Blog | Cassie LaMere Events

CURATED GUIDE | DECEMBER 2019

It's the last month of the decade and we are ready to go out with a bang! The countdown to the NEW Roaring 20’s has begun and we’re sharing our must-haves for a modern take on ringing in 2020 and beyond.

1 | Step back in time and be transported to a bygone era during “The Party,” an immersive experience aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Hosted by Belmond, in partnership with Private Drama Events, no two guest experiences will be alike aboard the train; dine with Art Deco darlings, toast with bootleggers, and see the iconic locomotive brought to life through this once-in-a-lifetime theatrical journey. With an itinerary that begins in Venice and ends in London, this is undoubtedly the perfect bucket list gift for the adventure-seeker who has everything.

2 | The illustrious allure of girls with pearls has been admired for centuries and no Roaring 20’s ensemble would be complete without a plethora of pearls. As we head into 2020, a dazzling number of modern pearl accessories are set to anoint the next generation’s muse. Keren Wolf’s multi-strand pearl headbands have graced the runways of NYFW and are the new statement headpiece for a flapper with finesse. Target’s capsule collection, A New Day, created the ultimate evening handbag for dancing from dusk ‘til dawn. Cassandra Collection’s intricate pearl cuff reflects a luxurious juxtaposition of power and femininity, ideal for today’s contemporary gal and emblematic of the designer herself.

3 | To an entertaining pro, the notion of a self-serve bar has previously seemed rather inhospitable, until now- Neiman Marcus is giving your libations menu the 21st century makeover thanks to Moet & Chandon’s bespoke champagne vending machine. Earning a spot on this year’s exclusive fantasy gift list is a personal bubbly dispensary stocked with 360 splits of Moet & Chandon. Host an epic bash with ease, knowing that at the push of a button, your digital bartender will be making spirits bright well into the new year.

4 | After a night of New Year’s Eve revelry, we imagine you, and your tootsies, will be glad to slip into something more comfortable. Feather your flapper nest with these playful Olivia von Halle silk pajamas and bedroom slippers from Ann Taylor. Velvet, silk, and marabou feathers are a tried-and-true recipe for twenties chic; you may be headed to bed as the sun rises, but you’re sure to awaken looking fabulous for the first day of the new year. As an added bonus, this combo does double-duty as a posh packable for your overnight on the express.

5 | There’s no shortage of good times to be had in December and browsing the imaginative holiday window displays on 5th Avenue is always a highlight of the season. Bergdorf Goodman’s beloved window displays are a fixture of this tradition; on display this year is “Bergdorf GoodTimes,” where coveted items from everyone’s wish list are matched with celebratory scenes that “evoke the time-honored spirit of a holiday fête.” Their depiction of an Art Deco party is the ideal inspiration for the upcoming countdown and leaves us ready to exclaim "laissez le bon temps rouler" at midnight!

CURATED GUIDE | NOVEMBER 2019

Hello holidays! We’re ready to make the most of November and the special occasions that are upon us by decorating, imbibing and gathering with friends and family. As we take time to reflect and count our blessings, we’re sharing our picks for enjoying the exciting weeks ahead; whether it is being transported to infinity and beyond, paying homage to an American classic, setting the table for multi-generational memories, or finding inspiration for meaningful ways to close out 2019.

1 | Tom Ford famously said, “Dressing well is a form of good manners” and we imagine Emily Post would agree that similar etiquette extends to a well-dressed table. This Thanksgiving, while grandparents gather around the table belaboring stories of how they simply “don’t make them like they used to,” slip in a welcomed nod of nostalgia to your place setting with The Punctilious Mr. P’s Place Card Company ephemera. His deliciously bespoke menu and place card suites with vintage illustrations help you mind your Mr. P’s and Q’s- making setting your table, and impressing your elders, perfectly effortless this entertaining season.

2 | Après ski, cozy up by the fire in your fair isle and tune into HBO’s newest documentary, Very Ralph, profiling the life and fashion legacy of American Designer, Ralph Lauren. With an archive that spans several decades, get a front row seat to the story of the iconic fashion house and how Ralph’s designs have withstood the test of time, influencing countless trends and poignantly defining eras. Another testament to his staying power is the new generation of enthusiasts coveting the brand’s signature collections, including teddy bear sweaters and Navajo chunky knits. Tune in to see Ralph’s celebrated style, which ranges from the perfect casual ensemble to a classic black-tie tailored statement, guaranteeing there’ll be no shortage of holiday attire inspiration for every occasion in this fashion flick.

