THE INSPIR ATION
When most people think of Newport, Rhode Island, the first thing that springs to mind is the Gilded Age mansions. While those over-the-top summer “cottages” of America’s elite are worth visiting, Newport isn’t just all glitz and glamour. This coastal community, known worldwide as a sailing capital, also shares a casual side, best seen at a classic New England clambake.
DID YOU KNOW?
A true clambake involves digging a pit in the ground. Not all venues are equipped with clambake pits, but here at the Eisenhower House all clambakes are cooked in their seaweed-covered pits right on the lawn.
THE EVENT
This casual-yet-sophisticated scene was set underneath a sailcloth tent on the lawn of Eisenhower House where guests of a nonprofit conference enjoyed the sea breeze and iconic views of the Rhode Island coastline. Farm tables sported nautical blue and white striped runners with buckets of bright sunflowers to complement the colorful lobster and seafood cuisine. The event was designed, set and managed by Newport Hospitality.
THE VENUE
Eisenhower House, built in 1873, features rolling lawns looking out over Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay and is located within Fort Adams State Park. Once the summer White House of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, this beautiful property is owned by the State of Rhode Island.
TIP
A venue can also be a design element. When putting together a concept allow your décor and location to complement and enhance one another—think of your surroundings as an extension of your event design.
