Monday, December 21, 2009

Horst’s Top 5 Tips to a Green & Organic Holiday Season

A couple weeks ago we were lucky enough to hear Aveda founder and Intelligent Nutrients guru Horst Rechelbacher speak at his home base at Intelligent Nutrients event space and Accolades Salon, located in Northeast Minneapolis. So inspired were we by his wise words and earnest passion for preserving the Earth that we asked the famed beauty industry icon to share his tips on having a "green" holiday season, and he graciously agreed!

1. Have a 100% organic Christmas: Organic foods contain more nutritional and antioxidant value. Intelligent Nutrients Intellimune Oil and Tablets contain a high level of antioxidants and are a great way to boost your immune system to combat seasonal illnesses.

2. Drinking organic: There are many excellent organic wines that fit various budgets. Organic wines contain no added sulfites, insecticides and pesticides. Add agave, nutmeg, cinnamon and clove to make a very delicious drink that keeps you warm. If your guests are looking for another beverage alternative, try Intelligent Nutrients Orange Spice White Tea which is perfect for the holidays. It contains a wonderful blend of flavors and spices. Not only does it taste great but is formulated to have slimming and detoxifying benefits.

3. Use organic aromas to purify and set the mood at your home: Pine fir, frankincense, myrrh and spikenard are great essential oils for the holidays. Frankincense, myrrh and spikenard are biblical oils; spikenard being the oil that Mary Magdalena used to anoint Jesus Christ. Make a blend of all the oils or use them separately to spray into the air and on linens.

4. Protect your skin from the cold and dry winter weather: Intelligent Nutrients Certified Organic Anti-Aging Serum is a wonderful remedy for dry skin. In the morning and at night, after cleansing (hopefully with the Intelligent Nutrients Anti-Aging Cleanser), use the Anti-Aging Mist to dampen face and follow with Anti-Aging Serum to feed, replenish, and nurture your skin to avoid dehydration. If you need additional hydration, use a small amount of the Intelligent Nutrients Moisture to seal in the Serum. However, don’t exclude the other parts of your body, use these products on any area that requires hydration.

5. Support local and organic farmers: When you eat, drink and live an organic lifestyle, you show support to local and national organic farmers. If you’re looking to donate money to nonprofit and charities, search for organizations that support organic agriculture. The Organic Center is a great non-profit and resource center.

For more info on Intelligent Nutrients products (which we love) and their mission visit www.intelligentnutrients.com. Or stop into the Northeast Minneapolis location to pick up some great products for yourself or as gifts for others. Bonus: a gallery of artwork by Horst himself, as well as a gorgeous selection of artist-crafted jewelry for sale hand-selected by Horst.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Weekend What's What 12/17-12/22

MEET US UNDER THE MISTLETOE!

We're in the thick of it, people. There is no escape. The "holidays" are officially in full effect! We can't help but love the twinkling lights, the prettily wrapped gifts, and of course, the holiday cheer. Spend some quality time with your bestest pals and cohorts while making the rounds to this weekend's festive soirees, and make sure they know how much you appreciate them! After all, the holiday spirit also manifests itself in rounds of shots, hugs and high-fives.

xo-l'étoile


THIS WEEK ON L'ETOILE

Jahna updates our Guide to Holiday Shopping Events HERE

The l'etoile Holiday Gift Guide is online HERE

l'etoile reviews the 'Tis the Season for Glitz n' Glam Fashion show HERE

Chase Turner shoots pix at Blacklist's Black Christmas Party HERE

Juleana Enright fills us in on 'The Art of the Party' HERE

Stephen Stephens shoots last week's Hot Holiday party HERE


THURSDAY DECEMBER 17TH

Third Thursday at the MIA: Parisian Nights

@ Minneapolis Institute of Arts
2400 3rd Ave S
Minneapolis

6pm-9pm / free

"The Louvre and the Masterpiece" is leaving soon, so if you haven’t seen the Vermeer yet, now’s your chance! On this nuit française, Alliance Francaise will help you practice your French; DJ Jake Rudh of Transmission spins French house music; and French film shorts screen, including Georges Melies’ 1902 short A Trip to the Moon. Enter to win dinner for duex at Vincent. Magnifique! While you're there, stop in to the MAEP Gallery at 7pm sharp for a talk by exhibiting local artist Michael Kareken.

