DEVAN

WOW its spring and where has the time gone?

Please stay posted we will be updating our blog with events , happenings and inspirations.

 

Your work is to discover your work and then with all your heart to give yourself to it. - Buddha

Winter ONEderland

In a Winter ONEderland celebration, the birthday girl Olivia turned one.  Alison Fiorini from Paperdolls & Co translated the client’s vision into the design of the guests’ invitations, and from there we were able to set the tone for this amazing indoor winter fantasy.

The Terrace in Woodbridge was transformed into an indoor ice rink surrounded by freshly cut fir trees, sparkling oversized snowflakes and dancing snowflake lights.  Paul & Kyle from KM Supply Group set up the brilliant artificial rink that amazed our kids & teens.  Trees were brought in by Woodland Garden Centre, and our friends at PSI did a fantastic job lighting the giant snowflakes around the room.

The atmosphere was light and joyful, filled with laughter and fun as the children played with excitement in this indoor winterland.  Food stations dotted the hall, offering everything from roast beef, ribs, pannini and mashed potatoes in one corner, to gourmet hot dogs, nuggets and French fries in another.

A sweets table was designated for little Olivia by DEVAN, with a five tier cake embossed with snowflakes and edible jewels supplied by  We Bake in Heels. The table also featured cookies & cake pops from The Princess and the Pie.  Desserts were brought in from one of the client’s favourite places: Pusateris.com.  Milkshake and hot cocoa machines were supplied by The Terrace to enhance winter ambiance.

The children were given lots of options to have fun – they could choose to express their creativity at the crafts station supplied by Paperdolls & Co, or be physically interactive in the jumping castle and skating rink, or they could be entertained by the costumed character Dora the Explorer, and a magic and puppet show. As the celebration drew to a close, and the “#1" ice sculpture melted and began to disappear, all kiddies received gift bags including a matching set of hat and mitts personalized according to each child’s gender and size.

  

 

Signs & craft stations -www.paperdollsanco.com  | Photography www.michaelfrancis.ca      

Trees -Woodhill Nurseries    |  Lighting and Production -www.psiav.com

 

Urban Warrior - September 8th 2012

Join us on September 8th, 2012 for a running event with obstacles scheduled to shake up the city scape!

 

Jeanne Beker Absolut Mode party at TIFF Lightbox

On December 1st, ABSOLUT® VODKA launched its 2011 limited-edition bottle ABSOLUT® MODE at Malaparte in the TIFF Bell Lightbox.

ABSOLUT® MODE wall display.

The evening was dedicated to Jeanne Beker who presented eight decades of fashion design with a little help from her long list of celebrity friends.  The exhibit featured personal items from Canadian style icons like Suzanne Rogers, Stacey Kimel, Bernadette Morra and Lisa Tant.  Dresses on display included designs by Chanel, YSL, and ODR, including Beker's own vintage couture.

An amazing display of vintage fashion!!!

 

DEVAN's Cathy Muffolini (above left) with Mark Greenspan CEO of  Achilles Media Ltd and Stephanie Cianchino of Cake Opera enjoying the cocktails.  Notice Don Cherry's jacket in the background - vintage???  or his styles in the bedroom?

 

 

 

 

Cool Gifts for Holiday

Holiday is a great time of year.  It reminds us to give, share, thank and celebrate with family and friends.  Take all the unique finds that you discovered along your journey of 2011 and share with your friends & fam.

Take a look at these unique, cool products I found in Miami:

Compact Herb Keeper - Store your fresh herbs and keep them fresh longer.

Sur La Table, a premier retailer for creative cooking and artful entertaining, provides inspiration, tools and techniques for those who wish to enhance their lives through creative cooking and artful entertaining. Sur La Table’s comprehensive selection of products includes tools from around the world to prepare any cuisine, as well as beautiful dishes, linens and glasses to create a striking presentation. Sur La Table shops the world for new products providing the unexpected and a sense of discovery -- visit  surlatable.com Sardine Can Survival Kit  If you got stuck in a car on the side of a back road for more than 24hrs, this kit would be for you:

photography- Joshua Tumbridge

Whistle Creek's Survival Kit in a Sardine Can contains acetaminophen, bandage and alcohol prep, gum, tea, energy nugget, duct tape, fish hook and line, and more.  Great kringle gift - priced well under $20 -- visit whistlecreek.com

 

Great Gift Giving:

• Cooking Classes
• Floral Arranging Classes
• DJ Lessons
• Yoga Classes
• Green Plants (vegetable)
• Yummy Food Hampers
• Adventure Experiences

Wrapping Solutions      RECYCLE |  RECYCLE | RECYCLE

• avoid buying new or packaged wrapping papers
• save old papers, empty boxes, bags, fabrics, to create unique wrappings
• seach for "how to" ideas on youtube
• borrow/share glue guns and get involved in DIY (do-it-yourself) projects
• make it another "social gathering" - have friends over for a creative wrapping session
• swap papers, gift cards, stamping, trimming, ribbons, and inspiration

Celebrate family traditions. Happy Holidays! Buon Natale!

