A question that gets asked a lot at our Create Dinners events is, “What’s one of your proudest accomplishments?” and as far as my professional career goes, this dinner is at the top of my list. I am a huge Eames fan, design enthusiast, lover of hosting, and admirer of powerhouse women. This event was a combination of all those things.
The task was to conceptualize a table scape that reflected one of Ray’s infamous gatherings and work alongside her granddaughter, Lucia Dewey Atwood. I proposed three ideas and the one we landed on was internally referred to as “PLAY” — honoring Ray’s playful spirit and the iconic Eames Fiberglass Shell chairs, by immersing the tables in color.
Ray was truly the host of hosts, delighting in details — Japanese porcelain, flowers on butter, and giant reflexed roses.
I pulled those elements in and gave everything a modern twist. The direction from Lucia was to create a table scape that was inspired by Ray, not a replica… but did I order vintage Japanese dishes from Tokyo and did they almost not arrive on time because they got stuck in customs? Yes and yes. The learning here: always go the extra mile for the details and don’t lose hope when plans shift. Everything arrived!
I had always wanted to visit the Eames House when I lived in LA and somehow never made it there in the 12 years I was there. I cannot imagine a more special introduction to such a place that holds so much inspiration and creativity. Gathering in the place that Ray and Charles Eames lived, worked, and hosted dinners at was magical. It almost felt as though we’d time traveled.
The tables were set.
Then 65 individuals who were friends of both brands arrived for dinner, sipping on classic cocktails and eating a delicious three course meal under the stars. All food and beverages were prepared by Chef Vanessa Lauren and her team. Towards the end of the meal, boxes were brought out and the shoes were revealed to the guests.
There are so many thank you’s to be had here…
Thank you to IMA and Eddie Grams for roping Create Dinners in and for trusting us to execute this vision. Thank you to the insanely talented Create Dinners LA Team (and my creative muses for life) Elise Apffel, Katie Marble, Sofia Draco and Brandi Bombard of Forma Flora who helped turn my mood boards into reality. Last, thank you to Jennie Putvin of Nane Press, Theoni Collection, Yeah Rentals, Flouring LA, and The Floral Society for all the impeccable items you see on the tables.
Images throughout this post were taken by Katie Marble, Eddie Grams, and myself. Thanks for reading and hope to see you all around the table soon! Ideally another one of Ray’s tables.
Love, Kate
