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Bringing a client’s dream to life can require all sorts of background research. For a sweet sixteen party at a private residence in Beverly Hills, Calif., Sonia Sharma of Sonia Sharma Events & Design found herself studying a takeoff of a classic. “The client told us her daughter really liked [the television show] ‘Gossip Girl,’ and that in one episode a character had a dream that she was Audrey Hepburn in ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s,’” Sharma says. To tie the event theme together, Sharma studied the “Gossip Girl” episode in addition to the original movie.
Mirrored wall paneling
Sharma brought the glitter and glamour of a Tiffany’s store into the tent through mirrored wall paneling and sconces provided by Revelry Event Designers of Los Angeles. “We tried to create a real interior,” she says. “You didn’t feel like you were in a tent with drapes.” Full stage lighting, by Images by Lighting of Los Angeles, set the ambiance for the live performances and video featured during the party. Classic Party Rentals, Los Angeles, Calif., installed the tent.
Dramatic chandeliers
“The floral chandeliers were our most dramatic piece because everything else was very low,” Sharma says. “We built out a whole area for the cake and sweets that had a turquoise chandelier that was custom ordered for it. The desserts were all thematic.” But Sharma was careful not to let the Tiffany-blue color scheme overwhelm the senses. “I think it’s important that we didn’t go all the way with turquoise,” she says. “We added elements of white and silver and a little bit of color here and there.”
Seating for all ages
Because there was no formal dining, a variety of lounge seating options were chosen. “The adults had highboys, banquettes and booths,” she says. “We kept the kids front and center where they could see the stage.” A massive 5th Avenue scene, highlighted by a Tiffany’s-style storefront facade, extended the theme outside of the tent. “We tied in 5th Avenue, the Tiffany’s store, the movie and ‘Gossip Girl,’” Sharma says. “We even surprised the birthday girl with two of the actors from ‘Gossip Girl.’ It was a combination of everything she liked.”