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event Inspiration

May 21, 2014
New York restaurant Tipsy Parson hosts an annual Kentucky Derby party, and in 2013 the outing at Drive In Studios had plenty of quirky details from Matthew Robbins Design and Gifts for the Good Life. Two horse-shaped props stood at the entrance to the event, decorated with black hats and oversize award ribbons.
New York restaurant Tipsy Parson hosts an annual Kentucky Derby party, and in 2013 the outing at Drive In Studios had plenty of quirky details from Matthew Robbins Design and Gifts for the Good Life. Two horse-shaped props stood at the entrance to the event, decorated with black hats and oversize award ribbons.
Photo: Anna Sekula/BizBash
If there's no room for life-size horses, take a page from the Hermès playbook. For the opening of the first dedicated Hermès men’s store in 2010, an LED installation by Japanese artist Makoto Tojiki referenced the luxury fashion house's heritage and made for a striking visual.
If there's no room for life-size horses, take a page from the Hermès playbook. For the opening of the first dedicated Hermès men’s store in 2010, an LED installation by Japanese artist Makoto Tojiki referenced the luxury fashion house's heritage and made for a striking visual.
Photo: Clint Spaulding/PatrickMcMullan.com
For an even smaller nod to the central focus of the Kentucky Derby, the Tipsy Parson Derby Daze party in 2013 had plastic toy horses strewn around the buffet tables for a kitschy touch.
For an even smaller nod to the central focus of the Kentucky Derby, the Tipsy Parson Derby Daze party in 2013 had plastic toy horses strewn around the buffet tables for a kitschy touch.
Photo: Anna Sekula/BizBash
Pennants and flags are common sights at the derby—pink bunting will even deck the Churchill Downs racetrack today for the annual Pink Out festivities. A simple string of flags overhead can add color to an outdoor gathering, which is what producer BrownHot did to accent the seating for the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic's V.I.P. picnic last year.
Pennants and flags are common sights at the derby—pink bunting will even deck the Churchill Downs racetrack today for the annual Pink Out festivities. A simple string of flags overhead can add color to an outdoor gathering, which is what producer BrownHot did to accent the seating for the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic's V.I.P. picnic last year.
Photo: Claire Barrett Photography
An activity like horseshoes will help guests get into the spirit, and the targets can even sport customized flags like the one for Gilt City's Washington launch party in 2011.
An activity like horseshoes will help guests get into the spirit, and the targets can even sport customized flags like the one for Gilt City's Washington launch party in 2011.
Photo: Tony Brown/imijphoto.com for BizBash
Or decorate a bar with on-theme details. In 2012, Maxim's Filles and Stallions Party at the Kentucky Derby used a horseshoe-shaped ice sculpture to draw attention and brand the cocktail bar from Bulleit Bourbon.
Or decorate a bar with on-theme details. In 2012, Maxim's Filles and Stallions Party at the Kentucky Derby used a horseshoe-shaped ice sculpture to draw attention and brand the cocktail bar from Bulleit Bourbon.
Photo: Steven Cohen/WireImage
For flowers, there's classic Southern blossoms like magnolias and wisteria, but many event hosts opt for red roses. The use of the vibrant flower is a nod to the derby's 'Run for the Roses' nickname and the tradition of draping the winning horse with a blanket of red roses.
For flowers, there's classic Southern blossoms like magnolias and wisteria, but many event hosts opt for red roses. The use of the vibrant flower is a nod to the derby's "Run for the Roses" nickname and the tradition of draping the winning horse with a blanket of red roses.
Photo: BizBash
For the Kentucky Derby-theme American Heart Association's 2012 gala in Seattle, event designer Matthew Parker created a photo backdrop that included a life-size papier-mâché horse made from more than 5,000 individually placed construction-paper strips.
For the Kentucky Derby-theme American Heart Association's 2012 gala in Seattle, event designer Matthew Parker created a photo backdrop that included a life-size papier-mâché horse made from more than 5,000 individually placed construction-paper strips.
Photo: Courtesy of Matthew Parker Events
It isn't the Kentucky Derby without a mint julep. For the opening of the American Museum of Natural History's 'The Horse' exhibition in 2008, Maker's Mark provided a bar that served the cocktail to guests.
It isn't the Kentucky Derby without a mint julep. For the opening of the American Museum of Natural History's "The Horse" exhibition in 2008, Maker's Mark provided a bar that served the cocktail to guests.
Photo: Roderick Mickens/American Museum of Natural History
For a different spin on the classic derby drink, Design Cuisine served mint julep snow cones at the 2011 Gilt City Washington launch party.
For a different spin on the classic derby drink, Design Cuisine served mint julep snow cones at the 2011 Gilt City Washington launch party.
Photo: Tony Brown/imijphoto.com for BizBash
Andrea Correale, founder and president of New York-based catering company Elegant Affairs, mixes blueberries into the mint julep recipe to make blueberry mint julep ice pops. The frozen treats are made with fresh mint leaves, water, sugar, frozen limeade concentrate, bourbon, and blueberries.
Andrea Correale, founder and president of New York-based catering company Elegant Affairs, mixes blueberries into the mint julep recipe to make blueberry mint julep ice pops. The frozen treats are made with fresh mint leaves, water, sugar, frozen limeade concentrate, bourbon, and blueberries.
Photo: Courtesy of Elegant Affairs
Light refreshments are usually the best bet for late spring/early summer gatherings. The hot brown sandwich is a Louisville tradition, but other sandwiches are just as suitable, like the spread RCano catered at the 2009 Veuve Clicquot Manhattan Polo Classic.
Light refreshments are usually the best bet for late spring/early summer gatherings. The hot brown sandwich is a Louisville tradition, but other sandwiches are just as suitable, like the spread RCano catered at the 2009 Veuve Clicquot Manhattan Polo Classic.
Photo: John Minchillo for BizBash
For more elegant finger foods, Tipsy Parson served deviled eggs on silver stands at its Derby Daze party last year.
For more elegant finger foods, Tipsy Parson served deviled eggs on silver stands at its Derby Daze party last year.
Photo: Anna Sekula/BizBash
A more casual way to serve snacks is to place them in patterned metal buckets, which is what Eatertainment Special Events and Great Performances did for the 2010 Red Bull Air Race in New York.
A more casual way to serve snacks is to place them in patterned metal buckets, which is what Eatertainment Special Events and Great Performances did for the 2010 Red Bull Air Race in New York.
Photo: Graeme Sodenkamp
In addition to pies and cakes, Tipsy Parson's Derby Daze party offered sugar cookies decorated to look like race horses. The treats were served on sticks and presented on grassy trays.
In addition to pies and cakes, Tipsy Parson's Derby Daze party offered sugar cookies decorated to look like race horses. The treats were served on sticks and presented on grassy trays.
Photo: Anna Sekula/BizBash
The Derby Daze affair also made sure waitstaff passing drinks were dressed for the occasion in jodhpur-style pants and riding boots.
The Derby Daze affair also made sure waitstaff passing drinks were dressed for the occasion in jodhpur-style pants and riding boots.
Photo: Anna Sekula/BizBash
Selfie Spot
Selfie Spot

