Opulent party at One Marylebone

We rang in 2020 in unbelievable style. Our private client’s extravagant birthday celebration at One Marylebone had one key note its brief: bring the wow-factor. So alongside Rob Van Helden Floral Design and Starlight Design, we built the ultimate autumn winter wonderland and hosted the most magical of January parties we could possibly imagine.

Photography by Holly Clark

The Brief

“With our client being the most vivacious and vibrant of people, we knew nothing mundane or boring would do. Her fabulous sense of style, and incredible creative vision within all aspects of life, meant that guest expectations were going to be high and there was no question of not exceeding them!” details Victoria, our Head of Events and chief planner of the party.

The Venue

Built in 1826 on its own ‘island’ in the heart of the capital, One Marylebone has been beautifully refurbished to the original designs of Sir John Soane and the Grade I listed venue boasts three exclusive hireable spaces plus landscaped garden, moments from Regent’s Park.

“A key criteria when choosing the venue was that we would have the freedom and ability to dress the space. We also wanted to take guests on journey from the moment they arrived, keeping them on their toes so they would always be thinking ‘what’s going to happen next!’. One Marylebone was the perfect setting for this.”

The Menu

Fine dining meets family party was the underlying thought process when we created the menu. We wanted to keep the presentation of the menu in sync with the overall styling of the venue. Unusually for a dinner of this size, we actually opted for a stunning hot starter that allowed us to style the dish with ‘twigs and bird prints’ as guests were sitting in an autumnal forest to dine.

The Design & Styling

The reception space was designed to completely contrast the dining experience. Starlight Design created a contemporary back bar, fashioned from mirrored acrylic and backed with opal Perspex. “The effect was striking, with cool blue tones at the top working down in a gradual colour change to dusky mauve” (James Morris Oakes, Starlight).

When it came to bringing the client’s forest vision to life, Starlight also went big. “We thought why not enter the forest by walking across a bridge, over a series of low pools. We wrapped the space in sumptuous folds of pleated rich burgundy velvet, with long tables (perfect for social dinners) and built tall trees to grow through them. Nine crystal chandeliers hung over the tables, nestled among the leaves and foliage that encapsulated the room”

Rob Van Helden (RVH Floral Design) explains how they created the autumnal garden: “with deep, rich velvet roses, accentuated with pinks and burnt oranges, berries, red grapes, figs and pomegranates, to give the feeling of a lavish banquet.”

The Party

Being a huge Tina Turner fan meant one thing – having the very best tribute act in London! The dancing that ensued required a flow of espresso martinis, and guests enjoyed entertainment from Mad Hen party band well into the night.

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