AboutJohn Gordon Expertise Stuck for ideas? I can help with ideas on theming, entertainment and anything creative. I specialise in the unusual and have created party experiences for small gatherings right up to large international corporations. I have a great original idea that is totally flexible and personalises the party in a way that touches people.
Experience I have been involved with Corporate and Private Events for many years. I both organise and provide entertainment at a wide range from house parties, anniversaries, celebrations, fun days, conferences, seminars, workshops and street parties.
Expert: John Gordon Date: 6/24/2008 Subject: 70th birthday
Question QUESTION: The family has chosen James Bond oo7 as the theme. We are calling it a 0070 What can be used as a guide for food, table deco and party ideas like a roast or other type of entertainment?
ANSWER: Hi Polly
Good theme idea anytime but I like the 0070 idea!
When we do these, this is a selection of the theming ideas we incorporate:
=> Reception
Look Alikes of the famous Bond Villans meeting and greeting
Because Bond Movies now associated with Oscars, we sometimes have Feke Paparazzi teams on a Red Carpet at the entrance
Too much Bond music throughout the evening is overkill, but I believe best used here to set the theme.
Canapes and Drinks served by staff in Bond co-stars clothing. A Google / Internet search will provide ideas galore here. Coctails must be stirred not shaken of course.
A 'Living Statue' covered in Gold Paint (GoldFinger)(Entertainment Companies or Face & Body Paint Organisations have dozens of these.
Note: She can also work on a pedestal throughout dinner.
You can have a large ice sculpture like the gun and 0070 logo. They can make these as a luge so guests can drink ice cold vodka from them. Great talking point.
=> Dinner
Tables named after each Bond Movie and the floral decor on each themed accordingly (one Diamonds, another Casino style, another around helicopters, another Russian etc etc). That will give you up to 20 tables!
1. Dr. No (1962)
2. From Russia With Love (1963)
3. Goldfinger (1964)
4. Thunderball (1965)
5. You Only Live Twice (1967)
6. On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969)
7. Diamonds Are Forever (1971)
8. Live and Let Die (1973)
9. The Man with the Golden Gun (1974)
10. The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)
11. Moonraker (1979)
12. For Your Eyes Only (1981)
13. Octopussy (1983)
14. A View to a Kill (1985)
15. The Living Daylights (1987)
16. Licence to Kill (1989)
17. GoldenEye (1995)
18. Tomorrow Never Dies (1997)
19. The World is Not Enough (1999)
20. Die Another Day (2002)
21. Casino Royale (2006)
22. Quantum of Solace (2008)
I don't advise on actual menus and food as this is regional and personal.
I would have music through dinner with possibly an electronic string quartet playing Bond Themes during a break after main course.
I'd also have Close-Up Magicians (in Tuxedos)visiting table to table through the meal performing perhaps 6 - 8 minutes at each table. Let me know if you need to source good professionals here.
=> After Dinner
This is clearly the time for a 'Fun Casino'. Guests are provided with play money and perhaps award prizes near the end for this with the largest winnings.
You may also have a Bond lookalike mingle here (either Connery or Brosnan)
For those not in the casino, it has to be dancing and ideally a live band. Failing that a suitable disco or even small live trio playing jazz or International nightclub music.
You didn't say whether your party was for just a dozen at home or for 400 in a hotel so hard to be more specific.
Hope this fires some new thoughts for you....
John Gordon
PartyMagic
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: John, Usually great ideas usually follow a high price. What would you recom. for a lower rental casino type alternative. The Venue is our back yard 50'x70' with 100 invitees.
Thanks Again Polly
Answer Hi
OK ... some of those ideas are expensive but I had no idea you weren't having a posh banquet.
A fun casino isn't expensive (if you find the right suppliers).
You can still viaually theme .... print out images off the internet and use on boards, banners, displays etc.
You can still play Bond Music ... available as Downloads....
You can still use movie titles as labels on food areas etc.
That's a thought .. instaed of having food buffet in one area ... divide it perhaps into several stalls, each with a Bond theme and flavor ie Oriental, Russian, etc etc.
The you can still hire me as a wandering entertainer to bring a live element to the theme!
If you cannot run to a professional casio bringing in a Roulette Table and BlackJack Table .. it's not difficult to run a BlackJack one. I'm sure some keen card palyer in the family would leap at the opportunity! Just a deck of cards and some green baize and youi're done. Use Word and a PC to print out some play money ......