3 | Social media mavens from New York and beyond will be clamoring for the chance to spend a mere number of seconds in Yayoi Kusama’s latest Infinity Room installation at David Zwirner, which opens this month. Expect an infinite amount of infinity room posts to fill your feed before the Every Day I Pray for Love exhibition closes December 14. As if one high-profile exhibition this month wasn’t enough for the 90-year-old artist, true to form, Kusama continues to prove that her art comes in many mediums; this time by designing her first-ever balloon for this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. We’ll certainly be glued to our TV screens to see Kusama take her art to new heights, with the debut of a helium spectacle in Herald Square.

4 | Count your blessings, and gear up for Black Friday shopping, with Hearth & Hand’s Give, Save, Spend piggy bank set. These charming vessels are the perfect daily reminder to diversify and a great way to instill early habits of gratitude with little ones this holiday season. As you save up your pennies, mark your calendars for Giving Tuesday and make giving back a family affair. Browse participating organizations in your area on givingtuesday.org and select where to donate your piggy’s loot. We can’t think of a better way to gear up for December than banking on a gift that keeps on giving.

Photos Courtesy Of: 1 | The Punctilious Mr. P’s Place Card Company 2 | Vogue 3 | David Zwirner 4 | Hearth & Hand for Target

CURATED GUIDE | OCTOBER 2019

Hello, October- we’ve missed you! There’s a certain something in the air this month, a festive spirit arises as the holidays and entertaining start becoming top of mind. We’re traveling near and far to take in the best events this month, including checking-in on London’s hottest new restaurant. If you’re getting a head start on shopping, we’ve got just the right gift that keeps on giving. Whether it be for you or someone on your list, we’ll never tell- ‘tis the season to treat ‘yo self!

1 | Netflix queues are filled with episodes of The Crown and fans are flocking to theaters to see the next chapter in the world of Downton Abbey, proving royal affairs are making a grand entrance on the event scene. We are headed to the source for some R&D while attending Engage Summits’ latest installment of their luxury event conference, hosted this month in London. Our Founder & Creative Director is jetting off for a week of idea generation with the industry’s top designers, planners, and vendors. Itinerary highlights include exclusive private tours of the Tudor Estate and The Tower of London, along with celebrity keynotes, a gift suite featuring the latest bespoke swag, and a grand dinner party in Kensington Palace. Time to break out the crown jewels, darling!

2 | Upgrade from chocolate morsels to vanity essentials with this year’s batch of beauty advent calendars, many of which are set to release in October. Curated luxe boxes from the likes of Net-A-Porter, Diptyque, Liberty, and Charlotte Tilbury will be advent-ageous during a whirlwind season of holiday events. Eat, drink, and be merry, knowing that these boxes deliver high-end skin care and coveted makeup to keep you aglow.

3 | The visionaries behind New York establishment Eleven Madison Park, dubbed the World's Best Restaurant in 2017, are hopping across the pond to open their second restaurant and usher in a new era for a storied London institution. Located within the iconic Claridge’s Hotel, Davies & Brook will feature everything foodies have come to love from the Make It Nice restaurant group: the experiential food courses, highly detailed hospitality, and an innovative approach to fine dining- undoubtedly an instant classic that’s worth its weight in pounds.

4 | Austin City Limits Music Festival descends upon Zilker Park with a mix tape of visitors and locals enjoying the sights and sounds of a city that consistently ranks at the top of the charts. When we’re not singing along with the masses to Lizzo’s empowered lyrics, we’ll be hitting a high note at ACL’s newest feature, the Bonus Tracks Stage, where celebrities and connoisseurs will be hosting one-on-one discussions, podcasts, and wellness events with partner brands including Bon Appétit, goop, and Outdoor Voices.

5 | Picture yourself in an old southern town, strolling down the main street, surrounded by historic buildings beckoning you to enter and be transported into the worlds of your favorite mythical monsters from the silver screen. If your ideal Halloween is no tricks, just treats, then you won’t want to miss Halloween by Design’s Classic Monster Bash at Star Hill Ranch on October 19, 2019. This event brings together notable stars from the design, culinary, and musical artist communities for one night only. With Bart Brown, go-to Set Designer for film legend Robert Rodriguez, as this year’s creative director, you can be sure that an immersive Halloween experience awaits. Costumes are encouraged, so get more leverage out of this year’s ensemble by debuting yours for the festive evening. For our looks, we’re conjuring up a vision that channels some of our dream dinner party guests from Old Hollywood cinema. Cassie LaMere Events is proud to be a part of this unique fundraising event, in support of Halloween By Design and their 2019 beneficiaries. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit halloweenbydesign.com .