• A Planner-This may be one of the most important products you need to have. As an event producer, your schedule is bound to be busy (and by “busy” we mean “insane”). Granted, a seasoned professional will have their agenda scripted on their iPad or computer, but there is nothing like having a detailed schedule written down. Try the Erin Condren personalized life planner to keep you organized (and stylish)!

• Organization-While our office is very conscious of The Green Initiative, sometimes dealing with multiple vendors and clients creates a paper trail. You will likely be swamped with paperwork from contracts to timelines, so organization is key. Stock up on storage bins and folders from places like The Container Store or start off small with expandable folders. We like to keep each event in a separate bin and we save them so we can always look back at our work! No really, you should see our storage closet.

• A Production Box-This is a MUST! For every event we pack one or two “production boxes” that contain everything from Band-Aids to push pins. When you are on-site there is no telling what you will need to do or create last minute and these production boxes will save you the worry. You would be surprised at how many pens you can go through in a weekend! It is also a good idea to have a hardware box with you for extra products like batteries, flashlights, and extension cords.

• Comfortable Shoes-We cannot stress this enough. Event production is not just “planning” it is also a lot of physical work. Sometimes you will be on your feet for 10+ hours in production and then you will need to switch into heels for the event! Inserts such as Dr. Scholl’s can be lifesavers in these cases.

We could probably go on for multiple blog posts listing products, but we’d rather help get you started with your very own “Must Have” package!

Leave us a comment below with what you think is the most important product for an aspiring event producer, and we will pick a winner May 25 (just in time for your Memorial Day celebrations)! Don’t forget to include your name and e-mail address!

]]> http://www.sequoiaprod.com/blog/tips/eventproducersmusthave/feed/ 6 http://www.sequoiaprod.com/featured/gday-usa-black-tie-gala/ http://www.sequoiaprod.com/featured/gday-usa-black-tie-gala/#comments Fri, 06 Apr 2012 00:40:40 +0000 Tara http://www.sequoiaprod.com/?p=5578 http://www.sequoiaprod.com/featured/gday-usa-black-tie-gala/feed/ 0 http://www.sequoiaprod.com/featured/63rd-primetime-emmy%c2%ae-awards-governors-ball-2/ http://www.sequoiaprod.com/featured/63rd-primetime-emmy%c2%ae-awards-governors-ball-2/#comments Fri, 06 Apr 2012 00:22:50 +0000 Tara http://www.sequoiaprod.com/?p=5574 http://www.sequoiaprod.com/featured/63rd-primetime-emmy%c2%ae-awards-governors-ball-2/feed/ 0 http://www.sequoiaprod.com/blog/entertaining/throw-a-moonlight-party/ http://www.sequoiaprod.com/blog/entertaining/throw-a-moonlight-party/#comments Mon, 02 Apr 2012 23:03:29 +0000 Tara http://www.sequoiaprod.com/?p=5456
Read More →]]> With the warmth of Spring nights approaching, it is time to take advantage of your backyard by throwing a “Moonlight Party”.  “The main thing,” says Cheryl, “is to let your guests smell and see everything.” Have the experience of the night begin as soon as your guests arrive; “I keep lanterns that hold small candles and put them by the driveway and hang them from the trees.” Have the lighting for the party compliment the “moonlight” theme with soft light from candles and hanging LED lights around trees and poles.

It’s surprising how many songs are about the moon and the stars! Consider playing music that resonates with your theme, such as “Fly Me to the Moon.” This is a fun way to engage your guests with your theme throughout the entire night.

Photo: Mel & Co

Individual sized hors d’oeuvres are a great way to receive your guests and a tray as lively as mini fish tacos paired with mini Patron margaritas is sure to be a conversation starter! Cheryl says that ”The smell of great food cooking is a wonderful comforting feeling, it relaxes and entices at the same time.” Grilled eggplant with ricotta salata or maple grilled salmon work as main courses that will both satisfy your guests hunger and stimulate their sense of smell as you prepare them on the grill. For a light and healthy side dish, try our contest winner Kim Simpson’s delicious Spring Vegetable and Quinoa Pilaf!

Keeping your guests comfortable should always be your first priority. Do away with the chills of the night by setting up heaters or outdoor fireplaces to keep guests warm. Cheryl points out that a great way to create comfort at your party is to “bring the inside outside”. Daybeds, lounge chairs and cubes bring the feel of an indoor lounge out into the open air.

As the party winds down, send “wishes” into the night with sky lanterns. Have your guests write their wishes inside and send the lanterns off as a group, illuminating the sky and creating a perfect end to the night.

