoor event, remember to advise guests about brick, gravel, and dirt paths and to wear appropriate shoes. Evening alfresco events offer lovely sunset views but require proper nighttime lighting and special outdoor tents or structures to protect from possible inclement weather. National treasures and museums typically have approved vendors, valet service, and tight security, so be sure to take advantage of their professional advice to ensure a well-executed celebration.

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Creating

g an Ambience

C C a p i ta l D Ă&#x2030;c o r Kelly B . Jenkins

J effrey Fox

and

Events

Patrick Doyle

Sheer fabric-swathed ceilings? Deer antler chandeliers? Chic nightclub atmosphere? Celebrity chef interaction? The

Capital DĂŠcor and Events pros make the impossible possible, with a cache of tricks up their sleeves, unveiling some of the most captivating celebrations throughout Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Maryland. Capital's goal? To give everyone in attendance wonderful memories that last a lifetime, whether at a jazzy cocktail lounge reception, buttoned-up boardroom luncheon, or surprise birthday bash for a family member.

Since 2007, Capital DĂŠcor and Events has made an impression on the party scene as one of Washington's premier event design and planning firms. Lead designer and culinary expert Kelly Jenkins, with floral designer and production go-to guy Patrick Doyle and catering pro Jeffrey Fox, form a fusion of talent that transforms hotel ballrooms, tented outdoor venues, and landmark buildings into stunning settings that rival Hollywood productions. The colleagues have great flair for creating au courant social and corporate celebrations: weddings, mitzvahs, milestone birthdays, conventions, and fundraising galas. The trio can readily design an intimate dinner party in a private mansion one night and a presidential inaugural ball for thousands in a historic venue the next. The proven events team produce seamless affairs for sophisticated hosts who know high style when they see it. From flowers to menus, draping to furniture, custom lighting to handcrafted bars, they possess the tools of the trade and finesse to make things flawless.

Our bar mitzvah celebration blended sports fan spirit with the parents' wish for a sophisticated lounge idea. We incorporated subtle hints of the teen's dream sports theme using basketball hoop net table runners and a complementary blue and orange color scheme. Clear-bottom chargers sit atop baseball-shaped menu cards to tempt young guests with tasty fare. Candle glow, white orchids, and uplighting gave a proper party ambience.

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Photograph by Geoffrey Chesman for MBK Photography

"A theme should convey the honored guest's personal taste or be an extension of the host's home." â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Kelly B. Jenkins Left: Our bar mitzvah party at D.C.'s Newseum took on an industrial kitchen look that spoke to the ambitious boy's professional chef aspirations. Metal chairs, pot racks, food-prep tables, and culinary centerpieces made of novelty candies resembling food all combined for a palate-pleasing event. At each setting we presented a printed recipe from the teen's new cookbook, while celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck signed autographs and gave a staged cooking demo to wow everyone. We designed the adult dining area with an eco-friendly theme, serving dinner on bamboo tables. After the party, delicious catered leftovers were donated to a community meal center. Facing page: We created a lavish May birthday party inspired by the rustic Italian countryside at a private estate in Virginia. Serving 100 guests, two feasting tables anchored the space with an eclectic mix of wooden chairs, vintage linens, crystal, and patterned china set to perfection under the tent pavilion. We built a custom pergola to extend above the tables, adorned with fresh Southern smilax garlands. Hybrid coral peonies, red roses, verbenas, jack-in-the-pulpits, bottles of wine, and bountiful fruit arrangements lined the tables, while suspended candle lanterns cast a Tuscan glow.

Photograph by Geoffrey Chesman for MBK Photography

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Above and left: Our violet and red themed nightclub party featured a large custom bar with letters boldly spelling out the word "cocktails" for dramatic effect. We designed a shooter bar with magnetic shot glasses and long sharing tables for an ultra-modern presentation. Sleek white lounge furniture set the scene, punctuated by brilliant pillow accents to match the buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s permanent neon sculpture backdrop. Facing page: We designed the ISES annual gala, transforming a 60,000-square-foot warehouse into the ultimate cocktails and dining experience. Our indoor tented dessert station, lounge, and coffee bar were a hit. The hot nightclub concept presented ordinary things in an extraordinary way: We constructed a bar out of bakers' racks with acrylic shelves and lined catering hot boxes with rows of white votives for a sexy effect. In keeping with the sponsor's logo colors, we created drama with shades of pink lighting, including pattern gobos and washes to softly tint white modular furnishings. Various styles of crystal-beaded chandeliers gave an air of elegance to the industrial space.

Photograph by Michael Kress Photography

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"Just as we stay current with our choice of clothes, homes, and cars, an event should reflect the hottest trends in dĂŠcor." â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Kelly B. Jenkins

Photograph by Steve Canning Photography

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"Every detail has to be perfect, from guest arrival to departure." â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Kelly B. Jenkins Right: The nonstop party atmosphere of South Beach Miami was our inspiration for a cool bar mitzvah at the Four Seasons Hotel. We covered the walls in black and white theatrical pipe and drape with hints of neon green throughout the nightclub chic room. Zebraprint chair cushions, chunky rococo mirrors, crystal-and-mirror strands, and black crystal chandeliers created a trendy after-hours dance scene that teens went gaga over. Facing page: The paparazzi loved it then, so we recreated it now. Inspired by novelist Truman Capote's exclusive Black and White Ball with its star-studded guest list, our team transformed The Fairmont Washington, D.C. ballroom into an elite masquerade for 200 executives and top clients. Swirl motif damask table linens and striped fabric-covered chairs carried the high-contrast theme. Ostrich plume centerpieces, white florals, and black tablescape dĂŠcor reflected beautifully in retro-mirrored tabletops. We designed and installed Art Deco-style banquettes around the room for dining reminiscent of private supper clubs.

