Category: CORT Events

By Steve Kemble

Everyone knows that CORT Events can throw a party and their recent event in my hometown of Dallas was the best yet! Color Me CORT pushed boundaries in event space design and kept guests guessing all night long. With more than 250 VIP attendees, including LeeAnne Locken from the Real Housewives of Dallas in attendance, the evening was absolutely sparkling. Held at Venue Forty|50, I emceed this unforgettably vibrant and exciting evening!

Working with event designers from Perfect Surroundings, Intl., the event space was drenched in color and light to bring the theme of the evening, Color Me CORT, to life.

Sassies, you have never been to an event like this one. Every aspect of this event pushed the boundaries of color and event design. Perfect for an absolutely gorgeous night in Dallas, the event space also played up the indoor/outdoor trend by blending the lively indoor space with a quieter “zen” outdoor patio space, designed with unique configurations of the modular Dune collection. Indoors, Luna columns adorned with beautiful custom graphics added a touch of personalization while bathing the room in a warm glow, and unpredictable combinations of accent pillows added another level of vibrancy throughout the venue. Out-of-the-box furniture arrangements, including six hexagonal seating arrangements, encouraged conversation and mingling.

For those of you planning an elegant evening, don’t be afraid of a little extra creativity! Color Me CORT showcased how a colorful event can be just as refined as a black and white event, reminding me how fun it is to play and experiment with unconventional designs. CORT Events was inspired by Dallas’ wild side to host an event that was completely unexpected and engaging. The amazing CORT Events team mixed traditional Fielding chairs with Hayworth cocktail tables, and sleek Baja Sofas with versatile Beverly Bench Ottomans made the space feel eclectic yet comfortable and curated. Another fun surprise was the pop art and graffiti wall that brought an edge and youthful energy to the atmosphere.

Throughout the evening, CORT Events surprised and delighted VIP attendees with experiential entertainment and awesome prizes. Singers, dancers and disco ninjas lit up the dance floor and pumped up the party. Prizes throughout the night included fine food and drink, a food tour of Dallas, a Ritz Carlton spa package, Apple products and designer travel gear.

I have to thank CORT Events for this colorful night in Dallas. The ambiance and energy were truly unforgettable, and I am so impressed by this out-of-box concept as well as the immaculate attention to detail and thought given to the guest experience. Congratulations to everyone on a perfect evening and y’all know I’m already ready for the next event!

To learn more about CORT’s event rental collections, visit www.cortevents.com.

Fresh and Fabulous Fall Event Décor Design

Sassies, soon the leaves will turn all kinds of gorgeous golds, oranges and reds. The air will cool, and sweater weather will return with crisp beautiful breezes, gathering friends and family by firesides. Isn’t fall the absolute best?

If you’re planning events this season, there is so much fun to be had with dramatic themes or cool abstract minimalism. Trends that I am loving for fall events this season include: art deco opulence, mixed minimalism with touches of rustic and industrial and the funky pop vibes of the 1980’s.

• Art Deco: Nothing is more decadent or gorgeous than the Art Deco movement of the 1930’s. To pull off this theme, create an event featuring metallic finishes and dramatic colors, utilizing pieces that glint and sparkle, like the Alondra Cocktail Table. Create lush, luxe event designs that are dramatic in color. Deep blues, greens, and reds pair fabulously with metallics. Geometric patterns lend a feeling of luxury and sophistication. The Art Deco trend reminds attendees of the Golden Age and creates a whimsical escape, so don’t be afraid to go all out for an elegant and theatrical evening event.

“The best way to add drama to an Art Deco event is to pay attention to the details,” Kevin Dana, executive director of marketing and product development at CORT Events, shared with me. “Start with gorgeous, customizable bars, like the Midtown Bar. These illuminated bars set the mood of an event and can be easily branded with either custom graphics or logos. To play up the Art Deco theme, mix marbles and metals and dress up classics, such as a Wilshire Sofa, with eccentric touches like Garbo Stools. Cozy up on faux fur rugs and pair with metallic accents to create an ambiance with a warm glow that feels refined and expensive.”

