Aqualuxe Outfitting hosted the 5th Annual Top Notch Tabletop Challenge at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show. Cris Clifford photographed the #TopNotchTabletop entrants on Friday, November 2nd, accompanied by a select panel of judges including Julie Perry, author of "The Insider's Guide to Becoming a Yacht Stewardess", Patricia George, Interior Trainer at Maritime Professional Training  and Sara Trelo, Corporate Sales Director for Christofle.

11 yachts were judged in the categories of creativity, aesthetic, and overall design impact in 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 CC Childers and Anna Endler, from M/Y Ocean Club, competed in all categories showcasing a “Chic Coral Lunch” setting winning them 3rd Prize and a “Luxe Vietnamese” accolade.

An inspired interior setting featured a refreshing “Smoked Paloma” (Tequila, lime juice, grapefruit juice, cherry wood smoke, fresh sage & pomegranate seeds) that was presented on a rock salt block and served with a sweet rim on a shot glass. Outstanding work ladies! Tip of the day: "When you set the table, sit down and make sure your guests can see across the centerpiece."

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Chief Stew Brittny Otto & Grace Gravett from M/Y Rebel were inspired by the Halloween Holiday and created a centerpiece with different colors and sizes of pumpkins. Each napkin was wrapped with a unique acorn design. Copper wine glasses gave it a sparkle and bats hanging from the light fixture made it playful, yet elegant. They stole the judge’s hearts and won 1st Place Luxe Interior. Their drink featured Champagne and Gin with delicious hand crafted maraschino cherry syrup (my mouth is watering right now). They also  earned the “Stylish Menu Design” award. Tip of the day: "Don’t take stewardessing too seriously.  Have fun!"

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M/Y Abbracci took honors for Most Artistic Napkin Fold. Congratulations Chief Steward Melveen Malabanan, Maeve Crimmins, Christine, Marilyn & Joy. Check out the Top Notch Tabletop Stew Video on how to make the beautifully pressed butterfly.

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Chief stewardess Tanarae Hopkins  from M/Y Angel Wings, created a colorful and harmonius “Traveler” style-setting that included personal pieces collected on her travels. Vintage layered crockery combined with an elegant brooch as the napkin ring and every detail was tastefully designed. She won Top Creative Centerpiece, and her Tip of the day: "Wherever you are based, go out and find fun pieces to decorate your table."

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Chief stewardess Linda Saylor and Brianna Eckel from M/Y Black Gold complemented the newly renovated interior with a “Black, Sparkly & Elegant” design. Learn how they keep every corner of their Laundry room lint free on the Stew Video.

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“Tropical Paradise”, created by Chief Stew Emma MacDonald, Laura Makinson, Gemma Wilis, Annie Hang & Emma Roberts from M/Y Gene Machine featured  heliconias, pineapples, lush leaves and greenery. Tip of the Day: "When changing the water on your flower arrangements, always cut a piece of the stem to keep them fresher for longer."

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Onboard M/Y I love This Boat, we were transported to a Speakeasy Prohibition Poker Night. Perfectly pressed tuxedo napkins with mini-roses and black bow ties, playing cards as menu tags rounded out the accessories, including a gangsta’ hat and pinstripe vests. I Love This Boat was winner of 2nd Place Luxe Interior. Tip of the day: "Use a rubber band over the bag to hold discretely in place."

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Chief stew Jocelyn Piccinetti showcased both an “Underwater Luxe” Interior with fishes and corals inspired by the subtle effect of her Bernardaud Ecume platinum china for an elegant and poetic design. On the top deck, Jocelyn opted for a nautical style. Tip of the day: "Create your own fabric softener to save on storage space." All instructions are on the video.

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Next, we entered an enchanting “Secret Garden Brunch” onboard M/Y Maggie. Chief stewardess Monica Bolet and Ashley Coon accented their aft table with a blanket of greenery and flowers. Their rustic design integrated wooden beach candles, rosemary-wrapped bread rolls, mini-lanterns hanging from a wreath suspended from the ceiling, brilliant white-&-gold napkins and place cards, and beautifully done bouquets tied behind the chairs. This setting won them 2nd Place Chic Outdoors. They set up a complete Bloody Mary Mix station and served Orchid Champagne. Their interior table was a bold combination of royal blue and gold well-played with a centerpiece of sunflowers. Tip of the day: "Use resistance bands to stay fit in small spaces. They help with stretching and toning."

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M/Y MAG III hosted “Murder of a Billionaire” by Chief steward Nico Van Der Westhuizen, Chenelle Godfrey and Kerry Langschmidt. The invitation and menu perched Haviland China in an envelope with a wax seal for each guest. Clues, pearls and masks surrounded a beautiful rose bouquet centerpiece. At the bar, judges were tantalized with the “Black Widow Skull” drink. MAG III also showcased an “Afternoon Tea set-up”. Tip of the day: "Always add a personal touch to every detail. Nothing is too much. Always go a step above, including personalization. We customize our bedding, flatware, and even M & M’s."

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And last but not least, the crew from M/Y Sovereign once again brought home the “Best Overall Design” award and 1st Place for their Hunger Games setting, under the leadership of chief stewardess Samantha Klepper! Congratulations to the team that included: Nikola Cowie & Danielle Hadlington, Head Chef Ian Buffinton, Sous Chef Kim Van Eyk and Deckhand Drew Thackray. As we boarded, we were greeted by a Citizen of the Capitol and given a scratch-off game card that revealed the number in which every judge would get an archery lesson by Katniss and a chance to become the winner of the challenge. Jayne McManus from Aqualuxe won first place. An eclectic combination of feathers, greenery, contrasting napkins, arrows with red and orange accent flowers created the centerpiece that seemed to grow from the table into a tree. May the Odds be in your Favor was printed on the place cards, and a dress-up corner with accessories made every guest feel welcome and part of the play. We toured President Snow’s formal dining room and were presented the Smoking Pineapple Mocking Jay beverage. This was a layered drink of pineapple rum and Cointreau foam topped with smoked wood chip Pineapple garnish. The parachute menu design was the cherry on the top. This team of professionals knows how to bring the Charter-mode on to the next level!! Tip of the day: "Keep healthy, stay fit. While on boatyard period, strap on 2-5 lb. ankle weights and go about your day. When it is game-on, your legs will feel lighter and will be toned."

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

Inspire and be inspired!

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See you all at the Palm Beach Boat Show 2019