We thank our friends and family for another year of wonderful celebrations. We look ahead to our future aspirations and can't wait to gather, feast, and continue to instruct on the art of living life. 

MOVEMBER

During November each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men’s faces, in Canada and around the world. With their “Mo’s”, these men raise vital funds and awareness for men's health, specifically prostate cancer.

At the end of the month, Mo Bros and Mo Sistas celebrate their gallantry and valor by either throwing their own Movember party or attending one of the infamous Gala Partés held around the world by Movember, for Movember.  Toronto Event on December 2nd 2011 8pm @ Koolhaus

(all content from http://ca.movember.com)

http://www.rugby.com/blog/post/2011/10/03/Rugby-Tweed-Run-Mustache-Essentials.aspx#comment

 

The Sandro

the "SANDRO" our new wine opener! This item is dedicated to a friend with a great story and now props to match!!!

Stephanie Marries Scott

Our own - and we know she's not just ours - Stephanie Gareri got married on October 23rd at the Bishop Strachan School Chapel in downtown Toronto.  Stephanie as always looked stunning. Her Magdalena Gmyr dress was accompanied by a beautiful bouquet. The couple and their families and friends celebrated with dinner and dancing until dawn at TIFF Lightbox's resto Malaparte. The room and view were gorgeous.

 See more pics of this beauty and her beau   http://www.documentographer.com/blog/?p=3212

Photo Credit- Catherine Lash    http://www.theweddingco.com/page/10/

CONGRATULATIONS, with love from your friends @ DEVAN

The Venetian Ball October 29, 2011

The Venetian Ball is "the Crown Jewel" in Villa Charities' signature fundraising events.  It is the 40 year celebration of Villa Charities - and the Roman empire became a nation as a whole just 150 years ago, in 1861.  WOW!

The 18^th annual Venetian Ball takes place Saturday, October 29, 2011 at a new venue - the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts in downtown Toronto. This is going to be the party of the year!!

There has been complete silence surrounding the choice of guest performer(s), thanks to Steve Muzzo and James Deluca who, two years ago, proposed the great idea of keeping the entertainment a surprise!!  Rewind to previous surprise performances by Frankie Vallie and Stevie Wonder. The 2011 concert will present top artists for what is destined to be one of the greatest Italian music events in Canadian history.

This year's Venetian Ball co-chairs are Rudy Bratty, Chairman and CEO of The Remington Group, and Tony Gagliano, Executive Chairman and CEO of St. Joseph Communications.

The Venetian Ball will host 2,000 guests at a cocktail reception and a once-in-a-lifetime concert of Italian music.  After the concert, guests will be treated to a wide array of fine cuisine prepared by some of the city's top restauranteurs. For 500 of the guests, the Four Seasons stage will be transformed into a dining experience catered by an award-winning chef.  (I am guessing Marc McCewan, although Massimo would be more fitting for an italian centric event.)  Dinner will be followed by an evening of dancing and celebration.

The Honourary Chairs and Lead Sponsors for the 2011 Venetian Ball include Fred De Gasperis and Family, the Sorbara Family, Marc and Alex Muzzo, Rudy Bratty and Family, Carlo Baldassarra and Family, Orlando Corporation and St. Joseph Communications.

 

 
Venetian Ball 2009

 

DRAWN TO DEVELOP

An inspiring annual evening of hope, photography and human connection, Drawn To Develop 2011 was held on Thursday, October 13th at the Fermenting Cellar in the Distillery District. 

 Jo Cutajar has a passion for helping youth - hence the reason she founded a Canadian not-for-profit organization called, Drawn To Youth. 

 The main project is Drawn To Develop which is in benefit of the United Nations recognized charity, Street Kids International: drawntodevelop.com 

She invites you to take a look around our site and view the beautiful images from Drawn To Develop 2010 to get a feel for the atmosphere and vibrant energy of the evening: http://www.drawntodevelop.com/wordpress/?page_id=3565

You can view the entire exhibition of artwork that was  featured as silent auction at Drawn To Develop here: http://www.thegridto.com/tag/drawn-to-develop/page/2/

THANK YOU FOR LETTING US PARTICIPATE! YOU ARE AN INSPIRIATION TO YOUR GENERATION!!!!