• Mixed Minimalism: For events that aren’t looking for too much attention, but still want to feel effortless and classy, try mixed minimalism. Mixing rustic with industrial creates a look and feel that is cool, classic and modern. To accomplish this, event planners will want to refine the outdoorsy feel of rustic décor for a more eclectic look that feels comfortable for guests, yet still feels modern and updated. Dana shared with me the Rustique collection – boy, does it really blend wood and metal to truly ground the space! Metallic gold accents pair effortlessly and transform a simple event space into a chic and curated gathering place.

Wood laminates are also a clever way to incorporate the rustic feel into décor design. The Maxim Bar with its wood front, paired with Boxwood Hedges, feels warm and organic. The Lexington Table mixes materials with black metal legs and wood tops and features AC and USB outlets so your guests can plug in and charge their devices while they have a fabulous time at your event!

• 1980’s: Sassies! You know I love the 80’s, so when CORT Events told my that my favorite decade was making a comeback in décor design, I freaked out! The pops of color and patterns are transitioning the 70’s trends of the summer into the 80’s trends of the fall. Event planners can transition through the decades by playing with iconic shag rugs and color pallets that feel retro and radical. The Endless Collection provides the perfect, simple canvas to bring in exciting 80’s elements while warm metallics like gold, bronze and rose gold will pop with the fun and funky patterns and colors.

Now, not every event is screaming for a theme. If you just want your festivities to feel like fall, lean on classic trends that remain cool and trendy year after year. Danish modern pieces compliment autumnal hues like deep purple, warm yellows and spicy oranges. Don’t be afraid to mix trends in with a traditional seasonal feel and show me your take on all these amazing décor design ideas on Facebook!

To learn more about CORT’s event rental collections, visit www.CORTevents.com.

Can You Say Cannes? CORT Channels the Mediterranean in Manhattan
By Steve Kemble

Old-world charm, the sea breeze blowing through the air and some of the most beautiful views in the Mediterranean? It could only be Cannes. I was transported to the French Riviera by CORT Events for an unforgettable evening in New York City. They hosted a VIP event at the Lotte New York Palace in Manhattan and the entire evening exuded the luxe lifestyle of the French seaside town. Even sassier than that, I was the emcee for the event!

Working with event designers from Perfect Surroundings, Intl., CORT Events transformed the second floor of the Lotte New York Palace into a destination many can only dream of!

Sassies, you would have died. Every corner of the event was designed to emulate the classic yet tropical vibe of Cannes. The venue already had lovely old-world architectural elements and the design team used CORT products to create the ambiance of the Mediterranean. Perfectly combining the fabulous, yet simple European design with simple and sweet touches of the coast, the space was enchanting.

The attention to detail was immaculate. The Perfect Surroundings team used custom graphics with versatile pieces like the Marche ottomans to create clean, classic designs celebrating summer and the spirit of the Mediterranean. I was wowed by the delicate yet bold mixture of marble and florals on the bars, Luna Columns, as well as custom-printed drapes that created a light, airy feeling, reminiscent of the shore. Are you literally packing your bags right now? This night had me ready for a Mediterranean vacation!

The absolute highlight of my evening was the Inspiration Challenge! Event planners showcased the amazing ways they had used CORT Events furniture for their incredible events all over New York City and across the United States. I joined Evan and Jordan Carbotti, designers at Perfect Surroundings, to judge each event and decide whose inspired design and excellent execution would earn them the top prize. I also had the opportunity to speak with some of finalists about their favorite parts about working with CORT. The designers agreed that vast inventory; a production team that was prompt and dependable; CORT’s online SocialTables 3D space planner, which helps their clients understand how the final space will look; and CORT’s commitment to the entire event, from inspiration to execution, were the most valuable parts of the CORT Events experience.

Fantastic prizes were given to the designers who showed the most creativity and best execution. A huge congratulations to SmartSource Rental and Empire Entertainment for winning third and second place, respectively. Sassies, the designers were so incredible we even had a tie for first place! Congratulations to Frank Alexander NYC and Johnson & Johnson! I hope I get an invitation to their next event!

I have to thank CORT for an evening on the French Riviera, without all the hassle of going through customs! This night was certainly one to remember and these designers are proving to me and their impressed clients that your imagination is the only limit when you’re working with an incredible partner like CORT Events.

