It's all about the bar, not the glasses.
There is something about summer in the Hamptons that has people coming out for causes each and every weekend. The Retreat (domestic violence shelter and oh so much more) is always one of the highlights. Artists across the land make plates and donate art for an auction where you can get a Wyeth for an affordable price and help those who suffer from domestic violence.
This year, Maria McBride, the Creative Director for Bride’s Magazine and best-selling author, and Russell Kolody from Project Management, designed and executed the most successful Retreat event to date. And Classic was there assisting.
The bar was sponsored by Dalmore Scotch Whiskey, Tuaca Italian Liqueur, Pax Wine Cellars, and FUZE, and Maria and Russell needed to be sure to focus the eye on the brands that paid to be there. They chose stemless glasses which seem to make the bar all about something other than glasses.
The tables were simple white cotton cloths, with the contrasting red in the lamps, votives and cushions. She alternated some white chairs with some red, changing it up. When the natural light left the room, sometime during dinner, the red lighting on the tables cast a glow that was magical.
Great balls of simple red carnations topped more white vases than you can imagine. Flowers were by Claire Bean.
And, then there was the auction. Celebrity Chair and Host, Kelsey Grammer, auctioned off a walk-on part on his show (twice) raising $25,000 for that alone. The art, showcased so beautifully, raised more than in the past, and in a year when many not-for-profits are struggling to keep similar numbers from past years.
Maria and Russell chose to showcase the artists’ plates on pedestals that double as tall airport tables at other events. The quilted sides give the tables a bit of something other than linen to bring to the party. The plates have never been shown with such a strong presentation, and it made all the difference for purchasers having the opportunity to see the plates in their best light.
Each plate was lit by Dan from Luminous Design, one of the foremost sleeper lighting companies in New York City. His clients want to keep him a secret.
Besides the Who’s Who in celebrities in the Hamptons, it was a Who’s Who in event planning as well. Marcy Blum, planner for the stars, was there Twittering away, as well as Hamptons Wedding Planner, Jill Gordon, who seemed to have one free Hamptons weekend this entire summer and spent it supporting Maria and The Retreat. Marcey Brownstein of Marcey Brownstein Catering, danced the night away.
Ray Jarrell, DJ extraordinaire, spun the tunes all night long.