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups low-salt chicken broth
• 1/2 tsp coarse sea salt plus additional for seasoning
• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained 3 times
• 6 baby golden beets, peeled, cut into 1/3-inch cubes
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup 1/2-inch pieces orange bell peppers
• 1 cup 1/2-inch pieces red bell peppers
• 1/2 pound asparagus, trimmed, cut on diagonal into 3/4-inch pieces
• 1 cup 1/2-inch pieces trimmed baby zucchini (about 6 ounces)
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 4 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh Italian parsley

Directions:

1. Bring broth and 1/2 teaspoon sea salt to boil in medium saucepan; add quinoa.
2. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer until quinoa is tender and broth is absorbed, about 15 minutes.
3. Remove from heat; fluff with fork. Cover and reserve.
4. Bring 1 1/4 cups water to boil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add beets. Cover and cook until beets are tender, about 8 minutes.
5. Uncover; cook until any water in skillet evaporates.
6. Increase heat to medium-high. Add olive oil and garlic; sauté 30 seconds. Add all bell peppers, asparagus, and zucchini. Sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper. Sauté until just tender, about 8 minutes.
7. Add cooked quinoa, green onions, and parsley to vegetables in skillet; toss to combine. Season with sea salt and pepper

Photo: babble.com

Photo: Brian Hagiwara

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoon(s) extra virgin olive oil
• 2 teaspoon(s) fresh oregano leaves
• 2  (about 1 1/2 pounds each) eggplants, cut lengthwise into 1/2-inch- thick slices
• Nonstick cooking spray
• 1/2 teaspoon(s) salt
• 1/4 teaspoon(s) coarsely ground pepper
• 1 ounce(s) (1/4 cup) ricotta salata or feta cheese, crumbled
• 2  plum tomatoes, cut into 1/2-inch dice
• Lemon wedges
• Oregano sprigs

Directions

1. Prepare charcoal fire or preheat gas grill for covered direct grilling over medium-high heat.
2. In small saucepan, heat oil over medium heat until hot but not smoking. Remove saucepan from heat; add 2 teaspoons oregano. Let steep until ready to serve.
3. Lightly spray both sides of eggplant slices with nonstick spray; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place eggplant on hot grill rack. Cover grill and cook eggplant 7 to 10 minutes or until tender and browned, turning over once.
4. Transfer eggplant to platter; drizzle with oregano oil and top with ricotta salata and tomatoes. Serve with lemon wedges. Garnish with oregano sprigs.

• Use a wide variety of flowers: Using simply roses or tulips is not going to cut it. To create the spring garden look, use a mix of sweet peas, lilacs, peonies, tulips, roses and hyacinths. Also, use a wide array of colors. Different shades of pinks, yellows, and greens in a lush a variety of flowers is exactly what you need to create your own spring garden.

• Organic touches:  Keeping the room feeling natural and fresh is very important with a spring theme. Using natural moss and potted tulip plants around the room is a way to bring the outdoors in, while still keeping your party elegant and classy.

• Make sure décor matches: Creating spring flower arrangements is a wonderful start, but all other décor elements must match the theme.  Try using natural garden chairs, pale pastel linens, and garden furniture settings, such as park benches and café tables. Using natural seating and decor elements will tie the room together, giving you a fabulous and classy spring themed party!

Photo: Line 8 Photography

The 2012 Governors Ball was a glittery affair, from the sparkling Swarovski crystals to the undeniable star power attendees. Guests poured in after the three hour-plus awards show and immediately began to enjoy the festivities. Grabbing a glass of champagne, a bite to eat or even a seat on one of the plush lounges, partygoers settled in for a night of celebration.

Catching up with old friends was definitely in order as many celebs reconnected after a busy awards season.  Meryl Streep and Sandra Bullock hugged it out on their way into the ball, and Melissa McCarthy caught up with fellow “Bridesmaids” alumni co-star Rose Byrne & Director Paul Feig.

The band was already in full swing on the rotating stage as guests nibbled on tray-passed hors d’ouevres and gathered by the Moet Champagne bar. Viola Davis and husband

Photo: Todd Wawrychuck/AMPAS

Julian Tennon chatted with friends as waiters brought out more Wolfgang Puck delicacies: tiny lobster tacos, pork belly dumplings, slow-braised short ribs over polenta and mini-macaroni & cheese. With over 350 waiters on staff for the night, guests never had to wait for a thing.