To learn more about CORT’s event rental collections,

visit www.cortevents.com.

Must-Have Event Décor for Your Summer Soiree

As the weather warms up, you know I’m ready to have a little fun in the sun. If you’re planning any sassy summer gatherings, you’ll need to be on board with some on-fire trends.
Trends that I absolutely can’t get enough of for outdoor events this summer season include: transitional furniture, deliciously elegant patterns and color pallets, Mediterranean inspiration, and luxurious comforts outdoors.

• Transitional Furniture: Bring the indoors, out! Just because a space is outdoors doesn’t mean it should be any less sophisticated than an indoor venue. Outdoor spaces are an extension of the indoor event space and are increasingly more elegant with furnishings that mirror indoor styles. Mix up seating with dining areas and plenty of bar tables for drinks and food plates while guests mingle and use furniture that can be designed and re-arranged based on the flow and function of your event space.

Kevin Dana, executive director of marketing and product development at CORT, shared with me the ultimate event design sin that so many party planners are guilty of, “The worst design sin when planning an outdoor event is not having enough bar tables for guests to casually network while they eat and drink. It’s common sense, but so many planners forget about having enough tables.” Sassies, can you imagine?!

• Deliciously Elegant Patterns and Color Pallets: No matter what theme you’re planning for your event, you absolutely must make it burst with color. Blue is everywhere and it’s serving every aesthetic this summer. Deep blues paired with dark greens and jungle prints make for a playful and mysterious evening, while antiqued whites and true blue can be paired for a classic summer feel. CORT’s new outdoor wire tables in green, white and blue add functional pops of color to your event. Vibe cube ottomans provide versatile vibrant outdoor seating with colors of the summer and can be easily moved around for casual networking.

Break out your bikinis for Palm Beach Chic and channel the cool, casual vibes of Miami in the 1970’s. CORT’s new tropical pillow collection lends an effortless cool-factor to any design plan and their LED lighted pieces – like lighted plastic orbs, cubes, tables and columns – help set the mood and add additional color when the sun goes down!

• Mediterranean Influences: If you need inspiration from overseas, head to the Mediterranean. Tuscan-style gardens pop against black and white, and extravagant foliage adds pops of color to an otherwise neutral color pallet. Think French Riviera with mixed furnishings, like wood benches and marble tables. Boxwood hedges can transform a large venue into more intimate spaces for more private conversation. Add floral to the hedges to bring in a romantic and elegant hanging garden look.

• Luxurious Comforts: When your guests attend your outdoor event, they shouldn’t feel the annoyances of being outside. Bring the comforts of the indoors to them by providing everything they could need to enjoy your event. If you don’t have lots of covered patio space be sure to have enough large umbrellas placed over seating groupings, dining and bar tables. Create points of connection at water stations for guests to stay hydrated. Set up tables around the event with water infused with citrus or fruits. Guests can help themselves without lining up for the bar and the stations look absolutely gorgeous when paired with linens. Finally, for a touch of glamour and functionality, add citronella candles on tables around your event. They create a warm ambiance and keep away any pesky mosquitoes.

These trends are heating up as fast as the summer and I can’t wait to attend some sweet summer soirees. Keep these ideas in mind as you pull together the most beautiful event of the season, and show me how you used these trends on Facebook!

To learn more about CORT’s event rental collections, visit www.CORTevents.com.

Feeling Sporty and Sassy for the Phoenix Open

More than 650,000 people and zero waste at the largest golf tournament in the country. I know. It sounds like a joke, but seriously, sassies, the Phoenix Open is real and it is amazing.

The Phoenix Open was held Jan. 29 to Feb. 4 in Scottsdale, Arizona, at TPC Scottsdale-Champions Course. Our friends at CORT Events absolutely killed the design by taking in many forms of inspiration for different spaces and viewing areas and executing with perfection. They delivered 12 trailers filled with more than 10,000 individual pieces of furniture. Sassies, executing an event of this scale takes expertise because that is a LOT of furniture. Here is the inspiration behind just a few of the beautiful spaces that CORT designed:

• The Cove at 17: Offering an elite oasis in the middle of the Arizona desert, CORT provided an elevated guest experience fit for VIPs who enjoyed the tournament from this box. Drawing inspiration from yacht club décor, aesthetic was achieved by incorporating comfortable seating in colors and fabrics reminiscent of the shore. Located on the south side of the 17th green, The Cove at 17 offered one of the most valued suite hospitality opportunities for corporate participants, elevated by design concepts that provided elegant and welcoming spaces.