The recently renovated Marriott Stanton South Beach in Miami Beach has debuted “Selfie Spots,” five areas within the beachfront hotel designated as the perfect place to snap selfies. The areas are marked by a circular sticker and have the hashtag #StantonSelfie and the hotel’s social handles.

Photo: Courtesy of Marriott Stanton South Beach
Play Willy Wonka
Play Willy Wonka

Voilà Chocolat founder Peter Moustakerski recruited Christophe Toury (formerly of Jacques Torres Chocolate) and Dennis Teets (formerly a chocolate scientist for Hershey’s) to create an artisanal, interactive chocolate-making experience. Scheduled to open tomorrow in New York, the shop allows guests to make high-end chocolates, like gourmet truffles and chocolate bars, in 30- to 60-minute sessions. Pricing for classes ranges from $39 to $79, with special advanced classes and projects ranging from $100 to $150.

Photo: Courtesy of Voilà Chocolat
Thinkery Imaginarium Gala
Thinkery Imaginarium Gala

At Thinkery's Imaginarium gala, held in Austin in September, staff wore necklaces with Scrabble pieces that spelled out their names. These were used in lieu of traditional name tags.

Photo: Nadia Chaudhury/BizBash
Stella McCartney Store Opening
Stella McCartney Store Opening

At Stella McCartney's store opening at St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort in South Florida, Scrabble sets served as name plates. The event took place in 2012.

Photo: Courtesy of Stella McCartney
Pac-12 V.I.P. Tailgate Event
Pac-12 V.I.P. Tailgate Event

The Pacific-12 Football Championship Game took place at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on December 5. The day-of tailgate party, organized by staffers of the Pacific-12 Conference, took place at the new Great America Pavilion adjacent to the venue. Mascots from each of the college football teams represented by the Pacific-12 Conference attended the event and played "Giant Jenga" with guests.

Photo: Douglas Taylor
Svedka Vodka Promotion
Svedka Vodka Promotion

At a Svedka vodka promotion in Los Angeles in 2013, guests played "life-size Jenga" using huge game pieces stamped with the name of the vodka brand.

Photo: Michael Simon/StarTraksPhoto.com
The Maker Faire
The Maker Faire

One of the largest installations at the 2013 Maker Faire at the New York Hall of Science was a life-size version of the board game Mouse Trap. Maker Faire is put on by Make magazine, and it's a place to sample what the magazine calls “the Maker Movement": a tech-focused D.I.Y. community of hobbyists and students who profess to be more concerned with creating than consuming.

