Showing posts with label holiday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label holiday. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

"Everything but the Kitchen Sink" Holiday Decor

We are often faced with the challenge of not using repetitive materials when designing most of our events, and when it comes to holiday time I am a fan of using every medium to express anything aesthetic and celebratory.

If I could fill a room with squiggly, soft puppies instead of the average Christmas tree I would. But, is that really practical? NOT.

Instead, I am a sucker for the traditional cone shape of a tree, or the outline of what can be reminiscent of a Jewish Star or Menorah, but I tend to shy away from expressing these shapes using traditional materials.

Does Christmas or Hanukah colors necessarily have to be expressed in Green and Red or White and Blue, respectively? I don’t think so… so many other colors and metallics are celebratory in their own ways, such as Copper, Gold and Gun Metal tones, Purple hues, rich Chocolate Brown tones mixed with gradients of Ivory, White and natural Green.

For Corporate events, using your Logo colors as base Holiday tones raises morale around the water cooler.

In my holiday design aesthetic, I like to use a lot of textures. The use of rich Velvet or Faux Fur screams Holiday to me a lot more than a soft linen or light Cotton which I associate more with spring and summer. Festive fabrics that have a natural sheen to them will reflect natural candlelight or any illumination in a room that can easily cause “visual magic.”


To me a fireplace is a Rock Star Holiday element that many of us take for granted… I cant tell you how many times I stared into the glistening light of the fireplace and let it gleefully transport me out of my food coma and into an enjoyable Holiday trance.

What I am saying here is that there are so many simple things that we overlook when gearing up to decorate in time for the Holidays, things that we already own and can utilize from our own surroundings:

Don’t overlook color as a Holiday décor concept.

Paper and cardboard rocks!

Never underestimate the power of candlelight or LED candles - use them!

Family photos displayed artfully around a Holiday affair gives meaning to your event.

Comfort is key: pillow up! Utilize your plush accents for folks to feel at home. I use shag carpets, pillows, blankets, floor cushions, and give comfy slippers as gifts.

Give Back! If you are throwing a corporate Holiday event incorporate your LOGO in a playful way and find a way to include a charity that your employees want to support.

Treat your guests like Kings and Queens. Everyone loves presents, but don’t go overboard, sending a guest home with a take away cupcake or sweet treat can work wonders.

Make sure those Kings have a good Holiday beer and that the Queens have a specialty cocktail that will make them feel fabulous!

Use your own feel good music playlist as an entertainment source. Most likely if something gets your blood pumping on the dance floor your guests will feel enthusiastic about it too.

Keep Holiday entertaining organic in the way that you should ask yourself what makes you happy and then share it with those you love. An example is if you adore bowling, then take a group of your special people out for a great bowling night that is a great way to start out an evening of celebration; just remember that not everyone will be as passionate as you about it so offer up some other options for the evening too.

If you love your home, then invite the people you love into your home. Don’t feel intimidated if you don’t have a “show place,” you have a good time to offer and that should be enough.

Its funny because obviously we do some pretty heavy duty and detailed events over here at jesGORDON/properFUN, but it seems that when the team actually does get a Holiday off, we tend to spend them very simply, quietly and happily J

Friday, February 12, 2010

Very Valentine's Cocktails

Last night Jes hosted a twitter party with @Gloss, @UsWeekly, and @Alywalansky and one of our follower's favorite tips were the cocktail recipes from Jes. In case you missed it, check out the drinks below. These are perfect if you are having a sexy V-Day as a couple or celebrating Singles Awareness Day!

Peppermint-Cop-A-Feel

1 1/2 oz. Godiva, Dark Chocolate Liquor
1/2 oz. Peppermint Schnapps
1 Sprig of Mint

Eros Cocktail
1 1/2 Raspberry Liquor
2 Dashes of Amaretto
1 1/2 oz. Vodka
1 oz. Sour Mix

Hot Lips
2oz. Raspberry Schnapps
2 oz. Vodka
3 oz. Cranberry Juice

Hot-n-Heavy
1 Splash of Dark Rum
1 1/2 oz. Sour Raspberry Pucker
1 1/2 oz. Strawberry Vodka
Fill 1/2 with 7-Up
Fill 1/2 with Cranberry Juice

Cake and Drink it Too
1 1/2 oz. Vanilla Vodka
1 Splash of Pineapple Juice

Flirtini
1 oz. Triple Sec
3/4oz. Vodka
2 oz. Pineapple Juice
Top with Champagne




Monday, January 4, 2010

Today Show Segment


Above is the Jes' holiday entertaining segment from the Today Show. Take a look and let us know what you think in the comments!

Thursday, December 31, 2009

Jes in the Press: The Holiday Edition

From ways to channel your inner Don & Betty Draper for a unique twist on the holidays, to the Golden Chair:Guest Ratio, Jes' fresh, cool and uniquely-Jes ideas made her the go-to gal for the December party season!

In addition to live appearances on the TODAY Show, Martha Stewart Radio's Morning Living, Cosmo Radio's Cocktails with Patrick and Sirius' Me & Vinnie, Jes was featured on:


Us Weekly - How to Host a Mad Men-inspired Holiday Party
When fabulous was truly fabulous: Jes' nod to retro Americana...

Us Weekly - Last-Minute Holiday Decorating Tips
Jes predicted it first; the
it color of 2010 and other stress-free holiday decor ideas...

