Recent Event - 2008 Jack Wills Christmas Party

1920's Jeeves and Wooster British Themed Event

Before I start to focus on marketing plans for 2009, I want to post a few pictures from our final event of 2008

The Jack Wills Christmas Party

The event took place in 'The Theatre' at The Institute of Contemporary Arts. A blank space, the theatre is a perfect location to have any themed party. With black walls and an excellent in-built AV system, you can fully transform this space into any theme that you might wish for.

Jack Wills, the 'University Outfitter' for the traditional preppy British crowd, decided to host a party that would capture the essence of this truly trendy and evermore popular brand. The ICA was transformed using a pallette of rich reds, sultry blacks and sparkling silvers, against a backdrop that captured the PG Wodehouse inspired theme - all we really lacked was Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie!

The simple use of silver feathers, a few baubles and some red branches set upon a plain black tablecloth - the results are astounding!










Instead of numbering tables, relevant names were given to each table - Jeeves, Wooster, Stilton and Bassett to name a few. Other theming included British flags, feather bowers, union jack covered chaise longues, stuffed pheasants and hat stands with bowler hats.

The food and drinks were also inkeeping with the theme and 1920's era. Amongst many other things, guests were served Tom Collins cocktails, a quince and stilton tart for starter, a shoulder of lamb for main course and a chocolate and hazelnut desert.

After the meal and speeches guests danced the night away with tunes played by DJ Dan Browne.







I highly recommend the ICA - the space is as versatile as you can get and the venue is in an ideal location on The Mall. If you would like to find out more about the venue or indeed discuss any future parties you may be planning, please do get in touch.

Whilst this was a Christmas party we are constantly planning and executing similar events such as charity dinners, product launches or just an in-house team-building event and would welcome the chance to show you how we can make a difference to your company.

Tel: 01628 891886 / 07958 734383
E: charlotte@charlotteaikman.com

Christmas Party Tip No 2!

"On the second day of Christmas my true love sent to me two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree!"






Our second tip to ensuring a successful party is to make it as fun (and quirky) as possible. Nobody wants a formal evening for their Christmas Party!

Maybe try having a theme so people can dress up and enter into the spirit. However, the trick here is to remember not to make the theme too difficult because people often get put off if they have to dress up and can't think what to come as! If full dressing up seems too much, you can always do a simple colour theme - "a touch of gold" or a "hint of red" etc. The options are endless!

Sometimes the best way to come up with ideas that everyone will buy into is to have a party committee which represents someone from each department.

We hope you found this useful. Our third tip of Christmas will follow soon....

Theming an event

Are you struggling to come up with a theme for your event? Whether it be for your Christmas party or another event, here are a few ideas.....

Country specific theme-I recently organised a Brazilian themed event, which allowed for lots of creativity, but was surprisingly easy to achieve. For entertainment we had Vincent and Flavia (celebrities from Strictly Come Dancing) and The London School of Samba.




Madame Butterfly - where East meets West …an Oriental inspired garden theme incorporating elegant blossom trees, pergolas, colourful butterflies and a taste of the exotic.

Contemporary Christmas - use silver, navy and white to give it a contemporary and stylish feel!

Diamonds and Pearls - A decadent and shimmering atmosphere with a multitude of pea lights and gems intertwined throughout. This theme could also be incorporated with a black and white theme (see A Touch of Colour below).

A touch of Colour - Often the simplest themes are the most successful. Whether it is the classic and elegant black and white mix or something a little sassier such as shocking pink, a colour scheme always works. The colour can be incorporated into everything – invitations, dress code, drinks, décor, and lighting ensuring continuity throughout.

Grease is the Word- For all Pink Ladies and T Birds, this retro theme would work particularly well at the All Lanes bowling venues which already incorporate a diner and full American cocktail bar.

James Bond, 007 - this is easy for both the organiser to theme and the guests to come suitably attired!

Vintage Hollywood - The glamour of 1950s Hollywood which could also be tied in with an Oscars theme, should your event be taking place in February/March which is close to the Oscars ceremony. Guests can make their entrance up a red carpet, with snapping paparazzi, and enter a world of glitz, elegance and untouchable glamour.

Other ideas include:

• Gangsters and Molls
• Fire and Ice
• 1920s High Society
• Cool Britannia/Best of British

These are just a few ideas, there are many many more! If you would like some inspiration, why not contact us?

Charlotte Aikman
charlotte@charlotteaikman.com
07958 734383
www.charlotteaikman.com