3 Takeaways from Olympic Opening Ceremonies

Let the games begin!

The Olympic opening ceremony is always a widely anticipated show.  This year’s London opening ceremony did not disappoint. Produced by Danny Boyle, Oscar winner and filmmaker for “Slumdog Millionaire,” the show expressed Great Britain’s heritage, cultural history and contributions to the world, culminating in a visual feast of music, dancing and a magnificent fireworks display.

As an event planner, three aspects of the show caught my attention:

During the industrial revolution segment depicting the end of the agrarian period and the rise of factories, a sulphur smell permeated the stadium while blacksmiths toiled at furnaces.  What a great way to bring that period to life not to mention, it is no small feat to do that for a stadium that seat 80,000!

A creative use of lighting on the stadium stands. One of the innovations created especially for the show were the LED pixel screens at every seat.  More than 70,000 panels mounted on the seats allowed operators to create effects that looked like projected graphics onto the audience. The visual effects along with the action on the stadium floor made for a visually stunning show.

A modern take on the Olympic “doves of peace.”  Bicyclists entered the stadium with flapping lit “wings”.  A darkened stadium was filled with the lit undulating wings making their way around the course  – a beautiful presentation!

It’s always fun to watch the parade of athletes at the end.  But, really, who approved the U.S. uniforms  - dull blazers and those ridiculous beanies?  Surely there were more stylish options to choose from to represent  the U.S. and such dynamic team!

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Summertime in Boston…

Looking forward to a fun, historic themed event in Boston!

With imposing views of the famous clock tower and sweeping views of the city from the 34th floor, the State Room is the perfect venue serving as a dramatic backdrop for an evening of cocktails, dinner and after party.

 

Here are 2 views of the room:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Working with a Tight Budget?

Summer is everyone’s favorite time for entertaining.  Being able to host your party outdoors means easy cleanup but also could mean a larger guest list.  What to do if the guest list grows but not your budget?

Keep these tips in mind:

Ditch the mailed invitation and go for email but do follow up with a call to make it more personable.

Simplify your decor.  Try to use what you have, or purchase inexpensive items that can be grouped  together for greater impact.  Unique glassware that can be reused later, with in-season blooms makes for  inexpensive and colorful centerpieces.  Strings of garden lights or stored Xmas lights strung on trees and bushes create ambiance and a festive mood.

Instead of formal seating, try cocktail-style bar rounds mixed among garden furniture.  You don’t have to provide as much seating or elaborate centerpieces as you do with formal rounds.

Don’t reduce the quantity of food served, instead, rethink what you are serving for a more cost effective menu.

And finally,  let these pictures serve as inspiration for your menus:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bean and Basil dip from Hotel Marlowe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

French Toast with warm raspberry sauce from the Gaylord Conference Center.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cabbage wraps with pulled turkey and cranberry chutney from the Hotel Monaco in Washington.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Who can resist these breakfast bites finished off with a smoothie and gingersnap wand from Good Gracious Events!

 

Photo credits: Bizbash.com

 

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