Photo: Courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum of Art
5. The Cosmopolitan's Opening Blowout
Taking the prize as the city's hottest-ticket events to ring in 2011 was a multiday program to open the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, topped off with a mashup Jay-Z and Coldplay concert. Working with the venue's director of entertainment and special events, Rehan Choudry, Colin Cowie oversaw the massive-scale, detail-driven production.
Photo: BizBash
At Barbra Streisand's recent fund-raiser for the Cedars-Sinai Women's Heart Center in Malibu, guests helped themselves to a raw fruit and veggie bar. In place of a tablecloth, organizers used a quilt to match the vintage-inspired aesthetic of the event.
Photo: Alex J. Berliner/ABImages
At Stella McCartney's Resort 2013 collection preview, waitstaff passed citrus-infused cocktails in Mason jars.
Photo: Jim Shi
McCartney's carnival-themed presentation also had a mac 'n' cheese station. Guests could grab a mini serving wrapped in a spinach cone from a Ferris-wheel stand, or opt for a full cup that could be topped with veggie bacon bits, truffle oil, jalapeños, scallions, or sriracha sauce.
Photo: Jim Shi
For the grand opening of the Miami Airport Convention Center in Miami earlier this year, the venue's catering team created an edible garden using toasted pumpernickel crumbs as "dirt" with spears of baby carrots, asparagus spears, and zucchini, as well as baby tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella "flowers."
Photo: Harvey Bilt
At the 2012 Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, presenting sponsor Belvedere offered refreshing beverages made with their Lemon Tea vodka, including the Lemon Tea Classic Punch, a drink that featured sherbet, black tea, and a mint sprig garnish.
Photo: Aubree Dallas for Belvedere Vodka
Nothing says summer like fresh seafood. At the Power Ball in Toronto, V.I.P. guests helped themselves to shrimp and freshly shucked oysters at a chilled seafood bar provided by Petite Thuet.
Photo: Josh Fee for BizBash
Petite Thuet also served a colorful dish of seafood paella at the Power Ball.
Photo: Josh Fee for BizBash
A garden-inspired dish featuring seasonal vegetables by Great Performances in New York can stand in for a traditional floral centerpiece.
Photo: Courtesy of GreatPerformances
En Ville Event Design & Catering in Toronto created a picnic-themed display of fruit, bread, and cheese for a summer event.
Photo: Courtesy of en Ville Event Design & Catering
For Heineken's Inspire Tour in 2010, the food was adapted to the New York market with items like Reuben sandwiches, Chinese dumplings, hot dogs, and falafels served from street carts.
Photo: Sara Jaye Weiss
Guests at Stella McCartney's 2011 spring preview were treated to shaved ice by People's Pops in New York.
Photo: Andrew H. Walker/WireImage for Stella McCartney
Also at Stella McCartney's Resort 2013 collection preview, dessert stands offered sweets from Coolhaus and Pie Corps (pictured). At the latter, guests could also pick up prepackaged jars of fruit cobbler.
Photo: Jim Shi
At this year's Luminescence gala in Chicago, passed canapes included cured salmon lollipops, displayed on beds of wheatgrass.
Photo: Courtesy of John G. Shedd Aquarium
As part of Colgate's White Beauty Bar event in Los Angeles, Skintimate treated attendees to a self-serve sorbet station.
Photo: Glenn Lipton
Boston-based event design firm LoLo Event Design recommends setting up self-service bars at summer events. The display includes premixed drinks in large Mason jars, along with fresh herbs and seasonal flowers.
Photo: Studio Vitri
For a fun spin on a summer favorite, LoLo Event Design has caterers serve passed bite-size ice cream cones and ice cream sandwiches.
Photo: Bliss Celebration for the Charles Hotel
At this year's Tony Awards gala in New York, guests could serve themselves cups of YoArt's frozen yogurt. There were 80 different toppings, including fresh fruit and gummi candies.
Photo: Anna Sekula/BizBash
Tabú nightclub at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas is offering several Fourth of July-inspired cocktails this summer. The White Night (pictured) is a sweet and savory blend of Malibu rum, Frangelico, Rumplemintz, and cream strained and served over ice, then garnished with raspberries and blueberries.
