Another year of events on the books

Dear Friends,

Clockwise Top L to R: 2017 AFI FEST, Project Angel Food Angel Awards, UrbanDaddy & NESTEA's LA Iced Tea Room, Venice Family Clinic Silver Circle Gala, 69th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards Governors Ball

2017 was a quiet year for us on social media, but rest assured we've been busy! From galas to experiential events, the occasional networking dinner and board meeting, PO5H has covered a wide range of projects over the last year. On a more personal level, I've also taken on a few outside contracts, working behind the scenes on some of the red carpet events here in Tinseltown. Whether it's been managing full productions through PO5H, or partnering with some of you and your in-house teams, I've managed to stay busy on some very fun projects!

Every year the events get more creative and I grow even more grateful for the opportunity to work with you. So, before we head into the new year, I just wanted to say thank you to all of you -- those I've worked with personally, those who've referred their friends, family and colleagues to PO5H, and those who've just been following online and let me know that you love the work we're doing.

Thank you again for a truly memorable year. I wish you all the best in 2018 and hope we'll be in touch in the new year. Cheers!

Best,

Danielle

My Favorite Things

Courtesy of Danielle M. Alexander

December: a time for celebration, gift giving, and holiday cheer. The month is chock full of fun and festive parties, but what makes the season even more special is everything involved in and leading up to the gathering of friends and family.

As the season approaches, I thought I'd make this month's blog post a bit more personal by sharing some of my "favorite things" for the holidays. Feel free to try one of my favorite recipes, adopt and expand on one of my gift ideas, or comment below with some of your favorites.

Oh, and in the spirit of giving, we've got a special promo from one of our favorite vendors below. Read on for more information.

Happy Holidays!

-DMA

Holiday Recipes

Every family has their set of secret recipes, and every person has their favorite go-to when asked to prepare something for familial gatherings. Macaroni 'n cheese, brussel sprouts, and pumpkin pie are all popular dishes on my list of holiday party potluck requests. Unfortunately, I can't give out my mac 'n cheese or pie recipes, but I'm happy to share this amazing brussel sprouts recipe that's become one of my family's favorites:

Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Apples and Bacon

Ingredients

• 1 pound brussel sprouts
• 3 slices thick-cut uncured bacon, cut into one-inch pieces
• 1 medium onion, cut into medium dice
• 2 small firm red apples (such as roma), cored and chopped
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut off bottom core of brussel sprouts, halve lengthwise and place on a large cookie sheet with sides.
2. Add bacon, onion, and apples. Toss with melted butter, maple syrup and salt and pepper. Place in oven and roast, stirring occasionally for 40-50 minutes or until brussel sprouts are caramelized and apples are tender.
3. Drizzle with cider vinegar, taste for seasoning and serve immediately.

*Brussel sprouts recipe originally posted on babble.com

Courtesy of Danielle M. Alexander

Now, I don't exactly want to give away all my secrets, but I couldn't share my food favorites and not mention the drinks! Any time I have a Christmas party, I always include a signature drink. Here's an easy recipe for pomegranate martinis, a popular choice for the holidays:

Pomegranate Martini

Ingredients

Courtesy of Taste of Home

• Ice cubes
• 2 ounces pomegranate juice
• 1 ounce vodka
• 1/2 ounce Triple Sec
• 1/2 ounce club soda
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
• Pomegranate seeds

Directions

1. Fill a shaker three-fourths full with ice. Add pomegranate juice, vodka, triple sec, club soda and lemon juice. Cover and shake 10-15 seconds or until condensation forms on outside of shaker. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Add pomegranate seeds. Yield: 1 serving. 

*Pomegranate martini recipe originally posted on Taste of Home

Gift Ideas

Like many of you, I try my best to put a lot of thought and meaning into the gifts I give. With all the people I need to buy presents for though, it sometimes becomes difficult to think of something unique for each and every person on my shopping list.

This is where we get creative. One of the easiest ways to personalize a gift is in the packaging. Top each package with a different ornament or personal memento, like a bookmark with their name or a meaningful quote. Make the present stand out by using coloring gift wrap or creating your own artwork on parchment paper. Doing something as simple as adding a hand-written note to a generic gift - and maybe even adding a fun drawing or writing their name in calligraphy on the envelope - is all it takes to make the gift special.

Courtesy of Greetabl

One of my new favorite card companies that I'll be trying out this year is Greetabl. I'm all about unique gift ideas and personalization, and this company provides all of that wrapped into one. Their mini gift boxes unfold to reveal photos you upload from your phone or computer, and are filled with everything from glitter to candy and candles. Mix and match the packaging and the trinkets included inside - there are so many options that you're bound to find and create something special for any and everyone on your list. I love this unique gift idea and can't wait to send to a few friends this year!

Traditions

Last, but certainly not least, I absolutely love spending time with my family around the holidays. I come from a large family, and owe much of my affinity for event planning to my upbringing. Every holiday, birthday, and milestone was marked by some sort of celebratory gathering. Christmas is always a big deal, as we typically have an average of forty or more guests over for an elaborate dinner. Some years include the addition of a Christmas Eve movie night or a Christmas Day brunch. Whatever the plan, the holiday itself was and always will be dedicated to family.