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Photograph by Michael Kress Photography

Photograph by Bryan Blanken, Freed Photography

The groom is an avid huntsman, so historic Keswick Hall was the ideal venue for our quintessential Virginia hunt country wedding. For a woodsy look with a formal twist, we used autumn hues and tabletop décor made of natural feathers, antlers, wood, and pewter. Dinner was served in a tented pavilion lined with flowing pipe and drape; we fabricated tables to fit around the garden's permanent sculptures. Our silk-upholstered back bar walls displayed 10-foot-tall paintings to impart a rich sense of history. The pièce de résistance? The elegant tiered cake was presented on the bride's family heirloom: a 200-year-old Chinese root table.

Photograph by Bryan Blanken, Freed Photography

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"Special event design transforms a space just like interior design. The aesthetic beauty can only be enjoyed for a few hours, so it has to be absolutely amazing." â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Kelly B. Jenkins

Photograph by Bryan Blanken, Freed Photography

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Photograph by Michael Kress Photography

"Simple lighting effects can change the mood like magic." â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Kelly B. Jenkins For an elaborate bar mitzvah celebration we designed eight tents representing different music genres. Guests were greeted by 12-foot-tall guitars and famous music legend lookalikes including Madonna, Elvis, and Cher. Our hip-hop tent was covered with graffiti and bling and the big band era tent was bathed in vintage black and white damask along with fur-covered chaise lounges and a matching print martini bar. To get to the main tent, guests walked through a vortex light tunnel, then a wall of mist with custom gobos, into a tent draped with rocker-chic zebra-print fabric and tables covered in black holographic leather. Our illuminated holographic dance floor inspired dancing and an infinity bar of smoked glass and lights kept drinks flowing.

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Photograph by Michael Kress Photography

Look for an event design team that doesn't impose their point of view. Select professionals who keep up on trends in fashion, attend trade shows, and source new ideas so your celebration will be the talk of the town. There's always a glitch on the big day; trust in your team's experience to perform small miracles like mending a broken shoe just seconds before a walk down the aisle.

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M a rc F r i e d l a n d /C r e at i v e I n t e ll i g e n c e , I n c . M arc F riedland

The first thing most people notice about Marc Friedland is that he does things a little differently. The second thing they

notice is that he does them better. Rather than just create invitations that deliver the who, what, why, and where, he focuses on delivering the "wow." Marc and his team at Creative Intelligence have been turning out eye-catching, imaginative, elegant, and sometimes downright wacky invitations since 1986, even writing the definitive book on the subject, Invitations by Marc Friedland. Going way beyond the expected is the company‘s specialty, and its focus has since transformed to fuse

genius marketing strategy, cutting-edge creativity, and impeccable style into an integrated, comprehensive, graphic communications experience.

An experiential branding agency renowned for its ability to evolve events into experiences through design—what exactly does that mean? It means that nonprofit organizations, corporations, and individuals often take their décor and theme cues from Marc‘s design and branding insights. His first impressions, whether conveying sophistication for a graceful dinner party or building excitement for an exotic weekend getaway, communicate and express the emotions that set the tone for the event to come. The tactile experience is a must—feathers, silks, crystal, wood, and even Astroturf can accompany his work. Whatever best expresses the heart and soul of the celebration finds its way into Marc's studio, where it is then designed and assembled to pack a multi-sensory punch. Over the years, Marc estimates that he's invited over two million people to well over 4,500 events, some of the most significant global celebrations and commemorations of the century.

To announce the highly anticipated first look, grand-opening celebration of their 1.8 billion dollar luxury resort and casino, Steve and Elaine Wynn needed an exquisite invitation to parallel a new era of sophistication in Las Vegas. Softly textured ivory cashmere paper is embossed with the Wynn signature in metallic gold leaf, elegantly delivered in handcrafted pockets with a silkscreened design inspired by the resort's finely painted wallcoverings. Our shimmery copper taffeta box boasts the vibrant floral patterned lining, replicating the casino's sumptuous carpeting.

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Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft, invited 400 colleagues and friends on a four-day trip to Russia, and what better way to prepare his guests for the opulence and richness of the excursion than with engraved, imported FabergĂŠ eggs, a cherrywood box overflowing with satin and brocade, and a custom-designed imperial crest? One guest was so excited to receive his invitation he brought it on "The Late Show with David Letterman" just to show it off.

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Photograph by John Ellis

The thrill of interactive discovery is at the heart of all of our work. What many forget is that invitations should actually be "inviting" and engage guests from the very start. Inside the hand-delivered polka dot and silk-covered boxes was a single hand-painted ostrich egg and a limerick encouraging recipients to crack their egg to find the baby shower details. It was witty and hip with a dash of whimsy, and the invitation directly inspired the feel of the actual event, designed by Shay Watson of Aesthetica Events.