Photo: Johnny Mancuso/onefive4.com
At Barbra Streisand's fund-raiser for the Cedars-Sinai Women's Heart Center in Malibu, colorful floral arrangements in wooden vases played off the outdoor setting.
Photo: Alex J. Berliner/ABImages
For the dinner, held inside Streisand's home, the summery atmosphere featured neutral tones and fresh-picked centerpieces.
Photo: Alex J. Berliner/ABImages
California-based rental company Archive Rentals offers a large collection of authentic vintage Western and camping-themed items, including reclaimed barn-wood tables, camping trailers, Airstream trailers and canoes.
Photo: Alesandra Dubin/BizBash
The centerpieces at Diffa's Garden gala in Chicago this year included candelabras wrapped in greenery and white flowers surrounded by Mason jars holding tealights.
Photo: Nicholas Foli
For the Central Park Conservancy's annual "Taste of Summer" event in New York, designer Marc Wilson punched up the all-white furnishings with drapes and throw pillows in bright pink, green, and yellow hues.
Photo: Peter Peck Field
The V.I.P. area of Toronto's Power Ball was styled with rustic elements for an English-picnic look. Designers used loading palettes as banquet seating and cocktail tables.
Photo: Josh Fee for BizBash
Markus Daly Ryan produced Univision's Deportes launch in New York, where picnic tables formed the bulk of the seating and found lumber was turned into cocktail tables for a neighborhood-block-party feel.
Photo: Brian Ach/AP Images for Univision
At Stella McCartney's Resort 2013 presentation, a large cart overflowing with roses and peonies stood near the entrance to the venue. As guests left, they were given small bouquets or single stems as festive gifts.
Photo: Jim Shi
At Glossed & Found's Meredith Wendell luncheon in Chicago, A Perfect Event placed giant, colorful pool inflatables throughout the venue to set the tone for the pool party theme.
Photo: Trevar Evett/Fig Media
For the picnic-inspired Absolut Orient Apple launch party in New York last summer, organizers covered the floor of the indoor venue with sod, and brought in live trees and wooden barrels filled with thousands of apples.
Photo: Gustavo Campos
Chevron-patterned linens were also used on cocktails tables, and sunflower bouquets served as centerpieces.
Photo: Aubree Dallas for Belvedere Vodka
This year's Adam Smith Awards gala, which took place in Washington, D.C., had a red-white-and-blue theme.
Photo: Nick Khazal
At Sears' and Kmart's 2012 collection press preview, the design team brought in foliage, benches, and six live canaries. The birds chirped from freestanding cages placed around the product vignettes.
Photo: Anna Sekula/BizBash
For a recent pool party, the team at Swank Productions kept the decor streamlined, with a mostly white color palette, mirrored furnishings, and plenty of sheer draping.
Photo: Courtesy of Swank Productions
At Glossed & Found's book launch party designed by A Perfect Event, guests took home summer cocktail recipes provided by Grand Marnier.
Photo: Courtesy of Debi Lilly
Megavision Arts created 2-D and 3-D wall projections as a nod to the pool theme at a party to celebrate newly renovated Los Angeles venue Nic's Beverly Hills.
Photo: David Corwin
The recent Beverly Hills Hotel & Bungalows 100th anniversary bash kicked off with a performance by the Aqualillies, a troupe of water-ballerinas.
Photo: Michael Buckner/Getty Images for Essie
At the Seersucker Ride and Social in Washington, D.C., guests enjoyed music from a 1920s jazz band. As a nod to the theme, participants dressed in seersucker and Jazz Age fashions.
Photo: Courtesy of Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens
Guests also played lawn games like croquet at the Seersucker Ride and Social.
Photo: Courtesy of Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens
At last year's Stella McCartney spring preview, guests played ping-pong at a table set up outside.
Photo: Andrew H. Walker/WireImage for Stella McCartney
At Sunglass Hut's summer block party in Miami, family-friendly games included corn hole, bocce ball, ping-pong, and hopscotch.
Photo: WorldRedEye.com
For Yahoo's Genome relaunch party in New York, organizers brought in a trio of synchronized swimmers from Gotham Synchro to swim in the venue's indoor pool. The water dancers sported alien-inspired body suits as a nod to the event's futuristic theme.
