By Andrew Stevens and Kim Swift, We Came in Peace
“The concept is a dark twist on the classic holiday fête, using elements of mystery, drama, and Old Hollywood glamour. A speakeasy meets an underground masquerade in a cinematic pleasure palace, and the mood is set with a minimal palette of black and white. Finding a perfect venue is key; architectural details and grand spaces with an oversize fireplace are ideal. Then pools of smoky light are interspersed with gobos casting slatted-blind texture on the walls and floors. A lush tableau of exotic hors d’oeuvres spans the space, illuminated by tiers of candelabras. Reinterpretations of classic seasonal themes are woven into the space, such as a forest of suspended Christmas tree chandeliers, composed of blackened branches and adorned with ornaments. Entertainment is a smorgasbord of vices, including gambling, hand-rolled cigars, on-site tattooing, and private shows by shadow dancers. The soundtrack for the evening is provided by a live jazz band that performs holiday classics.”
“The concept starts with a customized invite to the lounge. Upon entry, snow machines will have people making snowmen as an interactive activity. Inside, white fur-lined linens and fur-capped Chiavari chairs are set against antler candlesticks, votive holders, and fireplaces. Oversize silver frames with wood paneling, alternating with white sheer drapes and a variety of contemporary furniture, provide the groundwork for winter-inspired accessories like large lacquer deer and fur-and-antler-inspired pillows. The menu is cozy and festive, with items such as mixed berry and gingerbread trifles, roasted chestnut truffles, and specialty cocktails.”
“This distinctly visceral experience for holiday revelers challenges their ideas of a classic holiday party. The theme is nautical and fantastical and elegant without losing the warmth and nostalgia of the season. It surprises the guest’s palate and eye—traditional elements are alluded to, but made both contemporary and graceful. Suspended from the ceiling, an oversize octopus mobile with gold sequins will wrap her tentacles around the room to serve as a visual anchor for the space. Subtle hints of red and green are woven throughout this whimsical underwater world to retain the whisper of the season. People leave our aquatic Eden swimming with ideas about how they can update their own holiday traditions.”
5. “Along the perimeter walls in the cocktail space are blown-up photographs of Russian forests and wildlife amid vignettes of real birch branches. Interspersed video projections add a sense of realism—seeing a deer walk by gives the feel of an outdoor experience.” Paper birch trees and forks, $140 to $150, from Nettleton Hollow
“Contemporary lounge furniture in the center of the room offers a rest from dancing.” Sofa from Lounge 22, available in Los Angeles, New York, Las Vegas, and other cities from Cort Events
“To counterbalance the historic design of the room, we incorporate modern furniture. Gray and black Ghost chairs are paired with mirrored coffee tables.” Black Louis Ghost chair, $15, available on the East Coast from Taylor Creative Inc.
“Alternating peacock and gold underlays topped with textured purple fabric are layered on highboy tables.” Heavenly Blue Faille, Bexley, and Ayana Purple linens, from Party Tables
“In an effort to avoid disposable paper escort cards, small glass terrariums personalized with guests’ names each contain a succulent. The type of succulent indicates at which table the person will be seated, and they can be taken home at the end of the night.” Cube Aeriums, $22 to $29, from Flora Grubb Gardens in San Francisco
“Undeck the halls of all scraps of the workday to make room for guests to have visions of sugarplums instead of paperwork. Transforming the boardroom with draping and custom cream carpeting repurposes the space from meetings to elegance. Dim lighting enhances a neutral palette with playful pops of red and gold. The plinking of piano keys carries over the hum of conversations never had around the water cooler. As everyone gets comfortable, Beverly, the quiet accountant who has had just enough peppermint white Russians, slinks on top of the piano to sing ‘What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?’ Post-party, the water-cooler talk is all about the night the office was anything but business as usual.”—Christopher Confero for David Beahm Design
“One wall holds multiple recycled-cardboard deer heads, with a single red one for fun.” Micro-Buck Deer Trophy, $13, from Cardboard Safari
“Clear Louis Ghost chairs are dressed with white faux fur pillows.” Table design and decor by David Beahm Design; rentals from Party Rental Ltd.
“Nemo chairs are a true conversation starter—a pair of these fun chairs offers the perfect opportunity for an impromptu photo op after a few cocktails.” Nemo Chair, $175, available on the East Coast from Taylor Creative Inc.
