New York-based event designer David Stark says vintage- and billboard-style signage, like a glowing marquee, is still a popular trend that will carry over into the holidays.
At the Color Invasion event, presented by the International Interior Design Association’s New York chapter, held at Center548 last November, guests tried their hand at old-fashioned carnival games at the big-top-theme party.
At a holiday party produced by New York's Great Performances last December, costumed waitstaff served truffle mac ‘n’ cheese in mugs.
The City View Loft grand opening also featured mask-embellished cupcakes.
Add a touch of funky, festive sparkle to a party with the Marie Antoinette chandelier, $500, from Designer8 Event Furniture Rental.
The Poof Chair, from FormDecor in California, includes battery-operated LED lights to brighten up a holiday party scene in a rainbow of colors. Pricing is available upon request.
At the City View Loft party, guests got to pick and choose hangover cures to take home as practical favors.
The first-time event at the Art Institute of Chicago May 16 raised money for local public charter school the Academy of Global Citizenship, and students from the school were on hand to greet guests, give them directions, and remind them of the evening's cause—all while (apparently) tugging on donors' heartstrings. Though the event was relatively small, guests bid high all evening, raising more than $1 million.
Throughout the festival in March, visitors were welcomed to the Austin Convention Center by "Jenny," an interactive digital avatar presented by 3M. The almost disturbingly lifelike avatar spoke to approaching guests and helped them locate panels and events.
In May, the Absolut X promotion in Miami had a masquerade theme. At the entrance to the event, futuristic models offered guests masks to help them get in the spirit.
At the Peninsula Chicago's blowout bash in 2011, stilt-walking geishas greeted guests on the red carpet.