DEVAN donated simple florals to a great cause!  Photos compliments of Shlomi Amiga
www.shlomiamiga.com

Crafty kid starting young

My 13yr old daughter halloween display! Chip off the old block.

Q:Have you been creating and crafting a long time?

A:I've been crafting since I was a kid (I am 13years old). My mother tells stories of me at a very young age doing everything from baking pies, to coming into my grandmas kitchen to find me melting butter on the stove, and making pancakes  at age 4, to almost burning the house down by 8. I have always been crafting-with paper ,playdo ,food and flowers.

My mother loved crafting and taught me a ton about the art of decorating/display  so those lessons were ingrained in me early . 

Happy Halloween xo DEYDEN

Local Toronto Thanksgiving Dinner

 

When choosing all the right ingredients for my Thanksgiving traditional meal I began my journey on Ripley Avenue @ The Cheese Boutique. The epicurean emporium contains the cumulative knowledge of three generations. I picked up a hormone, antibiotic, and stress free  20lb bird grown locally.  (see my picture perfect & delicious bird above)

So when I needed the rest of my herbs such as sage, rosemary, marjoram my travels took me to North Market @ St.Lawrence. When I picked up my Mennonite eggs I hopped on my bike (just kidding!) and headed down Dundas passing Spadina to Augusta.

 At 4 Life Natural Foods my friend “Potts” (Pot­sothy Sal­lapa) carries an array of organic produce and bulk foods.  I picked up all the remaining produce I needed for my menu below. 4 Life Nat­ural Foods  is the city’s best organic food shop and a Kensington favourite.

With all my discussions with chefs food purveyors  and adventures through our wonderful city I was able to cook and serve the following menu to 20 of my family members!

Local Toronto Thanksgiving Dinner

Organic Stuffed Turkey w/ gravy

Roasted Fingerling w/rosemary

Grilled Asparagus & Garlic

Wild Mushrooms

Sweet potatoes w/brown sugar and walnuts

Peas & Mushrooms

Roasted Onions & Shallots

Cranberry Bacon Stuffing

Organic Spinach & Pine Nut Salad

Roasted Organic Carrots

Carmel & Pumpkin Pies

 

OCTOBER 3-robin sharma

THOSE WHO USE TIME WISELY FROM AN EARLY AGE ARE REWARDED WITH RICH,PRODUCTIVE AND SATISFYING LIVES. THOSE WHO HAVE NEVER BEEN EXPOSED TO THE PRINCIPLES THAT" time mastery is life mastery"  WILL NEVER REALIZE THEIR ENORMOUS HUMAN POTENTIAL.

HAVE A FABULOUS MONTH!

Sunshine, Lollipops and Birthday Wishes...

On Saturday August 13, 2011, DeVan welcomed yet another beautiful sunny day that led into a gorgeous summer night. Our beautiful birthday girl couldn't have been more excited!!! This poolside affair would be a night to remember!

The team worked together in producing an Amalfi coast celebration for her 40^th birthday couldn’t have been more wonderful. Angelina from michaelfrancis.com was there to capture all the moments!

Her favourite florist the super incredible Jan from Emblem created a luscious spectacle: punctuating the welcome fountain area with Fig, olive and lemon trees. Large baskets of lemons and multiple pots of rosemary also lined this area. Jan didn’t stop there; she created many groupings of purple hydrangeas, dill and roses. Her table arrangements were well appointed, the result almost surreally lush, with blazing yellow and intense purple hydrangeas.

 

  

 

DEVAN custom cream bar with a personal "birthday" crest

    Exclamation Candy Bar our Birthday girl loves !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Guests were greeted by prosecco and Italian lemonade. Our sweet Jamie from Coastline Catering had guest wanting more of his great tasting oysters & lobster appetizers.  Catering & Service were provided by the super talented boys from Sarpa. All enjoyed the Italian cuisine – risotto balls –meatball sliders – seafood salad-pennette. The irresistible Hog ragu & polenta  came at midnight served on a wooden door.

 

Guest were able to walk away with photographs of the night's adventures from www.michaelfrancis.ca

Clear tent with twinkle lights  from Westway tents- acrylic flooring flush to patio stones. This helped the bright moon shine through!!!!!!!!!

All Flowers by Emblem

Glitter Happy Birthday -www.paperdollsandco.com

Layers upon layers of delicious desserts by Lavish Cupcakes

Cheers, Jacquie! Thanks for letting DeVan be a part of your special day.

