The Art of Fashion in the Hamptons is an exhibit at Guild Hall that features design legends like Calvin Klein, Donna Karen, Betsey Johnson, Tory Burch, Nicole Miller, Ellie Tahari, Ralph Lauren, Vera Wang, and Reed Krakoff for Coach! It was amazing and Event Kings was honored to do the floral for the opening gala. We even got to help run the event. Yes, we were a bit star struck to see these fabulous fashion designers in the flesh but we kept a professional facade.
The latest event trends are evoking memories of our childhood. Game programs, balloons, candy stations are just a few things that are bringing us back to the good old days of our youth.
We recently did a teambuilding program for Long Island Real Estate group that incorporated “Flag Day” or “Sports Day” games like over under water balloon, land skis, ducky relay race and Giant Jenga. Everyone had a blast, and how can you not when you have swim fins on your hands
and a duck bill on your forehead and you are carrying a balloon to the other side of a field? Even the biggest cynic has to smile at that! And every time we do one of these programs there is always a Negative Nelly in the group who has a “this is so dumb” face on and you know what? they are the person who comes to the event in drag as a cheerleader with blue wig and pom-poms…its true, I’ve seen it myself. Honestly, these simple games work to bring an office together, to break the ice at a sales meeting or even to just feel like kids again at a backyard party.
Ok, I know this trend has been around for a while now but I hope everyone considers it for any event. The candy store is the quintessential memory of happy childhoods. This is an easy thing to set up yourself but here are a few pointers:
*Try to have someone man it so they can invite guests over and replenish popular favorites.
*Don’t put out chocolate on a hot day, nothing spoils a party like brown stuff on a nice dress.
*Personalize the containers. Look for small Chinese takeout boxes or wax paper bags and put stickers on it with the date and name of the party.
*Label your candy in case someone has allergies.
Also, check out this awesome website from someone who ONLY does candy stations for events. http://amyatlas.com/index.php/main/
With summer in full swing nothing puts a damper on the night than those pesky little pests! Yes I mean mosquitos, nats, and beetles (but not fireflies; they are free mood lighting). So be prepared to keep those bugs at bay in order to keep your guests from scratching and leaving an outdoor event early.
I did a great Bat Mitzvah last year in the Hamptons and it was an awesome outdoor event. However, just before start time a swarm of bugs came flying in like a kamikaze fleet. They were out for us and all the guests soon to arrive. Luckily my staff went out and bought
a slew of bug spray for the attendees to use. We also lit our tiki torches (all 20 of them) to combat the attack. It worked and the threatening swarm seemed to disperse in a half hour or so.
Lesson learned? Be prepared for those little flying party spoilers. The best way is to have your property sprayed a day or two before the party. Ask your landscaper about an organic option that is made up of rosemary and mint oil. Its safer than the conventional insecticide and smells great! Another great option is to put a bottle of bug spray in the bathroom(s) for your party goers to use. Again, try to get a nice smelling one so all your guests don't start reminiscing about their last camping trip. OFF makes a nice Tropical or unscented spray.
One more tip, NO chocolate fountains outside!! Its like having an all banana buffet for a group of ravaging monkeys. Go for chocolate covered strawberries if you need that fix. EVEN better, serve frozen chocolate covered bananas on a stick!
