Sidney and Oprah at his 78th birthday party.

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner...Oprah and Sidney Poitier! With Colin's expert help, Oprah surprised the movie legend with a birthday spectacular at Quincy Jones's house. No need to wait for the big 8-0 when you can celebrate 78!
Sidney Poitier's birthday party

In honor of one of Sidney Poitier's most famous movies, Colin chose the theme "To Sidney with Love" for the 78th birthday celebration. Once inside, red carpets, burgundy velvet and silver silk décor helped convey Oprah's affection and admiration for the Oscar® winner.
Red rose bouquet

In place of Lilies of the Field, Colin arranged a breathtaking bouquet of 3,500 long-stemmed roses in the grand entryway of Sidney Poitier's birthday party.
Roses at Legends Ball

A party of legendary proportions, Oprah's Legends Ball required nothing but the best from Colin Cowie. Rivers of red roses were flown in from Ecuador for the white-tie gala, which honored women like Tina Turner, Dr. Maya Angelou, Patti LaBelle and Coretta Scott King.

"That's the magic of Oprah. As incredible as her Legends Ball was, what turned it truly fantastic was that she made every single soul who walked through the door feel honored and loved. And that," Colin says, "is something everyone can do."

Earlier that weekend, Colin orchestrated the equally spectacular Legends Luncheon.
Oprah's birthday lunch at Hotel Bel Air

With Colin as your party planner, no detail goes unnoticed. At Oprah's 50th birthday luncheon, Colin designed an O-shaped table, done in Oprah's favorite shade of green. The table was just big enough for 50 of Oprah's closest friends—and a pair of golden harps!
Colin Cowie's custom place settings

When Colin couldn't find plates in the apple green that Oprah loves, he had them custom-made for Oprah's ultimate garden party at L.A.'s Hotel Bel Air.
Oprah's 50th birthday party decor

For Oprah's black-tie 50th birthday gala, Colin transformed an ordinary tent into Club "O" with a light show and ice sculptures. Amazingly, the entire structure was built on top of a swimming pool!
Rose-covered arches at Bob Greene's wedding

When Oprah's personal trainer and friend Bob Greene wanted to create the most romantic setting for his outdoor wedding, he called upon Colin for help. Beneath beautiful rose-covered arches, Bob and Urania Greene said their "I dos."

Colin says: "Even with weddings, I always tell brides, 'Something will go wrong. The cake will be dented, the florist will screw up, and I'll do my best to fix it fast, but if disaster strikes, we serve champagne, turn up the music, and roll with it. Because the focus is on you and your partner."

Colin is no stranger to extravagant weddings—he's helped a couple throw a fantasy wedding of their dreams and surprised another couple with a spectacular bridal shower!
Tower of champagne glasses

A glittering tower of champagne glasses at Bob and Urania Greene's wedding reception added that extra touch of elegance that Colin is known for.
Gayle King's 50th birthday decor

Oprah's not the only one who got a birthday party by Colin Cowie! For Gayle King's golden birthday, Colin used Pucci-inspired table linens and poufs in Gayle's favorite color, a sunny yellow.

"Darling," Colin says, "an affair to remember and dinner for friends can be one and the same."
Oprah and Colin Cowie

Even in the midst of throwing a fabulous fete for Gayle King, Colin never forgot what the most important entertaining element was—to have some fun! Toast to Oprah's genius party planner!