What will you be wearing to Royal Ascot?

The social event season has started. Summer means that we can hope for sun, attend as many social occasions as possible and in that truly British spirit, celebrate come rain or shine.

Simple moments like watching the eights with a glass of Pimms and waving my flag high on the last night of the proms have made summers full of magic. As we move from Glastonbury to Wimbledon to Ascot to The Henley Regatta to Goodwood and to what for me is the finale, the last night of the Proms we go through as many outfits as we do bowls of strawberries and cream and that’s not adding the wedding invites.

Many of us get as excited about what we are wearing to the event as much as attending and why not it is a chance to shine. So how do we shine? When you’re thinking about your outfit think about bringing yourself to the party or which part of yourself you want to bring. As many of the social events have dress codes you may want to tone down parts.

A great way of doing this is to focus on how you want to be seen. Ask yourself what colours mean to you and why? Is pink romantic? Is red sexy to you? Is yellow fun and care free? Once you decide what colours do for you pick how you want to come across and try to include this into your outfit and you will feel that way. This can be the colour of the outfit, the make up or accessories. If you do this you should not end up all in black which for summer is a crime. It is a guarantee that there will be enough people wearing black to hide amongst the crowd. Even if you team a black dress with a bright eye shadow like Mac in lucky jade you will be sure to be celebrating a part of you and showing everyone who you are.

Being unique is what we all are and the look on the faces of two people wearing the same dress shows just how much we hate to be clouded by somebody else but it needn’t be this way.

If you are looking for the perfect dress for you then look out for designers that make made to measure. Your body shape is as unique as you are so why not invest in an outfit made for you. Simone Williams makes a fantastic range that take two weeks to deliver. If you buy vintage you can be sure there will be no copy cats but do not compromise on fit, have your seamstress alter it for you if need be.

To be truly original and one step ahead of everybody else, keep an eye out for up and coming new designers like HEMYCA and prove you are in the know.

In truth you can always avoid the awkward moment of somebody else wearing the same outfit by making it your look. Own the dress by defining how you wear it. Nobody can copy the vintage brooch you are wearing with it, the hat or the beautiful make up in perhaps a clashing colour that they hadn’t thought of. If you have time go in with your outfit to get your make up done, MAC, Shu Uemura or Daniel Sandler at Harrods all provide makeovers that will give your look the edge. If you make fashion your look then this season’s off the shoulder dress or pretty florals will look like they belong to you and nobody else. Think about your look as much as your outfit and will encapsulate the essence of you that nobody else can copy.

Guest Blogger: Nina Edwards.
Be unique at The Look Boutique the home of New Designers

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Top Tips for a Stress Free Dinner Party

Social events can come in many guises – from the extravagant VIP experience at Glyndebourne to the more intimate and personal dinner party. A quiet evening at home entertaining those we hold most near and dear can be one of the most enjoyable entries in our social calendars.

However there is a slight snag with these evenings of sociable conversation – there is no one to do the organising for us. I don’t know about you, but I always thought a stress free dinner party was a mythical entity. It is something that everyone else seems able to achieve, but not me. No matter how prepared I am something always goes wrong sending my stress levels into orbit.

However help is at hand. After a bit of research I have come up with a few pointers that will ensure that the cook enjoys the evening as much as the guests. By following these simple tips you will be able to entertain with confidence and style.

Keep it simple

We all want to be the perfect hostess or host. But is it necessary? If you are stressed your guests will be stressed and that will lead to an evening of tense conversation and everyone leaving at the earliest opportunity.

Keep the dinner party informal. Forget gourmet catering and smart dress codes, if you want relaxed guests go for an informal, comfortable format.

Plan it!

No one can conjure up a dinner party without planning. Prepare as much as you can in advance. Go for soup or a cold starter that can be made earlier in the day (or even the day before), you could do the same with the desert. Don’t forget to plan what you are going to wear and make sure you leave yourself plenty of time to get ready.

Eeny, meeny, miny, mo

The guest list; think carefully about how many people you are going to invite. Eight people is manageable, any more than that and your stress levels are likely to go through the roof. Choose people who will compliment each other, this will help the conversation flow and help create a sociable atmosphere.

Fake is good

Many people seem to be under the misconception that having a dinner party means that everything has to be made from scratch. Of course it doesn’t! We all lead busy lives and don’t have the time to spend all day slaving away in the kitchen (even if we wanted to). There is absolutely nothing wrong with using pre-made pastry, sauces, frozen vegetables or even entirely pre-prepared courses. Your guests accepted your invitation because they want to spend time with you! So get out of the kitchen and enjoy their company rather than the cooker’s.

No food mountains please

This is when it is good to remember the old adage ‘it’s the quality that counts not the quantity’. Don’t go overboard on the number of courses – a few well prepared dishes will go down a lot better than a vast array of thrown together ones.

Your guests don’t want to be uncomfortably stuffed by the end of the evening. Go for three well prepared and presented courses. Whatever you do, choose simple dishes. It is very tempting to reach for that new gourmet cookery book you bought in the sales and find the most complicated menu imaginable. Simple dishes with simple flavours made with good ingredients will impress more.

Everyone makes mistakes

Even the best trained chefs in the world have off days. If you have a minor (or major) calamity, don’t panic. If you don’t tell your guests about it, they won’t know. If it’s a mistake that can’t be hidden, laugh it off. I can assure you it will lead to a new strand in the conversation as all manner of dinner party confessions come out of the woodwork. (Remember Bridget Jones’s blue soup?)