Photo: Sean T. Smith
Dubbed "Hannah Mermaid," model Hannah Fraser is available for corporate events, and specializes in underwater "aquabatics" and open-water diving.
Photo: Jaime Gianopoulos
At a Belvedere-sponsored event during the 2012 Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, guests sat on haystacks covered with bright orange blankets and chevron-patterned pillows.
Photo: Aubree Dallas for Belvedere Vodka
At this year's Casa de Don Julio event in New York, the outdoor terrace was decorated with Mexican-inspired decor, with barrels and wooden benches used for guest seating and cocktail tables.
Photo: Marion Curtis/startraksphoto.com
LoLo Event Design offers hand-painted handkerchiefs that can serve as table numbers at a garden event. Geraniums in a terra cotta pot have a more casual feel than an elaborate formal centerpiece.
Photo: Studio Vitri
LoLo Event Design also creates message-in-a-bottle place cards for beach-inspired events.
Photo: Kjeld Mahoney Photography
For an indoor summer-themed gathering, Swank producers used beach balls to create playful "chandeliers." Tables were covered in summery yellow and orange linens.
Photo: Courtesy of Swank Productions
Zen Arts in Southern California offers an array of entertainment that can take place in or around a pool, including their transparent spheres that hold performers and float on water.
Photo: Josh Reiss
At the Power Ball in Toronto, guests took a ride on wooden swings in the main party area.
Photo: Josh Fee for BizBash
Available to rent in the U.S. for the first time, Denver-based EPS-Doublet’s (800.227.0337, epsdoublet.com) Stretch Tent line, manufactured by RHI Tents in South Africa, is made with waterproof stretch fabric. Larger tents can have sides up or down, while poles can be repositioned to accommodate more guests; units can also be wrapped around trees, rocks, and walls. The tents can be custom-colored and printed.
Photo: Courtesy of EPS-Doublet
At a 40th birthday party, Susan Holland Events filled the Stephan Weiss Studio in New York with disco ball lights and projected French surrealist films, while a swing hung near the dance floor.
Photo: Jamie Watts
Inspired by the family’s love of candy, David Monn used ring pops, gummy frogs, lollipops, and sour apple gummy rings to create the centerpieces at a recent bat mitzvah.
Photo: Brian Dorsey Studios
Ritzy Bee Events used craft paper and chalk to label the passed appetizers for a rehearsal dinner at the Decatur House in Washington so guests wouldn’t be left guessing.
Photo: Kate Headley Photography
For a wedding at the King Plow Event Gallery in Atlanta, Bold American Events & Catering designed an upside-down centerpiece of yellow tulips and glass globes that hung above the head table.
Photo: Our Labor of Love
Fusion's Synergy invitation suite costs $387 for 50 sets, a price that includes custom envelopes printed with a return address and guests' addresses, as well as access to the company's easyinvite.com services.
Photo: Nadia Chaudhury/BizBash
Noel Noir
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.”
Rendering: Courtesy of We Came in Peace
Noel Noir
“Noel Noir is inspired by the moody black-and-white scenes of old Hollywood, with a cheeky holiday twist.”
Noel Noir
“Nightcap: The bar serves martinis with an emphasis on seasonal cocktails featuring absinthe or whiskey.” Absinthe Verte from St. Georges Spirits (510.769.1601, stgeorges spirits.com)
Photo: Courtesy of Jason Heilig
Noel Noir
Toronto venue: “The Grand Banking Hall in this turn-of-the century tower has magnificent details and timeless charm, perfect for event and parties.” One King West
Photo: Courtesy of the Desmond Tutu Center
Noel Noir
The Grand Banking Hall.
Photo: Courtesy of One King West Hotel & Residence
Noel Noir
“Layers of antique books add height and interest to tablescapes.” Book prop from Juniper Books
Photo: Juniper Books LLC/Juniperbooks.com
“Exotic birds add drama and interest to buffets and gifting areas.” Taxidermy, pricing varies, available in New York from Lost and Found Props
Photo: Theo Vamvounakis
Noel Noir
“Deco-inspired lines with a modern, high-gloss finish make this perfect for a room-spanning display.” Bubble dining table from the High Style collection, $425, available in New York, Miami, and L.A. from Luxe Event Rentals
Photo: Courtesy of Luxe Event Rentals
Noel Noir
“A decadent reimagination of the dessert-table staple.” Gilded chocolate-covered strawberries from Canard Inc.
