Hamptons Happenings

Summer season is officially in full swing and that means so is the bustling Hamptons community! The EVENTSTYLE Team has officially set up camp in our summer office and have been busy perusing the scene. Here are some our new favorite spots this year:

Topping Rose House  (BRIDGEHAMPTON) 

One of Mark Addison’s personal favorites, the new Topping Rose House, is a Hamptons must. With fabulous digs and an incredibly tasty menu of locally sourced goods by Tom Colicchio, you’ll be happy you splurged.  1 BRIDGEHAMPTON – SAG TURNPIKE WEBSITE 

Serena And Lilly  (WAINSCOTT) 

Looking to spruce up your summer house? Founders / designers Serena Dugan and Lily Kanter of Serena and Lily offer original textiles and chic home décor. Their collection was previously only available online but high demand led to the opening of their spacious Hamptons location. 332 MONTAUK HIGHWAY WEBSITE

Parish Art Museum (WATERMILL)   The Parrish Art Museum opened the doors to its new, 34,400-square-foot building this past fall. Seven sky-lit galleries showcase the story of Eastern Long Island’s history as an influential artists’ colony. This summer’s schedule features exciting exhibitions and events 279 MONTAUK HIGHWAY WEBSITE 

EVENT ALERT -
Madoo Conservancy is celebrating its 20th anniversary as apublic garden this year. Mark & the EVENTSTYLE team will be producing it’s third annual, Much Ado About Madoo Garden Party and Market this weekend! The cocktail reception and auction will be held on Friday, June 14, while Saturday hosts the all day garden market. Click here to get your tickets and learn more about the event! 

Fresh  (BRIDGEHAMPTON)              Opened by Veteran chef Todd Jacobs, Fresh serves a farm-to-table concept with New American dishes inspired by local and organic ingredients. For leaf lovers the restaurant specializes in chopped salads with a buffet of ingredients – feel free to mix & match to your heart’s desire. 203 BRIDGEHAMPTON SAG TURNPIKE WEBSITE 

 Juice Lane  (MONTAUK)                                         

For those of you embracing liquid salads and the juice craze that is taking NYC by storm, check out the first cold-pressed juice location to launch in the Hamptons! Juice Lane, started by two twin brothers dedicated to healthy living, features rejuvenating juices made from local produce. 354 MONTAUK HIGHWAY WEBSITE

 

Salon Bar  (EAST HAMPTON)

Salon Bar, a brand new uber luxurious spa offers a multitude of innovative services that will keep you looking beautiful and feeling glamorous during your time in the Hamptons.  In addition to the usual spa services, Salon Bar offers eyelash extensions, a 24-karat gold collagen mask, and even a private men’s lounge. 66 NEWTON LANE, SUITE 10 WEBSITE

Joe Fresh Hamptons Summer Shop  (EAST HAMPTON)               With stylish and affordable clothing, Joe Fresh is a fast growing trend popping up all over but few know that their Hamptons store was originally their first footprint in the US. Not a new addition but definitely a must visit!   54 MAIN ST WEBSITE 

 Sienna Restaurant & Ultralounge – Pink Elephant                                   (EAST HAMPTON)                                Sienna Restaurant & Ultralounge is restaurateur Jonathon Rapillo’s latest creation boasting an exceptional dining experience combined with a world-class nightlife offering afterwards. As the evening progresses, the space smoothly transforms with the return of the infamous Pink Elephant. 44 THREE MILE HARBOR ROAD WEBSITE 

Events Go Green – 8 Top Tips

In honor of Earth Day, take a moment to consider some of our tips on how to help your event Go Green!  Not to mention, making your event more environmentally friendly can boost interest, attendance, audience excitement, and participation.  It may even attract positive media attention, making for a serious win-win.

1. Choose a Green Location Look for a venue with L.E.E.D. certification. These venues have been built, designed, and operated for improved environmental and human health performance. They reduce waste sent to landfills, conserve energy and water, and reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions. Did you know that the Empire State Building is L.E.E.D. certified?

2. Provide Group Transportation Guest travel to an event is one of the largest environmental impacts. To reduce this impact, choose a central location or provide shuttles and public transport.

