Emmy® Awards Party Recap

By Jeanne Benedict

Photo by Mark Mainz, Getty Images

Years ago, I had the privilege of working on the staffing team of the Academy Awards Governor's Ball. It was the thrill of a lifetime. I had an all access backstage pass, which landed me in the green room talking to both Michael Jackson and Madonna.

Event producer to the stars, Cheryl Cecchetto, headed up the entire team back then, and to this day her company, Sequoia Productions, coordinates both the Emmy and Oscar Governor's Ball. The Governor's Ball is the "official party", immediately after the televised awards show.

This year's party decor for the 59th Annual Primetime Emmy® Awards Governor's Ball, was a blend of art deco style, streamlined with overtures of "Modern Nuevo". Here are some more specific details to help recreate your own version of an Emmy® Awards style party at home.

Photo by Mark Mainz, Getty Images

Governor's Ball Decor

Nouveau Calla Lily Arrangements in Lalique Vases

Mark Held, celebrity florist and owner of MARK'S GARDEN®, designed 5 unique centerpiece styles for the dining tables. Many tables featured Lalique crystal vases, compliments of Bloomingdale's, arranged with tall white calla lilies. Other tables had custom black iron structures, artfully entwined with calla lilies, in addition to design styles with a geometric motif.

For Your Party: An arrangement of white calla lilies in a tall glass vase would be stunning on your buffet table.

Luxurious Deco Dining Tables

BBJ Linen created custom black and gray tablecloths in organza, silk and satin trim. Black, white, and silver art deco inspired place settings, and votive candles also accented the table.

For Your Party: A length of black organza fabric as an overlay on a white or black tablecloth will give your buffet the same elegance as the actual Emmy tables. Place small white votive candles in glass holders around your centerpiece and on side tables. Use your best place settings, or rent China, and tableware from a local party rental vendor.

Exclusive "Picture Frame" Boxes with DOVE®Chocolate Table Favors

As guests took their place at the table, they found a black "picture frame" box with a silver Emmy image on top. The box was filled with DOVE® Chocolate miniatures, each containing a "Promise" message under the wrapper such as "Remember your first everything." The box was bound with a silver organza bow.

For Your Party: A personalized box of chocolates for each guest! Purchase small boxes with lids. Cut black gloss paper to fit the top of the lids, and use glue stick to attach the paper to the lids. Write guests' names on the lids with a silver metallic marker. Fill the boxes with chocolates, and adorn with silver organza ribbon for an award-winning favor.

Governor's Ball Menu

Patina Catering

Once again, the event partnered with famed Patina chef Joachim Splichal to create the 59th Primetime Emmy® Awards Governor's Ball Menu:

Photo by Mark Mainz, Getty Images

First Course: Tower of Mango and Dungeness Crab
with Avocado, Cucumber, Tomato, Crisp Lotus Root,
Sweet Ginger Soy Reduction

Entrée: Beef Filet Mignon and Red Wine Braised Shortrib,
Cippollini Onions, Marrow Flan, Potatoes Fondante
and Asparagus

Dessert: Milk Chocolate Mousse with Champagne Gelee and Berries
in Dove® Dark Chocolate Cup and Cherry Vanilla Cake

Spirits:GREY GOOSE Vodka,
Beaulieu Vineyard Carneros Reserve Chardonnay 2004, Beaulieu Vineyard Georges de Latour Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2003,
Laurent-Perrie Champagne

For Your Party: For those who want to keep it simple, serve a first course of mixed greens, mango, avocado, crab, and an Asian-style vinaigrette. London broil is more budget-friendly than filet mignon, and one can easily roast, slice, and serve it on the buffet. Offer side dishes of potatoes and asparagus. For dessert, fill wine glasses with chocolate mousse, which you can prepare with a mix, and top with fresh berries. Here is one of my favorite beef recipes for those who want to get a little more extravagant.

Beef Tenderloin in a Cabernet Sauvignon & Shallot Sauce

Ingredeints:

2 tablespoons salt

1 tablespoons pepper

3 lb. whole beef tenderloin or filet mignon

2 cups beef broth

1 1/2 cups Cabernet Sauvignon

5 medium shallots, cut into slivers

6 tablespoons butter

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 375F (205C). Rub salt and pepper over surface of beef. Place beef in a large roasting pan and insert a meat thermometer into beef. Roast for 45 - 60 minutes or until desired doneness (@20 minutes per lb.). The meat thermometer will register 140F (60C) for rare meat and for 170F (75C) well done meat. Remove beef from oven and transfer to plate. Tent with foil to keep warm.

Meanwhile, add broth, wine, and shallots to a large skillet and cook over high heat until mixture boils and reduces to half, about 15 - 20 minutes. Remove from heat and swirl in butter 1 tablespoon at a time. Pour drippings from roasting pan into mixture and stir until combined. Cut beef into slices and arrange on a serving platter. Spoon sauce over beef and serve hot. Makes about 6 servings

Home Voting Ballots

Voting at home before the winners are announced is a must at any awards
party. For a list of the nominees, go to the official awards website.
Create a voting ballot listing the categories and nominees. Dress up
the ballot with an award image or Hollywood theme stickers. Hand out
the ballots for guests to fill out prior to the televised show. Whoever
guesses the most categories correctly, wins!