Photo: Courtesy of Canard Catering
Noel Noir
“Earthy, sweet figs bound with savory prosciutto are a delicious way to start the festivities.” Devils on Horsebacks from Canard Inc.
Photo: Courtesy of Canard Catering
Noel Noir
“Perfect for displaying all sorts of holiday curiosities.” Bell jar, $19.95 from Crate & Barrel
Photo: Courtesy of Crate & Barrel
Noel Noir
“Nothing sets the mood better than an authentic live orchestra and crooning front man.” Michael Arenella & His Dreamland Orchestra
Photo: Len Spoden Photography
Noel Noir
“A classic silver multi-armed candelabra towers over the tablescape. Pair with black taper candles.” Silver standing candelabra from Party Rental Ltd.
Photo: Courtesy of Party Rental Ltd.
Noel Noir
Andrew Stevens and Kim Swift are co-founders of We Came in Peace in New York. The creative studio specializes in experience and production design, art direction, and narrative environments. Clients include Art Basel, Microsoft, Schick, and Porsche.
Photo: Daniel Cavazos
The Snowball Lounge
“For the table setting, fur chair caps and gorgeous white linens with unique and festive centerpieces tie the whole look and theme together.” Table linens and chair covers, pricing varies, from Wildflower Linens
Photo: Courtesy of YourBash!
The Snowball Lounge
“Cookies and trifles are gorgeous and delicious.” Catering by Alligator Pear Catering in Canoga Park, California
Photo: Courtesy of Alligator Pear Catering
The Snowball Lounge
“Create a warm glow and ambience with an enclosed fireplace.” Black fireplace, $300, available in New York, Las Vegas, and Palm Beach from Taylor Creative
Photo: Courtesy of Taylor Creative
The Snowball Lounge
L.A. venue: "Start with a blank canvas and let the holiday spirit take over at the Book Bindery in Culver City."
Photo: Courtesy of the Bookbindery
The Snowball Lounge
“Peppermint twists help guests toast to a joyous night.”
Photo: Courtesy of YourBash!
The Snowball Lounge
“Get your guests excited with a custom invitation created by Cocodot.”
Photo: Courtesy of Coco Dot
The Snowball Lounge
Jaime Geffen and Brian Worley are the creative duo at YourBash! in Santa Monica, California. The full-service event production company has worked on movie premieres, product launches, and green events including Fox’s American Idol finalist party, the Foundation Polo Challenge, and the Teen Choice Awards.
Photo: Courtesy of YourBash!
The Holiday Aquatic
By Britt Whitfield, Revel Global Events
“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.”
“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.”
Rendering: Courtesy of the Revel Group
The Holiday Aquatic
“Miniature sequins between panels of silver damask on the linen.” From Private Label Linens
Photo: Steven E. Gross
“Contemporary white lounge furniture slips serpentinelike throughout the space, providing a respite from dancing.” Sofa from Lounge 22, available in Los Angeles, New York, Las Vegas, Chicago, and other cities from Cort Events
Photo: Courtesy of Cort Event Furnishings
Chicago venue: “Few spaces undergo a deep-sea transformation as easily as the River East Art Center, which features a canvaslike atrium and atmospheric water wall.”
Photo: Courtesy of the River East Art Center
“Vessels encrusted with sequins and mirrors give way to red coral branches, tucks, orchid blossoms, amaryllis blooms, thistle, and protea.” Floral accents designed by Whitfield’s partners at Revel Decor
Photo: Steven E. Gross
“An artisan soda bar offers snow-cone syrup flavors, with infusions like hibiscus basil orange blossom and fig vanilla black pepper.” From Jo Snow Syrups
Photo: Melissa Yen
“A Bubble Man is adorned in vintage scuba gear to further intensify the underwater fantasy world.” From Redmoon Theater
Photo: Courtesy of Renegade Craft Fair
“The menu is both indulgent and appropriately seaworthy, with squid ink cones filled with smoked trout and sesame-scented crème fraîche.” Hors d’oeuvres by Paramount Events
Photo: Steven E. Gross
Britt Whitfield is C.E.O. of Revel Global Events in Chicago. The event marketing and management agency has worked on events for the University of Chicago, Teknion, and the Chicago Cubs.