Photograph by John Ellis

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Photograph by John Ellis

Photograph by Dave Schwep

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Photograph by John Ellis

"Invitations need to be inviting, not just convey information." â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Marc Friedland We are definitely not afraid to use color, nor are we afraid of three-dimensional objects. Invitations shouldn't be categorized as simply ink on paper, but as little works of artâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; mixed media masterpieces that engage the recipient, whet his or her appetite, and serve as heartfelt keepsakes long after the dessert is served. Whether jukebox-style 45 rpm vinyl records in pop art jackets or pop-up retro television sets, the goal is always to make an impactful first impression and leave a lasting memory of the experience of the event. Photograph by Gia Canali

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The first thing an invitation should do is establish anticipation of the event. This is the beginning of the relationship between the giver and the receiver and it should convey how delighted the hosts are to include the guest in sharing the momentous experience. Making keepsakes and items that people will treasure for years to come is an extension of that relationship and a true celebration of love and life. Connecting, communicating, and celebrating is what we've been doing best for nearly 25 years.

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Eat, Drink &

& Be Merry

W W i n d o w s C at e r i n g C o m pa n y A ndrew G erstel

Known as one of Washington, D.C.'s acclaimed fine dining restaurants during the mid-1980s, Windows was a dream

realized by chef Henry Dinardo; Henry's creative talent and outstanding gourmet cuisine quickly became recognized on a national level. As a result of his passion and dedication, he was duly honored by Food & Wine magazine as one of America's top 25 chefs. Established in 1987, Windows Catering Company naturally emerged from the restaurant's astronomical success in serving New American cuisine; Henry and Carol Dinardo co-founded the family catering and event management company under the well-regarded restaurant's moniker. Since its opening, Windows Catering Company has evolved into metropolitan D.C.'s premier off-premise catering and full-service events management firm.

Windows began with an A-list clientele, catering dinners hosted in the distinguished National Gallery of Art and showcasing its exceptional food and unparalleled service at elite social and corporate events throughout the city. Today, the award-winning culinary team proudly boasts seasoned professionals of international fame: Chef-proprietor Henry Dinardo, executive chef Pasquale Ingenito, and executive pastry chef Laurent Lhuillier. This dynamic trio, and its culinary team, orchestrates delectable classic American dishes, stylish ethnic and fusion concoctions, molecular gastronomy creations, and customized menus designed to meet guests' high expectations and unique dietary needs. Forward-thinking with new culinary trends and seasonal creations, Windows' chefs and event designers collaborate closely with each host to express a specific vision. Windows is genuinely focused on supporting local purveyors with sustainable farming practices and organic methods of food production. The firm's event planning team, led by Andrew Gerstel, designs and executes impeccable receptions, galas, and themed private parties. Creating stunning visual and culinary feasts, Windows produces memorable experiences for local, national, and international guests in venues like the Smithsonian, Library of Congress, U.S. State Department, and historic homes and landmarks.

An artist's palette presents appetizers in an exciting way. Chef Pasquale Ingenito prepared the seafood-asparagus tart using a variety of all the right ingredients. Served for smaller private receptions or as passed hors d'oeuvres at a large gala, our vibrant composition is eye candy at its finest.

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Photograph by Steve Legato

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Photograph by Rodney Bailey

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"Cuisine is an art form, with each patron's taste a key ingredient." â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Henry Dinardo Right: The Luce Center at the National Portrait Gallery was an ideal location to celebrate the accomplishments of a retiring CEO. A 140-foot-long table fit for a king was decorated in a rich color scheme of deep red and black linens with exquisite centerpieces of lush, red roses. Elegant five-foot-tall ruby silk-shaded table lamps gave a sense of scale to the threestory open air space. As the natural light faded from the skylights, dramatic uplighting filled the space with a spectacular glow. Facing page top: Windows' talented culinary planners designed an unforgettable gourmet reception for 1,200 guests in the Kogod Courtyard of the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery and American Art Museum. The enthralling event featured 10 themed buffet tables placed throughout the awe-inspiring space including A Taste of the Chesapeake, D.C. Treasures, and Virginia Comfort Food. Facing page bottom: Presentation is everything. At a private reception to honor a foreign diplomat, chef Henry Dinardo used healthful products from local purveyors to prepare an artistic menu featuring Mount Vernon Farm's spring lamb chops in a microgreen crust with organic squash blossom, spring ramps, and heirloom baby radishes.

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Photograph by Tony Brown

Photograph by Steve Legato

For a Fourth of July celebration, chef Pasquale Ingenito wowed guests with his artful molecular gastronomy. Hors d'oeuvres are made of fresh ahi tuna rolled in sesame seeds with strawberry clouds on top. French raspberry tarts by chef Lhuillier feature fresh, organic raspberries. Each tart is decorated with a sugar tube filled with raspberries. Our chocolateraspberry tart is made of white chocolate mousse under dark chocolate coating with milk chocolate ganache accented by a spun sugar ribbon. Petite sweets star at a birthday party: White, dark, and milk chocolate mousse is layered in demitasse cups and then garnished with fresh berries, edible blossoms, and white chocolate.

