FLIBS 2026: Fall Under the Spell — Spiced by the Sea
Updated: 2 hours ago
THE VIRTUAL TOUR
There was a little extra magic on the docks at this year's Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show! Top Notch Tabletop brought together 20 talented crew members, 10 spectacular yachts, 7 creative categories, 3 fabulous judges, and 9 generous sponsors for another celebration of the imagination, dedication, and incredible talent found behind the scenes of yachting.
And what a showcase it was!
From “Apple Picking in the Fall” to “Texan Vibes,” the crews took our autumn-inspired theme in wonderfully different directions. Harvest traditions came to life, spices found their way well beyond the cocktail shaker, and each tablescape offered its own interpretation of Fall Under the Spell — Spiced by the Sea.
The creativity didn't stop at the place settings. One crew spent four days handcrafting a chandelier, carefully stringing individual pieces of cinnamon and beads into a remarkable centerpiece. Behind the bar, we sampled pumpkin-spiced espresso martinis, a passion fruit tequilarita, and an intriguing creation called Fire & Vine—one you'll definitely want to read more about!
It was the kind of creativity that reminds us just how much thought, preparation, and passion go into creating memorable experiences onboard.
More Than a Beautiful Table
To the captains, charter brokers, crew agents, and everyone who works alongside these talented professionals: take a closer look at the people behind these creations.
These are the crew members who think three steps ahead, find inspiration in the unexpected, and turn everyday service into something extraordinary. The same imagination that goes into designing a captivating tablescape carries through to themed dinners, guest celebrations, and those thoughtful little touches that make a charter truly unforgettable.
Ten yachts. Twenty crew members. Countless creative details. Each brought something different to the table, and together they made Top Notch Tabletop FLIBS 2026 a wonderful reflection of the talent within our industry.
In Alphabetical order:
M/Y I Love This Boat 44m/144' | Christensen |
🏆 Most Captivating Interior Tablescape – M/Y ILTB
Chief Stewardess Lexus Marraro & Samantha Childs
Lexus and Samantha brought the magic of autumn apple picking onboard with a tablescape that was as enchanting as it was beautifully executed. Twinkling lights woven through silky, perfectly draped fabric overhead set the scene, while lush green garlands, faux grass, driftwood, pumpkins, and delicate candle votives transformed a simple jute runner into a stunning seasonal centerpiece. Deep purple bow-tie napkin folds added a beautiful contrast and the perfect finishing touch.
The balance of color, scale, texture, and fullness was spot on. Every element had its place, showcasing the kind of creative eye & attention to detail they bring to the table.
And then came the cocktail! Their Tomatini Fire & Vine was an experience all its own. Parmesan-infused vodka, homemade basil oil, a delicate Parmesan crisp, and a finishing touch of caviar created something closer to a gourmet appetizer than a drink. Rich, savory, and bursting with flavor, it was unlike anything I'd tasted before!
Top notch, girls. Absolutely top notch! ✨
M/Y Lady Joy 47m/157' | Christensen |
M/Y Lady Joy – A Little Witchcraft on the Aft Deck ✨
Chief Stewardess Morgen Wallerich & Emma Ellis
Morgen and Emma brought a touch of Halloween glamour to the aft deck with a tablescape ready to cast a spell! Witches’ hats suspended from the overhead panels danced in the breeze, bringing movement, mystery, and a little unexpected magic to the entire setting.
A striking trail of deep red roses ran down the center of the table, complemented by miniature pumpkins, elegant black tapers, and vintage-inspired bottles dripping with melted wax. Black lace added texture and drama, while patterned chargers and cleverly folded black napkins tied the whole look together.
Emma shared their napkin storage system. And how they use scarf hangers for each collection. They color coordinate and keep track of inventory with the count on labels. Each napkin is already pressed, ready for the next opportunity to shine.
Another charter-ready team with imagination to spare! Fun, creative, and full of personality. Beautifully done, ladies! 🖤✨
M/Y Miss Michele 37m / 122' | Horizon |
M/Y Miss Michelle – A Fresh Take on Coastal Elegance
Stewardess Nicole Croome
Nicole brought a refreshing ocean-inspired feel to the interior of Miss Michelle, creating a tablescape that was effortlessly elegant and beautifully in tune with the yacht's surroundings.
A lush arrangement of fresh white and green florals took center stage, while neutral-toned, shell-beaded placemats added texture and a lovely coastal touch. Perfectly pressed white napkins, finished with shimmering mother-of-pearl shell rings, complemented the crisp white dinnerware and polished silverware.
What made this setting particularly lovely was how naturally it flowed with the yacht's interior. From the striking ocean artwork to the compass rose detailing on the tabletop, Nicole thoughtfully incorporated the yacht's existing features into her design. A wonderful reminder that a talented stew knows how to work with her surroundings, bringing everything together without overpowering the space.
