Philadelphia Networker Rocks The Home Court Advantage

After all of the traveling we’ve been doing, it was a treat to have a tour stop right in our own back yard. We had a great time putting together our deSIGN & INspire Networker for over 200 of our clients and colleagues from around the Philadelphia area.

We held the event at the National Museum for American Jewish History (NMAJH).

Established in 1976, and situated on Philadelphia's Independence Mall, the NMAJH is the only Museum in the nation dedicated exclusively to exploring and interpreting the American Jewish experience.  It was originally founded by the members of historic Congregation Mikveh Israel, which was established in 1740 and known as the "Synagogue of the American Revolution.” The Museum has long been a vital component in the cultural life of Philadelphia and is a Smithsonian Affiliate. You can find out more about this incredible venue here.

Guests arrived and registered on the first floor at our Glow Bars with White Shanti Back Bars, which were lined with AFR branded cups.  Once finished, they were directed down one level for a cocktail hour and a Preview of our 2014 Collections.  We showcased our full new line up including our new Regale, Phoebe, Parma, Chandler and Provence Collections mixed and matched this time with some of our existing collections.

In addition, our Zinc Pub tables were scattered throughout the area intermixed with a Collection of Jumangi Chairs and ottomans, our Vivid end tables mixed with our Regency Cubed ottomans and our Umber Bars and Back Bars.   Guests could get a drink and check out the new collections while a three-piece band created a musical backdrop for reception.  A couple of characters rotated among the collections miming out scenes in charade style which kept the guests laughing and guessing what the “conversations” were.  There were also tray passed hors d’ oeuvres with specialty food items from each of the four caterers.  Tray passed Skyy Vodka specialty cocktails created the finishing touch.  After a warm welcome and thanks to our generous sponsors, guests were invited upstairs to the Fifth Floor to see the event space, network, find inspiration within the Design Challenge Galleries and vote for their favorite Gallery.

Check out our inspiring Designers and their innovative designs!

Vito Russo from Carl Alan Designs found his inspiration for his gallery was “Gatsby Romances Pearls” bringing Old Hollywood details to life with distinctive touches of purple, embraced with the classic textures of black and white. His vision of using white Phalaenopsis Orchids for a clean, yet strikingly romantic, atmosphere along with soft, lush textures of Hydrangea.  He then created a “Luxe” Hollywood ambiance using pearls to set the right mood.  Within his gallery, he used the VIP-Glow Corner Bar, Shanti Bar Back, Whisper Banquette, Imperial Sofa and Armless Chair, our Novel Bench, Sophistication Chair, Ghost Bar Stool, White Criss Cross Bar Stool, Crystal Bar Surround, Club and Zinc Pub Tables, Hourglass Table, Zambia Cube Lighted Cube, Safari Rough, Damask, white and purple pillows.   It was a lovely and inspiring setting that really integrated an amazing amount of our furnishings.  Feastivities Catering provided Gourmet Smores, which were served on VIP Glow Bars with Black Crystal Bar Surrounds.

Kris Sumey of Event FX found her inspiration in an Intimate Celebration of the Classic.  Spirit Prohibition and Repeal were the perfect inspiration to design a space that would intimately fuse the spirit of American Saloons and Speakeasies, drawing from illustrations of turn-of-the-century social clubs and old-fashioned liquor advertisements.  The space evoked a freewheeling design with wooden bars, sumptuous leather seating, collections of whiskey inspired décor and a dash of sex appeal.  Kris fused our Umber Bar, Hayden Dining Table, Memphis Square Pub Tables, our Winston Sofa, Chair and Ottoman paired with our Udder Madness Cube Ottomans, our White Square Café and Tribeca tables, and our Regal and Espresso Criss Cross Bar Stools.  In addition, there was a poker table where guests could sit and learn to play the game.  The menu included Kobe Sliders, Gourmet Deviled Eggs and Milkshake Shots at the bar.  The setting was decadent and luxurious.

Joanne Hulme of South Jersey Party Rentals found her inspiration design in her love of vintage design fostered from her childhood years spent in a 250 year old Bucks County farmhouse.  With horses in her backyard, an old barn to play in, and six siblings, her life taught her a great love of simple pleasures.   Partnering with J. Scott Catering, a caterer with a similar sensibility they demonstrated a simple approach to the popular trend of Vintage.  Featuring assorted place settings that offered a variety of vintage styles from a more formal approach to a simple and cleaner look.  A tent structure was designed to mimic a gazebo for a ceremony or cocktail hour.  She utilized an Asbury Dining Table, Escape and Markus Bar Stools, along with our Hayden Benches and Elio Chairs.   Rich in creativity, the gallery was vintage with flair. The floral featured several different DIY styles for the finishing touch.

Eventricity Designer, Phyllis Jablonowski and DiBruno Caterers teamed up to provide a “Rustic Elegance Meets Contemporary Chic” Design Gallery.  Their interpretation demonstrated a juxtaposition of modern and rustic, which produced a dynamic energy.  The furniture they used in their gallery was chosen to create a moiré effect between the modern, vintage, and rustic pieces, demonstrating how many different styles can generate a synergy. They integrated pieces from several collections including the Chateau, Hex Table, Ashbury Table, Civic cocktail Tables, Memphis Rectangle and Square Pub Table, Essentials Turning Bed, Chateau Marteen Chair, Regal Bar Stools and Whisper Ottoman.  The floral design mixed sharp straight edges with delicate textures and graceful lines. Desserts by Stephen Starr Events were served from Vermont Dining Tables alongside Maui Wowi Espressos on VIP Glow Bars. The setting was a simply beautiful.

Out on the Terrace overlooking the Liberty Bell was a setting featuring our Evoke and Broadway Outdoor Collections and Memphis High Tops.

Have you picked your winner for the Design Challenge?  Well, our guests voted and Kris Sumey from Event FX Productions was announced as the winner.  Congratulations Kris!!!!

Melissa, Irwin of Albrecht Events won the drawing for the TSE Conference Package generously donated by our national partner, The Special Event.  Congratulations Melissa!  See you in Nashville in January!

The evening was amazing from start to finish and perfectly showcased the first-rate talent and venues (and awesome furnishings we might add) that we have in the Philadelphia area.

We couldn’t have had such a successful evening without our generous sponsors.  We have been so lucky with so many amazing sponsors this year and this evening was no different.  Please take a moment to check them out and if you’re looking for some great vendors in the Philly area, this list is where you should start:

We’ll see you in Los Angeles next week!  If you haven’t registered yet, you can RSVP here.  Join in the conversation at #afrTOUR! We hope to see you soon!

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