Click HERE for the MIA site

From Georges Melies' "A Trip to the Moon"

THURSDAY DECEMBER 17TH

Dunny Trading Party & 25% off Sale

@ ROBOTlove
27th & Lyndale
Uptown Minneapolis

6-8pm / Free

Local design boutique, ROBOTlove, is one of the only locations in the Twin Cities that carries Dunnys, the cute vinyl mini-toys designed by a revolving door of hip artists from around the globe. Buy and trade with fellow collectors and while you're there, shop ROBOTlove's addicting selection of designer toys, housewares, clothing, accessories, art books and more. Take 25% off your ENTIRE purchase on everything in the store during the event (an enticing incentive for local toy collectors, to be sure) The trading event and the 25% off store-wide discount run from 6-8pm only!

Click HERE for the ROBOTlove site


ART PICK: ALEX PRAGER

Like many artists, photographer Alex Prager finds a certain lure to California, susceptible to the lights, the sleepless sky and, of course, the seedy underbelly. Her latest artwork, Week-end, (set to open early 2010 at the M&B Gallery in L.A.) involves a series photographs where “darkness lies portent and colors behave corporeally.” Like stills from a '60's French film with classic Lolita flirtation, her photographs capture a cinematic world illuminated by the bright and smooth LA light. At times, a Valley of the Dolls emptiness is called to mind. In others, a David Lynch reel, where tension can heighten merely by adjusting color saturation. Taking cues from her favorite luminary photographers – Brassaï, Mitch Epstein – Prager's democratic photography style relies on staging (often with modish wigs, 60's frocks and psychedelic backgrounds), atmosphere and the efficient use of negative space. Often her models seem damaged, like they've just stepped out of a Andy Warhol party, more knowing and adulterated than they came in. Pretty, damaged girls? Yep, that sounds like California.

Click HERE for the Alex Prager site



FRIDAY DECEMBER 18TH

Gregoire Pinto

@ Wednesday Studio, D-2
2500 University Ave. W.
Minneapolis

4pm-Midnight / free

In '98, local artist Gregoire Pinto – sparked by a reflective mission statement – set out to create pieces of artwork that not only represented his ideals but which replaced the gaps in culture to restore what had been lost. Currently back from a hiatus in search of “decorative surrealism,” the artist returns to the galleries for a show complete with his signature style of acrylic and glaze, vivid color schemes and ritualistic design patterns. Catch the artist in all his glory tonight. Just don't call it a comeback!

Click HERE for the Facebook event



FRIDAY DECEMBER 18TH

Dosh + Skoal Kodiak

@ Cedar Cultural Center
416 Cedar Ave. S.
Minneapolis

7 pm doors/ $12 advance, $15 day of

Local experimental beatmaker, (Martin) Dosh, has long held down MPLS' electronica scene with an avant-garde flair and wordless poetics. His latest album, Wolves and Wishes, features collaborations with vocal stars Bonnie 'Prince' Billy and Andrew Bird; visual artist and Anticon member, Odd Nosdam; and experimental rockers, Fog, showcasing the multi-instrumentalist at his most seasoned. As Andrew Bird's new record drops January 20th – a record Dosh has heavily played a role in – the one-man-band will be busy touring, so don't miss your chance to catch his sculptural compositions live tonight. With dance rock band, Skoal Kodiak. Paper Colt Ensemble (Dark Dark Dark's Marshall and Jonathan) spin ambient tunes between bands.

Click HERE for the Cedar Cultural Center site



FRIDAY DECEMBER 18TH

Sussedtacular!