Fresh, inviting, and beautifully presented. Thank you, Nicole, for sharing your creativity with us! 🤍
M/Y Miss Stephanie 42m/138' Richmond |
🏆 Best Beverage Presentation – M/Y My Miss Stephanie
Chief Stewardess Kelsey Tiran & Nikita Andrade
Kelsey and Nikita brought a wonderful sense of whimsy to their autumn-inspired tablescape, combining rich seasonal colors, playful details, and a few clever surprises along the way!
Beautifully folded pumpkin napkins took pride of place atop elegant gold-rimmed china, while an imaginative centerpiece stole the show. A vase cleverly tilted on a concealed tripod appeared to spill a cascade of autumn leaves, surrounded by deep green fabric, miniature velvet pumpkins, and dried citrus slices. Delicate starfish suspended overhead added a playful nod to Spiced by the Sea, bringing a little coastal magic to the fall festivities.
🏆 And then came their award-winning Smoked Marshmallow Bourbon! Complete with three different festive toppers, this creative cocktail presentation wowed the judges and earned the girls Best Beverage Presentation at Top Notch Tabletop FLIBS 2026! A wonderful example of how a preparation, thoughtful garnishing, and a flair for presentation can elevate the onboard cocktail experience.
Whimsical, imaginative, and full of personality! From the clever centerpiece construction to the beautifully executed napkin folds and award-winning cocktails, Kelsey and Nikita showed us how a little ingenuity can turn an onboard dining experience into something truly memorable.
Beautifully done, ladies! 🍂✨
M/Y Namaste 36m/121' Benetti |
🏆 Best Tip of the Day
Chief Stewardess Christelle Van Zyl
Now, just look at that foam and perfectly spiced rim! Christelle's Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini was an absolute hit! Beautifully presented with a generous, velvety foam, a dusting of spice, and a cinnamon stick garnish, this was autumn indulgence in a glass. Delicious, festive, and oh-so-inviting!
And the tablescape was every bit as lovely! Christelle embraced the season from top to bottom, with a stunning floral centerpiece bursting with sunflowers, lush greenery, and warm autumn accents. Perfectly crafted pumpkin napkin folds brought a playful touch to each place setting, while succulents, miniature pumpkins, and natural textures added depth and charm.
Cascading green garlands overhead brought the whole setting together, creating a fresh, garden-inspired atmosphere onboard. What a beautiful blend of seasonal creativity and thoughtful yacht hospitality! From the handcrafted details to that irresistible espresso martini, Christelle showed us how to make guests feel the magic of fall.
Beautifully done, Christelle! Thank you for sharing your creativity with us! 🤍✨
M/Y No Bad Ideas 50m/164' Trinity |
Chief Stewardess Keely Lipscombe, Sophie Von Ruben & Babette Kahlo
🏆 Best Overall Design | 🏆 Most Stylish Menu Design
Now, M/Y No Bad Ideas delivered! Keely, Sophie, and Babette brought a whole lot of Texas charm to the aft deck with a tablescape that had me waiting for the chef to come out with a perfectly grilled steak!
From cowboy hats and bandana napkins to rustic textures, woven placemats, and a beautifully coordinated collection of Western-inspired details, these girls thought of everything. But the real showstoppers? The cowboy boots transformed into centerpieces! And let me tell you, dressing a boot to look this good is no easy task. It takes a creative eye, a sense of proportion, and some serious styling skills. These girls nailed it!
Their custom-designed menus carried the theme beautifully, earning them 🏆 Most Stylish Menu Design, while their outstanding creativity and execution across every category secured 🏆 Best Overall Design.
And just when we thought we'd seen it all, the girls showcased a second tablescape indoors. A complete change of pace, with sculptural white florals, elegant candlelight, and beautifully coordinated place settings that complemented the yacht's contemporary interior. Two entirely different looks, both executed with confidence and finesse. Now that's versatility!
These girls are no joke! They know how to bring personality, polish, and a little Southern hospitality to the table. From playful Texas flair to sophisticated interior elegance, this is the kind of creativity and attention to detail that makes a charter experience unforgettable.
Top notch, ladies! Two well-deserved wins! 🏆🤍✨
M/Y Optimism 37m/111' | Magesty Yachts |
Working with a limited selection of tabletop décor onboard, Laney proved that creativity and attention to detail can make all the difference.
Crisp white napkins, expertly folded into elegant fans, complemented patterned china in ocean blues. Tall taper candles in sleek black holders added height and contrast, while the clean, understated centerpiece worked beautifully with the yacht's striking geometric wall panels.
A lovely balance of precision, simplicity, and timeless elegance. Laney made the most of what was available, creating a polished, guest-ready setting that felt perfectly at home onboard.