Photograph by Steve Legato

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"From hors d'oeuvres to the main course to divine desserts, food should elicit an emotional response and strike the perfect balance of tastes, textures, and temptation." â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Andrew Gerstel

Photograph by Steve Legato

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Left: Chef Laurent Lhuillier created almond macarons filled with dark chocolate ganache and a white chocolate infusion for a group of U.S. senators and congressmen. Serving a meal with a fork or knife is not allowed, so decadent bite-sized desserts can easily follow the "toothpick rule" and are a perfect treat to finish a cocktail party. Facing page: Chef Pasquale Ingenito's colorful creativity gets noticed. Maine lobster medallions atop red and yellow watermelon and fresh Chesapeake Bay crab are brightly accented with organic microgreens as a summer luncheon's first course. Diver scallops on ahi tuna carpaccio decorated with microgreens and pea shoots form a sculptural display as part of a seated dinner menu. Organic chicken with buttery fava bean purĂŠe is adorned with summer greens and served in a deep bowl for drama. Organic vegetable consommĂŠ with baby gold beets, baby turnips, purple cauliflower, Easter egg radishes, and baby nasturtiums add rainbow hues to a springtime luncheon.

Photograph by Steve Legato

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Photograph by Steve Legato

"People eat with their eyes, often desiring a visual feast as well as a gastronomic experience to satisfy the senses. Creating miniature works of edible art is a wondrous thing." â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Pasquale Ingenito

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Photograph by Steve Legato

Above: Green with envy? Created by chef Laurent Lhuillier, pistachio-almond macarons make delicately delicious wedding favors. An apple jelly dessert featured a poached Granny Smith apple and a rich, flourless almond cookie for a sweet surprise at a sophisticated baby shower in Bethesda, Maryland.

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Facing page: Elegant presentations set the mood for any event. Prepared by chef Pasquale Ingenito, a spotted quail egg decorated with the world's finest Osetra caviar was an amusebouche for an elegant wedding. Ahi tuna and roasted nori seaweed lollipops bloomed on a bed of wheat grass. These whimsical, eco-friendly hors d'oeuvres were original creations designed by chef Pasquale Ingenito for a private reception.

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Photograph by Rodney Bailey

"Whether a social celebration or corporate reception, attention to every detail gives guests a joyful experience. A unique menu with artistic presentations and extraordinary design elements will leave a lasting impression." â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Andrew Gerstel Right: Imagine the taste of traditional strawberry shortcake as the sumptuous wedding cake. Looking absolutely divine with icing beadwork, fluttering fondant butterflies, and regal stars of sugar, chef Laurent Lhuillier's creation combines ladyfingers with vanilla pastry cream and fresh strawberries. Facing page: Corporate anniversaries and personal milestones should be honored and celebrated in grand style. For a European telephone company, we designed a seated dinner for 1,200 guests featuring seven different buffet stations with a diverse array of savory and sweet treats. One of the biggest challenges was to create an authentic menu with enough diversity to accommodate sophisticated, international guests. Dancing until midnight capped off the chic soirĂŠe in the Great Hall of the National Building Museum.

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Photograph by Anastasia Chernyavsky

Trust your caterer to provide you with sound culinary and event planning advice. Seated meals work well for formal events such as weddings, galas, or special presentations. Standing receptions are best for events with limited space, a short time span, or a focus on networking. Partial seating works when your guest list includes a mixed age group, or if the event extends for a long period. Hire a caterer who will ensure that your vision is reflected in every detail.

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D Design Cuisine Kathy Valentine

Colleagues from the luxury hotel food and beverage world, co-founders William Homan, Horst Klein, and Steve Veletsis

have something in common: a passion for fine cuisine and a fresh approach to design and presentation. The core cadre joined forces in 1983 to form a prominent full-service catering company serving the thriving corporate and buzzing social scene throughout Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Maryland. Able to create an intimate, romantic dinner for two or gourmet fare for business meetings, elegant buffets, and large-scale events hosting up to 5,000 guests, the award-winning team is ready to bring an event to life through its gastronomic delights.

Taste buds are awakened when the delicious menu is envisioned by Design Cuisine's creative team. The staff of 250 professionals includes more than 50 top chefs, special events teams, seamstresses, and talented people who develop party themes and then design tabletop linens, room dĂŠcor, and furniture, orchestrating everything to create a celebratory atmosphere. Events focus around luscious cocktails, tempting hors d'oeuvres, extraordinary entrĂŠes, and fabulous desserts expressing traditional fare or exotic contemporary flavors to savor, all presented with artistic style. When Design Cuisine's perfectionists touch an event with their innovative creativity and excellent quality, it is sure to be a success. The main ingredients in every Design Cuisine catered event? Expertise, experience, energy, a healthy obsession for details, and an environmentally friendly approach.

The candlelit, white-on-white dĂŠcor concept takes on a tinted glow through rotating lighting effects at the annual dinner gala benefiting the Harman Center for the Arts held in the National Building Museum. Ribbons were suspended from the ceiling to create a feeling of movement. Custom-fabricated, hemstitched table linens with organza overlays, and cushioned Chiavari chairs complete the formal look of luxury. Designed by event planner David Stark.

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"Make the occasion your own through unique menu planning and exciting décor ideas." —Kathy Valentine

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Photograph by ImageLink Photo

Above left: Patrick O'Connell's 30th anniversary gala dinner in the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium was transformed into a breath of spring with its vivid yellow and green color scheme, cherry blossom topiary, and fruitful centerpieces. The renowned chef from the Inn at Little Washington was honoree; we were privileged to create the multiple-course menu to Patrick's specifications.