Courtesy of Danielle M. Alexander

Though I'm always up for a party, our Christmas Day gatherings come only second to my all-time favorite holiday tradition. Aside from the rest of our extended family, my parents, siblings, and I have always made a point to view Christmas lights together. As a kid we'd go to whatever neighborhoods were known for their extravagant light displays; now as we've all become adults, we typically will plan for an evening at the local Zoo lights or other public display.

Last year we all bundled up and took a walk through the Venice Canals here in LA, where the locals decorate their homes every year. It was just the five of us, without the food, music, or extra people involved in our typical holiday dinner traditions, enjoying the scenery and each other's company. It's a simple tradition but - like I mentioned earlier in this post - sometimes it's the festivities leading up to the holiday itself that make the season that much more special.

***

A Gift from Me to You

I hope you've enjoyed hearing about my favorite things! As promised, here's a gift from us to you, via our friends at George's Garden LA:

In Need of Flowers for A Special Event
Or For Your Home, Office, Lobby?

Let George's Garden Help You Create The Perfect Atmosphere

If you're booked and working with Posh 5 Productions, we will gladly provide you with an exclusive discount.

CONTACT US TODAY!
310.384.0409 | GEORGESGARDENLA@GMAIL.COM

VISIT US ON THE WEB!
WWW.GEORGESGARDENLA.COM

New! Lifestyle Event Planning

Alright ladies and gentlemen, we've heard your requests and we're paying attention! We know most of you see our events happen either when you're going to a mixer, attending your favorite charity's gala, or participating in your company's staff retreat or party. Maybe you haven't been to one of our events yet, but see the photos on our site and are intrigued. 

Some of you have inquired about hiring us for your personal events, but don't necessarily want the full-scale production services that our company is known for. Well, we're firm believers that every event - even smaller, at-home celebrations - should be a posh event. Not every event requires the lavish decor and rentals, but every host wants the chance to enjoy their birthday party, holiday gathering, or client dinner. And that's exactly what our new Lifestyle Event Planning package is for.

Lifestyle Event Planning is for those looking to host an intimate party, dinner, or gathering without all of the production involved with larger events. We'll take care of the rentals, decor, catering, and entertainment, while you get to enjoy the company of your guests.

Just like our signature Full Service Event Planning package, the Lifestyle event services are still customized and tailored to each client. For now though, these services are limited to the Los Angeles area. If you're living outside of LA and would like us to consider assisting you with your event, feel free to let us know. We just might make a special trip for you!

So there you have it! Let us know what event we can help you with. We're looking forward to hearing from you!

Unique Event Entertainment

From left to right: Interactive Entertainment Group, DJ and Drummer, Danella Dutton

As a company that prides itself on going above and beyond to make your event a truly memorable experience, our team is always looking for ways to set your event apart from the rest. There are a number of entertainment options you could choose for your next celebration, but there are only a few vendors that we feel raise the bar. Read on for a handful of our favorites and give us a call when you're ready to book your next event!

Interactive Performances and Group Lessons

Danella Dutton's Latin Dance Lessons

Ready to learn how to salsa?! Los Angeles-based Danella Dutton offers a combination of group and private dance lessons for family parties, corporate events, and team building; wedding dance choreography; as well as in-studio workshops and performance groups. 

*Special Promotion: For a limited time only, Danella is offering an Intro Dance Special for $45 to first-time students. The promotion includes a 30-minute dance session focusing on three dance styles you pick together to see if dancing is a hobby you'd like to start or continue (this also helps to see if Danella is the correct fit for your learning needs), as well as one group class. 

Ice Creative Entertainment

Planning a winter-themed holiday party or special event? Forget about renting an ice rink or buying your guests tickets to the next ice skating entertainment show. Bring the ice rink, entertainment, and even skating lessons directly to your guests with Ice Creative Entertainment's many live entertainment options. I.C.E. offers a range of services, including ice skating performances, group lessons, atmospheric skaters, and celebrity skater appearances. They'll even build a rink within your own venue (no ice needed!). 

Virtual Reality Games

Interactive Entertainment Group

We've all been to the events that feature carnival games and rides. The nostalgic games never get old, but with today's ever changing technology, new options are a welcome addition. This is where virtual reality enters the picture. Interactive Entertainment Group is one of a handful of companies offering virtual reality games, perfect for your next company party or trade show booth presentation. Rent out their VR Motion Ride and your guests will be raving about it for months!

Live Music

DJ and Drummer FOCUS3D Show

When it comes to event entertainment, hiring a DJ or band is a fairly standard practice. DJ and Drummer, a dynamic and high-energy act that merges the modern sound of a live DJ with the time-honored rhythm of the Drums, strays from the norm and brings live musical entertainment like you've never experienced. The duo, paired with their FOCUS3D show are unlike any other acts we've ever seen.

We are really excited to launch our new show, "FOCUS3D." FOCUS3D combines our High Energy show, Side Project - DJ and Drummer, with the latest 3D Mapping Vis...

Visual Effects

Pyrotecnico

Close out your event with a show-stopping surprise. Pyrotecnico can coordinate and choreograph the perfect ending or live performance enhancement with their fireworks, laser lights, confetti cannons, snow, bubbles and indoor pyrotechnics effects and leave your guests with the show of a lifetime.