Best Picture Oscar Party: “Hugo” meets “Midnight in Paris”

Our quest continues for new ways to throw a nominee-inspired Oscar party – and we thought it would be fun to capitalize on a theme that two of this year’s Best Picture nominees have embraced: Paris, circa the 1920’s and ‘30’s. Both “Hugo” and “Midnight in Paris” transport people to the City of Lights and your Oscar party can do the same!

ParisIf Martin Scorcese’s “Hugo” is getting your vote for Best Picture, there’s a lot you can do to put your favorite film front and center. Go with a posters of Paris in the 30’s, or maps of Paris streets and the Metro. Put on some background tunes by Edith Piaf or Maurice Chevalier until the show starts, and greet your guests with a glass of French champagne as they come in.

If you’re more in Woody Allen’s camp and “Midnight in Paris” is your frontrunner, your décor could be as simple as pulling out your copies of F. Scott Fitzgerald and Hemingway books and setting them about. Songs from the 1930’s by the likes of Cole Porter and Josephine Baker will be right on point. For fun, take the battery out of your wall clock and set it to Midnight!

Whichever film is your theme pick, you can’t go wrong with the menu. French fare can beMetro Paris the perfect party food. Put together an interesting cheese platter with Brie, Camembert, Chevre (tangy goat’s milk cheese) and a strong blue cheese, such as Roquefort. Serve with olives, nuts, dried berries – anything you feel is a nice compliment to your cheese board.

When it’s time for dinner, quiches and vegetable tarts are great make-ahead options. But if you’re in the mood for something heartier, consider serving a typical French dish such as Chicken Provencal. It serves a large crowd, is easy to make ahead of your party, and keeps well on the stove for whenever guests are hungry. No stress about getting that soufflé out of the oven at the perfect time! Serve your dish with crusty baguettes and a simple salad on the side. To top it off, a few bottles of a good red wine or, of course, more French champagne!

Truffles For dessert, go the tasty yet simple route. Consider a varied assortment of items from your local bakery: éclairs, cream puffs, fruit tarts or better yet, French macaroons.  For those with a chocolate craving, a box of truffles should round out your dessert table nicely!

Then settle in, enjoy the show and let the Team Scorcese/Team Allen contest begin!

 

Throw a Descendants Oscar Party

While we might be busy preparing for the biggest party in Hollywood, it’s the intimate The Descendants gathering at home that’s really our favorite kind of soiree. Although you can’t go wrong with the tried-and-true themes – red carpet, a gold star motif, old Hollywood glamour – we thought it would be fun to use this year’s Best Picture nominees as inspiration for the Best Oscar Party ever.

For the first party in our series, we’re putting the focus on Alexander Payne’s “The Descendents.” Is this charming, yet bitingly honest, George Clooney starrer your pick for Best Picture? If so, consider making this year’s get-together a Hawaiian-themed bash.

Convey to your guests it’s a fun, casual affair and have them dress in Hawaiian shirts. People always seem to cut loose when they’re wearing an overly floral ensemble! Pick up some flower leis. Then welcome each guest with a lei and a tropical drink (think Mai-Tai or Pina Colada) as they come in the door. If you need additional seating for watching the broadcast, Tommy Bahama beach chairs with plush towels can be just the right touch.

Tropical DrinkAs for food, if suckling pig is a tad ambitious, consider Mahimahi with Citrus Sauce. If you are feeling more adventurous when it comes to the cocktails, have fun adding a few new ones to the standard drinks mentioned above. How about the Lava Pit or the Kona Coffee-tini? Don’t forget the festive umbrella for each drink!

After all the winners have claimed their golden statuettes, finish off the night with a decadent dessert, Baked Hawaiian Islands.

Stay tuned for our next set of ideas in our Best Picture ~ Best Oscar Party Series, and don’t forget to incorporate Cheryl’s tips for your luau.

Aloha!

Photo Courtesy of Island Grooms

G’Day USA Entertainment

The G’Day USA Black Tie Galas in Los Angeles and New York are celebrations of Australian culture, entertainment, food, wine and traditions. Over the last nine years the events have showcased Australian talent which has included The Qantas Choir, Inxs, Keith Urban, Guy Sebastian, Olivia Newton John and Delta Goodrem, to name a few. Enjoy a taste of what G’Day USA guests will experience this month, and be sure to check our blog throughout January for more on the G’Day USA celebrations!

Cheryl Cecchetto: Choosing the Ideal Dress for an Event

As an event producer, my main focus is creating spectacular events for my clients. The day of the event is a long day that begins early, yet you must look and feel your best for the second half, when guests arrive. The last thing you need to worry about is what to wear, but the right outfit is very important. In addition to convenience and efficiency, as you’re running an event or even hosting a party at home, you set the tone for your gathering with your ensemble.

The intricacies of putting together events for thousands can be exhausting, but I never want to appear to be. When selecting an outfit for an event I’m hosting, I choose a color that flatters me, yet doesn’t compete with the décor. I’ve been fortunate enough to work Cheryl Cecchetto with a wonderful dress designer in Beverly Hills, Ali Rahimi of Mon Atelier (www.monatelier.com). Ali always manages to find a magnificent gown that perfectly compliments the style of each event, whether it’s radiant with romance or sophisticated and contemporary.

