"Our party starts with a sleigh ride through the Russian winter countryside, inspired by the Russian Ice Festival with a touch of folk art. Cascading snow from above welcomes guests into the cocktail hour, where they are greeted by babushkas ready to dress them in faux fur coats and hats. Here, ice takes the stage in the refrigerated space. Two Russian Palace soldiers pose as statues guarding the second event space, and as cocktail hour comes to a close, the frosty pair comes to life and opens the doors that lead to dinner and dancing. Moscow’s underground nightclub scene and St. Petersburg’s Winter Palace is the inspiration for the dinner space. Custom-fabricated malachite stone columns, ornate gold gilding, and oversize crystal chandeliers are the backdrop of this modern Russian nightclub with a twist."—Andrew Zill of Feats Inc.
Andrew Zill is the design director of Feats Inc., a Baltimore-based event marketing and production firm. He creates event decor, stage and set designs, and element fabrication for clients like Harpo Productions, Procter & Gamble, and Under Armour.
“The main venue could be a vast, over-the-top historic building or an open-plan warehouse with fabricated stage sets and theatrical scenery.” Washington venue: the National Building Museum
“Cocktail hour is in a separate tented area, chilled to 55 degrees, [where] interactive ice carvers from Fear No Ice chisel giant blocks of ice.”
“Servers clad in traditional sarafans and kosovorotka garments pass Russian fare with a reworked twist, like 'Vodka and Cigarettas': Kobe beef- and Georgian lamb-filled pelmeni dough 'cigarettes' with pickled onion marmalade and mushroom dust ashes paired with mini bottles of vodka.” Catering by chef Saon Brice of Linwoods Catering in Maryland.
“The focal point of the cocktail space is a four-sided ice bar with a 20-foot gleaming ice- and crystal-flocked tree at the center. A vodka expert provides guests with educational information and samples served in carved ice shot glasses.” Ice bar and shot glasses from USAICE
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
“Another hors d’oeuvre idea: Chilled lobster salad with Pernod aioli, topped with Russian osetra caviar and Kiev lemon crème fraiche served in dill-infused ice cups.” Catering by Chef Saon Brice of Linwoods Catering
“A parade of Russian folk dancers from Barynya fills the cocktail room with lively movements and traditional music as they guide guests to the next stage of the night.”
“As guests enter the main space, servers dressed in black with white faux mink Russian ushanka hats and white skinny ties are on standby with Moscow mules, white Russians, and champagne gelée shots.”
“Banquette seating is set up around the room, with drum shade coverings holding chandeliers overhead.” Chandelier from Feats Inc.
“V.I.P. tables in the shape of Fabergé eggs with curved, tufted banquette seating and a bejeweled egg dome with gold foil lining give a nod to Russia’s imperial past.”
“Dinner stations of modern French-Russian fare are inspired by turn-of-the-century royal court menus. Flavorful and hearty borschts are displayed as a tasting station, as are dishes like stroganoff and crepes with crispy duck.” Buffet of Russian dishes by Occasions Caterers in Washington
“DJ Rumor spins modern world music. The fabricated multilevel DJ booth high above the crowd gives the room a palatial feel.”
“Fringed table lamps and hand-painted black lacquer boxes add a Russian accent to tables topped with custom textured linens from Table Toppers of Newton.”
“Tables also display white monochromatic floral ‘snowball’ centerpieces on glass pedestals. Small tags attached to the arrangements encourage guests to hit the savory-and-sweet vodka snowball station, with syrup flavors like chocolate-rosemary and limoncello-basil.” Floral design by Feats Inc.
“Reprinted baroque Russian murals on freestanding walls come to life with creative pin spotting and back lighting.”
“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.
“Mixologists ask guests their favorite colors and flavors. The concoctions are served in mercury-glass and jewel-tone goblets.” Brocade wine goblet, available in Toronto from Chair-man Mills
“A candy shop opens to reveal bejeweled confections. Intricate candy necklaces and glittering bon-bons become takeaways.” Chocolate necklace, $60, from JinJu Chocolates
“Christmas is filled with traditions, from the food we eat and the treats we leave for Santa, to festooning the tree and hanging the stockings to be filled. Our event brings all these elements together with a philanthropic twist that spreads holiday cheer to those less fortunate. There are so many who are unable to put food on their tables, gifts under a tree, or even dress appropriately for the weather, let alone attend a party. This cocktail soiree is designed not only for celebrating the season, but for helping those in need. Attendees leave the party knowing they enjoyed a celebratory evening out and helped many of those less fortunate in the process.”—James Rota of Dazzle Creative Events
James Rota is the founder of Dazzle Creative Events, a West Palm Beach, Florida-based event planning company that produces product launches, brand anniversary parties, meetings, fund-raisers, and more.
