Decadent masterpiece

A clear tent becomes a speakeasy with “The Great Gatsby” in every detail.

Daisy Buchanan and Jay Gatsby may have been left off the guest list, but every other detail of a “Great Gatsby”-themed birthday party under a tent recalled the glitter and grandeur of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s masterpiece. Inspired by the client’s home and pool—and an Excalibur automobile parked in the
driveway—JoAnn Gregoli of Elegant Occasions by JoAnn Gregoli, New York City, set out to re-create the era of decadence under a clear Anchor Navi-Trac® tent, installed by Stamford Tent & Event Services Inc. of Stamford, Conn. “The use of the clear-top tent was paramount, as it gave me the height I wanted and
allowed the night sky of stars to be seen throughout the evening,” Gregoli says.

Black, gold and feathers

Gregoli designed a 1920s speakeasy around a color palette of black and gold. Guests entered the tent through gold-gilded gates with a custom pearl and crystal backdrop. Feathered flapper women greeted each guest with pearls, hats and feather boas. A white dance floor contrasted with black carpeting, but it was the feather chandeliers with crystals suspended from the ceiling along with crystal chandeliers that gave the speakeasy a real “wow” factor. “They were perfect accents to the feather centerpieces that graced the tables,” Gregoli says. In carrying the theme through every detail, even the napkins featured a tuxedo fold.

Opulent seating

High-back gold seats anchored long tables, and round tables each had a white and gold banquette seat to make the room feel glamorous. “We used the combination of black long tables with glass tops to enhance the opulent feeling in the tent,” Gregoli says. Feather arrangements in trumpet vases accented the long tables, and the round tables were adorned with gold and white art deco linens, topped with a floral-wrapped lamp with a gold lampshade. “The client said we exceeded her expectations and created the most amazing birthday that will be the best memory she has,” Gregoli says.