Ringing in 2012: Experts Share Their Tips For Hosting A Sublime Celebration at Home

Everyone loves a good wrap-up party. So what better way to say, "Au revoir!" to the year that gave us so much to celebrate – the death of Osama bin Laden, Prince William and Kate Middleton's Wedding of the Year, and Chicago's new mayor, Rahm Emanuel (we'll miss you, Richard Daley!) – and to welcome in a brand new one than by hosting an intimate New Year's Eve celebration at home, surrounded by dear friends and loved ones.

If tossing a New Year's bash sounds like a daunting task to you, don't fret. Luxe File talked to some of the city's leading party-goers, and givers, and got their top tips for giving "good party". Answers ranged from "do-it-yourself" DJ'ing and organizing A-list guest lists to designing cocktail libraries and serving presidential-preferred sips.

Justin Jacobson

CEO

Platinum Events

If Chicago were a party sandbox, Justin Jacobson would be at its center, building fantastical settings and inviting you to come inside to play.

Herewith, some event advice from BizBash Chicago's "Event Producer of the Year":  

Clean House: First impressions count. Before you start decorating, make sure your party pad is clean. Skip doing doing the deed yourself and hire a pro to do the messy work for you. The cost is minimal and you’ll enjoy the results long after the party’s over.

Décor Dress-Up: Christmas is over so replace all the green and red in your space with touches of silver and gold. I suggest filling up ultra-large glass vases with silver and gold Hershey’s Kisses – they look spectacular and you’re guaranteed a kiss at midnight. But what is a New Year’s Eve party without lots of streamers, balloons, and confetti sticks? Hit your local party store and stock up.  

Do-It-Yourself DJ: Music adds personality to any event. If you have time, reach out to your guests before they arrive to find out which songs they liked best from that year and add their suggestions to your iPod. Create a playlist with their songs and a few of your favorites and you’ll be good to go. Finding ways to incorporate your guests’ preferences into your event is the sign of a good host/hostess.

Hats Off to You: Nothing screams “Happy New Year Theme Party!” quite like top hats and tiaras. So while you’re at the party store, you might want to splurge and pick some up. Guests will love them and they make perfect favors.

Palate Pleasers: Every good host knows that keeping guests happy, is keeping them well fed. Keep things simple with a selection of small bites. I like serving a selection of cheese spreads, mini beef sliders, chicken and beef skewers, and grilled cheese bites.

3…2…1…: It’s New Year’s Eve, so be sure to have a couple bottles of champagne chilled and ready to serve once your guests arrive and when the New Year’s countdown begins. I always splurge on top-shelf liquor and keep bottles of Grey Goose and Ketel One close by along with an assortment of juice and sodas. Pick up a couple bags of ice, so you don't run out.

Extra Tip: We all worked hard in 2011. New Year’s Eve is about rejoicing with good friends. Don’t over-complicate your event and have fun. After all, it’s just a party, not your taxes.

Misc.: If you decide you would rather go out than stay in, join Platinum Events at “A Starry New Year’s Eve 2012” at the Hard Rock Hotel Chicago, 8:00PM-2:00AM. 

Lee DeWyze - American Idol Winner, Season 9

Highlights include premium open bars, passed hors d’oeuvres, and a champagne toast.  Live DJ sets and special performances by American Idol’s Lee DeWyze; OAR's Chris Culos; Celebrity DJ Chris Kennedy (aka ”Chris Masterson"); Chicago's DJ Timbuck2; The Gold Coast All-Star Band; Saam from Hey Champ and more. 

General Admission tickets cost $160 per person; VIP tables are available. For more information or to purchase tickets, click HERE.

Rachel Schwanz
Caterer & Event Planner

Entertaining Company

If there is anyone in Chicago who knows how to throw a party, it's caterer and event planner extraordinaire, Rachel Schwanz, whose posh parties are always the talk of the town.

Rachel shares her tips for turning your home into a party palace:

Make It Work: Any space, no matter how small or large, can be staged for a party by moving furniture or storing it away. You will want to make room for a bar and determine where food will be placed. For the bar, I recommend using a counter or a table console. Turn bookshelves into a cocktail library by removing books and replacing them with alcohol and bottles of wine and champagne. 

