70th BIRTHDAY PARTY  A Gypsy Camp | |
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For his 70th birthday, this distinguished
gentleman wanted a party for 150 guests that would reflect his Hungarian ancestry. Charles immediately suggested a
"gypsy camp" theme that would include fortunetellers, ethnic dancing and a Hungarian menu, served by a completely
costumed wait staff. The challenge lay in transforming a very traditional country club setting into something more
third world. To achieve the desired atmosphere, the existing club décor was replaced with all the trappings of a
travelling gypsy encampment.
Lavishly draped tents in brightly colored swags festooned the entry hall. Fortunetellers wove their magic under
enchanting canopies of swirled fabrics and gauze, and guests were regaled with tales of their past and future throughout
the evening.
Guests were greeted for cocktails by the romantic strains of an acoustic gypsy band centered in a dark and dramatic room lit by candle light and filled with pheasants, ancient caldrons and epergnes of jewel toned and romantic flowers and vegetables, all wrapped and entwined with colorful challis fabrics. Cocktail tables were adorned with unique floral centerpieces in copper pots. 
In a dramatic whirlwind of flowing colors, ringing tambourines and joyful gypsy music, guests were led into the dinner
camp by a troupe of playful musicians and dancers. This open-air dining hall on the veranda of the club was surrounded
by the night sky, giving the guests the illusion of dining by moonlight, under the spreading branches of ancient pepper
trees. To achieve this effect without the chill of a January night affecting guests, Charles utilized a 150-foot
fiber-optic drape, lit with the colors of a night sky and pepper trees were "built" on site on the terrace.
Each table was draped in various earth tones of velvet with an overlay reminiscent of old world peasant fabrics. The
tables were illuminated with candle light from tall and short 18th Century carved candlesticks. Each table was different,
set in unique vignettes of crystal balls, bota bags, tambourines and peacock feathers amongst rich jewel toned flowers
such as antique colored hydrangea, blood red peonies, black Holland roses, fuchsia roses and root vegetables. Faux gold
coins and strings of beads were strewn on the tables.
In the center of the hall musicians played their gypsy tunes under a canopy of entwined laurel garlands and ribbons
set amongst colored fringe pillows, baskets of wares and potions. A dance floor surrounded this central stage where
brightly costumed dancers delighted the guests with traditional Hungarian merriment.
Please read the cover feature story about this event in the August, 2000 issue of Special Events Magazine. |
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