SOPHISTICATED SUPER BOWL PARTY TIPS

Steal any of these seven sophisticated tips for hosting a Super Bowl party and you may win a trophy from your guests. 

Steal any of these seven sophisticated tips for hosting a Super Bowl party and you may win a trophy from your guests. 

Hosting a Super Bowl party Feb. 5 when the Atlanta Falcons battle the New England Patriots? If you want a trophy from your guests, consider taking one or more of these elegant ideas from famous Charlotte-based event designer Sikky Rogers and running with them. 

"The key to any great party is for the host to have as much fun as the guests," Sikky says. Here's her sophisticated party game plan: 

1. Hire a caterer and bartender. 

2. Food ideas include fresh baked soft pretzels with different dipping sauces; serving chicken and dumplings or chili in mugs so guests can walk around with their food while they watch the game; having a bacon bar with different types of bacon and bacon wrapped treats; and instead of regular paper napkins, using larger disposable guest towels (they look like high end napkins). 

3. Have enough beer and wine for your guests, but also consider adding a full bar, bourbon bar or coffee bar. Whatever you serve, be sure to have plenty of nonalcoholic drinks. 

4. For maximum impact, place flowers on your main food station where guest are guaranteed to see them. Keep the arrangement simple by using one color or one type of flower. 

5. Make sure there is ample seating in the TV viewing areas. Arrange some pillows on the floor in each room with a television.

6. If your space is large enough, use multiple small tables to create mini food stations so guests are encouraged to move throughout the room.

7. Have someone from a local cigar store bring in cigars, cutters and lighters for a cigar bar set up outside. Include some good brandy and brandy snifters. 

 

 

GALA OF THE YEAR

Opera carolina's bella notte Gala chairs Todd AND ALEX Holleman with Maestro James Meena. photos by Daniel Coston.

Opera carolina's bella notte Gala chairs Todd AND ALEX Holleman with Maestro James Meena. photos by Daniel Coston.

Looking back at Charlotte's impressive social scene in 2016, one gala stood out among the rest: Opera Carolina's Bella Notte fundraiser Oct. 29. During the cocktail hour, the glamorous guests sparkled outside Belk Theater in a lush man-made garden (or should we say John Lupton-made garden since he's the floral genius behind the event's opulent decor). 

Women in gorgeous gowns and debonair men in tuxedos then graced the theater's stage to dine and dance the night away amid the stunning Spanish-themed set for Verdi's The Barber of Seville.

The masterminds behind all the evening's beauty were charming gala chairs Alex Holleman and her husband, Todd. Alex is known for her exquisite taste and style, so her memorable details - from the gorgeous Bella Notte monogram created especially for the party to the orange tree topiaries that decorated the tables - added up to a spectacular evening.

As the evening's hostess, Alex looked stunning in a flamenco inspired black Rosie Assouline gown with a tiered ruffle accent and a cutout back that showcased the deep red blossoms woven into her chignon at the nape of her neck. Brava Alex!

Laura and Trip Park.

Laura and Trip Park.

Another one of The O Report's favorite looks of the evening was from talented artist and textile designer Laura Park. She hand painted a design which was printed on silk and then used by fashion designer Luis Machicao to create a one-of-a-kind gown. 

Here are more photos of the stylish guests:

Ann Tarwater, Samantha McCall and Judy Raghavan. 

Ann Tarwater, Samantha McCall and Judy Raghavan. 

Lisa Dargan and Laura Vinroot Poole.

Lisa Dargan and Laura Vinroot Poole.

Pam Stowe and Perrin Dargan. 

Pam Stowe and Perrin Dargan. 

Aubrey and Liz Hilliard.

Aubrey and Liz Hilliard.

Angela and Jesse Cureton.

Angela and Jesse Cureton.

George and Peg Povinelli.

George and Peg Povinelli.

Kitty Hall and John Bossard.

Kitty Hall and John Bossard.

Scott and Ashley Mattei. 

Scott and Ashley Mattei. 

Bill and Leigh Goodwyn.

Bill and Leigh Goodwyn.

Arlene Ferebee.

Arlene Ferebee.

Jennie and Holt Wrenn.

Jennie and Holt Wrenn.

Charlotte Wickham, Carolyn Hudson and Posey Mealy. 

Charlotte Wickham, Carolyn Hudson and Posey Mealy. 

John and Leslie Culbertson.

John and Leslie Culbertson.

Jenn Lamarre and Al Waugh.

Jenn Lamarre and Al Waugh.

Dean and Ann Carter Smith.

Dean and Ann Carter Smith.

John and Margaret Switzer.

John and Margaret Switzer.