“A grand Victorian space with towering ceiling heights of at least 20 feet allows us to create a focal point with a stately evergreen tree.” New York venue: Metropolitan Club of New York; Palm Beach venue (pictured): the Flagler Museum
“A partially decorated tree from Tyler’s Trees, surrounded by rolling ladders, glows from within with thousands of tiny lights.”
“Jose Graterol Designs embellishes the grand staircase railings with fresh pine garlands interspersed with tassels, velvet ribbon in gold and burgundy, and pheasant and quail feathers.” Trimmings from M&J Trimming
“In addition to passed hors d’oeuvres like warm gruyere puffs topped with edible gold leaf, tasting plate stations set up on black-and-gold tables will serve a celebratory ‘Feast of the Seven Fishes’ menu by Shiraz Events. Dishes include freshly shucked oysters with cranberry mignonette, pecan-crusted shrimp, and fritto misto.” D’oro table, $550, available in New York, Los Angeles, and Miami from Luxe Event Rentals
“The signature cocktail is the ‘Winter Warmth’—a blend of Belvedere vodka, sweet vermouth, milled cherry juice, and eggnog froth with a dusting of nutmeg and a star anise garnish.” Cocktail from Shiraz Events in Miami, New York, Los Angeles and London
“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
“The tables hold candles of all shapes and sizes, also in mismatched mercury-glass containers.” Milky Frost pedestal vase and hurricane vase, $9 to $18, and antique Milky Frost tapered votive holders, $18 for six, from Jamali Garden
"Scattered throughout the space are interactive stations that foster philanthropy. At the ‘Candy Cane Kitchen,’ candy chefs from Papabubble in New York will put a spin on the classic candy cane, swirling together flavors like pear and clove, or lemon and ginger. Guests can eat them warm, and also give back by purchasing pre-packaged candy canes in cello bags, which will be distributed to a charity after the event.”
"At the Christmas cookie-decorating station, guests can decorate homemade cookies with a selection of colored icings, sprinkles, and assorted trimmings. There will also be pre-packaged, professionally decorated cookies on hand to purchase or donate.” Holiday cookies from Eleni’s New York
"At the ornament workshops, guests can watch artisans put the finishing touches on one-of-a-kind hand-painted and paper-cut ornaments. Guests can donate an ornament in memory of a loved one, or purchase one for themselves. They can also create their own holiday ornament at a craft station.” Custom hand-painted ornaments by Patch of Shade Inc.
Paper-cut ornaments by Dave Rogers Studio of Fine Art
“At the ‘Stuffing Station’ by Noah’s Ark Animal Workshop, guests will have the chance to make their own stuffed animals that will be sent to a child in need.”
“A cast of elves will be on hand to give the donated and crafted ornaments and toys a place of honor on or underneath the grand Christmas tree. The elves will also hold on to guests’ purchases, to distribute at the end of the night.” Cast of elves from New Century Dance Company in Miami
“At the end of the night, snow machines and patterned gobos from SFL Productions fill the room as ballerinas from a local performing arts school, like Juilliard in New York or the Dreyfoos School in West Palm Beach, descend down the staircase to perform the ‘Waltz of the Snowflakes’ from The Nutcracker.”
“Rather than a traditional winter-themed holiday event, we’ve imagined that this company has decided to treat employees to a unique tropical retreat that creatively accommodates the company’s eco-conscious initiatives. Inspired by Bali, the decor has an airy, organic feel with a palette of earth tones, and the cuisine is Asian-inspired. A venue with wooden floors and bow truss ceilings is key for creating a lush, tropical environment with an outdoor feel. The theme also highlights decor that can be re-used. In lieu of gifts, the company will plant a tree for each person that attends the event through a local environmental nonprofit.”—David Judaken and April Luca of DNA Events
David Judaken and April Luca are the co-founders of Los Angeles-based DNA Events, a full-service event company that produces movie premiere parties, product launches, and events including the Recording Academy’s “Grammy Glam” event and the ESPN ESPY Awards pre-party earlier this year.
“Invitations are printed on plantable seed paper, and come with instructions on how to plant it so it can grow into beautiful flowers.” Invite from Botanical Paperworks
“During cocktail hour, a violinist plays in coordination with DJ Jasepi, who is spinning a mix of lounge-y, house music.”
“Tray-passed appetizers created by DNA’s executive chef are served in unique vessels, like fresh scallops with lemon grass sambal, wasabi, crème fraîche, and shiso dust displayed inside shells.”
“Specialty cocktails are health conscious, made from fresh, muddled herbs, fruits, and vegetables. The drinks are also available in non-alcoholic versions.”
“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
“Guests are offered a choice of one of three entrees prepared by DNA Events’ catering team: Bali-peppered tuna, five-spice organic free-range chicken, or lamb chops marinated in organic agave honey and Serrano chili.”
