Party loading… Goodbye 2022, hello 2023

Party loading…

GOODBYE 2022, HELLO 2023!

It’s been a tough two years and people are more than ready to reconnect and celebrate with their friends and colleagues, says Gillian Kabe, owner of Blue Velvet Events. She shares these tips to make your year-end celebration extra special – without breaking your budget!

After being socially distanced and working remotely, what better way to reconnect your staff than by throwing a year-end party. It’s also an important opportunity to show how much you appreciate their dedication in helping the business make it through the storm. Here is how to make it memorable...

DELIGHTFUL DÉCOR

Décor creates the mood and transports your guests to a different head space. The good news is that it doesn’t need to break the bank and you can DIY it.

Some of our favourite décor ideas are: • Party in colour! Colour allows you to make a statement: whether you choose a single colour, shades of a colour, a colour clash, or the always on-point super sophisticated white party. Colour is a great party tool when selecting mood lighting, decor, centerpieces, tablecloths, candles, and cocktails. The list goes on… • Movie themes can be a fun source of inspiration. Casino Royale always goes down well with a group that loves to glam up and play till the wee hours, while Alice in

Wonderland allows you to escape down a rabbit hole to a playful place of tea parties,

Cheshire cats and mad hatters. • Unique venues like an art gallery, museum,

supercar showroom, comic store, or rooftop space create a sense of surprise and the unexpected. They’re the perfect place to serve up unusual and luxurious food and drink, like oysters, caviar and champagne. • Showtime means making your whole function revolve around top-notch entertainment. Think a live concert by a popular band at an outside venue, showgirls, fire performers or undercover singers to surprise and delight.

MAKE IT AN EXPERIENCE

Experiences are top of the list after being isolated for so long. If you’re looking for something different, switch the party out for a fun learning experience instead. There are plenty of options to choose from, and it’s a great way to get everyone involved. Visit a winery or brewery for a private tour and tasting, or do some good and spend the day at a cheetah, rhino or vulture sanctuary learning about their care and conservation.

FEELING THE PINCH?

If you need to keep the reins on your budget, take advantage of South Africa’s summer.

ABOUT BLUE VELVET EVENTS

Blue Velvet Events is a full-service event planning company that specialises in creating unforgettable experiences for corporate clients and special occasions. For more information, contact gillian@bluevelvetevents.co.za.

Head to an outdoor venue, park or body of water and set up the ultimate picnic. All you need is a pretty spot, blankets, cushions, great food and entertainment. Why not have a carnival-themed picnic, complete with games, prizes and cotton candy. Or you can set up a luxurious picnic in the park, with gourmet food, fine wine and live music.

For inexpensive DIY décor ideas, you can: • Create your own Insta-worthy photo booth with props and a backdrop. • Make your own festive centrepieces using plants, or even seasonal fruits and vegetables. • Get creative with the food presentation.

Visit Westpack or Crazy Store for a range of fun bamboo cones, boats and other fun food containers. • Use fairy lights, candles, balloons, streamers and confetti as a low-cost way to add a touch of fun and excitement.

THAT ONE THING

Actually, it’s two things. Even if your budget is tight, these are the two things I would never skimp on: • Entertainment is where you should consider spending a fair amount of the budget. A good DJ will get everyone up and dancing, releasing all those feel-good party vibes. • Good food doesn’t need to be expensive, but it should be tasty and there must be enough. Budget-friendly food options include build-a-burger, gourmet hotdogs or plan a themed bring-and-share.

YOUR WETLAND PARADISE AWAITS

A UNIQUELY AFRICAN EXPERIENCE OF LUXURY

Chobe Water Villas is an exclusive and intimate boutique lodge located in Namibia at the eastern tip of the famous Caprivi Strip, now known as the Zambezi Region.

This spectacular location ensures amazing views of an untamed Africa, available from the Lodge and all of its 16 exclusive Water Villas. Chobe Water Villas is nestled quietly under magnificent shading Acacia Trees and exclusively hosts only 32 guests in its uniquely positioned luxurious Water Villas. The Water Villas all feature a 180° degree unobstructed view of the Chobe river and into the Chobe National Park. Perched on stilts over the water’s edge, the Villas’ elevated view includes the world-renowned Sedudu Island.

Amenities include free Wi-Fi and tea & coffee station, mini-bar fridge, hairdryer, electronic safe, multi 220v plugs.