 

Summer Lovin'

 

  

What a fabulous summer, taking my 7-year-old son and myself through the valleys of his grandfathers.  

We spent 14 days travelling through northern Italy and finally making our way down to Porto ercole ,Tuscany.    We enjoyed fabulous italian cuisine.~ "lots of breaded veal cutlets and pasta for Lennon". 

The region had so much to offer and hope to return to enjoy the splendor of the mountains.

Our first stop was lago d’iseo ,in the Val Camonica~Lombard valley . Driving through the gently rolling Franciacorta area.  The lake is almost equally divided between the Provinces of Bergamo and Brescia.We enjoyed ourselves in the picturesque town. We stayed in an old monastery where our view was outstanding. 

Lake Garda is the largest of all lakes in italy. About half-way between Brescia and Verona , and between Venice  and Milan. We enjoyed ourselves on land and water! Renting boats and sunbathing by the lake. Gardaland was a fantastic Italian version of Wonderland. 

In Southern Tuscany close to the sea, Porte Ercole represents a place of great charm and interest. Between Grosseto and Capalbio, in a protected oasis of the Mediterranean and from every angle offers a unique panorama of extraordinary beauty. Surrounded by forests of cork oaks and olive trees - home to hares, squirrels and deer - you can admire an unspoiled landscape, and be intoxicated by the scent of local herbs. The rolling hills, the sea and the lagoon, among other things, are the basic ingredients of this micro-climate.

 

motoamoré Track Day 2011

On July 27th, DeVan sped through the 2011 motoamoré Track day. The sky was blue, the sun was blazing, the crowd was beaming and the cars were buzzing!

I dont think Ive written a post in a couple years... but the time has come even with all the busy craziness that has brought me here.  It's Cathy this time. 

motoamoré Track Day was electric this year. It was really amazing to see fathers out with their son/daughters with roars of laughter coupled with the engines. The excitement transcended generations.

 
That looks like Remo Ferri racing his pride and joy...  Not sure what I liked more, the Ferrari Transport Lounge that makes a mean espresso or their incrediable car line up that stole the show. 

 
Marc Muzzo, founder of motoamoré, was strapped in and feircly ready to go.  It looked like he kicked some ass on the track. (I think thats why I dont write blogs anymore... it's that crude language of mine)

The crazy DEVAN trio below was a hit since we brought the sun. 

We had Massimo Bruno   bbq up a storm. My favorite was the final touch, when he poured everyone ice cold espresso – a cold electric jolt

Thanks for Lucas Scafone for being our photographer ... you can see here his passion for cars and photography. 

check out the new photos for 2011 on http://www.motoamore.ca/

Family Size Fun

On Saturday, July 9th,  FERRARI North America with DEVAN 's assistance celebrated the launch of its first family car in Toronto! FERRARI's incredible 4-seat, 4-wheel-drive. At nearly 16.4 feet long, the radical-looking, shooting-brake-style coupe-estate crossover promises luxurious accommodation for all four passengers. It also promises all the fire-breathing excitement you'd expect of a FERRARI. Under that long hood lurks a 6.2-liter V12 engine with 660 horsepower and 504 lb-ft of torque. 

Event was discreetly held  adjacent to the historic Distillery District is Toronto's newest event venue - Airship 37 . The Ferrari Team was able to showcase the car though out the day with private viewings and information sessions. In the evening , a clean, white, open space with Ferrari Cavallino dancing on walls hosted guests cocktailing and mingling to the beats of DJ NAT.  Pusateri's  and Redd Staffing were on hand to assist DEVAN with the overall experience.

Atmosphere enhanced by DEVAN.

Event beautifully catered by Pusateri's ~

 

 

 

International Indian Academy of Film

The IIFA Weekend and Awards is an annual celebration of Indian Cinema. This year, we were fortunate enough to have it located right in the heart of our city, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. It is an action packed couple of days, which consists of fun-filled activities that bring fans close to their favorite stars!

DeVan joins in on the summer celebration by bringing the beautiful outdoors in for the 2011 International Indian Academy of Film. IIFA promotes Indian Cinema globally, striving to show the rest of the world the amazing talent that it has to offer.

Muskoka inspired lounges by DeVan including custom deck flooring, authentic tree stump stools and birch coffee tables.

DeVan floral arrangements sit atop beautiful iron and reclaimed wood tables.

DeVan propping: Vintage picnic baskets and even a rustic canoe!