@ Varsity Theater
1308 4th St. SE
Minneapolis

7:30pm / 21+ / $7 in advance, $10 at the door

Susstones celebrates its third annual holiday extravaganza with about a million bands. Polara plays their first show in who knows how long, in honor of their new single. This year, The Mood Swings, Mercurial Rage and Two Harbors all celebrated Susstones CDs releases, and converge tonight at the Varsity in Susstone solidarity. 2009 newcomers Blue Sky Blackout are also in attendance, along with Joe Werner of First Communion Afterparty to get the show started with some of his solo work. Need one more reason to be in attendance? Marc the Guv DJs all night, and if you stay for all the bands, you’ve only paid a little over a dollar per band, and in true Sussed style, who knows what special musical guests might show up?

Click HERE for the Susstones site


FRIDAY DECEMBER 18TH

Mickey Leigh & Legs McNeil: I Slept with Joey Ramone

@ Nick & Eddie
1612 Harmon Place
Minneapolis

9pm / Free

Dust off your leather jacket and make your way to Nick and Eddie tonight as author and musician Mickey Leigh (brother of the late great punk god, Joey Ramone) and famed punk historian, Legs McNeil, discuss their newly released book. The latest nouvella in the Ramones saga, the ironically titled, I Slept with Joey Ramone: A Family Memoir, details the personal life and music career of the rebellious misfit intimately and BS free. Co-written by Legs McNeil, author of Please Kill Me: The Uncensored Oral History of Punk, the memoir spans over two decades and is filled with underground facts about the punk movement in America, angst-ridden anecdotes, eccentric escapades, and of course, sibling rivalry. An engaging documentation of a dysfunctional family and the musical roots of the gangly man regarded as a counterculture icon and a pioneer for punkdom. Join the authors and 'be sedated' by lively conversation, food and drink specials, book purchasing and signing – perfect for a last minute gift for the punk rocker on your list. Co-sponsored by Rain Taxi Review.

Click HERE for the facebook event



FRIDAY DECEMBER 18TH

Cheers to a Season of Temptation!

@ 1419
1419 Washington Ave S
Minneapolis

10pm / $3-5 donation

The artist-run space 1419 teams up with Jelly Mountain and Bohemian Press to bring you a holiday party you won’t soon forget. Costume contests don’t stop at Halloween, so think of a good Santa or Jesus or reindeer-inspired get up. The artists in residence at 1419 request outrageousness and spectacular outfits. Venture to the third floor to witness a Christmas-themed installation by emerging U of M and Minneapolis artists. In round robin format, bands Farms, Bad Tanya, Tips for Twat, and Early Dreams play, and later Famuel and Gary Slam provide the tunes to get you dancing and prancing, like the pitter patter of little reindeer feet.

Click HERE for the facebook event


COOL LINK: STACK

Have you exhausted your magazine subscription choices through your cousin’s girl scout troupe sales? Try Stack! They hand-pick artsy, independent magazines, and send you a new one every other month. Consider it a fruit-of-the-month club for super cool magazines. You can opt of out mags you already get, and discover six new ones over a year. Genius! We totally want this for Christmas.

Click HERE for the Stack site


SATURDAY DECEMBER 19TH

Grown & Sexy

@ Northrup King Building
1500 Jackson St. NE Suite #332
Minneapolis

noon-5 pm/ free

The 12 diverse teens involved with the Walker Art Center's Teen Arts Council (WACTAC) might have more constructive things to do than wait in line for Twilight tickets – like weekly meetings where they design, organize and market events inspired by Walker exhibits, performances, films and other such fodder. In its 13th year, the program has witnessed a potpourri of promising art from over 100 bright young artists. Now all grown & sexy (as the exhibition's title suggests), the alumni artists reunite for the first exhibition celebrating the art of the lively WACTAC crowd and embracing what the future holds for their artistic endeavors. The Grown & Sexy artwork ranges from sculpture and installation to paintings and drawings. The exhibit opens this weekend, but the reception won't be held until December 23rd and will feature a wrap-up party with live music.