Beautifully done, Laney! 🤍
M/Y ROCK-IT 60m/196' Feadship |
🏆 Most Artistic Napkin Fold
Chief Stewardess Taylor Browne, Emily Rennie & Zoe Clash brought their creativity to both the Top Deck and Interior tables, each with its own beautiful style.
The Top Deck featured a gorgeous mix of purple blooms and blue hydrangeas arranged in vases of varying shapes and heights. Beautiful blue and silver china, crisp white linens, and fan-folded napkins finished with Kim Seybert Blooming Napkin Rings made for a fresh, elegant setting.
Inside, the team took napkin folding to another level, earning them the 🏆 Most Artistic Napkin Fold award! This was no ordinary fan fold. The intricate design, paired with shimmering placemats and a stunning white floral centerpiece, showed just how much skill goes into the finer details of tabletop service.
And let's not forget their Passionfruit Tequilarita! Delicious, beautifully presented, and finished with delicate edible flowers. A treat from the first sip!
Top-notch creativity, beautiful execution, and plenty of tricks of the trade! Thank you, ladies, for sharing your talent, tips, and inspiration with us! 🤍✨
M/Y SILVER LINING 50m/164' Christensen |
🏆 Most Captivating Deck Top Notch Tabletop
New stew hasn't arrived yet? No problem! Second Stewardess Kyla Wood, Third Stewardess Celia Dunmore & Stew/Deck Natasha Beord stepped up, represented their vessel, and took home the trophy! 🏆
This talented team brought autumn aboard with a beautiful display of rich fall colors, textures, and a little seasonal magic. An overhead garland of autumn leaves framed the entire setting, while a deep burgundy runner anchored a creative mix of metallic vases, pumpkins, starfish, and golden accents. Beautifully folded pumpkin napkins over black china and intricate layers of placemats completed the look. And the scent of fall spices? You could smell the magic!
To top it all off, the ladies served a refreshing Apple Cider Mule in classic copper mugs, garnished with fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks. A perfect sip of autumn!
🏆 Congratulations, Team Silver Lining, on winning Most Captivating Deck Tablescape! Proof that a great crew can pull together, get creative, and deliver something truly special—even when short-handed!
Keep inspiring, ladies! 🍂✨
M/Y Winning Hand 36m/120' Broward |
🏆 Top Creative Centerpiece
Chief Stewardess Hollie Noades & Vivian Nowicki certainly had a winning hand! Their showstopping, handcrafted chandelier took over four days to create, with individually threaded cinnamon sticks, beads, and natural foliage. The craftsmanship, patience, and attention to detail were incredible—and earned this talented duo the 🏆 Top Creative Centerpiece award!
But the magic didn't stop there! As guests approached the table, a shower of autumn leaves was released from above, creating a beautiful, interactive welcome. A natural color palette carried through the tabletop with pumpkin napkin folds, woven textures, seashells, and glittered pineapples bringing a little coastal charm to the fall theme.
What impressed us most was how Hollie and Vivian worked together to turn a tablescape into an experience. The creativity, craftsmanship, and thought behind every detail are exactly what Top Notch Tabletop is all about—yacht crew going that extra mile to create unforgettable moments for their guests.
🏆 Congratulations, Team Winning Hand! A fabulous way to wrap up our FLIBS 2026 showcase. You certainly brought the magic aboard! 🍂✨
Let's recap -
✨Tips for the Season and Beyond
From handcrafted chandeliers and floating witches' hats to pumpkin-spiced cocktails and Texas-inspired tablescapes, this year's Top Notch Tabletop crews showed us that exceptional onboard hospitality is all about creativity, thoughtful details, and a little unexpected magic.
Here are five takeaways from TNT FLIBS 2026 to inspire your next guest experience aboard.
1. Think Beyond the Table
Some of this year's most memorable designs happened overhead! Suspended decorations, cascading greenery, and handcrafted installations brought height, movement, and personality to the dining experience.
TNT Tip: Look up! Use overhead space creatively, keeping guest comfort, sightlines, and secure installations in mind.
2. Make Every Detail Count
From intricate napkin folds and beautifully layered textures to themed menus and unexpected centerpiece materials, the smallest details made some of the biggest impressions.
TNT Tip: Work with what you have aboard. A perfectly pressed napkin, creative centerpiece, or fresh combination of existing accessories can completely transform a setting.
3. Cocktails Are Part of the Experience
Parmesan-infused vodka, smoking marsmallow bourbon, pumpkin-spiced espresso martinis, and apple cider mules proved that beverage presentation deserves just as much creativity as the tabletop.
TNT Tip: Think beyond the glass! Garnishes, aromas, textures, and presentation can turn a signature cocktail into an unforgettable welcome.
