Gotham Gardens at Horticultural Society of New York Gala

Our table card used this image with the headline, What kind of tropical isle has gems like these?

This Side of Paradise, the theme of this year's Horticultural Society of New York gala, led us to conclude that while many consider sand, sun and ocean to be their idea of Eden, when it comes to eternity, we actually prefer the best New York City offers. Yet how to boil all of that down to a centerpiece? Now that's a challenge. George Balanchine's three-act ballet, Jewels, sprang to mind. Hmmm. A ballet -- that could stand for all the fabulous cultural offerings of the city and we do adore the New York City Ballet company. And not just any masterpiece but one inspired by a visit to Van Cleef & Arpels with each act symbolizing diamonds, rubies or emeralds. Talk about the kind of shopping excursion one could develop some serious fantasies about. Here's how we reprised it in our window.