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As Holiday Party season kick into high gear, Rachael Glaws - Principal and Creative Director of NYC’s most in-demand Event Production resource, RGI events - answers Manhattan Magazine’s questions on how to throw a swoon-worthy seasonal soirée.
What is your number one key to a great holiday party?
A great cocktail! The right food and beverage is always essential, but a clever cocktail always takes it over the top! Not only is it a great opportunity to show seasonality and lean into a theme – it’s a brilliant way to control your bar service in terms of quantity and expense. I love a chic champagne punch in a vintage crystal bowl this time of year! Nostalgia, community and elegance – it checks all of the holiday boxes!
Tell us about some trends, your clients are embracing this holiday season?
It really depends on the client – our brand partners are launching holiday specific products and lines this quarter so our experiential events need to reflect that launch. Our corporate holiday parties want to focus attention on their company identity and celebrating the years achievements. Our Gala‘s in November and December tend to embrace the colors and textures of the season as a backdrop for mission-specific event aspects. What each of these experiences have in common is authenticity and personality. That is a winner, no matter the season!
You and your team at RGI design and produce galas and events on a huge scale - what are some lessons we can learn and apply for personal entertaining?
Hospitality. It’s one of the four core values of production at RGI events and the heart of any project on our calendar, no matter if we are welcoming 20 or 20,000 guests. Hospitality guides everything we do. I find the most impactful attendee experiences are found in the smallest gestures, showing your guests that you took the time to think about them and prioritize their experience. So splurge on calligraphy and personalize each hand mailed invite with your guests name, strategize your food and beverage offerings to ensure there are options for every preference and invest in a small takeaway token for your attendees to keep them remembering your celebration long after they depart. A favorite of mine is a small box of seasonal candies, tied with an elegant holiday ribbon. The perfect size to stash in a handbag or coat pocket to be enjoyed in the cab home – a delicious reminder of a delightful evening…..with a handwritten thank you note of course.
RGI is an award-winning special events production firm and design atelier providing 360° services for discerning clients around the world, strategically connecting organizations to audiences through the power of shared experiences.
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