• The Loge: Inspired by farm chic trends, the Loge featured refined wood textures, pops of greenery mixed with industrial textures and plush furniture for guests to relax. One of the hottest VIP lounges on the PGA TOUR, The Loge opened into a shared luxurious lounge area with all-inclusive food and beverage and ended on a comfortable deck with a bird’s-eye view to all the excitement on the 15th green. Honestly, sassies, the Loge sounds like my kind of viewing experience.

• The Bay Club: Using moveable hedges and refined textures, as well as fun pops of color and eclectic patterns, The Bay Club reflected the top event design trends of 2018, while serving the needs of each group in the space. Offering access to an upscale lounge area as well as a viewing platform overlooking the 10th fairway, the open concept of the elite, members-only club, Soho House L.A., inspired CORT Events to create a space that was both accessible and private for The Bay Club.

This video shows all the hard work that everyone at TPC Scottsdale and CORT Events put into the four-day event. CORT furniture rental was essential to the event’s zero-waste goal. Every single thing at the event was recycled or reusable. So green for 2018! Using an eye for design and drawing on the hottest trends of the year, CORT Events made The Waste Management Phoenix Open a resounding success!

To learn more about CORT’s event rental collections, visit www.cortevents.com.

Statement-Making Event Décor to Spice Up Your New Year

A new year means new colors, new fabrics, and new design trends for your event décor. Whether you’re throwing the gala of the century or hosting an intimate get together for the Oscars, you’ll want to incorporate these ideas into your design concept to stay on-trend and throw an event your guests will be sure to remember! These trends are straight out of Milan, so you know they’re hot. Our friends at CORT Events scooped out the la test and shared what they’re seeing for the year ahead.

Color trends that are literally everywhere: Gray Seating, Bold Energetic Colors and Graphic Patterns. Design Trends that I can’t get enough of: Luxurious Curves, Rich Textures, and Modern Industrial Chic incorporating the 70’s vibe.

• Gray Seating: It’s more than black and white. Gray is the dominating neutral for fabric in seating this year. It matches everything and I’m seeing it in accent pieces and ottomans. Desert rose tones, terracotta, deep greens are also popping up as subdued neutrals that can play well with gray and support other, more vibrant colors. These muted tones are contrasted with black metal frames to anchor the palette and balance the light and dark tones in the space.
• Bold, Energic Colors: Pantone shook me to my core when they announced the color of the year – Ultra Violet. Exploding with zest and energy, accents in ultra violet add a sexy yet elegant ambiance to any event space. Pantone is forecasting that this Spring will be full of discerning colors like Meadowlark, Cherry Tomato, Pink Lavender and Arcadia. The pure bold colors create a high voltage vitality to event décor designs. Many of these fabulous Pantone hues are offered in CORT’s ottoman collections, including its new Beverly bench ottoman collection.
• Graphic Patterns: CORT Events is seeing oversized patterns and accessories in bold colors being used in a more tailored minimal way, and I am absolutely loving it. Adding gold, bronze and copper to underscore these punchy prints gives me all the 1970’s Palm Springs vibes I could ever ask for. Tribal patterns in earth tones are also playing up the visual interest. Consider your event space and guest expectations when choosing which patterns you want to play with in your event design.
• Luxurious Curves: Gone are harsh, hard lines. 2018 invites guests to be comfortable and cozy with softened edges on every surface. CORT’s new seating collections, Munich and Century, reflect the years’ trends with soft velvet-like gray fabrics, espresso and black frames and soft rounded seat backs.
• Rich Textures: Consider all the senses when designing your event space, and keep supple fabrics and textures in mind as you decide on accent pieces. Fabrics that feel rich like velvets and leathers add dimension and significance to the design concept.
• Modern Industrial Chic: CORT is seeing rustic design evolve and are now smarter as well as more chic and streamlined. Reclaimed wood is over! Marble, black metal, smooth edges and rich colors for contrast are making all the headlines. This modern industrial chic vibe incorporates more refined textures, upgraded natural woods, lush fabrics, bold colors and patterns. I’m loving the mix of marble and metallic surfaces with wood and greenery to create a sophisticated, organic and surprising mix that’s easy to personalize in any space.

