9am – 2am
Setup to Takedown
200
Hors D’oeuvres
356 Feet
Of Pipe & Drape
4,368 sq ft
Of Artificial Grass
Anything But Basic
Worldwide producer and distributor of office and school supplies, Bazic is fundamental to the bases of education and creativity from children to adults. From that first press of graphite into paper, they allow minds to expand time and distance. Whether they transcend the borders of countries or help create all new galaxies, they are the first tools generations of minds have used and love still to this day.
When El Monte’s office contacted us to discuss a kid-friendly winter holiday party, we were over the moon. Read on below to learn more about their holiday party highlights.
Holiday Highlights
The venue had to be located in Los Angeles, near their El Monte office, to give the full spirit of a bustling city while remaining easy to drive to. 440 Seaton in Los Angeles, had everything they were looking for. Urban, but with high class, this venue was capable of handling the extensive lighting requirements and large guest list comfortably.
The holiday party would have a Paris Nights Theme. Candy girls, Silhouette Artist, mimes, Parisian Band, living statues, even can-can dancers and the Eiffel Tower would come together under the soft glow of the (artificial) stars.
The Decor
The decor for this night on the town had to be exceptionnel. When Bazic was looking at event production companies, they wanted one who would understand the assign that Paris is the city of fashion, food, and fantasy. If this event was going to hold a candle to the theme of a night in Paris, it had to be designed extraordinary down to the smallest detail. Even managers worked hard with designers, lighting and sound crews to transform the venue into a nuit en ville that would wow Bazic employees and their families.
Lighting
The Los Angeles venue was washed in colored lighting to set the mood. Warm lighting was used throughout the room to create the feel of a welcoming, loving city such as Paris. Even the Ceiling was colored washed in warm reds and ambers to mimic the city glow at night. Patterned Gobos projected blue stars throughout the room, creating a magical feeling of moving through the stars. Uplights and pinspots were used to highlight the architecture, stations and various decor to help it stand out from the color washes. Stringed party lights from the venue hung from the pillars and support beams like little stars in the sky while 7ft tall city street lamps (8 total) were placed along the floor. The effect was outstanding, but it was made extraordinary by our event manager and design team.
Pipe, Drap, and Props
Pipe and draping was also brought in to soften the brick building. The main entrance was draped in a 30′ green velour pipe and drape and the secondary entrance was further dressed in a 90′ white pipe and drape treatment.
The cocktail area, which included lounge furniture, slipped into a 80′ white 12′ pipe and drape with hedge walls complete with LED candles.
Photo Worthy
Because hedge walls are excellent photo opportunities, this one came with a fabricated “Midnight in Paris” frame complete with Bazic’s logo. Guests stood behind the hedge wall and our photographer snapped pre-framed photos for them to enjoy later.
Of course, this was not the only memory maker at the event. A photo station with props was also set up to the backdrop of a white pipe and drape along with a traditional photo booth.
Give Us Props
The venue was set to transport guests to the rue de la paix, and the props had a big part in this (in fact some were huge!). Two large (8 foot) White Cherry Blossom trees were strategically placed in the venue to being the outdoors in. Rustic wood benches with white cushions simulated park benches from the street (but with a comfortable twist). French windows, lit business signs and panels were hug while a Fresh bakery, cafe, hat and dress shop with a street-side poodle pulled Paris into Los Angeles.
The Eiffel Tower
Realistic plants of ficus and spirals of ivy were placed throughout and artificial grass was laid out. The look was complete with a gate to the lieu de beauté. But the grande ville would not be complete without the iconic Eiffel Tower.
Rising to the ceiling in its magnificence, the massive Eiffel Tower loomed above. It was one of the most photographed props of the night, being privy to nearly every selfie!
Emcee Opens Main Space
By 7pm, the emcee announced the main space was opened. The wow factor was undeniable. Such care had been taken in the design that guests were in awe.
