Incredible!

On Tuesday, Team JG was busy at the Victoria's Secret store in SoHo styling the launch of their new Incredible Bra. 

The first part of the launch consisted of a mini editor event, where online editors and bloggers could learn about the Incredible bra and fragrance. To enhance the bra and fragrance's edgy sexiness, we styled the computer station with sleek, black callas nested in square mirror vases that reflected the signature hot pink color of the Incredible fragrance bottles. 

Shortly after, the customer event began. Here, customers got to walk the pink carpet, meet the Victoria Secret Angels, try the new bra, sample the fragrance, and get makeovers. 

(Photo Credit: Shannon Stapleton/Reuters)

In order to make this a truly Incredible experience for all who attended, we styled pedestals throughout the store with all things sexy, including more hot, mirrored square vases - this time filled with gorgeous callas in flirty pink and bold red hues that radiated fierce confidence throughout the room!

We displayed Sea Glass in apothecary jars and scattered it on the pedestals to bring out the beautiful, daring vibe of the new product. Signage was also displayed in flirty, mirrored frames. And each pedestal was adorned with a display that showcased a different way the new bra could be worn. 

It wouldn't be a JG event with a unique twist: we anchored arrangements of smooth, magnolia branches in large, clear vases and gently laid their soft blossoms on the pedestal tops to mimic and enhance the beauty and silkiness of the new bras.

Let us know what you think!

What's In My Bag?

Ever wondered what you'd find in an event planner's bag? Jes gives us the skinny on her must-haves and shares her tips on essentials for hosting a great event!

"As an event planner, my favorite accessories aren't hoop earrings or a fierce snakeskin belt - it's a small black backpack filled with geeky necessities that I need within arm's reach. When I go to an event, my black backpack is filled with vital items, such as the party timeline, a vendor contact list, emergency numbers of the local police or fire station, lipstick, lip balm, and makeup for touchups, breath freshener, a snack bar, walkie-talkie, an extra battery for a walkie-talkie, cell phone charger, a calculator, a flashlight, some Band-Aids, deodorant, a flicker for lighting candles, a measuring tape, and three pens (in case the other two don't work).

I think every host should also have a stash of emergency gear. If you have poor eyesight, make sure to bring along extra contact lenses, saline solution, or an extra pair of glasses. Always have something on hand to freshen your breath, even if you have to steal mints from the bathroom. As a host, stay hydrated and make sure you smell nice and clean from your armpits to your mouth. If your event is outdoors, pack some sunglasses, sunscreen, a sun hat, and bug repellant. As far as jewelry is concerned, play it simple and elegant. Wear pieces that aren't cumbersome or that will dangle into the punch bowl.

Being a good host is a valuable skill set to master because it involves major multitasking and keeping cool under pressure. Once you've mastered parties, you can master anything! Having said that, here's the most important part: Parties are supposed to be fun, and hosting parties should be fun as well. Being a host means you've got friends and family to celebrate with, and that's a good thing. So think positively, and try not to get bogged down in all the details. A good host is not a diva or a stress monster. She's out there in the party, knocking back a drink and having a blast." -JG

Ten Gorgeous Fluffy Finds

Lounge areas allow your guests to get comfy while they mingle. What better way to add fun and class to your lounge space than with toss pillows! They come in a ton of colors, designs, and fabrics to accentuate whatever look you're going for. We scoured Target for some gorgeous fabric baubles that are perfect for any budget! Here are our top 10 (or more!) faves:

10) Who says neutrals can't be fun? Animal prints are a fall favorite. But when done right, they can look great any time of the year. This fuzzy gem adds a whisper of glam and a ton of soft comfort. And the cover is easy to remove, which makes cleaning it a breeze!

9) If you want neutral without the jungle-effect, this cream-colored toss pillow is the perfect accessory for any seating area. The embroidered medallion design is charming without being overwhelming. Throw it on a black couch for a bit of eye candy!

8) This bright green Tangier pillow looks great when paired with black, brown, cream, or other shades of green. The interlocking pattern is smart and sassy, which makes us want it even more! Is it just us, or can you imagine this fitting quite nicely with the Tory Burch Fall 2011 line?

7) This velvet trinket in powder blue adds soft color and a touch of elegance. Velvet is fun because it has an effect similar to Velcro; toss a couple of these babies into the mix and your guests will have a hard time getting up from their seats! The feather filling only enhances its comforting effect and might turn your guests into permanent roommates.

6) The lattice pattern on this pillow is SO chic! It adds class to your decor because of its clean and sophisticated pattern. Plus it has a Jonathan Adler look to it, which will cause your guests to marvel over your keen eye for style! (The reverse side is a gorgeous powder blue, making it perfect to pair with the velvet beauty above)

5) Who says pillows have to be made of cloth? This brown leather bad boy adds visual texture without sacrificing elegance. Toss it with bright colors like fuchsia, cerulean, purple, or orange for a grown-up yet playful look.