Sassies, I can promise you this, these trends will be everywhere in 2018. Incorporating elements of the trends that speak to you will elevate your events in the coming year. I, personally, can’t wait to make these trends the focal point of every event I host this year. So fun! Tell me all about your event design ideas for the year on Facebook!

To learn more about CORT’s event rental collections, visit www.cortevents.com

For more news and gossip check out www.SteveKemble.com and www.adoseofsass.com  and like us on Facebook and Twitter!

How many Millennials do you think are in our country today? Would you believe me if I told you there are over 83 million? Well, that’s the number according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Right now, millennials represent more than one-quarter of the nation’s population.

Do you know what makes Millennials different from other generations? Well, first of all, millennials have grown up in a time of rapid change, giving them a set of priorities and expectations drastically different from previous generations. Now Sassies, I know you may find this shocking, but Millennials LOVE technology and being constantly connected is a priority! Did you note the sarcasm there? OF COURSE staying connected is important for today’s events AND meetings! Not just for Millennials but for all of us! When is the last time you went to an event without your phone?!

Millennials are blurring the lines between work and play, as they are always connected and can work from anywhere, literally anywhere! With so much information at their fingertips all the time, this generation of workers seeks meeting and conference experiences that offer something they can’t get on their computer screen. They want an authentic experience that fosters learning and contains elements of surprise.

When Millennials attend events, they expect a shareable, FABULOUS one-of-a-kind experience. Have you noticed a selfie station at recent events you’ve attended? You can thank a Millennial! Both meeting and event attendees want to feel inspired, connected to fellow attendees, and engaged in the overall experience of the event.

Designing and furnishing events have evolved as well. Millennials EXPECT the unexpected! No more run-of-the-mill, boring meetings. They want to walk away greatly impacted and ready to share their experience with their social media followers! So how do you design a fab event to engage millennials?

Create Collaborative Team Environments. Generic “theater” seating for meetings will not please this generation. Spaces that not only delight the senses but create a collaborative team environment conducive to learning, networking, and brainstorming are what Millennials desire in their event spaces. Experiment with different seating arrangements, such as casual seating vignettes and small lounges to make your space feel comfortable and inviting. Create unique lounges using Hexagon Ottomans or Island Sofas that encourage groups to sit informally, collaborate and help break down barriers to communication.

Provide Flexibility. Furnishings that allow for easy movement and flexibility make Millennials most comfortable. Consider using curved or round seating, such as pieces from the CORT Endless Collection, that encourages a constant flow around the furnishings. Bar table groupings are also a great way for small groups to gather and work impromptu. Incorporate non-traditional seating around café tables or monitors. The Marche Ottomans swivel and can be configured on the fly for campfire style gatherings, plus they add a dose of color to keep the room fresh. Wagner Chairs and Vibe Cubes are great ways to add texture and color to a space while still maintaining comfort and style.

Always Connected, Always Plugged In. Staying connected and charged is a hot button item for this audience. The importance of being connected to mobile devices and maintaining accessibility to charging capabilities is a must! Introduce a variety of powered furniture to your meeting rooms to create communal workspaces that foster a team environment and encourage collaborative strategic planning.

Offer Comfortable Breakout Sessions. Comfortable soft seating not only keeps your participants relaxed but also alert, engaged and more willing to participate. Define large or small breakout areas with Miramar Dividers or Boxwood Hedges to allow for more intimate gatherings within a large room and provide opportunities for branding and signage. Comfortable and energetic spaces encourage interactivity that creates memorable learning experiences.

Millennials are keeping planners on their toes to continually create meetings and conferences that reflect the evolving social landscape. Rethink the way you develop, design, and deliver events and experiences so they leave a lasting impact on attendees. Keep your events fabulous, think outside of the box, and you can’t go wrong! I’ll even let you in on a little secret … if you plan a fabulous meeting you also increase the chances of your attendees remembering the content!