Photo: Courtesy of Britt Whitfield
Noel Noir
“Transform the typical cheery holiday fireplace into a multihued, dramatic centerpiece.” Mystical Fire Retail 50 Pack, $57.50 from Mystical Distributing
Photo: Courtesy of Mystical Fire
The Snowball Lounge
By Jaime Geffen & Brian Worley, Your Bash!
“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.”
“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.”
Rendering:
The Snowball Lounge
“Antlers and white furniture add to the modern and sleek holiday decor.” Furnishings by AB Elements, accessories by Z Gallerie
Photo: Courtesy of YourBash!
Surrounded by camellia trees, the promenade area was redone as a garden space, reminiscent of Jean Cocteau's classic La Belle et la Bête. The room highlighted Chanel's fine jewelry collection alongside flowers that shone with diamonds.
Photo: Billy Farrell/BFAnyc.com
The design concept touched all areas of Skylight SoHo's 15,000-square-foot interior, including the hallway, which Target remodeled into a Parisian-style boulevard with lampposts, painted illustrations of buildings, and trees surrounded by benches.
Photo: Nilaya Sabnis
GBK Golden Globes Gift Suite
GBK hosted a lounge including gifts and services on Friday and Saturday at the L’Ermitage Hotel in Beverly Hills.
Photo: Courtesy of GBK
Tommy Hilfiger
Details for both shows from Tommy Hilfiger included gates branded with the designer’s initials set in iron and a square-shaped brick runway bordered with gravel and artificial maple trees.
Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage
Cash Money Records Pre-Grammy Party
Digital screens, including a retractable LED chandelier that draped the stage, displayed images such as the Eiffel Tower emblazoned with YMCMB (Young Money Cash Money Billionaires) logos. And 14-foot white cherry blossom trees stood sentry.
Photo: Adrian Sidney/PictureGroup
A New Take on Recycling Harrison & Shriftman worked with Fête to create a flower-seed-laced invitation for the eco-friendly Smart ForTwo car debut in New York. The envelope gave instructions for planting the card, which naturally decomposes in soil.
Photo: Nick Ferrari for Bizbash
Noelle Provencial
Experiential marketing and events manager, Groupon, Chicago, 28
To-do list: Provencial manages all of Groupon’s experiential marketing and events in North America. Her projects have included a 1,500-guest hangover brunch at South by Southwest in Austin in 2011 and hometown holiday parties for more than 3,000 employees.
Claim to fame: Provencial stages massive, quirky, press-friendly events, including an 8,500-guest screening of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off on Wrigley Field in October 2011 for the film's 25th anniversary. “People were allowed to come and sit on the uncovered field and watch the movie on three jumbo screens facing the outfield.”
Up next: An urban adventure that sets the fun of summer camp against a big-city backdrop. “With Camp Groupon, we hope to take the standard event expectations—a two- to three-hour experience in a single space—and transform it into something that can last for days, is full of surprise and delight, and is affordable to people of all ages.”
To-do list: Provencial manages all of Groupon’s experiential marketing and events in North America. Her projects have included a 1,500-guest hangover brunch at South by Southwest in Austin in 2011 and hometown holiday parties for more than 3,000 employees.
Claim to fame: Provencial stages massive, quirky, press-friendly events, including an 8,500-guest screening of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off on Wrigley Field in October 2011 for the film's 25th anniversary. “People were allowed to come and sit on the uncovered field and watch the movie on three jumbo screens facing the outfield.”
Up next: An urban adventure that sets the fun of summer camp against a big-city backdrop. “With Camp Groupon, we hope to take the standard event expectations—a two- to three-hour experience in a single space—and transform it into something that can last for days, is full of surprise and delight, and is affordable to people of all ages.”
Photo: Dan Hallman for BizBash
Photos: Dan Hallman for BizBash
Rendering: Courtesy of the Venetian/Palazzo
