Your reception is the very first dinner party you will host as man and wife. This once-in-a-lifetime event calls for an extraordinary table setting, so why not consider serving your guests on the very china for which you have registered? If you plan to have a large wedding reception, perhaps the head table will be just the perfect size to make a grand statement and at the same time, treat your attendants to a special meal on your brand new china. For this feature, our editors worked closely with experts from Neiman Marcus and floral designer Debbie Hemingway to create three distinctive tables that are certain to impress your family and friends.

The color palette for this stunning setting was fashioned around John Kelly’s iconic paintings of beautiful island natives. Designers of Savvy Designs created an invitation that incorporated one of Kelly’s powerful archetypal visions of the islands, "Breadfruit Girl, Hawaii", a color aquatint from the 1930s. Exotic local flowers bring the painting to life in an unusual bouquet of miniature breadfruit, lipstick pods, and china berries. An exquisite place setting takes its cue from the sea, beginning with a beaded Kim Seybert coral place mat set with a gold-on-gold Vietri service plate, a fiery orange-red plate rimmed in gold, and a coral cup and saucer. The invitation is printed on layers of shimmery, heavy papers in the same rich colors.

The exotic flora and fauna of Hawaii provides a vivid palette for wedding and reception arrangements. Floral designer Debbie Hemingway created this extraordinary centerpiece of miniature monstera leaves, breadfruit, star fruit, baby papayas and guava fruit. The uniquely shaped leaves of the monstera are punctuated with vivid red and orange ohai ali‘i, roses, and makara orchids. This captivating design is a blend of amazing color and texture, with its spiky red lipstick pods juxtaposed with a smooth baby bromeliad plant.

This stunning bouquet makes a bold statement with striking pink plumeria flowers mixed expertly with wisps of ohai ali‘i. Miniature breadfruit adds a punch of bright green, along with stems naturally wrapped in ti leaves.

The delicate nature of English ivy makes it a popular choice for a wedding reception. During the Victorian era, suitors utilized flowers and plants in place of spoken words to convey their various intentions and emotions. A gift of flowers containing ivy expressed fidelity and symbolized eternity, and through the years this charming plant has maintained its romantic significance. A pretty topiary is trimmed with copper and gold pearl beads and bordered with creamy porcellina baby roses.

A romantic bridal bouquet combines porcellina baby roses, lily of the valley, Veronica, and English Lavender hydrangea, dotted with snips of ivy and sweet peas. Bundled in an Irish linen handkerchief with a French accent ribbon, this nosegay bespeaks an earlier era. An antique diamond brooch is the perfect finishing touch. A splendid place setting designed by Mackenzie Childs is layered with delightful surprises, beginning with a bronze beaded Kim Seybert place mat and ivory linens. The unique dishes are edged in burnished gold to lend an antique appearance. A Portieux amethyst glass cabbage bowl stows a special confection for each guest. Jay Strongwater’s delightful butterfly frame is an extravagant parting gift to commemorate your wedding day.

Celebrate simplicity and invite the outdoors in with miniature bonsai trees in lieu of traditional floral centerpieces. A sleek square porcelain vase is neatly lined with black river stones. The square shape is repeated in the Bernardaud Fusion White plates and an Asian invitation with layer of sumptuous green and brown papers that announce the occasion with a bamboo motif. Apricot mini calla lilies are gracefully curved to create a natural handle. Bound with bear grass and black river rock, this elegant place mat by Kim Seybert adds an unexpected twist of color and texture.

Flowers By Debbie Hemingway

China + Accessories Courtesy of Neiman Marcus

Stationery By Savvy Designs

Style Editors Robyn Iaea + Shaunna Keough

Table Decor By Mun Yei "Chip" Ching, Neiman Marcus

Shot at the Kahala Resor and Hotel, Oahu