Facing page: A celebration's theme should extend from sumptuous fare to room décor for a unified experience. Our elegant party was designed by event planner Sandi R. Hoffman, executed in white and silvery tones featuring Bengaline linen chair covers with black piping, pure white china, and exquisite crystal. Guests lift off the delicate, candied-sugar dome to reveal a decadently rich, dark chocolate bar layered with crispy praline cookie crumbs, presented with fudge sauce, raspberry accents, and praline crème anglaise.

Above right: We collaborated with designer Sandi R. Hoffman to create the opening celebration for the Kogod Courtyard under its elegant glass canopy at the Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture. We grouped tables of 10 dressed in royal-blue Bengaline linen with white star appliqués and added lighting effects to echo the American flag's field of stars.

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"Impress guests with an affair that is ultra-customized, from the menu details to the big-picture atmosphere." â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Kathy Valentine Right: Poached whole Maine lobster tail on a bed of mache with lemon vinaigrette alongside fanned avocado slices drizzled with Dijon-champagne sauce is pure artistry when topped with Sevruga caviar garnish. Our couture cuisine gives a sophisticated "wow" factor to any event. We proudly catered the 2009 Presidential Inaugural Luncheon with cuisine inspired by Abraham Lincolnâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s favorites and received rave reviews. Facing page: We designed an exclusive social event at The Halcyon House with a carved ice bar and enchanting synthetic snowfall. The room featured decorative birch tree branches combined with hand-wrought metal furniture and fluffy fur rugs for a wintry wonderland ambience. We believe an event's success is all in the fine details. Beef tenderloin medallions with burgundy amaranth is an entrĂŠe worth remembering, and parmesan mousse appetizers crowned with micro-basil tantalize guests. Our illuminated bar of frosted Plexiglas with bamboo silhouettes set the stage for a late-night cocktail party, and custom metal bar stools added a hip edge to the club atmosphere.

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Make sure the event has a unique look that reflects your taste with exciting food that pleases your palate; guests will notice your choices. Avoid monotonous cookie-cutter menus. Keep in mind that a wide range of kitchen equipment must be set up for on-site, freshly prepared dishes. Know that your caterer has a bevy of resources, fleet of trucks, and professional staff to handle the unexpected and accommodate anything. Your signature event must be flawless.

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Capturing

g the Moment

F r e e d P h o to g r a p h y , I n c . N eal freed

Carla Freed

Bryan Blanken

Photography may be the art of painting with light, but to Freed professionals the real art is honoring guests by capturing

wonderful moments in their lives. Artistry and expertise have distinguished Freed Photography since its establishment in 1996. Founded by principals Neal and Carla Freed, later joined in partnership with Bryan Blanken, the award-winning photography studio has grown to become a preferred cadre of visual artists, ready to capture indelible images of Washington's bustling social and corporate event scene at its best. This creative group has received top accolades as one of D.C.'s premier photography studios.

The full-service studio is known for its exquisite portraits, group photos, and creative images of celebratory galas, event venues, and private parties. Beyond shooting beautiful photographs the day of an event, Neal's and Carla's overall professionalism gives hosts the utmost peace of mind throughout the process for a virtually stress-free occasion. Freed Photography specialists will further enhance any image for a uniquely fresh interpretation. Retouching, skillful cropping, and technical manipulation are often employed to create special effects, making images true signature statements.

Those in the know appreciate the studio's uncommon creativity, contemporary style, and compositional approach to still photography. Every angle is thoughtfully considered to envelop the beauty of the environment, the people, the excitement, and emotions. Accomplished practitioners, Freed photographers possess social finesse, design talent, technical expertise, and years of experience shooting high-profile events, dinners, and family gatherings throughout Maryland, D.C., and Virginia. Personalized attention is paramount; hosts not only receive memorable photos, but impeccable service and a rewarding experience as well. An elegant affair at the legendary Willard InterContinental Washington featured custom linens, fine china, and lead crystal table settings within a ballroom possessing classical architectural character. We captured all of the luxurious details, from the rich textures and silk organza fabrics to the venue's romantic chandelier lighting. Utilizing a unique photographic perspective makes people feel as though they are actually seated at the formal dinner experiencing the event; you can see the celebratory evening unfold through our series of images.

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"Each event is a true collaboration between party host and artist, both working toward the goal of beautiful images." â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Bryan Blanken

Art of Celebration

Above: Our mission is to mirror the entire event so people can relive each moment. We wanted to capture The Four Seasons ballroom's ambience, with its dark burgundy velvet draping and candlelit tablescapes. This required proper exposure, so we balanced the large video screen projections with pinspots while revealing gorgeous floral arrangements in colorful detail, bringing the room to life in lasting images. Facing page: An Italian-inspired engagement party for nearly 400 people took place under sophisticated outdoor tents on the rambling, historic estate at Keswick Hall of Monticello in Virginia. Extraordinarily long feasting tables with deep, red-hued schemes were accented by sculptural Roman figures. Dramatic floral designs donned deer antlers and pheasant feathers to honor the host, an avid hunter. The graceful fabric ceilings were strung with rows of miniature white lights for a twinkling effect. We worked to convey the illuminated beauty of the lavishly tented rooms and well-appointed tables in great detail. Our goal is to depict the party's mood and dĂŠcor for posterity; images become lasting memories and can be passed along as family heirlooms. We plan photographs to not merely record an event; we tell a story and capture the emotions.

