NYBG Orchid Dinner 2026
If you’re in the New York City area now through April 26, please stop by The New York Botanical Garden for their 23rd annual Orchid Show - it's truly a feast for the eyes.
Known as the nation’s largest exhibit of its kind, this year’s show is entitled The Orchid Show: Mr. Flower Fantastic’s Concrete Jungle. You’ll be amazed at the garden’s transformation of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory showcasing thousands of beautiful orchids in a striking variety of colors, shapes, and sizes - all in tribute to New York City. This week, I attended NYBG’s annual Orchid Dinner in the Grand Ballroom of The Plaza Hotel. The dinner included stunning large-scale table centerpieces created by a group of leading artists from across the country. The displays were full of color, creativity and inspired by the exhibit's theme and NYC's iconic landmarks. The event also allowed guests to shop a selection of rare and unique orchid specimens for their own personal garden collections, with proceeds supporting the NYBG’s research, education, and outreach missions.
Enjoy these photos.
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- Held every year to celebrate the annual Orchid Show, this year’s event welcomed hundreds of guests to New York City’s iconic Plaza Hotel. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The NYBG)
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- One way the NYBG raises money is to have an orchid sale prior to the dinner. All the orchids for sale were displayed near the entrance to the ballroom. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for The NYBG)
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- Marc Hachadourian, NYBG’s Director of Glasshouse Horticulture and Senior Curator of Orchids, hand picks the orchids for the sale that he knows will appeal to the collectors and aficionados who attend the dinner. I brought home one Vanda orchid. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for The NYBG)
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- Around the ballroom, tables are decorated in beautiful orchid colors. This one was done by Flower Girl NYC.
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- This colorful table centerpiece of flowers was completed by Anna Dementieva, Luxury Flowers Miami.
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- Do you know what this centerpiece shows? It’s a copy of one of New York City’s iconic water towers. These towers were first built on top of buildings in the 19th century to meet the rising demand for water in vertical spaces. This orchid arrangement was presented by Cynthia Humphrey, Via Amendola Botanical Designs.
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- This glorious pink orchid arrangement was created by Pennylyn Woosley, Blossom and Bee Floral and Event Design.
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- John Goodman of JL Goodman used the Statue of Liberty as part of his centerpiece.
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- This table creation is by Tara Khattar of Maison Tara New York.
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- Red and white are the primary colors of this arrangement by Robin Cheasty, House of Westbrook.
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- Janine Carendi MacMurray, AREA Interior Design and Studio Jones donated this display.
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- This centerpiece uses a striking combination of flowers and foliage by Canaan Marshall, Canaan Marshall Design LLC.
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- This whimsical New York City themed display centerpiece was donated by designer Hilzy Pereira.
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- This centerpiece shows a base of iconic Tiffany & Co. blue bags. This was done by Nadia Watts Interior Design.
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- Here’s a beautiful floral arrangement done by Kelsie Hayes Fine, POPUPFLORIST & HOUSE OF THREE.
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- And here is one by Ace Berry, Ace in Full Bloom.
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- An orchid climbing up, perhaps, one of New York City’s many street light poles by Kenia Pittman and Patrick Nowak, NYBG.
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- And here is a simple, yet elegant display of orchids climbing up New York City’s Empire State Building by Jacqueline Elfe, Stellar Style Events, Floral & Event Design.
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- This centerpiece is by Verdant Garden Designs.
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- This centerpiece with butterfly lights was donated by Crystal Kotei, Crystal K Events. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The NYBG)
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- And this one, with its lovely color palette of pink and white surrounding the Chrysler Building is by Starbright Floral Design.
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- Gatherings Floral Design from right here in New York City donated this centerpiece.
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- Every table’s display was interesting and different. This one is by Sarah Ruberto, Pomona Floral.
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- Autumn Pochiro, Autumn Dawn Design provided this floral display.
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- And this one was created by Beyond Merritt Design based in Kirkland, Washington.
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- Hanging orchids are used for this presentation by Shannon Toal Designs.
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- And extra tall taper candles are used for this arrangement by Justin Reis, Justin Reis Designs.
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- And Carlos Muiña, Petal Productions uses graffiti, or street art, on his New York City inspired centerpiece.
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- Here is NYBG Chairman of the Board, J. Barclay Collins II addressing the guests during dinner. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for The NYBG)
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- Jennifer Bernstein is the Chief Executive Officer and The William C. Steere Sr. President of The New York Botanical Garden. She also stepped up to the podium to greet guests. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for The NYBG)
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- The event was well attended with proceeds going to NYBG’s longtime educational and research missions. The NYBG Orchid Show runs through April 26th – go if you can. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The NYBG)
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