10 ways to party in Hawke’s Bay ONE There are beautiful stars in the Hawke’s Bay summer sky. View them from a garden (like the one pictured above at Meadowwood House). TWO Get outdoors and do some sporty stuff, then party in a barn. Outfoxed is a good place to start! THREE Go wild. […]
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Glamorously, obviously. I’ve been in southern Italian, walking mostly, but often putting my head into venues and admiring the style with which the Italians engage in formal entertaining. In New Zealand casual chic is the norm, even for weddings. We do a good line in rustic charm. Prettily decorated barns are desirable venues. Our Bride […]
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Photo credit: John Miles Six Sure Ways to Fancy Dress Success (and why the Steam Punk Traitor’s Ball worked so well) We went to a Steam Punk Ball last week, to launch local author Gareth Ward’s book: The Traitor & The Thief. Dressing up in Steam Punk costume was optional, but the town came to […]
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Party games (for adults on the cusp of a second childhood) We threw a pre-50th dinner party on Saturday for an old bloke and bunch of regular friends. We see a lot of these guys over dinner, so we decided, along with a good meal, we’d throw in some party games to liven up the […]
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I found this in the Bridal Guide magazine and, being a party game kind of person, thought it looked a lot of fun. Further research shows it’s an oldie but a goodie – a great icebreaker for a wedding reception Here’s how it works: During your reception, after you’ve enjoyed some dinner, dancing, and drinks, […]
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Nothing adds instant class to your party better than live music, and in Hawke’s Bay we are so lucky to have incredibly talented musicians whose sound – smooth or jumpy – enhances the sunshine mood and trips off the fairy lights sparkling on the grape vines. Here are some of my favourites. Give them a […]
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Here’s an ice breaker for a big party – it gets people (aarrggh!) talking to strangers and sparks some interesting, if not always honest, conversations. It’s based on the BBC panel show with the hilarious David Mitchell, Rob Brydon and Lee Mack, but you don’t need to call in the professionals, the game works equally […]
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At the end of the day (or maybe late the next morning after coffee), you want gorgeous, glossy bright party photographs like something out of a magazine – smiling happy people all in focus, naturally in off-the-cuff poses doubling over with spontaneous laughter or posed groups, formally casual – every shot well framed and lit […]
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You put the music on long before the guests arrive, right? And pour the first wine and sample the olives. But for sure the music goes on first, to get you in the mood, start your feet tapping, curl that smile so they’re coming down the driveway and the party’s on. For a kiwi summer, […]
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I asked winemaker Daniel Brennan for his recommendations of the ten best Hawke’s Bay wines for a summer party. I decided long ago that his 2014 Decibel Viognier will be on my Christmas table. Dan lives and breathes wine – and music and friendship and family – and is passionate about the extraordinary variety of […]
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