4) For a punch of bright yellow, we love the 100% silk Bloom Argento. The cheerful color reminds us of the sun's glow and is sure to warm up any room! This pillow makes a statement when partnered up with solid, light grey pals.

3) Tired of winter yet? Celebrate Spring a little early this year with yellow rosettes! The pretty blossoms are a reminder that the real deal is just around the corner. Plug in a floral-scented air freshener for an added Spring kick.

2) Soft colors always look more dramatic when placed against a dark backdrop. The soft, embroidered mum design on this pillow is brought to life thanks to the satiny black color it sits on. Make the colors scream even louder by pairing it with vibrant yellows, blues and pinks!

And for our number one pic...

1) It's a tie between two (well, technically three!) pillows that compliment each other SO well! What is it about the quilted look that reminds us of curling up on the couch in our PJs with a steamy mug of hot chocolate? Nostalgia aside, this modern take on the quilted pattern has a few qualities that we absolutely love. Its satiny finish gives your lounge area a bit of sparkle. And our favorite part: it comes in a set of two! At less than $10 per pillow, it's an incredible buy! Use the money you saved to add a modern twist with the spiral design pillow below it.

Let us know what you think about our fabulous finds!

Guest Blogger!

This week, Jes makes a guest appearance on Shawn Rabideau's blog and shares her rockin' tips for stunning your guests with the coveted WOW factor!

Click the link below to visit Shawn's blog and read the entire article!

http://shawnrabideauevents.blogspot.com/2011/02/guest-blogger-jes-gordon.html

A Little Bit of Hardware, A Lotta Bit of Glam!

While most people were making plans for the Super Bowl last week, Team JG was busy designing the Ruthie Davis Fall 2011 Collection Press Event. Our inspiration came from the bright colors and shiny hardware embodied in the collection.

We used the inherent fabulousness of Ruthie Davis' master pieces to showcase them as the stars of the day!

Lit platforms enhanced the collection's signature color, "Tron Green." Since we were showcasing an amazing line of shoes that screamed, "Girl Power!," it was only more than appropriate to use pink fish net spandex as a backdrop for the display. 

In keeping up with the edgy, futuristic appeal that is "Ruthie Davis," we opted for fluorescent acrylic rods instead of flowers and nested them in hardware-studded black vases that mimicked the shoe designs. 

We further brought out the fun and classiness of the design using LED-illuminated, branded cylinders filled with sea glass.

 

Hot pink Lucite trays gave a magical touch to the shoe display while glowing orbs added pops of color, enhancing the futuristic vibe of the room.

 

And of course, the musical "décor" included a selection of songs from Ruthie's fan base, including Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Alicia Keys and the Pussycat Dolls. 

Let us know what you think!

Thinking Beyond the Bed of Roses

Red roses are, and probably always will be, the signature stem for Valentine's Day. And that's a good thing because, like Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy, there are some traditions you just don't mess with.

However, there is a big bad world of gorgeous flowers out there -- many that come in the pink and red varieties -- that would be great choices should you so desire to reinvent the wheel this year when buying a bunch for that special someone, or decorating your sweetheart dinner table.

And to sweeten the day for you, we invite you to submit pictures of your creations to us for a chance to win a copy of JG's book "Party Like a Rock Star."

(See details at the end of this post)

Some great blooms to throw in the mix are:

Anemones

Red Parrot Tulips

Ranunculus

Anthurium

Orchids

The orchids would pair very well with some stunning Black Magic (aka Black Beauty) or Black Bacarra roses, if you are looking to blend some old with the new. It's a good way to get creative and mix it up.

You might want to consider adding peach and green hues to any of these arrangements for an extra special touch.

So there you have it. Take it and run with it.

Let us know what you come up with and send us pictures at jill@jesgordon.com by Wednesday, Feb. 16. We will announce a winner on Friday, February 18.

Beautify Your Bash ... And Your Budget

We've all heard the idiom: "Champagne taste on a beer budget."

The truth is, most of us have it. The fabulous taste and only a teeny-tiny slice of our monthly money pie chart reserved for entertaining. We are the rule, not the exception.

"Like fiber in your diet, budgets aren't fun, but they're necessary," Jes writes in her book "Party Like A Rock Star," where she SUGjesTS 10 Easy Ways To Cheapify Your Party:

1) Edit Your Guest List -- Take a look at your invitees and rethink those guests you could do without. This won't be your last party, and you can invite certain people another time.

2) Change The Date -- Fridays and Sundays are the new Saturday.

(etsy.com)

Or opt for a less popular season. The winter months are usually slower and therefore might land you a better deal.

3) Keep It Short And Sweet -- Leave your guests wanting more...

4) Go Disposable --

hubpages.com

It's OK to forgo the high-end dinnerware and glass rentals for disposable goods. Just recycle it when the party is over.

5) Find The One -- For decorations, pick one thing that rocks your world and go with it.

To offset a white space, pop some color with just a few floral arrangements. Hit up the flower mart and make your own. Choose solid arrangements and line them on your table with a few votives. Instant beauty.