Click HERE for this art event and more at www.mplsart.com


SATURDAY DECEMBER 18TH

SooVac Art Sale

@ SooVAC
2640 Lyndale Ave S
Minneapolis

10am-6pm/free

SooVAC has a last-minute heroic solution for all you procrastinating shoppers: a sale and art extravaganza! Their second annual art sale offers discounts on local artist’s work, from the likes of Nick Howard, Andy Ducett, and Terrance Payne. If you missed their Dollmighty fashion show last week, Erin Currie (Curster’s Boutique), Stephen Filla and Gina Louise’s work is still up, so in addition to finishing (or starting) your holiday shopping, you can absorb a little culture too. Viola!

Click
HERE for this art event and more at mplsart.com



SATURDAY DECEMBER 18TH

Peach Holiday House Warming

@ Peach
275 East 4th Street Suite B200
St. Paul

6pm-10pm/free

Lowertown is ripe with art, and Peach is the newest multipurpose art space in the area. Peach has been showcasing art for at least a few months now, participating in the St. Paul Art Crawl and the Lowertown 1st Fridays events, but they will make their official debut tonight with with music, food, and a festive fundraising exhibition. Later, DJ Satchel hosts an afterhours social that invites you to BYOB and hobnob with the St. Paul artsy set. Juicy!

Click HERE for the Peach site

BONUS:
Since you’re in the neighborhood, it would be a shame to miss the Lowertown SantaCon. From 5pm on, strange Santas and Christmas creatures descend on the capital city to crawl the pubs, led by the wild Brass Messengers street band. We doubt you'll be able to miss this spectacle!

SATURDAY DECEMBER 19TH

New Flavors Premiere

@ Oak Street Cinema
309 Oak Street SE
Minneapolis

5pm-10pm / free

Know why we’re skateboarding fans? It's not JUST because sk8er boys are cute and their tricks are impressive; it's because skaters always seem to be ambitiously cranking out art and film project, which we think is "rad." Tonight, Kevin Horn presents his latest, New Flavors, a Twin Cities-focused skate flick. Not only is your trip to the lovely Oak Street Cinema free, but you can pick up a copy of the film after the show! And if we know skateboarders and filmmakers, we know that their still-secret after party is bound to be fun!

Click HERE for the facebook event



SATURDAY DECEMBER 19TH

Ping Wang: Winter Worm Summer Plant + 10,000 Waves

@ Shoebox Gallery
2948 Chicago Ave. S. Buzzer 08
Minneapolis

8 pm-2 am/ donations encouraged

Here in MN, when winter strikes we rarely think about vegetation – largely due to the fact that most of it is buried under mounds upon mounds of snow. But artist Ping Wang – recipient of the MN Book award – and her Shoebox Gallery installation, Winter Worm Summer Plant, brings our attention to the ecological devastation of the Sino-Tibetan plateau using the herbal/medicinal worm-plant, chongcao. Through the mediums of photography and poetry, the author/photographer contrasts the age-old Tibetan ways of survival with clashing images of modern times. Wang will premiere her poem “10,000 Waves” accompanied by dance and music by Bruce T. Bolon and Yong Tsi. Peeps are encouraged to bring poems relating to a migrant experience to share during the open mic segment. Buzz 08 (Smuda Studio) to get in!

Click HERE for this art event and more at mplsart.com



SATURDAY DECEMBER 19TH

l'etoile & Blacklist present: JUBILEE

@ Secret Location
Minneapolis
rsvp to jubileempls@gmail.com for location

9pm-2am / Free

Come socialize and shimmy with your friends from l'etoile and Blacklist Vintage this holiday season! Our invite-only, secret location soiree is sure to jingle your bells, with holiday tunes from DJ Jake Rudh, a bar featuring 1950s-era cocktails courtesy of Phillips Distilling, a lavish Christmas cookie buffet and more. Don your best 1950s cocktail attire and meet us under the mistletoe! The secret location will be announced the day before the event to guests who have RSVP'd to jubileempls@gmail.com. Formal 1950s cocktail attire requested!

