The Social Set Bloomed At The 2023 NYBG Orchid Dinner

Last Thursday, the Plaza Hotel Ballroom was blossoming with both orchid displays and floral enthusiasts alike at the New York Botanical Garden’s Annual Orchid Dinner. This year the Botanical Garden celebrated the Orchid Show: Natural Heritage, designed by acclaimed floral artist, Lily Kwong.

Said to have taken inspiration from her ancestral connection to the natural world, Kwong’s bold and vibrant vision was shared by the country’s most innovative designers and florists to create their own fantastical tablescapes to admire for hours.

Ringing in the 20th year of the NYBG Orchid dinner, the festivities began with cocktails and the sale of rare and exceptional orchids, followed by a chance to take in all of the designers’ incredible tables.

While snapping photos, guests had the opportunity to meet the designers and discover the inspiration behind their botanical creations. From HBO’s Full Bloom contestant Sarah Khan, to LaParis Phillips of Brooklyn Blooms, each artist's breathtaking work was more stunning at each glance.

And after a delicious meal? The night was filled with dancing, thanks to music by DJ Timo Weiland.

For the second year in a row, Guerlain served as a sponsor of the evening and had continued to commit to orchid conservation in their natural habitat in the Tianzi Exploratory Reserve in Yunnan Province, China. With Guerlain’s support, the Tianzi Reserve has been able to reintroduce over 20,000 orchids to the habitat and is excited to continue this commitment!

Obviously, the only thing as snap-worthy as the blooms were the outfits. Want to see what your favorites were wearing to this stunning event?

[Alexandra O'Neill by Bre Johson/Photo by BFA]