As for setting up food, kitchens are always a popular place to congregate so consider placing hors d’oeuvres and other prepared dishes on an island or in an area just off of the kitchen. Make sure you have plenty of plates and glassware and silver and crystal should be cleaned before guests arrive.

Le Decor: Create ambiance with candles (votives and scented) and place them all around your space. My current favorite is “White Pepper” by Henri Bendel. New Year’s Eve screams confetti, but I don’t like the mess it makes. Try this instead: Fill vases filled with confetti and metallic ornaments. Get the va-va-voom without the vacuum. Another idea I like is hanging noise maker garlands – from fishing line! – from door frames which guests can easily grab. 

Om Nom Nom Nom: For hors d’oeuvres, my go-tos are Lamb Chops with Chimichurri, Sausage & Gruyere Wontons, Crab Claws, and a presentation of cheeses & charcuterie. For your main course, I would suggest seared steaks, homemade pastas and sauces, and fresh, roasted veggies. Round out the evening with a selection of petite desserts or something more decadent like a gateau or tiramisu.

How you display food is also key. Remember those vases filled with confetti and ornaments I mentioned earlier? They can also double as levels for hors d'oeuvres. I like to add cake stands in varying heights too. Complete the look with metallic branches and lots of glowing candles.

Drink Up: As you don’t want to run out of alcohol before the clock strikes midnight, make sure you stock up on extra bottles of bubbly, vodka and bourbon. You also may like to create a “signature drink” for the occasion. This New Year’s Eve, I will be serving my guests “Terra Rella Punch”, which I’ve named after my place. It’s a simple concoction of white grapefruit, vodka, and Champagne.

Fête Favors: Besides noisemakers, I love a stack of New Year’s Eve top hats. For smaller groups, try this unique idea I picked up from Möet’s Peggy Lanigan: personalize Champagne splits with your initials in Swarovski crystals. Click HERE for more details.

Extra Tip: I have hosted many celebrations at home that end with one or two of my guests needing to stay the night. If you don’t have a spare guest room, an air mattress or pull-out couch will do. Stock bathrooms with clean towels and disposable toiletries they can use to freshen up in the morning. 

Jessica Altieri
CEO & President
WineChannelTV with Just Jess

We know: So much Champagne. So little time. That's why we asked WineChannelTV's Jessica Altieri to weigh in on the best bubbly for New Year's Eve:

Quartz Reef Methode Traditionnelle Non-Vintage: With its beautiful balance and bursting with delicious aromas of royal gala apple, lime and brioche, this New Zealand bubbly is the ultimate apértif for kicking off any event.

Iron Horse Vintage Wedding Cuvee: Made predominately of pinot noir, this blanc de noir boasts a peach hue and delicious strawberry and cream flavors. It is a wonderful wine to serve at celebrations (and was even one of the late President Reagan's favorites).

Lucien Albrecht Blanc de Blancs Cremant d’Alsace Brut: This lovely sparkling wine, with its aromas of citrus, almonds and baked bread, will complement any dish you serve.

Kim Lichtenstein

Founder & Co-Principal

k101 Agency 

When she isn’t generating big buzz for her Who’s Who clients, Kim Lichtenstein is planning the glamorous parties and red carpet events we love to read about.

Kim offers coveted tips that will land your NYE party on the newsstands:

Art of the Invite: When I host a party or event, I like to send my guests two invites – electronically and by mail. Mailed invitations should include a personal note and have a New Year’s Eve vibe. For added whimsy, fill envelopes with loose colorful glitter. Create free, customized e-invites that will also keep track of your guests’ RSVPs. Eventbrite is a good site to try. 

Guest List 101: Set up an RSVP email address (example: yourname2012@gmail.com) and provide guests with a date they need to respond by so you have enough time to plan accordingly. Unless informed otherwise, add a “plus 1” for each guest. For large parties, consider staffing a greeter at the door, with a copy of the guest list. Welcome guests personally and with a glass of Champagne.

Say, “Cheese!”: Hire a photographer to take photos of the space before your guests arrive, and to get group (posed and candids) and midnight photos. If your party features something unique, such as a live musical performance, or you want to get some fun, interactive moments with friends, like finding out their New Year’s resolutions or their favorite memories from 2011, opt for a videographer. Use the footage to create a video or photo montage you can present at your next New Year’s Eve party, in 2013!

