Community Corner
Fashions, Finery, Flowers and Friends Fill the Community House
The annual 'House in Bloom' event was a royal extravaganza that drew more than 200 attendees.
When Carolyn Hefner and her committee started working on this year’s House in Bloom: Florals and Fashion event for , Kate and William were putting together plans for their big day across the pond.
And as House in Bloom blends gorgeous blossoms and pretty table displays with an elegant lunch, the committee came up with the idea to present a royal-themed extravaganza. Apparently, the British bridal fanfare was top-of-mind during some of the group’s planning sessions.
Their creative program drew more than 200 area supporters for the “royal” event, held Wednesday at The Community House.
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“We knew that with the royal wedding only nine days away from the House in Bloom event, everyone would be abuzz with wedding chatter,” said Hefner, whose committee pulled out all the stops and asked florists to set the tables with their choice of royal finery.
Not only were several dining tables on two floors decked to the hilt with gorgeous place settings, linens and colorful centerpieces, but the ballroom turned into a New York-style runway complete with commentary, music, rows of up-close chairs and some 50 stunning looks, all modeled by professionals.
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The fashion show, called “Easy Breezy British Invasion,” was yet another English element that added to the day’s European theme. A fun-loving touch: The show ended with a parade of bridesmaid fashions and bouquets as well as a head-turning “bride” model in a gorgeous wedding gown.
More Brit vibes came by way of a royal cake display, created by Sweet & Savory Bakeshop in Oxford.
“The co-owner, Debbie Meyers, created a cake based on what she thought a royal wedding cake should look like,” said Hefner, chair of this year’s event. Hefner is owner of , a wedding and event-planning firm in downtown Birmingham.
One romantic table was set for two and even had place cards that said William and Kate. It looked as though the couple could arrive at any moment.
For lunch, which was fit for a queen, of course, patrons dined on scrumptious fare prepared by Lakeland Manor catering in St. Clair Shores. An English garden salad wrapped with long English cucumber strips preceded Sir Wellington, a chicken, mushroom and spinach dish served en croute.
Said Chris Fender an attendee from Farmington Hills, “The bread was to die for … well worth the calories.” Fender, who with her husband co-owns Edon Controls in Troy, attended the event because she loves to look at pretty tables, dishware and flowers.
"I wish I were a Martha Stewart who had tons of room at home to store all kinds of dishes,” Fender said with a laugh.
Molly MacDonald, founder and president of The Pink Fund (an organization that helps support those with financial challenges during cancer treatment), was one of the event’s committee members.
“I found that with social media, it was really fun to help market the event,” MacDonald said. “Like, I’d post a photo of the suit I was planning to wear to the event, and then a photo of the poster,” she said, “and then I’d post a teaser of the menu.”
Joy DiCenso, chair of the host committee, enjoyed the fashion show immensely. “It all was beautiful,” said DiCenso of Bloomfield Village. She got into the spirit by sporting a vintage, 1940s dress. As well, MaryEllen Tonis of Birmingham enjoyed taking in the pretty fashions.
Birmingham resident Kristen Catto Armstrong took advantage of the Estee Lauder makeup specialists (Michi Young and Anita Rivard), who offered makeup application to any attendee who wished for freshening or a new look.
Proceeds from House in Bloom are used to fund The Community House’s community outreach programs.
“It was a delightful way to spend the afternoon,” said Armstrong, a busy mother and interior designer.
