FastLane: Drive Your Lifestyle in 2010

FastLane started 2010 with a healthy and positive outlook. The first event of the year was held at Totum Life Science on King and Spadina.

We had a variety of health and fitness practitioners to answer guests' wellness questions. Element Oxygen Bar was set to give everyone a much needed breath of fresh air. VEMMA, a fruit-based antioxident was there, giving out samples and promoting Verve, their energy drink.

Grindhouse served some organic delish sliders. All ingredients are made in house, burger meat is ground on premise and is naturally raised, hormone and antibiotic and GMO free. Steam Whistle was the beer sponsor for the night.

Attendees were, therefore, able to relax and “get energized” by breathing in pure oxygen for a short period of time (around 15 minutes). There are also different “flavours” of oxygen to choose from – the list was like an ice cream store.

It's just the beginning of the year, we have much more coming up.
Stay tuned! Check the website for upcoming FastLane events.

We hope to see you all at our next event on February 23th!
Renata Altrão & The Gatherings Team

"Party at home” guide

Are you looking to “party at home” this winter? Hibernate with friends & family. Here is your “how to party at home” guide:

Décor tips:
1. spread all your missed matched glasses around your house with votive candles
2. pick a color scheme and drape your furniture with swatches of fabric
3. hit up your local dollar store for fabulous streamers, balloons, and party favours
4. go to the local flower market & buy bunches of misc. flowers – they’ll look great in any vase
5. dig out your white linen table clothes, give them a press so they’re crisp & fresh looking

Food Tips:
1. keep it simple and do as much in advance as possible – you don’t want to spend time in the kitchen when your guests arrive
2. finger food is much more stylish solution than having paper plates – it only requires napkins
3. pick one dish to be the focus and present it in a stylish way (i.e. chilli served in bread bowls or risotto served in a parmesan wheel)
4. choose warm, comfort food like warm dips (ex artichoke or goat cheese & pesto) – it’ll break the cold & encourage guests to stay longer
5. have a plan in case you run out of food. Always keep back-up gourmet chips on hand and spring rolls in the freezer

Hosting Tips:
1. the biggest thing about being a good host is endurance – make sure you’re the last one standing
2. encourage guests to mix & mingle – always introduce guests as they arrive & drop “notable” tidbits about each person to generate conversation
3. eat a lot but drink a little – make sure you don’t get too tipsy at your own bash, you need to be in control
4. invite 1 or 2 very “colourful” people to the party to create intrigue and excitement
5. always have an after party plan just in case your guests want to continue the good times – make a reservation at a local pub or bar

Musical Tips:
1. burn discs or create playlists for every phase of the party – slow to start and up-temp for the high point
2. be a good DJ & read your crowd – don’t insist on music that isn’t working
3. define the dance floor with a disco ball
4. put the person with the best musical taste in charge of the sound system
5. a small, packed dance floor is better than a large & empty one – think about where to put the furniture

Party Hair & Make-up:
1. avoid last minute panic – decide on your “do” & look in advance (google pictures of your fave celebrities)
2. long hair? Get out your curling iron, curls are a classic party look
3. don’t let your “do” wilt – use plenty of hair product to keep it fresh & stable
4. think about the lighting when you do your make-up – home lighting is more revealing
5. match your make-up with your outfit – echo one of the colors on your eyes or lips

Have fun! Cheers!
Renata Altrão & The Gatherings Team

How to set a perfect table...

Giving a dinner party is always enjoyable. However, when you set the table perfectly and with attention to details, it adds elegance to the overall party effect. Setting a formal dinner table involve a little work, however, the admiration that it will evoke from your dinner guests would be worth it. Here are steps to set an elegant table for your next dinner party.

(1) Everyday Place Setting

a- Dinner Plate
b- Bread Plate and Knife
c- Fork
d- Knife
e- Spoon
f- Napkin (beside fork or on plate)
g- Water Glass

(2) Special Informal Gatherings

Add:
h- Salad Plate
i- Wine Glass (red or white)
j- Coffee or Tea
k- Salad Fork
l- Soup or Fruit Spoon
(3) Formal (When you want to celebrate and impress your guests)

Add:
m- Fish Knife (if serving fish)
n- Fish Fork (if serving shellfish)
o- Oyster Fork
p- Champagne Glass (to the right of water glass)
q- Sherry Glass (to the right of wine glass)

Remember:

• Always place utensils in the order of use, from the outside in.
• Knife blades are placed with cutting edge toward the plate.
• Dessert spoons and forks are brought in just before dessert is served.

Let us know if you like this post and what else you'd like to read about.
Wishing you a beautiful and tasty dinner :)
Cheers!
Renata Altrão & The Gatherings Team

Emerging Leaders Network (ELN)

On Tuesday, Dec.15, 2009, the Emerging Leaders Network (ELN) showcased both current and future projects and ideas of Toronto's up and coming city building leaders at a studio gathering at the MaRS Discovery District.

With their thoughts on their mentor David Pecaut, who died a day earlier, the city’s next generation of leaders met to focus on specific projects that could change life in the city, from increased voter turnout in municipal elections to creating an arts corridor along John Street.

Launched in March 2006, the Emerging Leaders Network (ELN) is a group of engaged civic leaders from across the Toronto region committed to improving the region they live in.

Working in the private, public and non-profit sectors, members of the ELN are becoming known as "city-builders": people who mobilize action, laying the social groundwork for the city of tomorrow.

Gatherings Event Planning was once again part of this great project, taking care of all logistics, set-up, cocktail reception, rentals and on-site management.

You can read more about the event here, here, here and here.

Happy city-building!
Renata Altrao & The Gatherings Team