“Hostess with the Mostess”: Keep guests happy by making sure they have enough to eat and drink. Before the New Year’s countdown begins, replenish everyone's glass and pass around horns and noisemakers. Before friends depart, thank them for coming to ring in the New Year with you.

Sweetly Said: Treat your guests to something scrumptious – monogrammed cupcakes! Customize them with a special inscription, such as “2012” or your initials. Have them individually boxed with a ‘Thank You’ written on the front.

Marcus Riley
Multimedia Entertainment Reporter
NBC Chicago 

From high brow fashion shows to champagne-infused beach polo matches, Marcus Riley is the king of the social butterflies.

Marcus remembers New Year's Eve parties past and reveals what he'll be wearing when the countdown begins: 

Most Memorable NYE Party: The year I rented a cottage with a few friends. We all pitched in to cook a meal and drank champagne in an outdoor hot tub while it snowed around us.

Least Memorable NYE Party: The year I got caught in traffic gridlock in South Beach. I couldn't find a parking spot and ended up ringing in the New Year in the driver's seat of my rental car.

Lil' Jon and his Playboy Bunnies

NYE Parties I'll Be Attending: Eve of the Eve, The Playboy Party at the Hilton, and the Hard Rock Hotel party.

A Marcus Riley NYE Party: I always believe that however you start the year is indicative of how you're going to end it so the most important thing is to have the special people in your life around you.

Jay-Z sporting a burgundy velvet jacket 
and bow tie. #winning

What I'll Be Wearing: Burgundy velvet sport coat, black velvet bow-tie, black slacks, and crimson leather John Varvatos Chucks.

NYE Party Essential: Lots and lots of my favorite champagne, Möet Nectar Imperial.

Dana Kessler Weiss

Editor-In-Chief

Possessionista

While you’re not (ever) likely to find Luxe File sitting at home watching an episode of Gossip Girl or Pretty Little Liars, it doesn’t mean we don’t want to dress like Aria and Serena! Thanks to Dana Weiss and her brilliant fashion blog, Possessionista, we can duplicate the looks of our favorite thespianistas, but at discounted prices. How divine! 

Here, she shares her pretty little fashion secrets for success: 

Hair How-to: As the hostess, you're not going to want fussy hair. Opt for loose waves or a glamorous ponytail like Reese Witherspoon's (above). Experiment with a rhinestone headband or embellished hair tie for a little drama and to keep hair away from your face.

Makeup Magnificent: Go for a dramatically, feminine look with luxe lash extensions and a smoky eye. I love “Babydoll” by tart because it gives cheeks a soft flush. “Chelsea Girls” lips gloss by NARS is a lovely neutral and stays on all night.

What-To-Wear: Ring in 2012 with embellishment  feathers, sequins, even a tutu. Just not all at once.

Shoe Me: Nothing spells "p-a-r-t-y" like a pair of platform pumps or ankle boots. Just make sure you can walk in your shoes before the big night and scuff the bottoms so you don't faceplant.

Wrist Candy: From Cartier to Forever 21, 2011 was the year of the bracelet. Load up on bangles and baubles and ring the year out right.

Extra Tip: Many things can ruin a perfect evening – tight shoes, clingy clothes, too-heavy earrings. Add a few glasses of champagne to the mix, and you could have a recipe for disaster. Before your party begins, practice sitting, dancing, and bending. If your feet begin to throb or your dress keeps riding up, you'll have time to change.

Photo Credit: Photo of Rachel Schwanz courtesy of Lori Allen/LA Photo Designs

Posted by Kerry & Sally Shorr

Heshima Kenya Fashion Challenge

"I'm really excited to be a part of this event," NBC Chicago's Marcus Riley told Luxe File. "It's going to be a fun night that all goes towards an important cause." Marcus, of course, is referring to co-hosting the Heshima Kenya Fashion Challenge with fashion designer extraordinaire, Lara Miller, at Room 1520 on July 26.

Marcus Riley

NBC Chicago's Multimedia Entertainment Reporter

Lara MIller

Fashion Designer & Exec. Director,

Chicago Fashion Incubator

Fashion fêters are sure to love the event's philanthropic twist - ten Chicago designers which include Martha Brummet, Miriam Cecelia Carlson, Anastasia Chatzka, Concetta Cipriano, Amy Fenderson, Malika Lor, Kahindo Mateene, Jade Nguy, Shalini Sharma and Crystal Simms have been tasked to create a luxe look using scarves from the Maisha Collective, a HK program that helps train and empower young refugee women in Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan, and the Congo to produce and market their line of hand-dyed scarves. Designer duds will be judged on originality, wearability, designer personality and construction quality.