“Chairs with black cushions are made from sustainable dark-colored wood and produced by an FSC-certified furniture company, like Cisco Brothers.”
“Small glass candle holders hang in clusters from clear fishing wire over each table.” Whirly Hanging Candleholder, $5, from CB2
“One wall of the venue is designed as a branded living wall made from drought-resistant succulents, created by Nature’s Rentals. The company’s logo is written horizontally and vertically. The wall can be reinstalled in the company’s main office as a permanent installation with an irrigation system after the event.”
“Each table has a low arrangement comprised of one type of succulent. Using drought-resistant, living plants instead of cut flowers in the center- pieces means that they can be taken home later, not thrown away.” Arrangement by Britton Neubacher of Tend
“Bali is home to some of the most beautiful butterflies in the world, so another wall in the dining area has the company logo written in tropical-looking silk butterflies.”
“During dinner, live instrumentalists play on a circular stage in the middle of the room. Between musical performances, a female contortionist with a blonde python snake from Zen Arts takes the stage.”
“After dinner dancing is led by the DJ spinning overhead in a rig designed as a chandelier. Aerialists simultaneously perform while hanging from the rig.” Custom rig designed by Lexi Pearl and Philip Solomon of Way 2 Much Entertainment
“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
Christopher Confero is the vice president of New York-based event design and planning company David Beahm Design. An experienced lighting, graphic, and floral designer, Confero conceptualizes social, corporate, and nonprofit events.
“Letterpressed invitations have a classic look with tone-on-tone embossing.” Invitation from Ceci New York
“Hide office supplies with luxurious white draping.” King White Velour drapery fabric from Drape Kings
“A pianist plays jazz renditions of holiday classics.” One-day piano rental packages, from $825, available in New York from Piano Rental NY
“A lounge elevated on a raised platform at one end of the room creates the feel of a V.I.P. area, with white and gold sofas, chairs, and side tables.” Donatella Wing Chair, $325, and Wynn Collection side table, $125 for large, $115 for medium, available in Los Angeles, New York, and Miami from Luxe Event Rentals
“One wall holds multiple recycled-cardboard deer heads, with a single red one for fun.” Micro-Buck Deer Trophy, $13, from Cardboard Safari
“An all-white dessert table by New York sweet specialist Amy Atlas Events wows guests.”
“Guests dine on heavy hors d’oeuvres in one-bite, no-mess portions.” Salmon lollipops with dill cream cheese, nori, and garlic grass, by Wolfgang Puck Catering & Events
“Celsius is known to most New Yorkers for their winter fare—for this party we hire them to serve some of their signature drinks, like the Snowcap: Kahlua, Absolut vanilla, hot chocolate, and whipped cream.”
“Low lighting comes from gold floor lamps scattered around the space.” Ora floorlamp, $75, from Luxe Event Rentals
“Several large-scale mirrors set up around the office reflect the interesting visual decor elements, offering double for your decorating money.” Rococo Mirror, $450, from Luxe Event Rentals
“A white round table holds a pyramid of meticulously stacked gifts wrapped in cream paper, topped with one large red bow spilling over the top.” Nami Silver on White gift wrap, $25, from Midori
“Guests are given a gift from the table as they leave. Inside are tumblers engraved with each employee’s initials.” Tumblers, $36 for four, from Gracious Bridal
“A fun photo booth with a gold tinsel backdrop feels glitzy, glamorous, and carefree, all at the same time.” Gold Tinsel Backdrop, $55 per square foot, from Confetti System
“Upon entering the Urban Chalet, guests are transported to a chic and sumptuous environment that mixes traditional European decor with more contemporary elements, creating an expected yet eclectic experience. Channeling the stylish Swiss ski village of Gstaad, antiques are juxtaposed with new pieces—old-world charm meets the best of modern design—all in a sleek, glass-walled loft space with dramatic city views. The concept provides the perfect setting for mountaintop-inspired holiday entertaining right in the middle of the big city.”—Ty Kuppig of Tyger Productions
Ty Kuppig is the principal of Tyger Productions, a full-service event design and management company that handles projects for private and corporate clients like JPMorgan, Disney, and Rolex.
“This New York venue [the Glass Houses] offers a sleek interior and dramatic city views—the perfect location for an Urban Chalet.”
“Faux fur pillows add a sense of comfort.” Luxe faux fur pillow covers in Coyote, $29 to $39, from Restoration Hardware
“Chesterfield sofas anchor the lounge space, providing guests a retreat from dancing.” Sofa, $550 for seven days, available in New York from GreenRoom
“Ladurée macarons are a French classic. Pass them on polished trays as an hors d’oeuvre.”