Having a dress that you adore for both style and its ability to function is imperative. During your event you must feel confident and comfortable. You won’t enjoy yourself if you are constantly struggling to keep things in place, tucking in or pulling up… we’ve all been there. A dress is much like a well structured ballroom, a strong base ready to be adorned with vivacious drapery and decoration. By the way, double-sided tape has held in place the dresses of many Hollywood stars. It will work for you, too. And keep a mini sewing kit nearby just in case the unexpected happens.

Jewelry is to your look what lighting is to an event, adorning your outfit with just the right touches to highlight where you want some sparkle. I won’t wear earrings that are too heavy or will get in the way, or heaven forbid might fall off as I move around. A stunning necklace is sometimes all I need. If you need to carry a bag, carry a wristlet or a small bag with a chain or handle so you can easily meet and greet guests, and hold a plate or drink. Be prepared for cooler evening temperatures or chilly air conditioned rooms by having a wrap that complements your outfit.

A common necessity with all event planners is that we are constantly in motion, continually circulating. We either wear comfortable shoes or hide a second pair to wear behind the scenes. I forgo daringly high or spiky heels that will slow me down or wear me out. Kitten heels being popular, I can enjoy a delicate look and still be comfortable. Cushioned inserts will keep you going long after others have kicked off their heels, and are now even available for open toe shoes.  As your celebration comes to a close, you’ll be left with only wonderful memories and beautiful photos, but not the foot and back aches.

Hair will make or break an outfit, so select a style that will remain dazzling despite heat, humidity or even rain. When preparing a soirée at home, consider factors like what a steamy kitchen could do to freshly-straightened locks. You may want to save time and frustration by choosing complete or partial up-do. You’re still glamorous hair with remain under control and away from your face. I prefer long-lasting lipstick that stays in place for hours. Once I arrive on-site there is no going back, I arrive with hair and make-up done, and I touch up just before guest arrival.

Christmas Party on a Budget
  • In keeping with the need to stay on a budget, at your local fabric district find inexpensive fabric for décor and table cloth for your buffet or seating. Choose burgundy and hunter green for a classic spin on the typical colors. Accent with inexpensive gold and silver bulbs and nuts in the shell on the table. For added fun, spray paint nuts in the shell with gold or silver metallic paints.
  • Pick up votive candles and a few that are scented for the season (cinnamon or potpourri), they add a simple touch of warmth and magic.
  • Wreath Go to your flower district to find inexpensive blooms and evergreen branches, even natural wreathes that are ready for decorating. Create your own flower arrangements on a budget using ivory blooms such as carnations and winter foliage.
  • Solicit the help of treasured friends and family. It’s fun for them to be involved and partake in the holiday spirit. Consider co-hosting a party! The more the merrier, and it’s easier on you and your budget.
  • Have a tech-savvy son or daughter create an inexpensive and festive invitation online to send to your guests and set the tone early.
  • Create games and questionnaires to bring your guests together before and after the meal. Play Secret Santa, there are many variations. Have everyone tell about their favorite Christmas memories and about spending Christmas with those treasured loved ones who are no longer with us.
  • Have your friends and family who live too far to come send pictures of their growing families or Skype them in during the event!
  • Make a playlist of both familiar and new Christmas music. Lively or laid back music will set the tone you like. Don’t forget the classics such as Bing Crosby singing White Christmas, and the new She & Him Christmas album! Also instrumentalists like Kenny G have recorded wonderful music to support but not interfere with intimate conversation.
  • Have everyone dress up! A formal or semi-formal outfit will help your guests feel more festive.
  • Ask everyone to bring one thing for the tree that they can hang when they arrive.Stocking
  • Consider spicing up your menu with one or two unusual dishes, or even holiday dishes from another region. Sherry Yard’s Kaiserschmarren is a delicious choice!
  • A few Christmas décor items can be found very inexpensively at Michaels and can be used year after year. Little snowmen, Father Christmas figures, and stockings add to the cheer and the familiar comforts of the season. My sister has a little ceramic town, lit from the inside, and places it on cotton Batten (a blanket of snow) on the mantle.
  • Champagne makes an occasion festive at any time of the year. Place a glass of bubbly in your guest’s hand as soon as you take their coat. Depending on where you live, you could hire one waiter rather inexpensively from a staffing service, just for the fun of having them serve your guests from a silver tray.
  • When your guests notice your effort, your attention to detail and little touches, they will feel appreciative and taken care of, which relaxes them and helps them get into the spirit.

Have a great holiday!

 

Entertaining Indoors

“Oh the weather outside is frightful…”

After being spoiled by the warmth of summer and fall it is now time to move your party guests indoors. There are a few important things to consider when hosting guests inside. Space is one of the most important factors.

  • Clear out excess furniture and make your room an accessible space for all.
  • Do not over-invite! Congestion inside your home will make your guests uncomfortable which will set the tone for the rest of your evening.
  • Worried about spills? Serve light colored drinks such as light beers, white wines, champagne and clear liquors. You could also use stemless wine glasses.
  • Create ambiance in your home using candles. The low-lit atmosphere will add elegance to your party and help keep your guests relaxed.
  • Instead of having large platters around the room, use these individual appetizer plates. Prepare the plates ahead of time so each guest can choose their own!

