Once Again Cris Clifford of Aqualuxe Outfitting photographed the #TopNotchTabletop entrants at FLIBS on Friday, November 3rd, accompanied by a select panel of judges including Alene Keenan, the Yacht Stew Guru, the Interior Trainer at Maritime Professional Training; Tracie Yan, Baccarat Corporate Manager for North America and Europe; and Marilisa Barbieri, Corporate Sales Director for Christofle.

14 yachts were judged on the categories of creativity, aesthetic, and overall design impact within two main categories: Luxe Interior and Chic Outdoors.

Prizes were also awarded for the following categories:

Most Artistic Napkin Fold, Top Creative Centerpiece. Stylish Menu Design, Best Beverage Presentation and Tip of the Day. 

 

 

Here are the highlights!

We began on the north docks with our first entrant. Chief Stew Nicolina Stojicic, Kimberly Laplanie & Jana Martinkova, from M/Y Cheers 46, showcased a "Luxe Masquerade" theme.  Outfitted with a black-tie tuxedo napkin fold, brilliant accents and hibiscus-infused champagne, this is a vivacious, effortlessly stylish night to remember with no detail overlooked.

Chief Stew Agnese Bosevica & Tracie Chandler from M/Y BW created a rustic Country French style-setting that included a whimsical asparagus and floral centerpiece offset in lavender tones. The bar was a showpiece in itself, adorned with perfectly crafted refreshing cocktails. 

M/Y Take 5’s top deck design was a nautical homage to ultra-chic Nikki Beach St. Barth. The interior sparkled with effortless elegance, from the lighting to the radiant walls. On the upper deck, Chief Stew Sarah Jackson and Stephanie Player surprised us with a stunning presentation of autumn-inspired smoked Apple Pumpkin Cider and Creamy Pumpkin martinis served in delicate, brandy pipe glasses.

Nicole Fowler from M/Y Plan A was also inspired by the autumn season. The upended martini glasses in her centerpiece served as a base to balance a golden mini-pumpkin arrangement. The adorable miniature menus she created earned her The Most Stylish Menu Design award. Nicole’s cocktail of the day: Chilled spiced apple cider served in a cocktail glass with a cinnamon-sugar rim.

Chief Stew Christina Fenley, Amber Millar and Savannah from Aspen Alternative presented a magical pink and purple-hued Havana Nights theme featuring a stylish arrangement of greenery, orchids, limes and the finest Cuban cigars.

Starfish, white coral and shells highlighted the blue and turquoise setting created by second stew Leeann Weckbacher from M/Y Lady Joy, Her Chief stew, Radka Janeckova showed off their famous Piña Coladas served in a frozen pineapple shell. You must try it to believe it!

Chief stew Bonnie Seguin from M/Y Far Niente outfitted the aft deck for a “Cuban affair”. Napkins resembling perfectly-pressed traditional guayabera shirts topped with mini rolled cigars, Havana Club Rum, and a tropical arrangement completed the center piece. Maracas and hanging paper globes added the perfect touch.

“Ladies Who Brunch” on Nita K II stole our hearts, and not just because of the trendy gin selection. Subtly-hued miniature bouquets and pineapples, the symbol of hospitality, won them bragging rights for Top Creative Centerpiece. The beverage station included fresh fruit, chilled champagne, 6 top-shelf gins and the hashtag #brunchingwithnitakII. Check in here with Chief Stew Sarah Pitchford & Carey Cawood.

Across the way, part of the same fleet, M/Y Nita K, decorated a “Luxe Interior Tux” design with a silver antler candelabra lit from within. Chief stew Varushca Degenaar, Carli Van Wyk & Charlotte Thiechart followed with a unique Cappuccino selection with customized foam for the extra wow factor.

M/Y SuRi is a playground unlike anything we have seen before. This exploration vessel has circumnavigated the globe 3 times and that is exactly what inspired their team. Grab your passport for a whirlwind tour! From Fiji, to Chile, to Thailand and more, the nautical distance from Florida was detailed. An assortment of miniature globes and a distinguished black orb tied the centerpiece in with hanging captions of each location. Luxurious Alpaca blankets laid on the backs of the chairs completed this “Around the World” theme by Chief Stew Sandra Compain, Dei Dre Beeby & Gabriella Kitching.

Once again, M/Y Te Manu impressed us with their finesse and their Luxe Interior “Tropical Paradise”. Chief Stew Marie Ramsay refined dual floral arrangements with coconuts, gilded pineapples, lush leaves and greenery. Topsides, a one-of-a-kind ice bowl created by Aimie Keech was the focal point of her gorgeous beverage display. A tantalizing fall centerpiece with pumpkins, savory cheeses and crackers won them 2nd prize Outdoor Chic with an understated French Country feel. A great example of using elevation layers in table scaping. Outstanding work ladies!

Chief Stew April Lee and Victoria Shaw chose to incorporate multi-media in their “Luxe Havana Nights” table setting, by projecting a black and white Cuban film montage on the wall and playing Mambo and salsa music throughout out the vessel. Upstairs, a crisp, white, simple, elegant “Chic Outdoors” design provided contrast.

Aboard M/Y Nomadess, Chief Stew Tenielle Dunkley & Hannah Littlechild carried a pop of color from the placemats over to the napkins with a simple, seasonal flower to top it off. The “Bahamian Chic Outdoors” centerpiece was nestled into a collection of shells, stones, starfish and rope. Their three pet fish stole the show, but not before the Blueberry Mojito left its mark.

Last, but not least, M/Y Dorothy Ann’s Chief Steward Jack Coppola and Bridget Kennedy rang in the holidays with a perfectly executed “Chic Bahamian Christmas Holiday” setting. Place cards created in the shape of Christmas cards were innovative, with dried leaves, crystal shapes, beach wood and candles adorning the centerpiece. Chief Steward Coppola is such a great mixologist that he named a drink after himself, called the “Jack Attack”.

Everyone was a rock star! Check out the winners, listed below.

Inspire and be inspired!

Share your creativity and find new and resourceful ways to redecorate and repurpose your decorations.

​Thank you for sharing your tablesettings and tips with stews around the world.

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See you all at the Miami Boat Show Feb. 2018