Vibrant geraniums and beautiful metal lanterns made guests feel like they were sitting on a porch in cottage country!

 
 
DeVan Birch Wall with faux sunset

Welcome to Canadiana Canada!

 

Stretch the Soul

On Sunday July 17th, 2011 the Eagle's Nest Golf Club will be hosting a one day Yoga-thon in support of The Weekend to End Women's Cancers benefitting Princess Margaret Hospital.

Come Stretch your Soul with friends, family, amazing Yoga teachers, and the DeVan team!

The day begins at 10:00 AM with 4 hours of yoga lead by 4 teachers who will be there to help people of all experience levels.

Stay energized with a complementary lunch bouffet and don't forget to bring along a glass or stainless steel water bottle to keep hydrated!

Admission is $100 and bringing your own Yoga mat is required.

In order to secure your spot, make sure to pre register. For more information please visit the registration blog post.

See you there for a day of fitness and fun!

 

 

Oh how we adore motoamoré!

June 4, 2011 marked the 8^th annual celebration of Motoamoré, raising funds for the Toronto General and Western Hospital Foundation in loving memory of Rob Muzzo.

The day began with a clever car rally which lead the competitors through many twists and turns and, if they were up to the challenge, landed them at the final destination: a fabulous soirée held at 265 Front Street East.

Participants take a lunch break at the Roast of Sharon restaurant before zooming off to the finish line.

As guests arrived to the party, they were greeted by lovely ladies offering champagne, cotton candy and popcorn, as well as a chance to view some spectacular automobiles.

Anchor/Co-host of CP24 Breakfast Melissa Grelo enjoying the festivities.

This was followed by an oyster bar set up by Coastline Catering, as well as a scotch and cheese station set up by Via Allegro  and Cheese Boutique. 

Via Allegro Scotch Bar--SPECTACULAR  Maker's Mark offered up their handcrafted bourbon for the tasting

 

The gracious hosts Marc & Enza Muzzo

The incredible spread of gourmet food is always a must at motoamoré...A delicious bouffet including salads, mini burgers, lasagna, gnocci and sushi was provided by Eagle's Nest, North 44, Harbour Sixty Steakhouse, Trattoria Sotto Sotto, Dolcini, Noce, Mistura, Blowfish and Ristorante Boccaccio. 

The meal was topped off with sweet treats and even a gelato station from Dolcini by Joseph.

But the night didn't end there...  Awesome bands Test Icicles and The Cover Boys made sure guests rocked the dance floor while the DJ held it down between sets.

Special performances by the ICING dance troop wowed the crowd with their intoxicating energy and amazing dance moves sponsored by our friends at Tropical Insulation!

Jaquie, Daniela and Elvira (above) ---(below) Enza Muzzo dancing with the Tropical Installation girl.

Many proud sponsors came out to support this incredibly important cause and along with the DEVAN team, ensured that this night was a huge success!

 

A beautiful grappa (generously donated by STEM wine group) and espresso bar sponsored by National Homes.

Rock 'n' Roll signage points guests to the bling and tattoo lounge sponsored by Sterling Flooring

Thanks to all who came out and made this year a smashing success!

Visit www.motoamoré.com for previous year's highlights.

Photos of car rally courtesy of Lucas Scarfone         Photos of party courtesy of George Pimentel

40 and Fabulous Event Inspiration

When one of my favourite ladies wants to throw a bash for her birthday my minds starts whirling. 

www.studio222photography.com

Cute candy treats and tart lemonade with playful decorations.



A beautiful bohemian lounge   

TransGaming launches GameTree TV!

Today was the launch party of TransGaming's newest venture, GameTree TV. The event took place at the beautiful and elegant venue of One King West.  

Guests to the event had the opportunity to preview a catalogue of on demand video games at the GameTree TV test station. The event went off without a hitch, and the DeVan crew left the event feeling like we were the video gamming worlds newest experts!

DeVan Ladies Elvira & Cathy

 

 

8th Annual motoamore .... June 4th, 2011

The 8th annual celebration of motoamoré, has arrived once again and the date has been set for June 4th, 2011. The soiree will take place at secret destination disclosed to guests in downtown Toronto. Motoamoré 2011 will remain to be passionately inspired by cars and Rock 'n' Roll to an audience of over 400 attendees broken into a three part event: car rally, event celebration and an additional day at the Track!!! We are looking forward to working with all the wonderful sponsors that make this event a success year after year. Funds are being raised on behalf of the Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation. More information can be provided by contacting our offices, emailing motoamore@devanworld.com , or visiting www.motoamore.ca .