HK Fashion Challenge guest judges feature an impressive round-up of fashion and entertainment industry insiders including:

Billy Dec

Rockit Ranch Productions

Bianca Alexander

Conscious Living TV

Matt Lorenz

ML Design Studio &

Bravo TV's Top Design winner

Christina Hanson

Nordstroms

Guests will enjoy Grey Goose cocktails, Finch's Beer and creatively-prepared hors d'oeuvres courtesy of Pure Kitchen Catering; a raffle featuring fashion essentials and hotel packages; and the opportunity to bid on their favorite scarf from the HK Fashion Challenge.

The Bachelor and Bachelor Pad's Natalie Getz once said the scarf was every woman's "must-have" accessory. If that's indeed true, we'll take the entire HK Maisha Collective!

Natalie Getz: Reality Star, Stylist & Scarf Lover

HK Fashion Challenge sponsors include: Akira Chicago, Art of Imagination, Classic Chair Covers, dana Hotel and Spa, Fig Media, Finch's Beer Company, Grey Goose Vodka, Melissa Hayes Photography, Melissa Shoes, NUNU Collection, Pure Kitchen Catering, Room 1520 and The Black Sheep.

Heshima Kenya Fashion Challenge

Tuesday, July 26, 2010

6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Room 1520

1520 West Fulton

Chicago, Illinois

Tickets cost $50 per person

To purchase tickets, click HERE.

Posted by Kerry Shorr

Scarlet Fever

Luxe File turned on its party radar and one event - the Chicago Red Dress Party - nearly melted our MacBook. If you don't know about it already (and why wouldn't you?), it is The Party that everyone is talking - and tweeting - about. The evening promises a heavy dose of socializing, cocktailing, DJ spinning and open bars. Monies raised will benefit the AIDS Foundation of Chicago and the Equality Project, a nonprofit in Chicago that focuses on advocacy and social consciousness.

Still need the #411? Here's what you need to know:

What: Chicago Red Dress Party

When: Saturday, April 16, 2011; 8:30 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.

Where: 525 W. Monroe, Chicago, Illinois

Why: Monies raised will benefit the Aids Foundation of Chicago and Equality Project

Dress Code: While other city's have been known to require "dress-only" dress codes, Chicago's party goers can ditch the dress as long as they wear scarlet-colored designer duds or accessories.

Cost: General Admission tickets cost $80 ($130 at the door) and includes open bar, gourmet hors d'oeuvres, entertainment by Kristen W and a late-night dance party with DJs Harmonix and Jeannette. VIP packages are also available.

Purchase tickets HERE

Note: Online ticket sales close at 5:00 p.m. on April 12.

Event Backgrounder: This event is based on the power of a promise. In early-1990, two men bonded in a loving relationship, contracted HIV/AIDS. In deference to each other, they pledged to wear a red dress to the funeral of the first one to pass away. The first Red Dress Party was hosted in Portland, Oregon, in 2001 and it turned that promise into a party. Today, these celebrations are hosted around the nation to raise awareness, monies and resources to abolish AIDS/HIV.

On April 16th, Chicago will host its first-ever Red Dress Party. The event's Executive Producer, Kyler Powell, noted the event was two years in the making, a veritable labor of love. The Chicago Red Dress Party has quickly become a media sensation and will include appearances by Candid Candace's Candace Jordan, ChicagoPride.com's Miss Foozie and NBC Chicago's Marcus Riley. Powell predicts over 800 guests will attend and our sources tell us the guest list boasts the city's Who's Who.

The dress code may sound simple, but don't dismay if you don't own a stitch of scarlet - there's still time to pick up the perfect party attire. To help us figure out what to wear, we caught up with some of the Chicago Red Dress Party Committee Members to find out who (or what) they will be dressing up in.

*Kevin Aeh, Time Out Chicago: When asked what he would be wearing, Kevin tweeted: "a red tie...That's okay, right?" The rest of his wardrobe remains a mystery. #SherlockHolmes

*Ari Bendersky, Eater Chicago: Ari will be dressed in a classic Men's Collection suit by H&M and red tie but it's his post-party dining suggestions we want to know!

