 Party season is approaching faster than one can say "A
list," and with the rescheduled Academy Awards nipping
at the heels of the holidays, event planners are under pressure
to create "affairs to remember" during an elbow-room-only
period that will feature more than 200 celebrations.
The always-busy Hollywood social scene kicks into high gear
in early November, when lavish charity events compete with holiday
parties, theater openings and myriad premieres (as studios roll
out their finest films for Oscar consideration). After the holidays,
things begin jumping again in mid-January, when nightly parties
accompany the busy awards season. Add to that a number of glitzy
affairs hosted by upscale retailers, courtiers and jewelers,
all jockeying for space on the full dance cards of the industry
elite.
From caviar to guest lists, the right house in the hills to
parting gifts, entertaining the world's most-sophisticated social
set is a science of delectable gravitas. Amid such fierce competition
for attention, The Hollywood Reporter recently gathered tips
from experts about throwing a party that leaves a lasting impression.
Some observers claim that evoking a little "ooh la la"
involves "installations" and "intelligent lighting."
Then there are those with their Gucci loafers planted firmly
in the less-is-more camp, who say the perfect vibe is more akin
to a sexy, flirty basement party than to a "produced"
event. Either way, a celebration should feel organic rather
than overblown; no matter how much glitz one pours on, a party
without heart is bound to be a raging dud.
Benita Karroll of Moondance Events and Entertainment advises
that any host begin planning by "thoughtfully examining
your demographic. Next, consider the vision for your party -
and, most importantly, decide what message you want to convey
to partygoers," which Karroll says will be the basis of
the numerous other decisions that have to be made.
—Stephanie Scott
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