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"Not everything needs to be in focus; a fresh perspective or special effect makes an image more interesting." â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Bryan Blanken As trained visual artists, we are adept at balanced composition, but our images must portray the celebratory mood with passion. We strive for images that express magical qualities and show an event's true colors or black-and-white nuances, from custom dĂŠcor and floral centerpieces to lighting design, exciting tablescapes, and rich details. Our philosophy is to interpret reality through artistic images that are relevant, yet unexpected, to delight all. Whether we shoot a Tuscan garden party in vivid daylight, a bird's-eye view reception with a blur of movement, a formal dinner amid romantic candlelight, or guests in rare candid moments, our goal is to reveal the fullness of an event.

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Look for artistic photographers who can achieve a perfect balance of images that tell the story and bring back the feeling of the event through striking contemporary portraiture, dynamic dĂŠcor, detailed images, as well as emotional photojournalism. Be sure to hire creative professionals who will be unobtrusive during the course of your event; people skills, subtlety, and finesse go a long way. Your party deserves the best of everything, especially beautiful images that are unique to the occasion, engaging, thoughtful, and fresh.

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C C l ay & C o . Clay B lackmore

One of the most passionate professional photographers in the country, Clay Blackmore, founder of Clay & Co., works

to reveal the essence of life. Whether he's shooting an inaugural ball, a meaningful family portrait, precious wedding moments, or colorful room dĂŠcor, the talented cameraman brings his spontaneity of photojournalism to every image. It's no wonder this dynamic artist has struck a perfect chord with D.C.'s vibrant social and corporate scene.

Clay's aesthetic sense is highly developed and he attributes his trained eye and credentialed success to a 25-year working relationship with the legendary Monte Zucker. He has earned prestigious membership in the Canon Explorers of Light program that puts him in a remarkable league of fewer than 100 leading American photographers. As one of Canon's top Explorers, he is an influential ambassador in the international photographic community. Clay travels abroad to Japan, Russia, and Italy teaching young photographers how to capture "faces and feelings" using classical portrait techniques. Luminaries such as Larry King, actors Forest Whitaker and Jenna Elfman, tennis star Maria Sharapova, and PGA great Tiger Woods are among his most well-known subjects. As Washington, D.C.'s expert image-maker for those who want masterful photographs that are simple, direct, and emotional, Clay makes the experience a joy through his artistry and attentive personal touch. He loves to give back to the D.C. community in a meaningful way by teaching photography to at-risk children and teens throughout the inner city.

Romantic rose-colored lighting washes the room for a celebration at The Willard, Washington's most historic hotel. Formally dressed, candlelit tables meld into the backdrop as one composition, evoking an ethereal breath of spring.

Art of Celebration

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Photograph by Clay Blackmore

Photography

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Photograph by Clay Blackmore

Art of Celebration

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Photograph by Clay Blackmore

"The best images have a balanced composition, a sense of depth, and a play of light and shadow that stirs the emotions." â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Clay Blackmore Right: Bright white drapery defines the entry hall, anchored by one illuminated place card table as the sculptural centerpiece. I chose symmetry of design as my creative approach for a clean look. Facing page top left: Like a movie set awaiting the arrival of actors, I work to capture the scene with its stylized beauty and low-light subtleties. A profusion of spring blossoms is ready to frame the happy couple. Facing page top right: Time frames are notoriously tight on the night of a formal gala, and capturing the ambience right before guests arrive is important. I work to achieve a strong composition that harmonizes the overall room dĂŠcor from foreground to background, sans guests. Facing page bottom left: Technical quality is critical, but I always work to render a sensitive interpretation. Using a wide-angle lens to view the entire room, the interesting range of tones, from subtle highlights to dramatic shadows, gives visual texture to the image.

Facing page bottom right: Intense and monochromatic color schemes must be lit properly to show contrast and nuances. Details like the floral centerpiece, candlelight, and gourmet sweets deserve artful documentation so memories linger long after an event.

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Photograph by Clay Blackmore

Be sure to review the photographer's portfolio ahead of time. Pre-event meetings matter and you should always sit down with your photographer to plan a map of images that you want captured at your party. You can lead the way by sharing your preferences, ideas, and dreams, but leave creative interpretation to the pro. Trust the photographer's technical and artistic skills.

