Exclusive Magazine athome 2013 - (Page 29)

celebrity A NIGHT Large, colourful props are the way to go TO REMEMBER WANT TO HOST A DAZZLING EVENT? TAKE INSPIRATION FROM A-LIST PARTY PLANNER, STEVEN DUGGAN WORDS: LYNNE MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHS: PA PHOTOS, GETTY IMAGES T he rich and famous may have endless amounts of cash to splash at their child's birthday or dream wedding. But, if you have a decent budget, you can host a party that's equally amazing by learning a lesson from Steven Duggan (www. stevendugganevents.com), who has created endless amounts of events for high proﬁle celebs such as Elton John, Adele and Simon Cowell. Whether it's baby showers, hen/stag parties, birthdays, Halloween parties, weddings or garden parties, Steven is the master. Established in 2010, the creative genius has built up this unique agency with his team. He says: 'A good event is creating a scene or setting one to the client's satisfaction. It's about creating an experience which is truly out of this world.' The long list of enviable names on Steven's books have dubbed him: 'The artist of the event world'. You have a lot to live up to, but here's how to turn your party dreams into reality. Think big Create a Mad Hatters' tea party for the kids S teven Duggan When it comes to choosing a suitable place for your event, do your research. The bigger the better, Steven says: 'I recently organised an event for twins' ﬁrst birthday with a budget of 70K. The theme was Peter Pan and Alice In Wonderland, and I needed to , recreate the magical scenes for all the guests. I chose the largest props I could ﬁnd to create a giant's playground.' You should also think about how your guests will enter the party. As the old saying goes, 'ﬁrst impressions count', so it's essential that you wow them from the off! 'One of the most impressive features outside the marquee had to be the giant pirate ship bar which you walked through to reach the marquee,' says Steven. 'Walking through the ship almost symbolised the beginning of the journey for the guests.' STEVEN'S A-LIST FANS SIR ELTON JOHN, 66 SIMON COWELL, 54 ADELE, 25 Steven Duggan's talent has earned him one of the most desired 'black books' of highproﬁle clients Dare to be different Throughout the meticulous planning, ideas can become repetitive and dated, so experiment. If you host a Christmas party, don't just have the usual tree, decorations, and Santa. Think outside the (gift) box. Recreate Lapland or a Dickens scene. When Steven designed the twins' bash, he opted for live actors. 'Given the age of the children, I wanted to transport them into their favourite Disneyland ﬁlms for the day,' he says. Catering for a party has come a long way since sausages on sticks and jelly and ice cream. Canapés and mini burgers are where it's at. And when it comes to kids, think cool bites. Anything that looks funny, they'll try. Pro party If it all gets too much, let the experts handle it. Steven Duggan Events caters for every budget - from £1,000 to £1million. Nothing is too big or small. The company's party packages range from Gold, Platinum and Bespoke. There's something for everyone. E Exclusive | 29 http://www.stevendugganevents.com http://www.stevendugganevents.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Exclusive Magazine athome 2013

COVER
EDITOR’S LETTER
THE BUZZ
G’DAY, MR ANDRE
BOYFRIEND IN THE BUFF
PARTY PLANNER
NEED A PARTY DRESS?
GOLDEN GIRL
FELINE FASHION
ANIMAL INSTINCT
GO BIG, OR GO HOME
STYLE SOS
STEP, STRUT, STRIDE
HI, HONEY!
ON THE LASH
SCENT OF A WOMAN
KISS AND MAKE-UP
BEAUTY CAN BE SKIN-DEEP
FAKE ID
A-LIST LOCKS
HOLLYWOOD SMILE
FACE FACTS
A IS FOR AMBITIOUS
INNER PEACE
THE C WORD
ALL EYES ON STIS
IS HE FIT?
DYING TO BE THIN
EATING ISN’T CHEATING
ROCK YOUR BODY
ITALIAN STALLION
COCKTAILS AND CANAPÉS
MAKE OR BAKE
WHEN I GROW UP...
SHE MEANS BUSINESS
LOVE IS IN THE AIR
PARENTING KIMYE-STYLE
BABY STEPS
DE-STRESS YOUR DAYS
GOING SOLO
A CELEB’S BEST FRIEND
SHAKE UP THE ROOM
GO RETRO
ON THE FLOOR
THE CENTRE OF ATTENTION
21ST CENTURY HOME
SUN OR SNOW?
VIP LOUNGE
CHART-TOPPER
ANDRE’S ANTICS
KINGS AND QUEENS OF REEM
TUCK IN
THE GIFT OF GIVING
STOCKISTS

Exclusive Magazine athome 2013