3. Reducing Use of Disposable Products can greatly cut down on waste.For invitations, try to use a small amount of paper and if event handouts are necessary, create them double-sided. Instead of serving water in individual bottles, use pitchers and reusable cups. Americans throw away 25,000,000 plastic bottles every hour

4. Use Environmentally Conscious Products and Supplies Nowadays, you can find products that are made from 100% recycled materials and are BPA free. Consider using biodegradable trash bags, environmentally safer cleaning products, recycled paper and soy-based inks. Look for products with an eco-label including organic, fair trade, FSC, VOC free, and PVC-free paints.

5. Serve Eco-friendly Food A typical dinner travels over 1,500 miles before it’s served.  Choosing locally grown food greatly reduces the resources that are expended during packaging and transporting goods. Locally grown, organic, seasonal, and sustainable food sources should be utilized when possible.  Mark’s summer luncheon hosted at the Madoo Gardens featured the surrounding community with local ingredients, suppliers, and even a menu inspired from the landscape.

6. Reduce Energy Consumption Every guest is equivalent to a 175-kilowatt heater, so consider turning down the thermostat during events. Use energy efficient lighting such as compact fluorescent lighting, or schedule your event during the daytime, which can remove the need for lighting all together. For outdoor events, choose a biodiesel generator.

7. Recycle Recycle Recycle We all know the crazy statistics translating recycled paper to saved trees, water, oil, and energy, but multiply those numbers with a guest count and it adds up quick. Look into your local waste management and recycling options and make sure that the event recycle bins are prominently located and labeled.

8. Social and Economic Development Think locally not only with food, but also when purchasing products and hiring staff. The whole community will benefit economically. The green event training could result in a community with better knowledge about sustainable living practices and the power to make more responsible decisions.

Summer’s 7 Best

The EVENTSTYLE NYC office is anxiously awaiting warm weather and a good excuse for a Fire Cracker Margarita. In the meantime, we are excited to announce that Mark Addison & The EVENTSTYLE Team will setup shop in the Hamptons again for the 2013 Summer Season.  With March Madness event planning winding up, lets recap some of Mark Addison’s favorite events from the 2012 summer season.

1. Hamptons 14th Annual Memorial Day Celebration

Donny Deutsch , Star Jones, Rosanna Scotto, Samantha Yanks, Matt Lauer (Photo Credit: Hamptons Magazine)

No one kicks-off the summer like Hamptons Magazine and their 14th Annual Memorial Day celebration honoring the Memorial Day Issue cover star. Last year’s cover featured TODAY show host and Hamptons resident, Matt Lauer, speaking about his inspiration to launch a campaign too keep the East End pristine and clean. Local residents and celebrity guests, including our very own Mark Addison, stopped by the event held at The Southampton Social Club. Who will be selected for the 2013 cover?

Martha Stewart & Mark Addison

2. ERES Shopping Experience, Hosted by Martha Stewart

The ES Team kicked off our summer season with an exclusive ERES shopping experience, hosted by Martha Stewart who invited guests to the ERES East Hampton boutique to browse their Spring / Summer collection while enjoying champagne and Laduree macarons. Models showed off some of the new collection pieces, a favorite brand amongst the local community. Mark Addison was on site to visit with Martha and enjoy a few of his favorite macaroons himself.

Much Ado About Madoo The Genius of England Invitation

3. Much Ado About Madoo: The Genius of England

 In June, the ES Team produced Much Ado About Madoo to benefit the picturesque Madoo gardens. Guests shopped from local vendors, attended floral & gardening classes, and partook in guided tours. The event was topped off with a cocktail hour as well as silent and live auctions featuring Jaimie Niven of Christie’s as the auctioneer. ES is gearing up to reprise its role as producer of Much Ado About Madoo 2013. Check out the exclusive luncheon Mark hosted at Madoo at the end of the season.