On Broadway

DeVan had the pleasure of planning a Broadway themed night. The event was held at the Terrace Banquet Centre, located in Vaughan. From the sweets table to the floral arrangements, the room was filled with glitz and glam. Custom built signage and a personalized stage brought the entire look together. 

Photos: Michael Francis

Truly Blessed

I had the pleasure of meeting meeting Maya Angelou a few years back. Her energy and state of being were beautiful. When I asked her how she was doing, her immediate response was "blessed". I was amazed at the profound imprint that left in my brain. I have often thought about that moment.

I have the pleasure of working alongside an amazing group of woman daily, who are passionate ,giving and empowering. I wanted to take this time to THANK the DEVAN TEAM for their amazing energies & spirit. Stefanie, Natalie, Kate , Monica & Cathy, you are a great team to work with everyday. I get to do what I love and surround myself by amazing people. I know understand what it means to be "blessed".

St.Valentine

It’s said that Valentine’s Day originated in Italy, popular belief says that around third or fourth century there was a Roman Emperor, Claudius II.  He had grown powerful, his empire had also grown large and feeling the pressure from surrounding enemies, he needed a bigger army to defend his borders.

Knowing that married soldiers could not make good soldiers because of their attachment to their wives and families.  He needed younger, unmarried men, ideal to defend his empire. The emperor passed a law banning marriage for young men.

Upon hearing this new law, a priest named Valentine decided to meet with young couples at a secret location join them in matrimony. Although, this would be short-lived when he was discovered by Claudius II and sent to jail.

They say, Valentine had a chance to redeem himself. The emperor tried to convert him to Roman Gods. After refusing the offer, Valentine tried to convert the emperor. It was also believed that while Valentine was in jail he fell in love with his jailer's daughter who was believed to have been blind and healed by Valentine. On the day of his execution he wrote a letter to his beloved and signed it "From Your Valentine." ~ Valentine became martyred because he did not renounce his religion. The Catholic church removed his name, along with many others, in 1969 when they revised their liturgical calendar.

SO WHEN DID THE ROSES TAKE CENTRE STAGE ??

             Beautiful Arrangement from friends @ Fuscia ~a beautiful couple/team in love!

FABulous entertaining

Plan Plan  Plan  Enjoy your own party.  Make a lists. Break down into categories : invitations ,food & beverages, service ,rentals, flowers, candles, linens. Try to have everything you can prepped day before, clean ,shop or move furniture.  If you can hire one service staff or ask a friend to be on hand day of your party.

Simplicity Keep things simple- Select two signature cocktails instead of a full bar ,use recipes you already know. Try single floral groupings so arranging is not required. Keep the flowers unscented on tables not to conflict with food sense. Keep your details simple.

Flow create separate areas for food service & bar. Bar can stay close to kitchen for ice needs & rinsing capabilities and Food stations can be created in an open space away from bar. If space is a challenge use sturdy multiple TV trays and drape with linen.

Etiquette Always welcome your guests with a hello and a cocktail. DO not let your guests go for a minute without having something in their hand.

F&B Make sure your food and bar are always replenished. Have lots of ice on hand. Always have plenty of glasses & napkins. For cocktails, such as Cosmopiltans, consider mixing in advance -without the ice- and chilling them in pitchers. Open some of your wine bottles beforehand. Re insert the corks part way. Your guests will be ale to help themselves and can easily uncork bottles when you're busy

Props Great for adding focal point in room and add interesting items for conversation. Props can be used to punctuate the bar & food stations.

Music Create a soothing, pampering atmosphere for your guests. Choosing your music can be well in advance.  A dj would be great but if that’s not in the budget Ipod will do the trick.

Candles Atmosphere without being expensive. You can use small tea lights in little glass votive holders or candles in mason jars. Candles are an amazing item for ambiance. All shapes & sizes work, making sure the votives keep the flame covered for safety.

 

Danilo Rea, A Tribute TO - Umbria

Tomorrow night pianist Danilo Rea, is coming to Toronto to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Umbria Association of Ontario

Danilo Rea will perform A tribute TO- Umbria, a piano solo concert inspired by the images of the Region of Umbria.

He will be performing at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts, Kevin and Roger Garland Cabaret (55 Mill Street, Building 49 Toronto) at 8:00 pm. Free admission.

(Please rsvp to rsvp@umbria.ca)

 

Simple holiday decor

Happy Holidays

 Candy cane inspired wrapping AND  treats!