Photo: Carolyn Curtis/BizBash
Stella McCartney Pre-Fall 2012 Presentation
Stella McCartney Pre-Fall 2012 Presentation

In 2012, the designer gathered a crowd at the New York restaurant One if by Land, Two if by Sea for a fashion presentation that included game-playing models staged in intimate vignettes.The mezzanine of the restaurant was converted into a games room for the soirée, and included a table where models clad in the pre-fall collection played Scrabble.

Photo: Joe Schildhorn/BFAnyc.com
Havianas Pool Party
Havianas Pool Party

A modified Twister board replaced the game's classic colored circles with Havaianas flip-flops at a promotion for the brand at Miami's Shore Club in 2009.

Photo: Seth Browarnik/Red Eye Productions
The Simpsons 20th Anniversary and "Treehouse of Horrors" Episode Party
The Simpsons 20th Anniversary and 'Treehouse of Horrors' Episode Party

A different type of Twister board—this one inflatable—beckoned guests at a 2009 celebration for The Simpsons 20th anniversary. The event took place at Barker Hangar in Los Angeles.

Photo: André Maier Photography
The Joffrey Ballet's Nutcracker Family Dinner
The Joffrey Ballet's Nutcracker Family Dinner

In Chicago, the Joffrey Ballet's annual Nutcracker Family Dinner in Chicago offers activities for children and adults alike. At the 2011 event, young guests played Twister on the ballroom floor at the Palmer House Hilton.

Photo: Robert Carl
Sunglass Hut Summer Block Party Miami
Sunglass Hut Summer Block Party Miami

Born in Miami, Sunglass Hut returned to its roots in 2011 for the opening of its largest outpost to date, located on Lincoln Road. At the game-filled gathering, adults and celebrities played chess with life-size pieces set up in the 11 11 Lincoln Road parking structure.

Photo: WorldRedEye.com
Pitchfork Music Festival
Pitchfork Music Festival

At the July 2014 music festival in Chicago, V.I.P. guests could play checkers at staggered tables or rest on colorful hammocks.

Photo: Barry Brecheisen for BizBash
Starbucks Iced Coffee at the It's so Miami Lounge
Starbucks Iced Coffee at the It's so Miami Lounge

Starbucks hosted its first Lollapalooza activation in 2013 at the It's so Miami Lounge at the Hard Rock Hotel Chicago. The suite offered oversize chess and Connect Four games, plus small café tables stocked with buckets of bottled iced coffee.

Photo: Barry Brecheisen for BizBash
Monopoloy Millionaires' Club Launch Event
Monopoloy Millionaires' Club Launch Event

In October, New Yorkers gathered in Times Square to play a life-size version of Monopoly to celebrate the launch of Monopoly Millionaires' Club, a multi-state lottery game and TV show. The gathering featured appearances from actor Billy Gardell, New York Lottery personality Yolanda Vega, and a costumed "Rich Uncle Moneybags" character.

Photo: Anders Krusberg
Toyota Hybrid and Hasbro at the Chicago Auto Show
Toyota Hybrid and Hasbro at the Chicago Auto Show

The top-hat-wearing character also made an appearance at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, where Toyota Hybrid teamed up with Hasbro to create a 30,160-square-foot "Monopoly Ride Experience." The closed course let guests test out the Prius, Pruis V, Camry Hybrid, and Highlander Hybrid. Attended by costumed staffers, the course was inspired by the popular board game and had S-curves, tight roundabouts, a bridge, and train tracks based on Reading Railroad.

Photo: Jenny Berg/BizBash
Surfboards
Surfboards

At Victoria’s Secret Pink spring break event in Destin, Florida, in March 2014, the retailer placed its event logo on custom surfboards that guests could sign.

Photo: Don Juan Moore/Getty Images for Victoria's Secret
The event, a joint birthday party, took place at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium.
The event, a joint birthday party, took place at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium.
Photo: Geoff Chesman Photography
Wedding Trend: Natural Elements
Wedding Trend: Natural Elements

Weiss and her team sourced vintage furniture—a dresser, lamp, and chair—and Mark's Garden planted them with succulents and other greenery to create a dramatic, organic look for a display.

Photo: Tiffany Rose/Getty Images for Wedding Paper Divas
Historical Theme: Oscars
Historical Theme: Oscars

This year's Governors Ball drew inspiration from cinematic history, with 3,000 photos from the academy’s archives used as decor. Cheryl Cecchetto and Sequoia Productions designed and produced the event, which was held at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland on February 22.

Photo: Line 8 Photography. All rights reserved.
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