This Grand Prix event at the annual Hampton Classic, one of the most famous show-jumping tournaments in the United States, has also become a contest for the prettiest table settings and floral arrangements.
Hostesses of the VIP tent tables are celebrated for their flair and creativity at this elegant event, where celebrities, captains of industry, and fashionable guests gather to watch the competitions and each other.
Designs for the table are crafted in meticulous detail using some of the most talented floral designers in the world – including Lewis Miller, the Bridgehampton Florist, Sag Harbor Florist – and inevitably, trends are created that you will be able to incorporate into your own home designs for the holiday season or family gatherings.
Because so many of the horse-loving participants have both exquisite taste and financial freedom – a powerful combo – it was difficult to choose which table settings would win our annual Flower Power Daily Prize for the Hampton Classic Horse Show’s Tables Settings.
But here are the winners and trends of the 2022 Hampton Classic.
1) Winner of the “Take Your Breath Away Table”
Kelli Ford, who owns Dallas, Texas’ go-to design store, Madison, created a breathtaking display that was a showstopper—having the napkins beautifully monogrammed sparked appreciative gasps. Plus, the elegance and charm were enhanced by creating monogrammed seat coverings.
So clever in that they were designed as removable slipcovers, and the green and white striped fabric was neutral enough to be reused again and again. Ford started the design theme with a cheerful yellow and soft green floral tablecloth from “Wayfair,” she says, that had layers of pine-toned plates sitting on top of woven placemats with floral embossed green goblets. The abundant yellow roses with lime green and white hydrangeas were lined up in woven baskets – a big theme this year. – which helped soften the overall look. Notice that she used wooden silverware to make the look more country. Collecting silverware can change the vibe of any table, along with napkins.
2) Winner of the “Most Innovative and Happy” Table
This Hovey Ritchey Team table instead of fresh flowers, paper flowers by Etsy’s Christa were put in baskets. Look at these bold, fun paper flowers that can be reused and eternally delight. (And only $59 a dozen). But then they were enhanced by so many details that delighted. Notice the Alice in Wonderland mushroom sculptures, the photo frame place cards by Nicole Miller, and the small jars of jams from Ebb and Flow NYC were all unexpected treats. Because we just adore floral-themed plates, silverware, and napkins, the Eli Halpin designs are now on our radar and should be on yours if you are looking to create a happy enchanting table.
3) Winner of the “Best Country Charm” Table
The table for rider Toni Goutal was designed by the Sag Harbor florist team and intricately mixed vegetables and flowers in arcs of charming rolling hills of delights. Any diner would have fun noticing the white string beans, beets, garlic, tomatoes, and eggplants – which complemented an array of flowers, including zinnias, cosmos, and orange thistle. It’s always all in the details, right? Well, the team found tiny little baskets that they filled with chamomile and put on top of mini Hampton Classic towers, which also brought the themed table together was the grass runner edged in wax flowers and the jumps and equestrian figurines that both charmed and amused. And putting springs of flowers on a napkin is also a nice touch.
Read the complete list of winners at www.flowerpowerdaily.com.