A fresh ocean breeze, endless blue skies, and a citrus-infused celebrationâthis was the scene set for the first lunch at Engage!24 Amelia Island. With Floridaâs sunshine and vibrant citrus groves as inspiration, attendees gathered under a beautifully styled marquee on The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Islandâs Oceanfront Lawn for a meal that was as refreshing as a chilled glass of lemonade on a summer day. But at Engage!, lunch isnât just about the foodâitâs about the full experience. Every element, from the dĂ©cor to the menu to the paper details, was designed to captivate and delight. It was a feast for the senses in every way.
The Theme
Engage! luncheons always serve up a side of creativity, and this one was no exception. The Florida citrus theme was a natural fit for our destination. It celebrated the stateâs deep-rooted heritage as citrus producers, while delivering a vibrant, energizing aesthetic. The palette was lemon yellows, lime greens, tangerine oranges, and grapefruit pinks. These colors infused the event with warmth and energy, setting the perfect midday mood. Attendees embraced the theme through Citrus Sunrise-themed attire, donning breezy linen dresses, statement accessories, and bold pops of color that mirrored the fresh and lively setting. More than a luncheon, this was an invitation to âsqueeze the dayâ and enjoy expertly curated design and hospitality.
A Squeeze of Sunshine: DĂ©cor & Details
After a morning spent listening to our keynote speakers, walking onto the lawn was like stepping into a sun-drenched citrus grove. Real citrus trees flanked the entrance to the marquee, welcoming guests to their seats at a range of round and rectangular tables. Against a neutral canvas, bursts of lemon, lime, orange, and grapefruit pink popped in every detail, right down to the throw pillows that decorated the white couches.
The tablescapes were all about refined coastal style. Orange-edged plates sat on woven rattan chargers, and patterned linens also added a layer of texture. Vibrant yellow and orange floral arrangements took center stage, while rosy pink glassware provided the perfect finishing touch. Everywhere, the scent of fresh citrus filled the air, mingling with the salty sea breeze and the warm glow of the afternoon sun.
Paper Details
No Engage! event is complete without a touch of paper magic from TPD Design House, and the lunch at Engage!24 Amelia Island served up something truly memorable. The stars of the show were the interactive peel-back menus, designed to resemble actual oranges. Guests delighted in peeling them open to reveal a tantalizing menu inside. It was an unexpected, on-theme surprise that made the dining experience even more engaging.
Beyond the menus, the table numbers were also a design highlight. Inspired by vintage citrus packaging, they added a charming, playful element to the tablescape while reinforcing the Florida-inspired aesthetic. As always, TPD Design House proved that even the smallest details can leave a big impression.
A Fresh & Flavorful Menu
At Engage! events, the culinary experience is just as meticulously curated as the dĂ©cor. The lunch at Engage!24 Amelia Island was certainly a testament to that philosophy. Our starter was a colorful hydro bibb wedge salad with watermelon radish, pickled blueberry, aged gouda, roasted roma tomato, crisp country ham, and a champagne vinaigrette. This was followed by a delicious grilled hanger steak with celeriac purĂ©e, wild mushroom bread pudding, and asparagus. Finally, we enjoyed a lemon mint macaron with strawberry mousse, lemon mint curd, and orange ice cream. A citrus loverâs dream, this sweet finale was equal parts delicate, creamy, and refreshingly zesty.
Visually, each plate was a work of art, echoing the citrus theme with bright, natural colors that mirrored the dĂ©cor. Every bite offered a burst of fresh, seasonal flavorsâproof that an Engage! meal is as much about presentation and storytelling as it is about taste.
The Florida Citrus Lunch at Engage!24 Amelia Island was a fully realized experience rather than simply a midday break. It was proof that when every element is intentionally crafted, a simple lunch can feel as grand as a wedding reception, as immersive as a destination event, and as refreshing as a tall glass of freshly-squeezed orange juice! Guests left with full hearts (and bellies!), and a renewed appreciation for the magic of thoughtful details. And with so much more still to come, this summit was just getting started!
See more from this vibrant lunch in our gallery.