A face painter and balloon sculpture artist provided fun entertainment for the children (and those who are kids at heart!).
Parisian Band
The Parisian band, or in French “bal-musette“, kicked off and got the party started! The band featured a signature accordion and was accompanied by a live base and guitar. Their music sang through the venue, lifting spirits and helping to put a can-can dance step in every heel.
The Future Silhouette
Stationed in under the sensationnel Eiffel Tower, the Silhouette Artist and Tarot Card reader took to their trades. The Silhouette Artist created unique, personalized pieces of art for guests while the tarot reader gave out secrets of the future.
#Oklm (Cool)
Meanwhile, guests could snap a picture with the oklm living statues. Their ever changing poses ranged from elegantly beautiful to photo bombing funny (bunny ears anyone?!). With so many great photo opportunities by the street vendor carts or by the très bon poodle, no one was missing out on photo memory for this night on the town.
Le Diner est Servi
With France being known for their culinary skills and delectable desserts, we had to bring in the best to make la bouffe as bon as possible (while still appeasing the younger palette). Dinner was served from several action stations. The first, a children’s station with their favorites like elbow macaroni and American cheese, chicken strips and the all-time favorite French Fries. For adults, a Risotto Bar was stationed where guests could make their own culinary creations. If the Risotto Bar was not your top choice, guests could opt for ale and maple braised short rib martinis. The farm to table chalkboard offered an abundance of fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables as sides.
Leave Room for Dessert
Over 200 mini desserts were offered at the dessert display station which included New York Cheesecake, Raspberry Cheesecake, Snickers, Torte, Chocolate Suicide Cake, Tiramisu, and Praline Caramel Cheesecake. To top it off a Cappuccino Cart served up piping hot coffee creations, filling the room with a warm aroma.
Awards, Rewards and More
The midnight stroll on the streets of Paris did not conclude with dinner and dessert. Invités were treated with more than just sweets! A surprise performance from professional Can-Can dancers swept guests off their feet. Bright and beautiful, these dancers were available after their performance for meet and greet and photo opportunities.
Employee Awards
After a welcome speech from Mr. Handy Hioe, owner and president of Bazic Products, employee awards were started. Plaques for 5, 10, and 15 years of service went to employees who joined Mr. Handy Hioe on stage for group photos. After, the emcee announced the games to begin. Teams were set by the wristband given at registration. All employees would enter into the first game, but only winners would move on to the second for a chance to win some big prizes!
Croissant Eiffel Tower
8 teams gathered around red and blue topped tables for the first game. Fresh buttery croissants and tooth pics (one with a flag) sat ready for eager hands. The purpose of the game was to work together and create the tallest tower from the flaky pastry and plant their flag on their pièce de résistance. Only contestants that won would be able to make a mad dash for the second game and a chance to win big prizes (such as a large screen TV or even a $1,000!).
Mad Macarons
This eating contest took a french classic and added an Asian kick. The emcee explained that these specially made macarons were not sweet, but instead filled with wasabi, a spicy Asian paste. Each contestant was given a tray of 25 macarons and a glass of water in case it got too intense. They were instructed to eat as many mad macarons as possible in under a minute…but if they grabbed water, they would be disqualified. The emcee counted down. A few winners enjoyed the burn of victory while the others felt the sting of defeat!
No one left empty handed, however. At the end of the party, everyone left with a Christmas gift from Bazic and some starry memories of midnight spent in Paris.
Merci à Tous
Thank you to everyone who helped make this evening a (mid)night to remember! And a special merci to Bazic Products for choosing Event Solutions to help turn your Paris party dreams into reality. And while this event was themed around Paris, planning a corporate party in Los Angeles is something we hope every company gets to experience. We thoroughly enjoyed working with such a great group of inspiring people and it was our pleasure to celebrate the holidays with you and your families!
Want to make your corporate Christmas party fun for staff and families? Contact our team at 1.800.366.0603 for customized ideas to celebrate the holidays!
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