Sponsored by l'étoile magazine, Blacklist Vintage, Phillips Distilling, and Cake Eater Bakery


SUNDAY MUSIC PICK: BANJO OR FREAKOUT XMAS ALBUM

The fuzzy, atmospheric beauty that is Banjo or Freakout has now applied itself to Christmas. UK-based musical wonder, Alessio Natalizia, has been being buzzed about in the blogsphere and beyond for a while now. And just in time for Christmas, he's offered up a festive (and free) interpretation of classic holiday tunes such as Jingle Bells, Silent Night, Joy to the World and more -- all with his signature ethereal, gauzy touch. We know what we're playing on Christmas Eve!

Click HERE to download the FREE Xmas Album


SUNDAY DECEMBER 20TH

Rock the Halls

@ 501 Club
501 Washington Ave. S.

7 pm-2 am/ 21+/ free

Ok, you got us! We love holiday nostalgia – and no doubt you'll find us jingle janglin' all the way down “sentimental lane” this season in vintage wear, toting peppermint cocktails. Leave it to Indie Soup to produce a holiday jamboree filled with the spirit of a traditional Christmas, with a few altered surprises. Deranged versions of Xmas tunes anyone? Get yr naughty or nice self down to Rock the Halls early for an all night affair of bands, DJs, dancin', holiday visuals, tasty yultide grub and drink specials. Plus, trivia, mad giveaways from sponsors including Summit Brewery, John Oulman Salon and Shuga Records -- plus a free pint glass with a Summit draft purchase (while supplies last). And because it's on 501 grounds, there's no cover! Rock around the Christmas tree to sets from The Nightinghales, Sun in the Satellite, Come Fizzy Dolphin, Telepathos, Moon Stone, Luke's Angels, David Beckey, and record spinning action from special guest DJS. And don't forget to don some gay apparel! – we'll leave that one up to individual interpretation.

Co-sponsored by l'étoile!

Click HERE for the 501 Club Site



TUESDAY DECEMBER 22ND

JagerCon: Sci-Fi Tuesdays

@ Clubhouse Jager
923 Washington Avenue N.
Minneapolis

Every Tuesday
10 p.m. / 21+ / Free

Join hosts Kate Iverson (l'étoile magazine, Secrets of the City) and Beth Hammarlund (l'étoile magazine, A Tiny Machine) every Tuesday Night for JagerCon! JagerCon is a weekly sci-fi party featuring screenings of classic nerdy movies and television shows -- topped off with 2-4-1 cocktails all night served by Star Captain Paul!

Mingle with like-minded sci-fi geeks, discuss D&D strategies, and use that Captain Picard impression you've been perfecting to pick up chicks at the bar. Snort-laugh the night away while bragging about your MMORPG addiction and enjoy a cozy, nerd-friendly environment.

Upcoming Events:

DEC 22: Star Wars Holiday Special
DEC 29: Back to the Future
JAN 5: Spaceballs
JAN 12: Star Wars: The Clone Wars
JAN 19: The Forbidden Zone
JAN 26: Earth Girls Are Easy
FEB 1: Return to Oz
FEB 9: Dune
FEB 16: Dreamcatcher
FEB 23: Nightwatch
MAR 2: The Hunger

This week's flick is the Star Wars Holiday Special!


GUEST BLOGGER: A TINY MACHINE
Beth Hammarlund contemplates ways to motivate herself.

my new domestic strategy

Perhaps if I wear a gorgeous cocktail dress while washing and drying dishes, it'll make the the task of attacking my sink of dirty plates and wine glasses a little less daunting. Must purchase adorable vintage apron and cute rubber gloves to adequately protect the aforementioned dress and fresh manicure.

For more from A Tiny Machine click HERE



GUEST BLOGGER: LE PETIT CONNAISSEUR

Jahna Peloquin fills you in on where to score custom-made dresses in the Twin Cities. Really people, it's not as far fetched and expensive as it sounds.

This holiday season, go custom

Still looking for the perfect New Year's Eve dress? One luxury I allow myself is getting custom dresses made for events by my favorite local designers. I've already commissioned George Moskal to make my New Year's Eve outfit this year, inspired by this look I recently featured in a Vita.mn Holiday Fashion editorial.

