Event planning takes a lot of sophisticated coordination and seasoned organization. My biggest piece of advice is to choose a theme for your event and then stick to it!
Recently, I planned an event for an elite travel club and my theme was “worldly.” It was truly hemispheric! You can view pictures from the event on my Facebook page. Here are some of my ideas for décor, drinks and overall ambiance that made the night a fashionably fun, cultural event:
Décor
For an African touch, I found some wonderfully handcrafted pillowcases and used them as table covers on small round cocktail tables. I also found a wrought iron globe-like map (bought at Marshall’s!) and hung it on the wall in the room.
Drinks
Every event needs a specialty beverage, so I served a Kenyan cocktail called the Dawa to guests as they entered the event. I found beaded Dawa sticks online which are used to crush the lime in this famous East African “medicinal” drink. Fun fact: Dawa in Swahili means medicine. I wonder if it was a "cure-all" for all the guests? Ha!
Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients
- 1 Dawa Stick
- 1 shot of vodka
- 1 tablespoon of honey (needs to be runny)
- Chunks of fresh lime and fresh lime juice
- Crushed ice (It's imperative to have crushed ice, not ice cubes)
Place all the ingredients into a glass. Stir well with your “Dawa Stick”, crush the lime chunks with the stick and enjoy!
Music
To set the right mood, I suggested to my client that “worldly” music should be piped in to the room. There is a “worldly” channel on Rhapsody and we listened to beautiful music by artists such as:
- Laka Mba by Richard Bona
- Lisanga by Gerald Toto, Richard Bona, Lokua Kanza
- Entre dos Mares by Rasha
- Les Portes Du Souvenir by Les Nubians
- M'Ba Fodi by Issa Bagayogo
- Lam Tooro by Baaba Maal/Mansour Seck
- Silang Mabele by Vusi Mahlasela
- Koka by Kiran Ahluwali
Music sets a tone during any event. Carefully chosen music is a must! If you have ample time to create a playlist for your next event, I highly recommend it. Or, to save you time, I can do it for you. Just ask!
Those are just a sampling of my many special touches I incorporate into planning a successful event. Should you need more ideas or would like me to plan your next event, just ask!
Your cosmopolitan life stylist,