 

EATZ

EATZLos Angeles’ EATZ creates a dinner experience unlike any other. This unique “restaurant” turns you into your own five-star chef with hands-on instruction from trained culinary masters!

Sign up for group cooking classes where you will prepare selected five course meals complete with wine or cocktails. EATZ even offers private classes for groups of 14-16 which are perfect for birthday parties, family gatherings, and other celebrations.

 

Staff Thanksgiving Traditions

The Sequoia Productions’ staff shared some of their Thanksgiving traditions as well as ideas to help make your holiday special!

  • Cheryl: Before our own Thanksgiving feast, the kids take the lead as we make a big box of 50 turkey sandwiches with all the trimmings to pass out to the homeless.
  • Lauren: Prior to the big day, we invite our guests to send us the things they are most thankful for on leaves, colorful paper or in picture frames. These become our table decorations, and we go around the table taking turns to read them.
  • Thankful CardsChari: Hire someone to help so you can enjoy time with your family and friends. Also, stock up on tupperware so everyone can leave with leftovers!
  • Loma:  We add our family’s favorite Creole dishes to the traditional fixings. Jambalaya, stuffer crabs, crawfish pie, and instead of regular stuffing, my famous oyster dressing. This is a great twist on the regular Thanksgiving tradition!
  • Caitlin: My Mom makes dinner, but we all chip in to peel, chop, mash, and wash pots. Guests bring Pot Luck items as well, so we have several delectable surprises on the table. After dinner we play 20 questions, with post notes of the celebrity we need to guess stuck to our foreheads. Great photo op!
  • Andrea: After dinner, rather than disperse, we love to adjourn to the living room and play a homemade trivia game. The category is usually Christmas!

 

Cheryl Cecchetto: Producing Events in Foreign Locations

A growing trend in weddings and other landmark family celebrations is the Destination Event. With less and less free time in today’s world,  a “Destination Event” turns a classic celebration on its ear and adds a welcome and rare mini-vacation to the mix! Here are a few helpful guidelines for a seamless event at an exciting foreign location:

  • Your Host City: Educate yourself about the region’s culture. For example, if it’s Italy or Greece, pre-production and your actual program will run at a leisurely pace, much like the people. In France, be prepared to serve all your local vendors wine with lunch! In Jamaica, unpredictable transportation problems can occur, so you would build in extra time. (and in Jamaica all work stops when it rains!)
  • Site Inspection: Enjoy a weekend well beforehand at your chosen location to taste the food, see the sites, and meet the people who will be facilitating your event. In Europe, for example, beautifully classic locations and hotels nevertheless tend to have smaller event spaces, limited parking, smaller streets, a lot of stairs. Anticipate possible challenges well before your special weekend and before your guests arrive.
  • Make Yourself at Home: Ask Special Event vendors in your city to recommend favored local providers of event locations, transportation, catering, and flowers in your host city. Research a local producer who knows the terrain and can be your liaison and advocate. An interpreter will be vital for clear communication and no misunderstandings.
  • Take Your Time: For your own peace of mind, give yourself more time than you think you need. If you have a three-day load in, be there a week before.
  • Local Flavor: Add spice to your destination event with elements of the cultural area. With the help of your local contacts, you can resource creative accenting for your décor and table settings. Hire local musicians to feature the rhythms and sounds of your host country. Charm your guests with a small gift bag including little gems from the area. In Mexico you could include tiny tequila bottles, colorful local towels or beach mats, a pair of flip flops, sun screen from a regional manufacturer, a tourist guidebook, and a playful pair of mini-maracas. Perhaps inexpensive Mexican blankets would adorn your buffets.
  • Side Trips: Locate points of interest and research a few terrific restaurants or tourist sites that can be suggested to your guests for their free time. The day before your big night, a few organized excursions or casual group luncheon at a local haunt will be a wonderful way to acclimate guests and jumpstart the festivities.
  • Memories: Be sure to have a great photographer shoot not only the event itself, but also highlights of the local area.

Live Entertainment

Having great headliner entertainment will add excitement and cache to your fundraising event. Many performers will be interested in performing in support of a worthwhile charity. “Californians For a Cure” is honored and privileged to have Rufus Wainwright, Martha Wainwright, Anthony Federov and Charlie Lustman perform at the event.

Rufus Wainwright has been coined by Elton John as “the greatest songwriter on the planet.” His iconic cover of “Hallelujah” was featured in the movie “Shrek”.

Martha Wainwright’s self-titled debut CD was released in 2005, followed in 2008 by “I Know You’re Married But I’ve Got Feelings Too.”

Anthony Fedorov, a featured American Idol contestant in 2005, has starred off-Broadway in The Fantastics, and as the title roll in “Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” in productions across the country.

Charlie Lustman is the star of his own One Man Show, “Made me Nuclear,” a sweet, sad, and humorous pop-operetta about surviving cancer.