For the rest Jahna's custom guide click HERE

Photo courtesy of Vita.mn/styling by Jahna Peloquin

Editor in Chief: Kate Iverson
Contributors: Lacey Prpic Hedtke, Juleana Enright, Kate Iverson, Beth Hammarlund, Jahna Peloquin, Rob Callahan, Chris Larson

Hot Holiday!

l'etoile staff photog, Stephen Stephens, captured the awesomeness that was last Friday's HOT HOLIDAY party at Jetset. The l'etoile crew was out in force, along with a grip of sassy gays, which made for quite a fashionable spectacle. With snow on the ground and wind chills hitting negative double digits, this Hot Holiday was greatly appreciated! The special soiree was hosted by l'etoile's own staff designer Chris Larson and had festive music supplied by DJ Soviet Panda.

For MORE pictures from the night visit Digital Crush Photography!














Wednesday, December 16, 2009

All Tomorrow's Parties

by Juleana Enright
photos from recent l'etoile events by Digital Crush


As the holiday season approaches and a new year lies just around the corner, one may be left to wonder what the future holds for the Twin Cities' event scene. From Christmas parties and winter-themed fashion shows to New Year's Eve bashes, it seems everyone's way of beating Seasonal Affective Disorder is by jaunting off to some warm affair, cocktails and mukluks in tow. But what gives an event that certain je ne sais quoi? How does one plan a singular fete that makes guests not only want to attend but left wowed at the finale? Is it the décor, the guest list, a great PR, is it fate? Or is it something more groomed? Is there an art to event planning?

From grassroots shindigs to highbrow hobnobbing, I talked with a few of the Twin Cities' finest event planners to get an insider's perspective, advice and banter on “the art of event planning.”

First Things First...

First off, when planning an event, define goals and brainstorm themes so that everyone involved is on the same page. Cohesiveness will shine through in your audience's perspective.

“There are 2 first steps – defining the client's goals, ideas and theme and then viewing the venue/location to get inspiration from there. Integrating the venue is key when drafting good design.” - Laura Mullen, president & Lead Event Designer of Laura Mullen Event Design.

“We typically brainstorm with a number of staff members to come up with what we want the overall look and feel of the event to be. In addition to our event department, we like to get input from sales, edit and our associate publishers to make sure each event falls within the METRO mission. Once venues are nailed down, we determine what we will need to get to enhance the look of the venue – lighting, audio visual and décor.” - Amanda Peterson, events and promotions manager of Tiger Oak Publications, Metro Magazine.

“The beginning stages of planning are usually spent putting together a team of people with whom you'd like to collaborate with, piecing it together so that the people you're pulling into the planning process are bringing with them their own strengths/ networks that may be in an area that's not necessarily your forte.” - Matt Perkins, Perkins Production, marketing coordinator at MPR, former booking manager/ promotions for Nomad World Pub.

Wallflowers Not Included...

Keeping guests comfortable, engaged and stimulated is über important. After all, your guests are the ones who will be blogging, tweeting and Facebooking about your event both pre and post. Their opinion is paramount. The best way to get those shy, wallflowers away from dark corners is by making the light irresistible. Some of the most delightful events seem to almost cater to the ADD crowd. Photobooths, dancing, craft activities, even just a cash bar are lively ways to keep people moving and socializing.

“I love creating little vignettes guests come across as they make their way through the party...Once the event is pretty thoroughly thought out, I do this exercise where I visualize every step a guest will be making that day, from the parking lot to the end of the evening, to make sure we're keeping them both entertained, informed and at ease.” - Laura Mullen.

“I really appreciate and admire events that make me feel like I'm experiencing something new. Whether it be taking over an off the beaten path warehouse and recording studio, showcasing up and coming artists, or collaborating with a bunch of artistic mediums and presenting them all together in one space...all of these elements I hope lend themselves to creating something fresh and new that you can't experience on a daily basis around town.” - Matt Perkins.

“I was trained as an architect so I've spent a lot of time thinking about where people come together. What I'm more interested in lately is why people come together...When you give people good reasons to leave the house, you're giving them an opportunity to build community. Often times this involves dancing and drinking, but it can also involve making something (art, food, etc.), or sharing something (a skill, a passion, an idea).” - Colin Kloecker, co-founder Solutions Twin Cities, promoter West Bank Social Center.

