A Night of Eco-Chic Entertaining
July 30, 2008
Filed under Event Planning, Review
July 29th: Celia Chen invited her closest and dearest friends of the event planning community, green entrepreneurs, local vendors, and press to The Xchange for “A Night of Eco-Chic Entertaining.” Presented by her acclaimed website, Notes on a Party, the event showcased creative, unique ways to host an event that is environmentally conscience yet elegant. Coming from an ironic, self-proclaimed hippie town of social climbers (10 points to those who can guess), this event was right up my alley.
My eyes first darted to the Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream, where I chatted with Laura O’Neill before indulging myself. I decided on the Red Currant flavor while talking with Laura about how she recently moved to New York from Australia with her husband to start this ice cream endeavor using only hormone-free milk and cream from local farmers, and disposable goods made from 100% renewable resources. Did I mention it was also DELICIOUS? Almost like the ice cream man from your childhood memories, they operate out of a quaint little truck, which you can find parked in Soho or on University Place (check their website for times and exact location for easy stalking).
There were two displays of high-class, eco-friendly table settings. Speaking with Danielle Venokur of dvGreen sustainable event design, she explained how even fallen trees and seemingly lifeless branches can be transformed into an elegant centerpiece adorned with recycled tissue paper flowers. Another tip she suggested is to rent dishes and glasses from a party rental shop: renting flatware will eliminate wasteful clutter, and also you can switch up your settings for every event. Levy Lighting set the ambiance and calming mood.
Sage Events provided the delectable catering for the evening, using their promise of farm-fresh produce for delicious hor d’oeuvres: tequila meatballs, Carolina pulled pork on brioche, and tomato basil and goat cheese shot, and more. A station was set up serving San Francisco-style seafood Cioppino stew by the spoonful, and my only complaint is that I was not able to steal the huge steaming pot to eat out of.
As for refreshments, I tried a chardonnay from the Mendocino Wine of California’s Mendocino County, which strives for sustainability and carbon neutrality by using solar power and earth-friendly packaging. Wine tip of the day: although screw-tops have the connotation for “cheaper” wines, screw tops actually seal bottles better for a longer-lasting, fresher taste. The beer provided by Peak Organic Brewing Company (also present at the Nigel Barker event) is derived from barley and hops grown without toxic pesticides and chemical fertilizers, so the only toxins you are drinking are that of the alcohol buzz. In addition, Reyka vodka had a table where they served three custom-mixed cocktails.
Celia Chen successfully executed this event by showing everyone a great time while being environmentally friendly. As a smart, elegant businesswoman and a prominent entrepreneur in the exciting world of event planning, she is a fantastic inspiration – check out Notes on a Party, and her features on Huffington Post.
Yours,
Von
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