4. ArtHamptons International Art Fair

Mark caught the step by step of a live art exhibition which featured models painted completely white and splattered in paint. The performance paid tribute to the featured artist of the fair, Jason Pollack

The annual ArtHamptons international art fair was one of Mark’s favorite new events of the 2012 season. With more than 95 acres, Nova’s Art Project hosted the event this past July with over 9,500 guests over three days. The program included various panel discussions, special events, celebrity appearances, and 80 galleries exhibiting art. The fair emerged as one of the premiere must-attend events of the summer celebrating the local art community and its history as an art colony. This year’s fair is scheduled for July 11^th-14^th.

SS15 Host Kelly Ripa & Mark Addison

5. Super Saturday 15

At the highlight of any fashionista’s summer is certainly Super Saturday, which Mark & The ES Team will be producing for the 12^th year on July 27th. In addition to the main attraction, shopping, this sensational fundraiser for the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund offers guests unique sponsored brand experiences. (Not to mention the celebrity sightings!) Past years’ celebs include SS creator Donna Karan, Kelly Ripa, Rachel Zoe, Mark Feuerstein, the Kardashian Klan, Abigail Breslin, Emma Roberts, Christy Turlington, Russel Simmons, and many more.  Be sure to check back for exciting updates and sneak peak details! (Fingers crossed that there’s no need for rain boots this year!)

6. Hampton Cup at the Bridgehampton Polo Challenge

Bridgehampton Polo Club hosts the coveted Polo Challenge

For six consecutive Saturdays, Two Trees Farm hosts polo’s greatest athletes as they compete for the coveted Hampton Cup at the Bridgehampton Polo Challenge at the end of August. Major attractions of these exclusive Saturdays are the luxurious tents hosting a high profile and influential audience of V.I.P’s, celebrities and media. Mark Addison could be spotted on the sidelines divot stomping with Hamptons Magazine editor in chief Samantha Yanks.

Claudia Bicalho, owner of Lazypoint in Amagansett, gets some tips from entertaining expert Mark Addison

7. A New Mark Addison Party Planning Series, Entertain!

With years of experience and industry knowledge, Designer and Entertaining Expert, Mark Addison, shared his tricks of the trade launching an exciting new party planning series, Entertain!  While guests enjoyed the party, they were also “schooled” on the makings of a successful event, from learning how to prepare a themed party menu to step-by-step instructions on how to create inspired table decor. Mark successfully armed the ladies with pro party planning tools and tips leaving them be prepared for any entertaining challenge.

Spring Trend Alert: Post-it® Notes & Pastels

In honor of the recent Spring Pastels trend that is currently sweeping the streets of NYC, we here at EVENTSTYLE thought this would be a good opportunity to show some love for a past event which incorporated the fun color palette & also one of our favorite clients Post-it^® Note.

For their 2012 Brand Media Event, Post-it^® Note wanted an event that not only introduced the new color collections but also engaged guests in a whimsical and explorative atmosphere.  The ES Team needed to create an event concept that highlighted the unique uses of the product, showcased unexpected decorative possibilities, all the while evoking guest interaction.  Step 1 – start with a raw space – such as Cult Studios – completely white in color to be transformed into a creative Post-it^® Note wonderland.  Paying respects to the original Post-it^® Note Canary Yellow, mosaic tile designs were created on either side of the event’s entrance.  A life-size version of the actual invitation, constructed of the new 8 color collections and an XL Post-it® welcomed guests.

One of the main design focal points of the event was created with a 3D artwork installation of a ribbon featuring the full spectrum of all 8 color collections moving throughout the space.  Creating a personal connection with the different uses of the product, interactive sets were created to mimic real life scenarios where Post-it^® Note products help promote productivity, such as the Kitchen, Family Command Center, and Home Office. In addition to showcasing the new colors, these vibrant sets highlighted creative solutions for individuals trying to stay organized in an artistic way.

Another element designed to engage guests was a media bar where iPads featured a Post-it^® Note Color Personality Quiz, matching a person’s personality with the best-suited color collection.   Another way to trigger involvement was the large message board used to create a continuous conversation amongst guests.  A border was designed with…you guessed it Post-it^® Notes and leading questions or comments sparked a group conversation where guests could leave their own personal thought or response.