“Crystal hurricanes on tabletops add contemporary flair and soft illumination.” 15-inch Crystal Hurricane, $44, from Jamali Garden
“Snowflake tables create a playful graphic element.” Claesson Koivisto Rune Snowflakes tables from Offecct
“Custom-made floor coverings are made from salvaged Oriental rugs transformed into clever bear-shaped pieces.” Bärenjäger rug, from $2,468, from Lise Lefebvre
“Hors d’oeuvres like mini gruyere fondue are served on leather trays.” Potato cups with truffled comté fondue by Great Performances in New York
“French Ginger Snaps—made with Domaine de Canton liqueur, citrus vodka, triple sec and fresh lemon juice—would be served in tinted glassware.” Ruby Braid glass, available nationwide from Classic Party Rentals
“Modern crystal chandeliers mimic frozen formations of winter branches, adding the perfect mix of sparkle and illumination overhead.” Tord Boontje "Ice Branch" chandelier
“Paneled bars constructed of aged wood bring warmth and antique charm to the space.” Pele bar, available nationwide from Blueprint Collection
“Cabaret diva Meow Meow [IMG Artists] will stir up the crowd with a sultry performance.”
“Polished metal highboy tables, dispersed throughout the room, offer a surface for guests to place their cocktails.” Bengali Highboy, available nationwide from Blueprint Collection
“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.
“For this intimate dinner party ice is the star of the show, but what happens in and around the ice is ever-changing—I like to give guests something to talk about by planting creative surprises as conversation-starters. Everyone arrives at the ice rink expecting a standard winter party but are surprised to find something totally different. In the center of the rink is a sculptural dinner table made of ice that guests skate around. All of the decor is clear, and the colors—cobalt blue, royal purple, and wine—come from the lighting. For the first 90 minutes, guests are partnered with instructors to help them learn the basics while a DJ plays edgy, winter mash-ups. Food and beverage stations are set up at the four corners of the rink. After an elaborate brunch-inspired tasting menu, guests are treated to a surprise performance on the ice.”—Matthew David Hopkins of 360 Design Events Ltd.
Matthew David Hopkins is the creative director of 360 Design Events Ltd. and Matthew David Celebrations in New York. The former specializes in corporate events, benefits, and product launches for clients like Hearst, Uniqlo, Evian, the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, and the Hudson River Park Trust, while the latter handles private and social events.
“I would rent out the Rink at Rockefeller Center.”* Another option: Artificial Ice Events rents portable ice rink setups as small as 20 by 40 feet throughout the U.S.
*Editor's Note: The Rink at Rockefeller Center has exclusive contracts for catering, lighting, and rentals with the Patina Restaurant Group, Bentley Meeker Lighting & Staging, and Party Rental Ltd., respectively.
“Hosting a dinner on an ice rink presents some challenges. Placing white carpet or rubberized flooring on part of the rink guards against slipping.” Rosco tiles from Rosco Dance Floors
"Everyone can change out of skates and into fuzzy slippers for dinner.” Beaded fur trim slippers, $57, from Manitobah Mukluks
“Use outdoor-friendly lounge furniture on the ice.” Bubble Club sofa, chair, and table, $45 to $275, available throughout South Florida from Lavish Event Rentals
“Levy Lighting projects a fun, color-saturated pop-art program on the ice during cocktail hour for guests to skate on the top of—think blocks of color and Lichtenstein landscapes.”
“During cocktail hour, the food stations serve fresh seafood from the Sea Grill at Rockefeller Center and healthy, raw vegan fare from Pure Food and Wine.”
“The centerpiece is a Frank Gehry-inspired table made of ice, created by Okamoto Studio, and topped with a frosted recycled Plexiglas tabletop. Locally grown white amaryllis are frozen inside the crystal clear ice.”
"The only decor on the table is simple, white candles." Three- by four-inch wax LED candles, six for $42, from Jamali Garden
“All of the glassware and serving pieces are clear.” Glass canoe tray, $15.75, available in New York from Something Different Party Rental
"Guests sit on clear Philippe Starck-designed barstools." Charles Ghost barstool, $18, available throughout South Florida from Lavish Event Rentals
"Once seated, guests are served a brunch-for-dinner-inspired tasting menu." Seared sirloin and truffle poached quail egg served with root vegetable hash browns by Union Square Events
Also on the tasting menu by Union Square Events: a winter fruit-and-vegetable tart with caramel agro dolce, crème fraîche and pomegranate (pictured) and venison loin and housemade sausage and egg, served with a sage English muffin and huckleberry hollandaise.
“One of the bars offers custom-blended, chocolate elixirs from MarieBelle, spiked and served in demitasse cups, so guests can try multiple flavors.” Holiday Cacaotelle gift set, $45, from MarieBelle
“For dessert, the buffets transform into crepe and gelato stations.” Party pack, from $69, available in New York from L'Arte del Gelato
“After the meal, the rink opens back up for skating, with guests joined by kids from a local after-school program, like Figure Skating in Harlem. The guests—now competent skaters—can help the kids have fun on the ice.”
