REAL STORIES: A Glamorous Purple Bat Mitzvah at the Crystal Tea Room

May 11, 2010 , , Evantine Design
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The Old World splendor of the Crystal Tea Room at the Wanamaker was the location for Perri’s Bat Mitzvah.  What was the theme?  PURPLE ELEGANCE!  

Able to serve 1400 people at one time, the Crystal Tea Room used to be the largest working restaurant in Philadelphia, if not one of the largest in the world!  When the restaurant closed in 1995, it was restored as a private events space for weddings, galas, social events, corporate meetings and private parties.  Located in the historic Wanamaker Building, a magnificent twelve story granite structure designed by Chicago architect Daniel Hudson Burnham, the Crystal Tea Room is a stunning location for an event.  As a National Historic Landmark, the Wanamaker Building is a huge draw for out-of-town guests because it’s home to the nation’s first department store and the largest pipe organ in the world.  

This Grand Dame of locations was easy to dress up for Perri’s Party!  We simply added plenty of luxurious linens (from purple taffeta with plum velvet to lilac satin with lilac jewel overlays and lavender floral gauze); some glamorous accessories like tall purple chiffon lamps on black glass bases and crystal-beaded lampshades, black crystal taper candle holders and black cut glass votives;  as well as tons of vibrant floral arrangements in all shades of lavender, plum, grape, magenta, raspberry and gold…

not to mention the sparkling table settings with rhinestones, crystals, mirror, velvet and satin details.  Then, add the dramatic lighting that washed the ceiling, chandeliers, walls, tables and dance floor…