Bringing the new colors to life, 8 large mosaic tiles were created using each respective product collection to form a design complementing each collection’s respective graphics.  Founder of EVENTSTYLE, Mark Addison, was honored to be the event’s host as Design Expert.  Mark and The ES Team evoked the unique personality of each collection in creating each design. For the Pastel Collection a mural was created using the colors Blush & Hydrangea to form a design of roses.

So how many Post-it^® Notes were used in creating this creative wonderland?  To learn the answer to this question and learn more about the event with an insider perspective from Mark Addison himself – watch the video here.

13 Pro Planning Tips

Take some tips from the EVENTSTYLE team when planning your next event…

 1. CREATE YOUR EVENT BUDGET
Determine the costs for catering, production & marketing based on past events of similar scope and scale.

2. DECIDE ON THE FORMALITY OF YOUR EVENT
Research design options…Consider customized elements vs. off-the-shelf solutions.

3. CHOOSE A MEMORABLE THEME
Start with the invitations and theme thread all the event elements including decorations, lighting and tableware.

4. SELECT THE DATE AND TIME
Keep in mind target audience availability and convenience, checking local calendars for potential conflicts.

5. BE SELECTIVE WITH YOUR GUEST LIST
A larger number of guests will make the experience less personal affecting the formality and type of event.

6. INCLUDE THE 4 VITAL W’S ON THE INVITATION
Who, What, Where, When and Why!

7. COMPILE A LIST OF VENUE REQUIREMENTS
Besides available dates, inquire about maximum capacity and preferred vendors & caterers.

8. UTILIZE THE AMERICAN RENTAL ASSOCIATION
Take advantage of this insider tool and match your specific rental needs with the best-suited providers.

9. CREATE EFFECTIVE SIGNAGE
Develop a font and image convention and don’t forget to theme thread for brand consistency.

10. SCHEDULE A TASTE TESTING PRIOR TO FINALIZING YOUR CATERING SELECTION
Ensure that the quality, variety and quantity of food and drinks are appropriate for the event & guests with a tasting by your selected caterer.

11. MAKE BEVERAGE PLANNING EASIER
Consider specialty drinks to narrow down your beverage options and anticipate at least three drinks per person per hour.

12. USE LIGHTING TO PROVIDE A DRAMATIC DECORATIVE ELEMENT
Emphasize theme threaded elements and specific areas of interest.

13. PROVIDE ALL VENDORS –INCLUDING ENTERTAINERS AND VIPS–WITH A CLEAR ITINERARY (AKA RUN OF SHOW)
Make sure they understand what is expected of them prior to arriving to the event.

BONUS TIP: Hire an event professional, i.e. EVENTSTYLE (wink, wink) making us responsible for the success of your event!  Sit back and relax while we handle steps 2
thru 13 as well as onsite staff, vendors, deliveries, caterers, entertainers, set décor, scheduling, swag bags, and all other event logistics freeing you to enjoy the special occasion and your guests!

Receive a complimentary EVENTSTYLE notebook by clicking here.

Much About Madoo End of Season Luncheon Co-Hosted by Mark Addison

EVENTSTYLE founder Mark Addison capped off the 2012-summer season in the Hamptons co-hosting an exclusive luncheon alongside renowned artist Robert Dash and Director of the Conservancy Alejandro Saralegui surrounded by the natural landscape of the magnificent Madoo garden. The private luncheon was meant to introduce new patrons to the gardens, garner support for the foundation, as well as spark excitement for Madoo’s upcoming 20th anniversary of being a public garden. Mark fell in love with the two-acre Sagaponack garden when producing the Garden’s Fundraising Event earlier this season and was more than happy to donate his design & entertaining expertise for the cause. The gardens produced abundant inspiration influencing everything from the cocktails, menu, décor, to the afternoon tea selection. Many local vendors were also incorporated into the afternoon showcasing the Hampton’s local grown food and seafood.

The event kicked off with a tour of the gardens, leading guests on meandering paths through a series of strikingly different garden landscapes, all colorful, creative, and unconventional. While strolling, guests could sip on a watermelon basil fizz cocktail, a Mark Addison creation that even used fresh herbs straight from the garden. At strategic points in the tour waiters were stationed with delicious appetizers highlighting local ingredients.

