Back in April, we shared plans and sketches here in our blog for Designer Catherine Cleare’s vision of Clarke’s tabletop design for the American Red Cross Ball in White Plains, NY. Thanks to Aly Gombos of Clarke’s SoNo Showroom and Test Kitchen for these photos and report of how it all turned out…
This year, Clarke was honored to have been involved with the American Red Crosss annual Red & White Ball. When we partnered with Catherine of Catherine Cleare Interiors, we were excited to see how she would make use of products from our Savoir Fare online (and in showroom) boutique to decorate her tablescape. Catherine innovatively combined Le Jacquard Francais linens, glassware by Riedel, Staub cocottes, and CIA cutlery with Wolf cooking and Best ventilation appliances into what we certainly thought was the most stunning display of the evening (but maybe were biased).
Ms. Cleare started with two round tablecloths from the Primrose Border line by Le Jacquard Francais, one in black and one in red. She built up each place setting using a CIA cooling rack and a cast-iron grate from a Wolf gas cooktop, upon which she placed a red, heart-shaped cocotte by Staub. This was flanked on either side by a large carving fork and boning knife, both by CIA, as well as an LJF napkin from their Double Jeu line (of course in passion red). And because no gala is complete without a toast, Catherine crested each place setting with Riedel glassware, choosing Vinum XL Sauvignon and stemless O Cabarnet glassware.
However, the belle of the ball was surely Ms. Cleares centerpiece, a red Lipstick hood from Bests Sorpresa line turned upside down and crowned with various kitchen tools by CIA. Of her decision to incorporate the hood into her design, Catherine blogs that, One of the various design aspects that appealed to me was how beautifully engineered and sculpted industrial design can be, especially when seen in everyday household products.
Decorating the hood were pizza wheels, cookie scoops, wire whisks, and mesh strainers, the latter of which held red illuminated orbs, echoing the sparkling LED accessories scattered over the table (like balloons and plastic ice cubes). With its contrast in shapes, bright lights, and even brighter color scheme, the centerpiece echoed the mood of the entire tablescape: bold, eccentric, and edgy, yet still playful and fun.
The evenings fundraising events featured a silent auction that took place via text message, to which Clarke contributed a summer grill package, containing a 30 inch outdoor grill with cart. Also on display were box sets of popular TV shows like 30 Rock, getaways to Tanzania or the Andes, and beautiful luxury jewelry from local retailers. All proceeds, of course, were to the benefit of the American Red Cross serving Greenwich, Westchester, and the Lower Hudson Valley.
Though the atmosphere was light this evening, all of the guests were conscious of the incredible importance of the organization they were supporting. A screen displaying hopeful images taken from Red Cross disaster relief efforts: people receiving medical attention, ruined buildings being cleaned up, children sleeping under red blankets emblazoned with the iconic insignia. The organizations slogan, Help today, hope for tomorrow, was never so clear to attendees, and the impact of events like this was not lost on the crowd. Proceeds from this event crested $800,000, which the Red Cross will put towards relief for natural as well as manmade disasters in the Westchester area. Everyone is thankful for the generosity of those in attendance for their heartfelt donations, and to the volunteers and employees who make use of these funds to raise awareness and help those who have survived the trauma of tragedy.
Clarke, New England’s Official Sub-Zero & Wolf Showroom and Test Kitchen, would like to take this opportunity to thank Catherine Cleare Interiors, The American Red Cross Association, Connecticut Cottages and Gardens, and all the hard-working companies and individuals who made this evening not only possible, but such a wonderful experience for all of us.