Photography

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Am eric a ' s inau gu r a l G a l a s

Above and right: Ten official balls planned by the Presidential Inaugural Committee were held on the night of January 20, 2009. Invited guests of the Commander-in-Chief's Ball included wounded warriors, Purple Heart recipients, families of fallen heroes, and spouses of deployed military. The private event held at the National Building Museum featured speakers and entertainers and was broadcast to American troops around the world on the Pentagon Channel. President Barack Obama and the first lady enjoyed the evening's elegant ambience on the presentation stage cast in rich patriotic colors featuring gobo star lighting. Photographs by Pepe Gomez, courtesy of the National Building Museum Facing page: Hosted at Union Station, the Bipartisan Dinner honored Vice President Joe Biden. Rafanelli Events designed the event to be sleek and minimal as a reflection of the times, as well as modern and forward-thinking to mark a new beginning for our country. Top photograph courtesy of Design Cuisine Caterers Bottom photographs courtesy of Rafanelli Events

Above: The goal of Google's event held at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium was to have a fresh look using white as the primary color to convey a clean slate. Everything was pure white, from the furnishings to uplighting, lighted igloos to food stations, and even the light fixtures. Words of inspiration were projected on the ceiling using intelligent lighting that changed throughout the evening. Photograph by Freed Photography, courtesy of Digital Lightning Top and bottom left: The Google Inaugural Gala was an all-white affair in keeping with the campaign theme of "hope" to honor the incoming president. Cabanas of white sheers, glowing furniture, and unique centerpieces filled the room. Photographs by Freed Photography, courtesy of Syzygy Event Productions Facing page top left and right: The Smithsonian Institution set the scene for a glitzy gala to remember, held in the Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture. Photographs by Freed Photography Facing page bottom left: The Out for Equality Inaugural Party was held at D.C.'s legendary landmark Renaissance Mayfair Hotel complete with private cocktail lounges and a mega standing reception. The unofficial ball and star-studded concert featured rocker Melissa Etheridge and GLBT ally and pop icon Cyndi Lauper, who performed for nearly 2,000 people. Photograph by Freed Photography

Above and left: The inspiring tabletop setting was designed for an exclusive 2009 Presidential Inaugural luncheon held on the 11th floor of 800 Connecticut Avenue along the parade route featuring extraordinary scenery. A bird's-eye view of the National Mall and Capitol Hill provided a most impressive backdrop. Photographs courtesy of Alchemy by Carla Hall Facing page top: As the inaugural festivities spread throughout Washington, D.C., a standup reception held at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center accommodated many guests. Museum artifacts were washed with vibrant patriotic colors and star gobo patterns lit up the floor. Photograph courtesy of Windows Catering Company Facing page bottom: Bathed in violet light, The Fairmont Hotel was dressed in purple velvet and crystal dĂŠcor for The Inaugural Purple Ball. The celebrity-attended charity gala featured live performances by Il Divo and Peter Cincotti with proceeds benefiting the Eracism Foundation. Photographs courtesy of Capital DĂŠcor and Events

Washington, D.C. Team Graphic Designer: Kendall Muellner Editor: Anita M. Kasmar MANAGING Production Coordinator: Kristy Randall

headquarters Team Publisher: Brian G. Carabet Publisher: John A. Shand Executive Publisher: Phil Reavis Publication & Circulation Manager: Lauren B. Castelli SENIOR Graphic Designer: Emily A. Kattan Graphic Designer: Lilian Oliveira Graphic Designer: Paul Strength Managing Editor: Rosalie Z. Wilson Editor: Jennifer Nelson Editor: Sarah Tangney Editor: Lindsey Wilson Project Coordinator: Laura Greenwood Production Coordinator: Drea Williams Administrative COORDINATOR: Amanda Mathers Client Support Coordinator: Kelly Traina ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT : Tommie Runner PANACHE PARTNERS, LLC CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS 1424 Gables Court Plano, TX 75075 469.246.6060 www.panache.com www.panachecelebrations.com

index Freed Photography, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192 Bryan Blanken 4931 Cordell Avenue Bethesda, MD 20814 301.652.5452 www.freedphoto.com

Rafanelli Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Bryan Rafanelli 1825 K Street Northwest, Suite 1000 Washington, D.C. 20006 202.407.1376 www.rafanellievents.com

GEP Washington . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Marty MacKay 1111 19th Street Northwest, Suite 680 Washington, D.C. 20036 202.777.7800 www.gepwashington.com

Sandi R. Hoffman Special Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Sandi R. Hoffman 5100 Palisade Lane Northwest Washington, D.C. 20016 202.966.9622 www.sandihoffman.com

Clay & Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198 Clay Blackmore 3 Bullard Circle Rockville, MD 20850 301.670.3232 www.clayblackmore.com

Helen Olivia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148 Marianne Raub Craig Noah 128 North Pitt Street Alexandria, VA 22314 703.548.2848 www.helenolivia.com

Sequoia Presidential Yacht Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Gary Silversmith 2600 Virginia Avenue Northwest Washington, D.C. 20037 202.337.7300 www.sequoiayacht.com

Creative Parties, Ltd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Tracy Bloom Schwartz, CSEP Rita Bloom, CSEP 8011 Woodmont Avenue Bethesda, MD 20814 301.654.9292 www.CreativeParties.com

Len DePas Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202 Len DePas 1006 22nd Street Northwest Washington, D.C. 20037 202.362.8111 www.lendepasphoto.com

Alchemy by Carla Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186 Carla Hall Washington, D.C. 240.242.9040 www.alchemybycarlahall.com Capital Décor and Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 Kelly B. Jenkins Jeffrey Fox Patrick Doyle 6700 Virginia Manor Road Beltsville, MD 20705 240.264.1150 www.capitaldecorandevents.com