Lunch was served in Robert’s summer house painting studio, which was transformed with a king’s table (thank you PartyRental LTD) and adorned with custom garden themed table runners and napkins designed by local artist Joy Newton. Following the first course of creative tastes and a salad of fresh peaches, the main attraction was a gorgeous halibut entrée, courtesy of Stuart’s Market, which was seasoned with ingredients from the surrounding gardens. Kitchen kudos goes to the talented RaptAffairs and Andrew Maturana. Even Martha Stewart, a personal guest of Mark, was caught snapping photos of each dish and the lovely table décor (major kudos) – she was especially excited over the innovative “mushed” potatoes!

The event was featured in a WSJ article Summer’s Last Stand reflecting on the some of the 2012 season’s last events – to see the full article please click here.

FOOTNOTE: On May 17th Madoo opens for the 2013 season and The ES Team will be there to produce the anticipated Much Adoo About Madoo Cocktail Party on June 14th. The grounds are also available for private events – just don’t forget to call in the experts aka The ES Team. To learn more about Madoo, the Foundation, & Madoo Creator Robert Dash please click here.

Super Saturday 15 Shines Through

For it’s 15^th year, Super Saturday, an annual shopping goldmine founded by Donna Karan and the late Liz Tilberis, brought awareness to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund raising more than $3.5 Million. Produced by the EVENTSTYLE team in the Hamptons, this year brought some new challenges to the table.

The day of the event started with a complete downpour, which encouraged guests to wear not only their swimsuits – per usual for facilitating trying on items in a rush – but also their rain boots. Luckily the skies cleared right before the gates open to thousands of eager shoppers. For the ES team – the rain caused no anxiety as planning for this event started more than 5 months in advance!

Justin Swisher, Senior Producer (aka JS) emphasizes the importance of a rain contingency plan, which was designed simultaneously. “Tents were placed on hold far in advance to eliminate any last minute panic”.  The installation for an event this size starts on Sunday – almost a full week ahead of time. Long before any booths go up, the ES team and OCRF work together in developing a new and unique logo, used in every element of the event from the invitation, t-shirts, gift bag, centerpieces, wristbands, to over 500 pieces of event signage!   This year we added the Wall of Hope allowing guests to post personal photos, messages, and other thoughtful pieces bringing focus back to the cause. The award winning goodie bags took 3 days to assemble offering even a specialty children version.

Not only are these lucky kids treated to their own goodie bag, but there is also an entire section dedicated to entertaining toddlers. Nowhere else can you catch Donna Karen leading story time to other celeb mini me’s.

A major event partner QVC has certainly helped Super Saturday gain awareness and be the tremendous fundraiser that it is today.  To read more about the kid-friendly nature of the event as well as QVC’s growing presence fueling OCRF’s awareness on Hamptons.com see the full article here.

With QVC’s presence shopping is available to consumers nationwide, but there are certain perks available only at the event.  Besides the celebrity sightings, fabulous deals, and legendary Sant Ambroeus gourmet lunch & dessert bar – how about a little pampering?  Indulgences included a COVERGIRL Beauty Bar and a Daily Candy blowout bar, perfect to tackle the bad <weather> hair day.  Although not all that appealing to the determined bargain shoppers, there are tons of interactive booths entertaining more than just the wallet.

So what’s the best plan of attack to make the most of all that this fabulous day has to offer?  Mark Addison, founder of ES who has now produced the fundraiser for more than 10 years, advises guests to do their homework:

“Review the map ahead of time and mark the booths that are essential.  On the day of the event make two rounds.  First grab the ‘must haves’ and make a ‘watch list’ for other items to then circle back to later in the day for further reductions.”

To hear more of Mark’s advice alongside Katie Dillon, OCRF Event Director, and Kelly Ripa, SS15 celebrity host, see the full Wall Street Journal article here.

In the end, The ES team attributes the event’s success over Mother Nature to the seasoned experience and incredible team dynamic allowing for each member to delegate responsibility with complete confidence. To learn more about the OCRF and to get tickets to SS16 please click here.

Other Press Coverage of SS15:
New York Times
InStyle
Guest of a Guest