(celebratewithstyle.com)

Or, how about killing two birds with one stone and making your party favor the centerpiece. Display candy in various sized dishes. Stick to one color palette to keep the look simple and clean.

.

6) Look Beneath the Top Shelf -- Swap out the Dom for Prosecco or pick a vodka sans the swanky label. You might just find a jewel that tastes even better than the high end options. If you are looking for discount wine, check out klwines.com or visit accidentalwine.com for a great price on a perfect bottle that may have been a casualty in a case where one bottle broke and stained the rest. The inside remains delish.

7) Buy in Bulk -- Get a Costco card and embrace the party platter.

8) Find Workable Spaces -- Choose venues that are party ready -- if they come with packages in place even better -- and make sure the space meets your power requirements so you don't require special needs.

9) Go Indoors -- Outdoor party costs can get out of hand, especially if the weather fails you. Inside fetes are not vulnerable to the added costs of tenting, heating or AC, etc.

10) Use In-House Stuff -- Go with whatever the venue's got on hand. If you can't bear the sight of their house linens, use them as an under layer and rent a cost effective sheer to mask it. Don't like the chairs? Rent covers instead of new ones. Make your tush and your piggy bank proud!

A White Winter's Night

Bethany and Eric's winter white wedding can be described in one word: enchanting.

The bride and groom were married Saturday at Battery Gardens (in Battery Park) under a chuppah comprised of natural birch. We covered the four posts in fresh green moss and adorned them with beautiful silver shaded birch branches that were accented by ice drop garlands, which sparkled beautifully against the sunset.

All white floral arrangements were comprised of Tibet Roses, Anemones, French Ranunculus, Porcelain Garden Roses, Holland Tulips and Hydrangea. To accentuate the flowers, we used silver colored Dusty Miller -- which provided a velvety texture -- and Brunia.

We will post a gallery of pictures shortly, but for now, here are a couple of snapshots to share:

Escort Table

Each centerpiece laid on a circular mirrored base

We Built This Salon on Rock and Roll

This week we finally emerged from the Golden Globes cave that we were hiding out in for the past month. We dusted ourselves off, caught a jet plane to NYC and are raring to go for Bethany and Eric's wedding this weekend!

But first, here is a look back at the magic we made happen for CVS Pharmacy last weekend in LA at Access Hollywood's 5th Annual "Stuff You Must Lounge..."

JG properFUN was once again brought on board to design and build a fabulous beauty salon from scratch. This year we infused tons of vibrant color into the space to offer guests a feminine and cozy spot to unwind in while they got gorgeous (courtesy of essie, Maybelline, Nexxus, Crest and La Roche-Posay). We adorned the space with arrangements of pink and orange Calla Lillies and opted for white furniture set against mirrored frames and silver flooring providing a clean and simple look.

Here is a before shot of our blank canvas at The Sofitel before it was beautified:

These are the renderings that we designed to bring our vision to life:

Here we are halfway through production:

Now for the finished product:

And now, may I leave you with one final picture ... Breakdown!

So there you have it friends. It takes a village, and our village is full of rock stars!

A loveELY day

It goes with the territory.

As event planners, we are constantly one step ahead. One party, or holiday, has barely wrapped and we are already imagining a million more floral arrangements, menu items and color schemes.

So naturally, Team JG has begun volleying Valentine’s Day ideas back and forth between our East and West coast offices, long before Cupid has even sharpened his arrow.

Leading the charge this year is one of our new associates, Karoline. Call her a romantic, or just a dedicated working gal, but this lady dove right into the task at hand and pitched us 101 VDay ideas.

So, without further adieu, may I present to you, four (out of 101) additions to your Valentine’s party toDO list … ala Karoline.

1) DO incorporate bold colors. Keep red in the lead role but sprinkle in some other bright hues. A few great ways to include color can be lush flower arrangements, a bold runner over a white tablecloth, or dazzling napkin rings. If you're going for a youthful look, it's good to stick with the light pinks while integrating some light aqua or other pastels.

Want a more retro look? Some hot pinks with black and white candy boxes will get the job done.

(thisnext.com)

Or if you're thinking of a more classic look, red and white combinations are still fabulous.

(designsforliving.blogspot.com)

2) DO keep in mind though that this special day is for everyone and can stretch beyond the red rose. Pink roses represent appreciation; yellow is for joy and friendship, and peach ones are a sign of gratitude. So mix it up! Make the day about anything you want it to be.

3) DO splurge on party favor bags, like these:

(partyfavorsbydesign.com)

Your small treat bags could include recipe cards for sweet treats or handwritten notes to your guest telling them one thing you love about them!

4) DO, as ever, drink bubbly!

(barnonedrinks.com)

Tray pass this signature cocktail, the "Strawberry Sizzle"

Pair it with an oldie but goodie: white and dark chocolate covered strawberries.

Strawberry Sizzle

1 and 1/2 ounces Absolut Vanilla

1/2 ounce Strawberry liqueur

A splash of Cranberry juice

Splash of Champagne

Garnish with a fresh strawberry