GRAND “DESERT” DINNER

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 12181, 4 July 1925, Page 11

GRAND “DESERT” DINNER

GIVEN IN AN HOTEL REALISTIC TROPICAL TOUCH. Gently waving palm trees and shimmering white sands gave a realistic tropical touch to the grand ballroom of the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, Now York, when a “desert” dinner was given by Mr Matthew C. Brusi, banker, to a couple of hundred guests. Nothing has been omitted that would help to convey to the guests the impression that they were in the midst of the Sahara. The whole of the floor was covered with sand, and in places it had been heaped high as though piled by desert winds. A panoramic painting, reaching to the third tier of boxes, enclosed the room and depicted groves of palm trees, an oasis, and in the distance the pyramids. As guests entered they were led through a tangled jungle of palm trees, in which monkeys swung and chattered. Native guides escorts ed tlio guests to the dining hall. At ono end of the room a pavilion bad been erected, and the diners sat on rich rigs and fabrics which adorned tho interior of the pavilion. or else they ate under the painted awnings. Waiters and attendants were dressed in desert costumes, and the lights of the room had been so arranged and focussed that a tropical sun seemed to be pouring its rays upon the transported sands and assembled guests. The guests wore turbans. Favours, which were also place cards, were miniature elephants, bearing gazing fcrystals. Each bore the name of the guest and the monogram of the host. During dinner an elaborate vaudeville show was provided with whirling dervishes, a company of Arabian acrobats, sword jugglers and dancers, and Arabians on horseback. '