4. Create an Experience
From Texas hospitality to autumn apple picking and a surprise shower of fall leaves, this year's crews brought their themes to life through storytelling, movement, and interactive details.
TNT Tip: Carry your theme through the décor, menus, beverages, and atmosphere. Give guests something to discover, enjoy, and remember.
5. Teamwork Makes the Magic
Whether spending days crafting a centerpiece or pulling together while short-handed, our participating crews demonstrated the talent, resourcefulness, and teamwork that make yachting hospitality so special.
TNT Tip: Get everyone involved! Collaborate with the chef, brainstorm with fellow stews, and bring in the deck crew when needed. Great ideas become even better when the whole team contributes.
✨ Keep the Inspiration Flowing!
FLIBS 2026 reminded us that extraordinary service isn't about having the biggest décor collection or the most elaborate setup. It's about imagination, attention to detail, and creating memorable moments for guests.
To every crew who welcomed us aboard and shared your talents, thank you for inspiring the yachting community!
Top Notch Tabletop — Yachties Inspiring Yachties. 🤍✨
The People Behind the Magic
Of course, no Top Notch Tabletop showcase would be complete without the people who help bring it all together.
Our judging panel was an absolute pleasure! Sarah Murphree, Chief Stewardess and founder of SARBIE, joined Lauren Beck of The Triton and yours truly, representing Aqualuxe Outfitting, to discover the stories, inspiration, and incredible work behind each presentation.
We were sorry to miss Irma Malabanan of Savvy Maritime Academy, who unfortunately had to cancel due to the flu. We missed you, Irma, and hope you're feeling much better!
A huge thank-you to Suki Finnerty of YachtingToday.TV, who worked her magic behind the camera, capturing the details, personalities, and moments that made this year's showcase so special.
And to Jayne McManus, thank you for being such an invaluable part of TNT.
Yachties Supporting Yachties 🤍
One of the things I love most about Top Notch Tabletop is the community that stands behind it.
This year, eight of our nine sponsors are former yacht crew—people who understand the long hours, demanding turnarounds, endless attention to detail, and pride that go into delivering exceptional service onboard.
That shared experience is what makes their support so meaningful. It's truly yachties supporting yachties.
A warm welcome to our first-time TNT sponsors, Kim Ahlum of Dolce Viaggio and Sarah Murphree of SARBIE. We're delighted to have you aboard!
Thank you to Alene Keenan of Etiquette Uncorked for generously donating an autographed copy of The Yacht Guru's Bible. We missed having you with us this year!
To The Cocktail Guru, thank you for adding your expertise and generosity to this year's celebration, to Julie Perry, and a particularly special thank-you to Irma Malabanan of Savvy Maritime Academy for donating three professional training certificates. Three of our 20 participants will have the opportunity to further develop their skills through hands-on interior training in Fort Lauderdale. What a wonderful way to invest in the next generation of exceptional yacht hospitality!
To every sponsor who contributed, supported, encouraged, shared and helped make this year's event possible: thank you for believing in the talent of our industry and the importance of celebrating it.
And Now… Meet the Crews.
Behind every beautiful tablescape is a crew with a story, an idea, and the determination to bring it to life.
To everyone who participated in Top Notch Tabletop FLIBS 2026, thank you for sharing your creativity, your time, and your passion with us.
You reminded us once again that exceptional hospitality isn't simply about beautiful things. It's about the people who bring them together, the thought behind every detail, and the memories they create for those fortunate enough to experience them.
We extend our best wishes for a successful season ahead, filled with numerous charters and generous tips. Most importantly, we wish safe travels to all crew members and their guests.
Thank you for participating! Thank you for sharing! We hope this inspires all our readers!
Send us your favorite table settings to info@topnotchtabletop.com
SPECIAL SHOUT OUT
Special shout-out to the Captain Jonathan Barrett of M/Y No Bad Ideas, for graciously hosting our final group photo. A true example of what it means to lead with heart — celebrating his interior team, instilling pride, and showcasing the very essence of onboard hospitality. We’re truly grateful for your support and for setting such a shining example of what crew unity and appreciation look like, in action.
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To the Participants:
Thank you to the incredible crew (🌟⭐🌟⭐🌟) who participated — you are the ones moving the needle, setting the standard, and shining bright. Your creativity, teamwork, and heart continue to elevate what onboard hospitality is all about.
With deep appreciation,
Cris Clifford
Aqualuxe Outfitting | Founder of Top Notch Tabletop
See a typo, an inaccuracy, or something offensive? Please contact us so we can fix it!
Thank you, Grazie mille, Merci, Muchas Gracias, Pura Vida!
HOSTED BY : AQUALUXE OUTFITTING
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