David Tutera has made a career out of planning events—and publicizing his work—so it was no surprise when the release party for his new book, The Party Planner, was a splashy celebration. Copper-colored invitations by Encore Studios emblazoned with a color photograph of Tutera himself on the book cover breathlessly beckoned guests to "experience firsthand the taste, the look, the scent, the touch, and the sound of a David Tutera event!"
Partygoers found themselves in the middle of Loft Eleven's huge raw space, transformed with what Tutera called a "contemporary Asian chic" theme. Tables and chairs were covered in custom dupioni silk cloths in yellow, green, and orange, and adorned with large geometric shapes in contrasting colors. Copper tables had channels of water in the center to display floating candles and floating flowers. The floral arrangements, in clear glass containers, included calla lilies, orchids, and unique foliage. Candles in clear and colored glass holders accented the entire loft. Even the ceiling was decorated, with yards of light green organza fabric and more than 500 Asian lanterns in the three colors hung overhead, creating an intimate feel.
"The colors were selected because they were bright summer hues that I wanted to shine after a long dreary winter," Tutera told us. "The overall style was sleek, modern, and clean. It was about color, style, and fun."
Sonnier & Castle's butlered hors d'oeuvres (which didn't come out of the kitchen quite fast enough for the 450 hungry guests) included green pea blinis with caviar and trays of sushi rolls. For dessert, cookies from Eleni's Cookies were given out, and guests walked away from the event with another edible treat: Cookie Island cookies.
Oversized photo stills from the book decorated the walls, citrus-colored M&Ms—branded with Tutera’s name and the book title—replaced the usual bar nuts, and even Pronto Printer's cocktail napkins had a Tutera touch (or "Tutera Tip," as the book calls them), providing drink recipes and garnish suggestions. But guests who couldn't get enough could purchase the book, which retails for $29.95, from Bulfinch Press, right on their way out.
—Erika Rasmusson Janes
Photos: David Nicholas Photography (room, M&M's)
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Partygoers found themselves in the middle of Loft Eleven's huge raw space, transformed with what Tutera called a "contemporary Asian chic" theme. Tables and chairs were covered in custom dupioni silk cloths in yellow, green, and orange, and adorned with large geometric shapes in contrasting colors. Copper tables had channels of water in the center to display floating candles and floating flowers. The floral arrangements, in clear glass containers, included calla lilies, orchids, and unique foliage. Candles in clear and colored glass holders accented the entire loft. Even the ceiling was decorated, with yards of light green organza fabric and more than 500 Asian lanterns in the three colors hung overhead, creating an intimate feel.
"The colors were selected because they were bright summer hues that I wanted to shine after a long dreary winter," Tutera told us. "The overall style was sleek, modern, and clean. It was about color, style, and fun."
Sonnier & Castle's butlered hors d'oeuvres (which didn't come out of the kitchen quite fast enough for the 450 hungry guests) included green pea blinis with caviar and trays of sushi rolls. For dessert, cookies from Eleni's Cookies were given out, and guests walked away from the event with another edible treat: Cookie Island cookies.
Oversized photo stills from the book decorated the walls, citrus-colored M&Ms—branded with Tutera’s name and the book title—replaced the usual bar nuts, and even Pronto Printer's cocktail napkins had a Tutera touch (or "Tutera Tip," as the book calls them), providing drink recipes and garnish suggestions. But guests who couldn't get enough could purchase the book, which retails for $29.95, from Bulfinch Press, right on their way out.
—Erika Rasmusson Janes
Photos: David Nicholas Photography (room, M&M's)
Related Stories
As Seen on TV: Planning Events Is Hot
Water Wall Wows Grammy After-Party
ISES Planners Swig Vodka With Tutera
David Tutera's Event Biz Book Launch