Design Cuisine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174 Kathy Valentine 2659 South Shirlington Road Arlington, VA 22206 703.979.9400 www.designcuisine.com Digital Lightning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136 Vincent DiGiorgio Alysha DiGiorgio PO Box 223 Kensington, MD 20895 301.987.0511 www.digitallightning.com Dufour & Company Productions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Philip Dufour 1901 North Fort Myer Drive, Suite 502 Arlington, VA 22209 202.298.8650 www.dufourandco.com Edge Floral Event Designers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128 Steven Ornstein 301.340.0031 www.edgeflowers.com Events by André Wells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 André Wells 5704 16th Street Northwest Washington, D.C. 20011 202.518.6908 www.eventsbyandrewells.com Finishing Touches Events, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Martha K. Bindeman, CSEP 7101 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 100 Bethesda, MD 20814 301.718.6465 www.finishingtouchesevents.com

Marc Friedland/Creative Intelligence, Inc. . . . . . . . 120 Marc Friedland 4988 Venice Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90019 323.936.9009 www.marcfriedlandla.com Mount Vernon: George Washington's Estate & Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 PO Box 110 Mount Vernon, VA 22121 703.780.2000 www.MountVernon.org National Building Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 Chris Frame 401 F Street Northwest Washington, D.C. 20001 202.272.2448 www.nbm.org Occasions Caterers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180 Eric Michael Mark Michael 655 Taylor Street Northeast Washington, D.C. 20017 202.546.7400 www.occasionscaterers.com Perfect Settings™. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152 Peter Grazzini 1851 South Club Drive, Suite A Landover, MD 20785 202.722.2900 www.perfectsettings.com

Smithsonian Institution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery 1050 Independence Avenue, Southwest Washington, D.C. 20013 202.633.0417 www.asia.si.edu The St. Regis Washington, D.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 923 16th and K Streets Northwest Washington, D.C. 20006 202.638.2626 www.stregis.com/washington Sunset Crest Manor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Joe Cusato 42169 Mayhew Lane Chantilly, VA 20152 703.967.9148 www.sunsetcrestmanor.com Syzygy Event Productions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142 Julie Shanklin Vincent DiGiorgio 7895 Cessna Avenue, Suites K-L Gaithersburg, MD 20879 301.987.0095 www.syzygyevents.com Volanni . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156 Michael Lanni Lisa Abdou 218 9th Street Southeast Rear Alley Washington, D.C. 20003 202.547.1603 www.volanni.com volanniblog.wordpress.com Windows Catering Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162 Andrew Gerstel 5724 General Washington Drive Alexandria, VA 22312 703.519.3500 www.catering.com

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With more than 25 years of experience in the industry, Brian Carabet and John Shand are drawn to creating spectacular publications for discerning readers. The founders of Panache Partners have produced upward of 100 books and continue to redefine what it means to create sophisticated publications.

Art of Celebration Washington, D.C. is part of a popular series that spans Southern California, Chicago, Georgia, the Southwest, Florida, and New York, and will be expanded to other dynamic regions in North America and Europe. Panache Partners’ body of work also includes a number of Spectacular Homes and Dream Homes titles, which showcase various regions’ finest interior designers, architects, and builders. City by Design, Spectacular Wineries, Perspectives on Design, and Spectacular Golf further complement the publisher’s impressive array of titles in the luxury lifestyle genre. Panache Partners’ critically acclaimed collections have far-reaching audiences as a result of domestic and international distribution and circulation. FRONT COVER LEFT: Digital Lightning Photograph by Jeffrey Monner FRONT COVER TOP RIGHT: Design Cuisine Photograph by ImageLink Photo FRONT COVER BOTTOM LEFT: Alchemy by Carla Hall Photograph by Joshua Roberts FRONT COVER BOTTOM RIGHT: Edge Floral Event Designers Photograph by Clay Blackmore BACK COVER LEFT: Creative Parties Photograph by Ivy Howells, Ralph Alswang Photography BACK COVER MIDDLE: Windows Catering Company Photograph by Steve Legato BACK COVER RIGHT: Dufour & Company Productions Photograph by Connie Reider Photography FRONT FLAP: Perfect Settings Photograph by Chris Marsh/Synergy 2010 BACK FLAP: GEP Washington Photograph by Freed Photography

“Washington is and has always been one of the meccas for entertaining, from state dinners and inaugural balls to fundraising galas and corporate events. Art of Celebration Washington, D.C. captures the region’s creative event professionals and venues at their best. You will crave for more on each and every page!” André Wells “I think Washington, D.C. is one of the best-kept secrets of the special events industry. The events in our area are not only creative and innovative, but also have a rare level of refinement and attention to detail. This collection really captures the essence of D.C.’s high-end party scene.” Kelly Jenkins “There is the C-SPAN side of Washington. And then there is the side shown by Art of Celebration Washington, D.C., a modern, dynamic, thoroughly vibrant city that is host to some of the most glamorous and exclusive events anywhere. This book brings you right inside that world.” Bryan Rafanelli “Art of Celebration Washington, D.C. highlights the best in the event industry in a city like no other. From historic venues to the world’s finest museums, international embassies to the country’s front yard, the National Mall, the city is a backdrop to unique events with the most interesting and diverse guest lists. This book will connect you with the industry’s who’s who.” Philip Dufour

Art of Celebration Washington, D.C. ISBN - 13: 978-1-933415-79-6 ISBN - 10: 1-933415-79-7

Creating Spectacular Publications for Discerning Readers www.panache.com