Cosmopolitan - 5 Things You Should NEVER Do When Throwing a Party
Prevent a party crash-and-burn by abstaining from these cardinal party sins...


VIV Magazine - Tips for Memorable Entertaining
How to put a signature touch on your party...

MyGloss.com - New Year's Eve: Party Ideas, Recipes and Fun!
MyGloss turned to their resident expert for the latest and greatest in NYE entertaining...

Splendicity.com's Shopaholics Daily - Party On!
Blogger/Girl About Town, @alywalansky joins Jes' NYE Twitter Party festivities...

Woman's Day - Holiday Survival Guide
Jes' tip for a no-fail office Secret Santa gift...

YoungHollywood.com - Party Planner to the Stars Talks Trends
Going green, extra spice and other trends Jes' celebrity clients love...

Minneapolis/St. Paul Star-Tribune - the trend: How They Do it in LA
A Thumbs-Up "Party Like a Rock Star" book review...


Rachael Ray.com Official Blog - Jes Talks Trash with RR's Evette Rios
Evette and Jes discuss doing good and designer trash bins at this year's ViPP Bin charity event benefitting DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS)...

La Bella Bride Magazine - Wedding Tips: Mega Bling
Jes' beyond ea
sy (and affordable) tips for adding mega bling to your Big Day...

Monday, December 21, 2009

Today Show Bling!


Jes appeared as a guest on the Today Show Sunday to talk about how to create a fun and fabulous table for entertaining. She shared her ideas with the viewers on creating a table with bling, that is also meaningful and memorable to your guests! Jes covered her table with a beautiful copper (the HOTTEST color in 2010!) tone cloth then added round mirror place-mats with amber plates, silverware, and glassware. She chose stem-less glassware for water and wine the keep the possibility of spillage down! Centerpieces were arranged with bold festive flowers: Gloriosa Lily and Golden Treasure Orchids. The flowers definitely brought the WOW factor and a pop of color to the table. The table was garnished by napkins tied with peacock ribbons, mirrored place cards, amber and gold candle votives, moss balls, glass balls, and amber diamond sea glass.





Behind the Scenes!
Jes and the jesGORDON/properFUN team were invited to NBC Studios to prep the set for Jes' segment on Saturday. It was an exciting yet a very different experience. Jes wasn't allowed to carry or touch any of her props herself. She had to let the Today Show staff unwrap EVERYTHING (even her clippers) and place EVERYTHING on the table. She had to verbally show the guys where and how the flower centerpieces and other decorations were to be placed. HA! Check out some photos from Saturday!


Visitors got to meet Jes!


Jes reviewing questions with Jennifer from the Today Show


This is surreal! They are doing everything for US, we are used to setting everything up ourselves!


Jes working on the centerpieces in the back room.


Jes and the Table!


Everyone at the studio wanted to take the table HOME!

Post by: Christine

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Bubbly, Party Hats, Poppers: Jes in this month's 944 Magazine

Jes in the Los Angeles edition of 944 magazine! Click here to read the issue online.


"Dogs are my favorite people!" Jes and Ruckus in Modern Dog Magazine!

With loud noises, strange people and tempting smells, a holiday party at home could spell trouble for your furry four-legged friends. Luckily, there's no need to keep them in the laundry room all night. Jes shares her tips for a dog-friendly party that will rock your guests world but also keep your doggies safe and happy.

Check out Jes' article (and Ruckus' fierce Top Model look) in the new Winter issue of Modern Dog Magazine, on newstands now!


Monday, December 7, 2009

Two new Jes videos: RachaelRay.com and GlossTV

Jes talks 'trash' with RachaelRay.com contributor, Evette Rios at last month's Vipp Anniversary event, benefitting DIFFA (Design Industry Foundation Fighting AIDS) - one of Jes' favorite charities.



Jes also shares her favorite ideas for a chic, casual yet gorgeous holiday party with MyGloss.com's GlossTV. All of the recipes Jes mentions can be found here on MyGloss.com.

Champagne taste on a beer bottle budget?

Put away those discount crackers and cans of spray cheese!

Jes shares her favorite ways to 'cheapify' your party without losing any of the style, fun and all-around coolness on ChangeUpMag.com. Your guests will thank you!

They're also giving out 5 copies of "Party Like a Rock Star" so if you don't have yours yet, drop by to see how you can be one of the lucky few.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Can You Hear Me Now?


Music is such a vital aspect to every party and event. However, especially at a house party it is hard to strike a balance between the volume being loud enough for everyone to hear and blowing people out of the room. One of the best ways to solve this it with Satellite Speakers. You can find great affordable indoor/outdoor options at places like Target and Best Buy. The speakers above are designed to give you top notch sound while withstanding the elements outdoors, and at only $32.98 they are a great deal. Place a couple in every area of the party and no one will feel left out of the vibe!

Tis the Season for Giving...and Getting!


USMagazine.com is featuring Jes' wonderful holiday gift tips on their blog today. Often one of the things that makes Christmas so stressful is picking out the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Check out these great ideas from Jes before you spend hours wandering around a mall!

Monday, November 23, 2009

Jes is the Buzz on ABC


Jes recently appeared in a segment on ABC News Now about how we all can find ways to Party Like a Rock Star. Watch the clip above for some great tips and tricks from Jes on how to turn your holiday party this year into a celeb worthy bash!