Tuesday Top 5: Worldly Celebrations that Transport Guests

A well-planned and styled event can remove you from the day-to-day and transport you to another place entirely. These five celebrations set out to do just that — literally — taking guests on an experiential journey to places like Morocco, Germany, France, Italy, and China. We’re astonished at the creativity with which these soirées were executed. Every little detail was designed to evoke a place — or the idea of travel itself, as is the case of our first event below. After all, the joy is in the journey.

1. Around the World

The Bar Mitzvah celebration for this travel-loving teen boasted the appearance of the library of a worldly scholar. The elevated vibe was created by the planners at Aliana Events, working with Revelry Event Designers, to curate a celebration filled with rich dark woods, ocean-blues, and luxe red velvet draping. Globes galore supported the theme — hanging from the ceiling, balanced high upon tabletops, and even perched in strategic spots on the floor. We love how photographer Katie Beverly captured details like vintage maps displayed under glass tabletops and how each table was assigned a continent with a place card display asking guests, “Where in the world are you sitting?” For the party, hosted at Romanov Restaurant in Los Angeles, Celio’s Design provided vivid florals and leafy green trees to round out the voyaging vision.

2. European Elegance

This chic wedding, with planning and décor from Kristin Banta Events, brought European sophistication to Beverly Hills. Designed to evoke the bohemian spirit of wanderlust, guests were taken on a journey through a verdant countryside ceremony, a market-style cocktail hour, then an elegant dinner café on the lawn, followed by a stylish after-party in the ballroom of the Hotel Bel-Air. Bespoke details created a European vision with a custom-tiled café floor paired with classic café chairs, wood tables, and vibrant blooms. We adore how the celebration paired the bountiful citrus and olives of Italy with the artisanal cheese of France for a market display of delectable fare for guests to enjoy. Braedon Photography captured every luxe element, including the live-event artist who was also preserving the event for lasting memories.

3. Lanterned Lunar New Year

Celebrating the Lunar New Year is popular in many countries including China, where families gather and practice traditions designed to invite good fortune, wealth, longevity, and happiness. David Pressman Events planned and produced this celebration of the “Year of the Monkey” to include a dreamy red lantern garden complete with a winding path lit by hundreds of flickering candles. Other traditional elements included ginger jars holding bright mandarin oranges and Chinese knot décor. Guests enjoyed cocktails and a delectable menu from Chris Brugler Catering and Kudo Private Dining served from luxe red-draped tents, gorgeously glowing as lit by Peterson Event Lighting. Brian Tropiano Photography beautifully captured the event which made perfect use of the temperate Los Angeles weather for the outdoor celebration.

4. Moroccan Magic

This corporate event might have taken place in Chicago, but the moment guests entered, they were transported to Morocco. Guests were ushered into an entry space filled with authentic layered rugs, vivid purple draping, and a riot of colorful hanging lanterns. The planners at Jennifer Anderson Events worked with the décor professionals at Kehoe Designs to realize the vision of a glamorous tented indoor celebration. Dramatic jewel-toned drapery accented by even more lanterns gave guests the feeling of being inside a genie’s bottle — rich with color and gold elements. Lime green orchids provided even more pops of color and added to the exotic feel of the event.

5. It’s Ale Right

Nothing goes together like an outdoor celebration and beer. When it comes to beer, Germany is king and we love how this Octoberfest event from BluePrint Studios brings biergarten fun to sunny San Francisco. Show Ready Photo captured the vibrant colors of the fall-hued ribbons and strings of German flags against the bright blue sky. Long wood tables provided the perfect spot for perching while enjoying the festivities. Other fall-influenced touches included orange and red florals, swags of greenery, and pumpkins as décor.

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