To learn more about CORT’s event rental collections, visit www.cortevents.com.

Hey Sassies! Can you believe it is 2017? I am still trying to wrap my head around it being another new year. As you all know, with a new year comes new event design trends that I am super excited to share with you. Let me share some trends from my good friends at CORT on how to take your events from ordinary to extraordinary!

The top design trends you’ll be seeing at every fabulous event you attend this year include creating organic and earthy environments, eclectic modern designs and functionality. Yes, I know, these are all completely different from each other, but can intermingle quite interestingly to provide an event atmosphere that will have your guests swooning over the space and discussing at the water cooler the next day!

Let me walk you through each of these trends and how you can successfully incorporate them into your next event plan.

First off, creating an organic and earthy environment can be as simple as adding life-like greenery to your space. CORT has some great options when it comes to defining a space while adding a touch of green. For example, a four-foot boxwood hedge works well as a space divider. Looking to add a little Zen to your event space? Consider a faux bonsai tree. No matter what your event space goal is, there are a variety of greenery offerings to provide an outdoorsy look and feel for your guests.

Now let’s dish on the eclectic modern design trend!

Minimalistic furnishings in gray tones can set a neutral canvas to build from. Just check out CORT’s new modular Hexagon Ottomans and Island Double Sofas. They’re clean, neutral, mid-century modern and can spice things up with funky seating patterns.

Of course, you want your guests to see your event space as fun and inviting, so wake them up by layering pops of texture and color through wall décor, accessories, rugs, and pillows that add flair to your space! Chrome- or gold-toned metals set off by glass, wood or marble surfaces are trending in accent and dining tables, shelving, and other occasional furnishings to further define the eclectic modern design trend. Check out CORT’s new Alondra Tables and Hayworth Tables and prepared to be dazzled by fabulous accent table options that can transform your space! Want to add pops of color? The new Marche Ottomans are sheer perfection! Not only do they come in 10 fashion colors but they are comfortable ottomans that swivel!

The millennial generation is one of the main drivers of our last event design trend for 2017 – functionality.

This generation is certainly the most connected and tech-savvy, so your event spaces must feature charging tables and powered seating. CORT’s new powered Island Double Sofas and Hexagon Ottomans are a fabulous way of combining stylish, comfortable seating with charging tables! Even better, these charging tables come in a marble top which adds an additional dose of class and fabulous style to your seating!

Okay, so listen up event planners! Adapt some of these trends in your upcoming events to create spaces that are sophisticated, yet comfortable and functional. Don’t bore your guests with drab fabrics and seating arrangements. Apply these ideas and you’ll have a space that event goers will talk about for years to come!

To learn more about CORT’s event rental collections, visit www.cortevents.com.

Hey sassies! Did you hear about the recent #CORTExperience VIP Client Event at the George Jones Museum in Nashville? Fear not! CORT has a FABULOUS new video to relive all of the moments from the big event!

In case you haven’t heard the news, CORT has expanded to the Music City! Of course, CORT called all their best local vendors to host an UNREAL party to celebrate!

Now, let’s dish all about the eye candy! CORT showcased their latest furniture, including the furry Wagner Chairs and golden Garbo Stools in memorable, on-trend vignettes. AND, the George Jones Museum provided the perfect venue, with a blank canvas of brick walls, country music memorabilia and views of the river that perfectly embodied the Nashville vibe.

Who else was at the party?!?! Local floral designer Mark Weber of Branches Event Design brought in floral landscapes that were TO DIE FOR. Stunning drapes and crystal chandeliers were provided by Quest Events; and beautiful table linens to add a classic touch were provided by Graceful Tables.

Signature cocktails and hand-crafted hors d’oeuvres were enjoyed by all and music was provided by Nashville Party Authority, all set in such an inspiring venue, beautifully crafted by the team at Perfect Surroundings. The event was the best-attended #CORTExperience VIP event to-date, with more than 200 attendees from the middle Tennessee events community, and some traveling to the area from as far as Kentucky and Atlanta.  So much fabulousness in one building!!

Check out the fabulous video here:

To learn more about CORT’s event rental collections, visit www.cortevents.com.