*Ryan Beshel, Agency Galatea and Chicago Red Dress Party's style-star publicist: In perfect runway style, Ryan will rock the Red in a custom velvet suit by J. Cheikh.

*Peach Carr, Peach Carr Inc.: Bravo's Project Runway alum will be wearing designs from her Fall '11 collection, along with her signature combat boots. #Winning

*Kevin Conroy Smith, Story From A New Friend: A red Theory button-up shirt and New Balance sneakers was about all he would tell us. #JustTheFactsMa'am

*Miss Lucy Foozie, Entertainer: For Miss Foozie, it's simple: either you wear the dress or the dress wears you. In honor of the Chicago Red Dress Party, Miss Foozie is thrilled to let her custom designed gown take center stage. #WeLoveLucy

*Justin Jacobson, Platinum Events: Waxing Tom Ford, Justin will be dressed in a vintage Christian Dior tuxedo and a red bow tie.

*Candace Jordan, "Candid Candace": Everyone's favorite model-actress-Playboy-centerfold-cum blogger-playwright-socialite-philanthropista has selected a dress by emerging designer, Chloe Flora.

*Katie McLenaghan, Philanthropist/Beauty Maven: Katie will be wearing a Carmen Marc Valvo dress she fell in love with at the Joffrey Ballet's Couture & Cocktails event which featured the designer's Spring/Summer '11 Couture Collection.

*Bill Pritchard, GoPride Corporation (and guest, Michael Kane): Jury is still out but Bill's confirmed one thing: he'll be sporting red briefs (not boxers). We'll just take his word for it.

*Marcus Riley, NBC Chicago: Everyone's favorite newsman-about-town 'fessed up that he would be dressed in a dark suit and Red Dress Party-inspired accessories.

*Cesar Rolon, Jr, Co-Executive Producer, Latino Fashion Week: "A Hugo Boss suit" was what he told us. Decimos: ¡muy elegante! (trans., "We say: very elegant!")

*Rachel Schwanz, The Entertaining Company: Chicago's top caterer and event planner extraordinaire plans to heat the party up in a Jil Sander dress.

*Michael Snell, Best Gay Travel: Michael alerted us that he and his partner, Derrick Sorles, will be keeping it real in red dresses. This we've got to see!

*Lauren Zeien, Social Media Specialist: This pretty-in-anything young lady will be hitting her fashion stride in BCBG and a gold vintage Hermès bag. #Disco

In case you needed more options, we tasked our friend, Style Tribe blogger and eDrop-off Express' Corri Mcfadden to give us a few of her stylish suggestions.

For the ladies who’re more traditional, try this long silk chiffon Notte by Marchesa gown. It's simple, sophisticated and can easily be accessorized with a pair of fabulous drop earrings. I like the Aphrodite Swarovski crystal earrings by Erickson Beamon.

If you're looking for a younger, more modern look, a feminine silhouette like this Motel Gemma Cut Out Waist Dress is a lovely option. I would skip the accessories and opt for these sparkling pair of Louboutins instead (the red soles perfectly complement the theme!)

For a more casual look, this Rag & Bone colorblock dress is perfect. It's also a great option that you can wear to other events too, dressed up or down.

Although it's the Chicago Red Dress Party, I would not endorse solid red-on-red from an accessories standpoint. If you want to inject some humor into your outfit, try this whimsical Kate Spade Emanuelle Book Clutch. It incorporates red and pink and it's not your standard satin clutch.

Another option is choosing a red skin or hide with embellishments to break up the red. This Alexander McQueen clutch encompasses both and is absolutely stunning.

For men, this occasion calls for a red tie, whether it be a regular tie or a bowtie. For something bold, try Drakes Patterned Silk Bowtie.

If you prefer a lighter toned red, this Paul Smith London Knitted Silk Bowtie is perfect.

If bowties aren’t your thing, this Charvet Dotted Silk Tie will do the trick.

For the man who wants to go the extra mile and wear a red tie with a red shirt, try a patterned dress shirt like this Burberry Check Shirt with a solid red tie for a festive yet stylish look.

Chicago Red Dress Party logo provided by Ryan Beshel

Posted by Kerry Shorr