| EVENT REPORT 02.24.09 12:30 PM |
PRINT | SEND TO A FRIEND |
|
| Garden Party |
| For the first time in its 58-year history, the National Home Show threw an opening-night bash—with a '30s Hollywood theme—to kick off the two-week consumer event. |
|
Following in the steps of other consumer shows (the Interior Design Show, Canada Blooms), the National Home Show threw its first opening-night party at the Direct Energy Centre Friday, an event the show's manager, Lisa Barnes, said was long overdue. "The National Home Show is one of the largest commercial shows in North America, so we thought we should be kicking this off properly," said Barnes. "It was the right time to do it."
Changes at the 2009 National Home Show—now in its 58th year—include a date switch from April to February, and a new spokeperson, Extreme Home Makeover host Ty Pennington, who couldn't attend the event due to other commitments. Barnes said the inaugural Housewarming Party served as a platform to celebrate the changes and raise money for the Children's Miracle Network. The bash also gave the show a boost of publicity thanks to its presenting sponsor, CityLine. CityLine's Tracy Moore also hosted the evening. |
|
CONTINUED > |
|
|
PHOTO GALLERY |
 | Dancers from the Dance Company entertained guests and added to the 1930s theme.
Photo: Shaun Mitchell/National Home Show |
|
|
 | The Graham Howes Band performed for guests in a garden setting.
Photo: Shaun Mitchell/National Home Show |
|
|
 | CityLine host Tracy Moore hosted the opening-night event, which drew 550 guests.
Photo: Shaun Mitchell/National Home Show |
|
|
 | Premier Landscaping & Design's patio included a lit-up screen that changed colors throughout the evening.
Photo: Gary Beechey for BizBash |
|
|
 | Mayflower Landscaping's patio featured a large fountain and a wine cellar.
Photo: Gary Beechey for BizBash |
|
|
 | Top Green Landscaping Ltd.'s installation included a fire pit and an outdoor kitchen with furnishings by California Kitchens.
Photo: Gary Beechey for BizBash |
|
|
 | An eco-friendly garden by the Bsq Landscape Design Studio included a recycled office space constructed from freight containers.
Photo: Gary Beechey for BizBash |
|
|
|
|
|
|
The 32,000-square-foot Dream Gardens, a small piece of the sprawling show, set the scene for the party. Eight landscape designers created patio installations for the area, with themes from eco-friendliness to outdoor entertaining. In the center of the installations, a lit-up bar and faux grass-floored lounge area served as the mingling point for the event's 550 guests.
Barnes said she also wanted the opening night to include a 1930s Hollywood theme, which included cigarette girls serving hors d'oeuvres and drinks and the Graham Howes Band, a jazz trio, providing background music. The location of the Dream Home, styled by Janette Ewen, was repositioned this year so guests could walk through it and end up in the Dream Gardens.
"It's been a tough year, and there are more tough times ahead, so we have the Dream Gardens and Dream Home, which are very whimsical, tied in with 1930s Hollywood escapism and glamour for the party," said Barnes. Also in response to the economy, Barnes pointed out this year's National Home Show—which runs until March 1—is keeping its focus on do-it-yourself projects and products that suit a wide range of budgets.
Event sponsors included RBC, Toronto Wine & Spirit Festival, the Brick, Flex Court Canada, EQ3, and Peller Estates. The National Home Show is presented by Re/Max.
—Erin Letson
RELATED TOPICS
National Home Show, Children's Miracle Network, CityLine, RBC, Toronto Wine & Spirit Festival, The Brick, Flex Court Canada, EQ3, Peller Estates, Re/Max
MORE EVENT REPORT STORIES
Feist Steps in to Perform at Holt Renfrew's Holiday Window Unveiling
Venetian Ball Recreates Piazza San Marco With 30-foot Bell Tower, Starry Night Lighting
Baycrest Foundation Stages Ballroom Dance Competition for Annual Gala
Microsoft Introduces Windows 7 With Cute Kid, Product Vignettes
Thomas Sabo Product Launch Dresses Ultra With Black Feathers, Roses
MORE STORIES ABOUT NATIONAL HOME SHOW
Gallery Highlights New Products for National Home Show Attendees
National Home Show Manager Christine Nattrass Listens (and Responds) to Attendees
MORE STORIES ABOUT RBC
Boobyball Adopts Kitschy Cruise Theme With Lido Deck Games, Models Dressed as Captains
Symphony Plays Up New Season's "Electric" Theme at Opening Night Gala, After-Party
Sponsor Lounges, Activations Fill Glen Abbey Golf Club for RBC Canadian Open
| More Suppliers/Venues to Consider |
ADVERTISEMENT |
|
|
|
Island Yacht Club
Overlooking the Blockhouse Bay, the Island Yacht Club is a picturesque and private island, offering fully equipped meeting facilities with Wi-Fi, complemented by a comfortable lounge and dining room. Relax in front of a roaring fire or mingle over cocktails on the outdoor patio. More >>
EMAIL THIS RESOURCE |
|
Decor & More Inc.
Decor & More Inc. is Canada’s most-recognized name in designing and producing creative and memorable events, tradeshow booths, fund-raising galas and more! Their full in-house offering of floral, lounge furnishings, image and graphics, event coordinators, event designers, tabletop specialists, and production crew ensure every event is executed with incomparable quality and great value. More >>
EMAIL THIS RESOURCE |
|
Snapshot Photobooth, powered by Flow Photo
Instantly capture the fun of your event and unleash your creativity with the Snapshot Photobooth—a fully automated, unique, interactive photobooth experience your guests will love! Guests fill the frame, pose, click, and leave with a branded print available in 4 x 6 , 5 x 7 or vintage-style 2 x 6 strips with four poses in either colour or black-and-white. More >>
EMAIL THIS RESOURCE |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