To Swag or Not to Swag...

You know the saying, “to give is better that to receive.” This especially applies when it comes to throwing an event. Gift bags, party favors, souvenirs, swag – all of these perks, if done right, can be more than just party fads, but smart marketing tools that will leave your party (and company) fresh in the minds of all who attended. Just don't be stingy!

“I see a lot of groups skimping on the party elements to save cost or raise more for their group and it ends up seeming low-budget or feeling boring – that's a real fast way to not have guests or sponsors in a few years. I typically dislike giveaways unless they are really creative and bring home the theme. Otherwise we just see a lot of waste at the end of the night. I was the first eco-friendly event designer in Minnesota and I tend to do everything I can to avoid useless waste at my events.” - Laura Mullen.

“I'm not huge in the gift bag trend and don't see much benefit in them unless they contain a couple high-end items that are of some value. Little swag items and knick knacks often get left behind and are hardly memorable. Photobooths are classic and are an easy souvenir to take away from the event.” - Matt Perkins.

Au Fait Ambiance...

Party décor is a drug best used in moderation. Go overboard and you'll find yourself on a one-way course down tacky lane. Skimp and you just may have a blasé look and a group of disenchanted guests on your hands. Remember to keep it simple, use your space wisely, and always add creativity and a little flair of imagination.

“Décor not based on the surrounding – like an overly modern purple design in a subtle, natural-looking venue – seems like a waste or that the planners didn't research long enough to find the perfect fit. The venue elements should be an integrated part of the décor – it's cheaper that way too!” - Laura Mullen.

When it comes to atmosphere, silence isn't golden; it's a total party faux pas. Thankfully, due to the invention of that marvelous personal tunes device – the iPod – creating mood music is as easy as hooking up your pod to a speaker system and pushing play. Compiling a cute shuffle mix the night before is a great way to keep lo-fi beats flowing coherently all night and set ambiance.

“I think sound is key to a party – even just background music piped in. I hate walking into an event and trying to interact with new people and there is dead silence in-between conversations – uncomfortable! Music is so easy with the iPod and even a cheap A/V system to rent, so all parties should have some sound going the whole time!” - Laura Mullen.

For high-end events like runway shows and restaurant openings, hiring a DJ is your best bet. Whatever angle you choose, just get some music going!

Shamelessly Plug...

When it comes to events, promoting is key. Feel free to post and re-post at will and encourage your social savvy friends to do the same. If you're offering incentives or discounts make sure peeps are aware. We're still in a recession and everyone loves a good party perk.

“Incentives and other add on value items become a huge influence on how people perceive your event and what they get in return. A $20 cover is definitely more appealing if you know that all of the drinks at the event are free or hugely discounted. It becomes a game in how you price your event and all the perks you get when you attend, especially in the down economy where people don't want to pay for anything.” - Matt Perkins.

As l'étoile editor and chief, Kate Iverson, can tell you, there's nothing more frustrating then trying to write about an event with only a poorly laid out, scanty press release or Facebook invite to go off. To create an event that's buzz-worthy you must first make it buzz-capable. Make sure invites and releases go out at least two weeks in advance – not day of for god's sake! - and fill them with general info, a snappy description and an image creditable enough to be re-posted. Yes, aesthetics – even in event invites – are something people notice. A witty, eye-catching invite can be just the ticket to sway a party-goer otherwise on the fence.

Event planners, party throwers and social savants, if you follow these guidelines we guarantee your party with be the talk of the town for all the right reasons and the future of TC events will continue to be fresh, innovative and filled with pleasant surprises. Happy holidays and make sure to party like it's 2010!

Monday, December 14, 2009

Black Christmas 12/11

Stylin' Twin Citizens flocked to Blacklist Vintage this past Friday to sip champagne, nibble cookies, bop to beats by DJs Double Trouble, and score deals on holiday party duds! A good time was had by all. Our pal Chase Turner caught the action!