 

  

Louis Black - F.P. Journe - and the people at the event

 
Additional photos from our October event celebrating the visit of Francois-Paul Journe.  Photos provided by renown celebrity photographer, George Pimentel http://pimentelphoto.com/ .

Francois-Paul Journe, Elizabeth Brownstein, Pierre Halimi Lacharlotte, Ben & Jessica Mulroney, Evening's Host - Louis Kostopoulos of Louis Black

 
Louis Kostopoulos, Ben Mulroney, Mark McEwan, Charles Khabouth

 
 
 
Julian DeGasperis and Natalie Longo, President of Sugar Noodle  



Kate Alexander Daniels, owner of public relations agency Daniels-Stephenson & Cathy Muffolini

more media event links to the event : http://www.zoomermag.com/category/tom-sandlers-social-lights ; http://forums.timezone.com/index.php?t=tree&goto=5354099&rid=3892

 

Louis Black welcomes F.P. Journe to Toronto - World's Top Haute Horologist.

On October 28th, 2010, DEVAN was part of the planning team for an exclusive event of sixty men for an invite-only, security guard accompanied dinner with Mr.Journe.  The evening commenced at the Avenue Road Ferrari Dealership where watch enthusiats could be heard speaking about the mechanics of collector watches closely parelleling them to the brilliance of automotive engineering and innovation.  The men were escorted over to the Toronto's reknown One Restaurant for a fine dining experience. Below is an article that appeared in Macleans, Canada's National Magazine, in the November 8th, 2010 edition.

Purple Reign

At the age of six I wanted to be a cook. At seven I wanted to be Napoleon. And my ambition has been growing steadily ever since. Salvador Dali

What a "WONDER" full , NIGHT ! 17th VENETIAN

On Saturday October 16, 2010 The Venetian Ball, held at  Metro Convention Centre for more than 2,400 guests raised a record $1.28 million for Villa Charities. The funds raised at 17^th Annual Venetian Ball help provide care and improve the quality of life for seniors and those with intellectual disabilities.

Hosted by James Di Luca & Steve Muzzo, two amazing and hard working italian business men whose efforts inspire a community to open their cheque books and big wallets.  They raised the bar ,BRAVO gentlemen!!!!!

The Venice-inspired  event included the likes of master impersonator Rich Little and Juno nominated George St.Kitt and his band Simply Grand.  Traditionally, the annual Venetian Ball features a mystery performer. This year, the evening was pinnacled by the legendary Stevie Wonder, who performed a classic set that included My Cherie Amore, I Just Called to Say I Love You and Superstition.. To describe Stevie Wonder’s appearance and performance as a showstopper would be an understatement. It can only be expressed as surreal.

The simple, yet elegant, décor and florals were provided by Frank Rea from Forget Me Not Flowers.  Tables and chairs were draped in neutral tones with varying patterns and textures, supplied and installed by Micki’s Linens. The walls were blanketed with screens that held images of Venice’s famous Piazza di San Marco (St. Mark’s Square) and the renowned canals of Venice. This atmosphere was created and provided by Westbury National Show Systems. 

 (head table set up for committee, major sponsors- Watson ,Tridel,Fiat)

The Ball showcased Italian cuisine , dolcini stations  and espresso bar from 16 top Toronto restaurants. The boys from Cheese Boutique did a fabulous job with their delectable cheese offerings.   However, the lack of good grappa at the bar was a little disappointing, the grumblings could be heard around the bar.

Overall it was a pretty great night filled with entertaining, witty people. What will Villa Charities do next to elevate this event ?  

Celebrities and local socialite sightings included;  Lina & Jim DeGasperis , David Rocco,  Remo Ferri from Ferrari ,Enza & Marc Muzzo, Marisa Rocca from Sotto Sotto, Erika Larva ~Monarch Events, Julie Rasciolli~ Media Maven Maverick, Socialite Laura DeGasperis, Lou & Liz Donato, Zlatko Starkovski~MUZIK

My ideal bar

Carte Bergamashce (italian playing cards)

 Italian playing cards most commonly consist of a deck of 40 cards (4 suits going 1 to 7 plus 3 face cards), and are used for playing Italian regional games such as Scopa or Briscola. 52 (or more rarely 36) card sets are also found in the north. Since these cards first appeared in the late 14th century when each region in Italy was a separately ruled province, there is no official Italian pattern. There are sixteen official regional patterns in use in different parts of the country (about one per region). These sixteen patterns are split amongst four regions:

• Northern Italian Suits - Triestine, Trevigiane, Trentine, Primiera Bolognese, Bergamasche, Bresciane
• Spanish-like Suits - Napoletane, Sarde, Romagnole, Siciliane, Piacentine.
• French Suits - Genovesi, Lombarde or Milanesi, Toscane, Piemontesi.
• German Suits - Salisburghesi used in Alto Adige/Südtirol

The suits are coins (sometimes suns or sunbursts) (Denari in Italian), swords (Spade), cups (Coppe) and clubs (sometimes batons Bastoni), and each suit contains an ace (or one), numbers two through seven, and three face cards. The face cards are:

• Re (king), the highest valued — a man standing, wearing a crown
• Cavallo (lit. horse) [italo-Spanish suits] - a man sitting on a horse / or Donna (lit. woman from Latin domina = mistress) [french suits] - a standing woman with a crown
• Fante (lit. infantry soldier) - a younger figure standing, without a crown

The Spanish-like-suit knave (fante - the lowest face card) is depicted as a woman, and is sometimes referred to as donna like the next higher face card of the French-suit deck; this, when coupled with the French usage, which puts a queen, also called donna(woman) in Italian and not regina (queen), as the mid-valued face card, can very occasionally lead to a swap of the value of the French-suit donna (or more rarely of the international-card Queen) and the knave (or jack).

Unlike Anglo-American cards, some Italian cards do not have any numbers (or letters) identifying their value. The cards' value is determined by identifying the face card or counting the number of suit characters.

~wikipedia

1920's La Festa Italiana

This one-day event was originally celebrated in the Little Italy section of Washington, D.C. in the early 1920′s.  Revived in 1999, La Festa Italiana brings Italian cuisine, music and culture to D.C.’s original Little Italy neighborhood. " LOVE IT "

WASHINGTON D.C.’s most authentic, best mix of Italian food, entertainment and lively atmosphere yet.Enjoy Birra Moretti, wine, Molise-style pizza, pasta, truffles, sausage and peppers, baked goods, cannolis, gelato, sfogliatelle and espresso.  Sign me up! I may just come out to see the modern day version. I love being Italian.

Style Cream

Coolhunting

17th Annual Venetian Ball

Congratulations to Steven Muzzo and James diLuca once again they will be hosting the 17th annual Venetian ball. This year’s gala will be at the Metro Convention Centre, hosting close to 2500 people. I hear the guest list is full of great personalities and a surprise act that will keep you wanting for more.   There are rumours of the Eagles, Bee Gees and someone whispered Andrea Bocelli. My guess is PRINCE.  ONE MILLION DOLLARS spent on this surprise act! It's going to be a good one. I can’t wait to see what they have in store. 

Our favorite draping friends at Micki’s will be punctuating the room and the ever so talented and very distinctive Frank rea from Forget me Nots will adorn the room with his magic. Westbury will have a visual feast guiding you through the canals of Venice. Grappa will certainly flow this night and the guest restaurants and delightful deserts will be sure to please. 

 At DEVAN we pride ourselves in being truly children of of our culture and love the celebration and live a lifestyle which is rich in Italian culture. I look forward to the application that celebrates our culture. As Italians we are naturally creative, our  background is filled with  art, philosophy,music ,fine arts  and fabulous food. The Venetian Ball will be sure to entertain the senses of all who attend.

  The colour combo above would be my ideal Venetian Ball decor.

Hot Summer Night

 
 
 
 

Summer Nights

Ferrari Maserati of Ontario - Rally for SickKids 2010

On Sunday August 8^th, 2010 the Ferrari Maserati of Ontario held their 12^thannual rally in support of the Sick Kids Foundation. DEVAN was proud to be the event planners of such a high energy group of supporters.  The event commenced at Eagles Nest Golf Club with over 70 Ferraris and Maseratis participating in a panoramic delight in the Hills of Caledon.  A feat that Robert Vacca, Director of Marketing at the Remo Ferri Group, executes exceptionally every year.  Car enthusiasts arrived at the Flagship dealership of Ferrari Maserati of Ontario in Vaughan which was transformed into a captivating luxury venue thanks to Elvira's alway amazing visions.

It was no surprise that with the support of the committee members, guests were enthralled with the best restaurants/caterers in the city for an incredible roaming reception of Toronto's culinary stars.

This years rally raised over $200 000 accruing to date over $800 000 towards the operation suites project and over $2.1 Million since the Rally’s inception .

 For more information, please visit www.ferrariofontario.com

 

 

REDS are here to stay

 

LOVING ORANGE

 

YELLOW not mellow

 

WHITE PARTY

Transforming  this suburban pad into a white soiree! Night shots coming soon!

 
 
 

DEVAN in the pink