Photo: Chris Pizzello / Associated Press

The Engraving Bar was a hotbed of activity as the winners sidled up to the bar to get their rightful plaques attached. To make sure there are no spoilers, the Academy engraves

plates with the names of every single nominee in advance. Then the Oscar “engravers” simply have to choose the right one and affix it. Christopher Plummer came by and received heartfelt congratulations from the crowd. At 82 years old, he’s the oldest Oscar winner ever, and pretty much swept the award season with his supporting actor role in “The Beginners.”  Jean Dujardin, Best Actor for “The Artist” peered at the gold label created for his Oscar and, noting that all was correct, had a champagne toast with wife Alexandra Lamy. Octavia Spencer, exuberant over her win for “The Help,” high-fived “The Artist’s” Best Director Michael Hazanavicius as Meryl looked on, enjoying the levity. Hazanavicius promised Octavia he’d find a “good spot” for his Oscar.

Photo: Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images

Levity was also in the air for Best Original Song winner Bret McKenzie. He was clearly in a playful mood, tossing his Oscar for “Man Over Muppet” in the air with no regard for the little gold man’s safety. Nick Nolte, Glenn Close, Michael Douglas, and Morgan Freeman all hit the party at various times as well as Kate Capshaw & Steven Spielberg (nominated for Best Picture for “War Horse”). Melissa Leo, last year’s winner for Supporting Actress, came with her son, Jack and Awards show host Billy Crystal popped in and grabbed a hug with Meryl Streep.

In the middle of all the hubbub, we turned the energy up even more when our headline entertainer took the stage. Non other than James Earl Jones introduced Tony Bennett, calling him an “American classic” and saying, “He’s an ideal choice for this evening, not only because he’s known as Frank Sinatra’s favorite singer, but because he made his silver-screen debut in a move called The Oscar.” Guests crowded in front of the rotating circular stage and snapped smartphone pics while Tony sang a 15 minute set performing songs such as: Watch What Happens, Maybe This Time and I Left My Heart in San Francisco. The audience was thrilled to be treated to such American icons or, as was overheard by one guest: “How often do you get to see Tony Bennett introduced by Darth Vader?” Melissa McCarthy possibly summed it up best upon returning from the dance floor with her husband, “We went out there to dance, because, when in your life will you have a chance to dance to Tony Bennett?”

Photo: Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times

Since this was no formal sit-down dinner guests like Owen Wilson, Pharell, Jessica Chastain and Gary Oldman could move freely about the room, find friends and not miss a course. Tasty treats such as Mini-Kobe Cheeseburgers, Spicy Tuna Tartare in Miso Cones and Chicken Pot-Pie with shaved Black Truffles were brought out to guests in a steady stream and the small plates whisked away when finished. The more laid-back approach was a hit, as everyone from Kenneth Branagh and Emma Stone to Penelope Ann Miller and Natalie Portman mingled about. The

Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images

intimate vibe of the party made for lots of conversation, lots of eating and drinking and lots of merriment. Saxophonist Dave Koz took the stage next and kept the jazzy tunes flowing.

As the night went on, dessert and the 24-Foot Chocolate Buffet became more the focus (3-D Chocolate Oscars, anyone?). The last of the winners had the engraved plaques attached to their statuettes as Grammy Award-winning Arturo Sandoval took the stage, playing an amazing set that wowed everyone. Michelle Williams and gal pal Busy Philipps said their good-byes to friends as guests began to make their way to the valet and Limo Call-Back. It was a night of celebration and connection, the best one can hope for when throwing a party. Our vintage DJ was still spinning vinyl in the ballroom when Best Director Michel Hazanavicius and Berenice Bejo, of “The Artist” sealed the evening with a kiss. Quite arguably the best way to end such a stellar night.

Ingredients

• 1 seedless cucumber, peeled and diced
• 2 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
• 2 avocados, diced
• 15.5 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 tbsp red onion, minced
• 2 tbsp cilantro, minced
• 2 limes, juice
• salt and fresh pepper

Simply combine all the ingredients with salt and pepper to taste, and you have the perfect spring salad! For a heavier dish, add seasoned grilled chicken!

Courtesy of skinnytaste.com

We’ll be posting the festive details and pictures here on the Sequoia Productions website. We’ll have lots of incredible peeks at the décor, menu, fashion, music and florals. You can also visit our Facebook page  or Twitter feed to stay in-the-loop on our breaking Oscar Governors Ball updates – as well as score yourself some of your very own Oscar swag! Enter our contests online and WIN. Because what’s a party without party favors? Stay tuned…