The design world descended upon Sotheby's last night for Lenox Hill's annual gala, honoring Albert Hadley, the Dean of American Decorators. The stunning tables were designed by 30 of New York's (and Arkansas's) most creative interior designers, who worked with flowers in gorgeous colors and varieties, taking advantage of the early warm spring weather. The theme, "Shall We Dance" materialized in unique ways. Guest gifts ranged from a Capri themed book, to a candle and a paperweight. I caught up with the newly appointed Editor in Chief of House Beautiful, who was just starting to process it all while well wishers shared in the excitement. Seeing Harry Heissmann, P. Allen Smith, Lindsey Harper, Ashley Whittaker, David Easton and Robert Rufino added to the fun--everyone acknowledged that things are looking up and they are becoming busy again. Overall, the tables were really strong, nary a bad one in the bunch.

"Hats off To Mr. Hadley" by Christopher Spitzmiller with a lustre Gourd centerpiece he designed and chargers with vases by Roy Hamilton.

Shots of legendary rooms were arranged in a collage under glass.

Pewter and signature red for Mr. Hadley with a nod to his office's Don't Forget memo's, used as place cards. Nice touch.


Patrik Lönn Design & L'Olivier created Capri, one of my favorite arrangements. A tree rose from the table with air plants nestled on the branches.

Guests took home a copy of Pamela Fiori's Capri book.

Todd Romano used simplicity as his guide. His tablecloth is made of a Bob Collins fabric that he carries in his showroom.

A mass of carnations. A single variety packs a punch.




Michael Zabriskie and Dawit Tibebe for Scott Salvator, Inc. with knockout orchids arranged by Plaza Flowers. Connie, you are so talented!

Hot pink and silver? Chic.

Table by day...

Table by night...Lindsey Coral Harper Interior Designs Let The Wild Rumpus Start! themed table complete with animal masks.

A tablecloth of Kathryn M. Ireland's new fabric and custom Julia B. embroidered napkins.


Guests got festive with animal masks, and got to take home a Lamshop candle in a Spring scent from Lindsay and Maggie Currey's line. It complements their custom table collection.

Scott Snyder created From Here to Shanghai. Guests took home colored wraps. Nifty gifty.

Each place setting had a bright charger and napkin tying the color scheme together with the elaborate Chinoiserie plate pattern.

Eye- catching reds, turquoise and hot pink look great together.


Gail Shields-Miller Shields & Company Interiors and their Baile Latino. Ooh la la, samba!

Orchids and fan-festooned centerpiece from Spanish Plates arranged by Sergey Stepanenko.

Multi- colored narrow stripes and an adorable ruffle make for a memorable perch.

Dancing Cheek to Cheek by Frances Palmer Pottery including fabrics from Rogers and Goffigon and flowers by GRDN.

Guests took home a bud vase filled with flowers.

Details details-- an embroidered edge makes a linen napkin even more beautiful.

Kleinreid and Johanna Burke used paper in fascinating artistic ways in Dance of The Hesperides.


Roric Tobin for Geoffrey Bradfield, Inc. had a happy 60's vibe.

Annalu Ponti's Under The Moon in shades of orange.

Peony blooms floating in bowls had a nice Bali touch.

Dennis Rolland, a Mark Hampton alum, worked with Christopher Norman's malachite print and a beautiful lantern and obelisks custom painted by the talented Two World Arts.

The bouquet at the top of the lantern is a sweet and unexpected accent.

Dinner at The Colony by Phillip Gorrivan with divine flowers by CMD Lewis Miller Design.

These flowers are perfection!

The Calvin Klein designed table for sponsor Elle Decor was where Mr. Hadley sat.

Etos Home Furnishings, the West Village shop run by interior designers, created Unapologetically Extravagant channeling Marie Antionette's Versailles fetes with a custom wooden obelisk.

Fleurs Bella added bright flowers in small arrangements.

Macarons were a sweet amuse bouche for guests to nibble on.

Edward Lobrano Interior Design's Begin The Beguine with a Birmingham and Co. Ikat.

Small yellow orchids work well with turquoise.

A votive hangs from a flowering branch.

Tobi Fairley Interior Design and fellow blogger created Pagoda Promenade. You know I love a good pagoda.

It was so nice to meet Tobi who came to the big apple for the festivities.

Tobi custom painted chair covers in a pagoda for extra impact.

Todd Gribben created Bubbles, with a Cowtan and Tout skirt.

Lovely lilac with black and white details. What fun custom plates!