Ah, didn’t I tell you?

Your table is set, your guests have arrived. While you lay out the starters your partner is topping up everyone’s glass. After one last quick glance to make sure everything is perfect you call your guests through. As they take their seats and look at the wonderful dish before them you hear a nervous cough followed by ‘Ah, sorry, I forgot to mention. I’m a vegetarian now.’ ARGH!!!

Don’t leave anything to chance. When inviting your guests ask if they have any particular likes, dislikes or allergies it will save a lot of blushes later.

Ta-Daaa

As my old Home Economics teacher always said, it’s all in the presentation. A clean table cloth, your best cutlery and tableware will show your guests that you value their company. Use fresh flowers to enhance the table. Be relaxed about the seating; allow your guests to decide where they want to sit.

Well, there you have it, a few simple points to remember when you plan your next dinner party. Now all you need to do is grab your diary, find a suitable date and invite your friends. Shall we say next Saturday at 8pm? Lovely; looking forward to it.

Sally Ormond
The Editor, www.savvyclub.co.uk

The SaVVy Club – London’s first Boutique Events Club where members experience VIP Social Events unavailable elsewhere.

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21 Tips for a better life

How many times have you caught yourself thinking there has to be more to life than this? Our lives just seem to be getting busier and busier as we try to cram more into our daily routines. We, as a nation, are working longer hours leaving little time for ourselves and our families. The SaVVy Club® can help by providing you with a pre-organised social calendar to die for but that only takes care of one aspect of your life.

So how can we address the balance? How can we start to try and live a ‘better’ life? I’m not suggesting that there is one magic formula that will work for everyone. We are all individuals and what rocks one person’s boat is probably likely to sink another’s, but there are things that we can all do to try and make our lives better, healthier and more enjoyable.

Here is a list of 21 things we could all do to create a better life. Why not give it a try – what have you got to lose?

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day

This should be an easy one. Get off the tube one stop earlier, park a bit further away from the office or walk to the sandwich shop at lunchtime rather than get it delivered. While you are walking, smile – it is the ultimate anti-depressant.

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day

Give yourself a bit of space. Take the phone off the hook and lock your door. The world won’t fall apart without you for 10 minutes. Just relax and give yourself a bit of time to unwind and refocus on what is really important in life.

3. “My purpose is to ____________ today”
Try saying this to yourself when you wake up in the morning. You’ll be amazed at the effect it has on your day.

4. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants

A healthy diet is something that we could all do with. Eat more natural produce rather than food that is manufactured. After all a healthy body leads to a healthy mind.

5. Drink

Now don’t get all excited. I’m not talking about propping up your local bar all day. Drink plenty of water or green tea. A well hydrated body is a happy body.

6. Try to make at least three people smile each day

No need to don a silly costume or hit yourself with a plastic cup, smile at someone, make them feel good and they will smile back.

7. Don’t waste precious energy

Use your energy wisely. Don’t waste it gossiping (although a casual chat with colleagues can do wonders), dwelling on the past, negative thoughts or things you can’t control.

8. Eat well

That doesn’t mean take a three hour lunch break and return to the office legless. Start your day off well with a breakfast fit for a king. Eat lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out credit card.

9. Life is too short to waste time hating someone

I think this is self-explanatory. Hatred will consume you. Live and let live.

10. Don’t take yourself too seriously

You can be sure no one else will! We all make mistakes so when you make your next blooper (and you will) learn from it and move on, don’t beat yourself up over it.

11. You don’t have to win every argument

No one likes to lose but sometimes no one can win. We are all individuals with our own opinions. Don’t try and bully someone into converting to your views it will just create animosity. Agree to disagree.

12. Make peace with your past

Don’t let past events spoil the now. Draw a line under what has gone on before. You can’t change the past so don’t let it change your future.

13. Don’t compare your life to that of others

Be happy with what you have – you have created it. We all know the saying that the grass is always greener on the other side, but looks can be deceptive (how many clichés can I get into this one?). You have no idea what their life journey is about.

14. No one is in charge of your happiness except you

Only you can make the changes you need to create a happier and more fulfilling life. So what are you waiting for?

15. “In five years, will this matter?”
Ask yourself that whenever things go wrong. If the answer is ‘no’, don’t worry about it. If the answer is ‘yes’, do something about it.

16. What other people think of you is none of your business

This is probably one of the hardest to learn. But you can waste so much energy worrying about it and does it really matter in the great scheme of things? No.

17. However good or bad a situation is, it will change

Time marches on whether we like it or not. Take comfort that the bad times will pass and that the good times will stay with us in our hearts forever.

18. Your friends are key

You work all hours being the best you can possibly be at your job. But what happens when you are sick? Your job won’t be there to look after you, but your friends will. Keep in touch, don’t let work pressures push your friends away.

19. Envy is a waste of time

Why hanker after what you don’t have? If it was that vital that you had it, you would have.

20. “I am thankful for __________. Today I accomplished__________”

No day is a wasted day. You may not feel as though you have achieved much but you would be surprised at what you have accomplished. You may not have closed an important deal but you may have made someone smile. Before you go to sleep at night say it out loud and sleep peacefully knowing you have made a difference.

21. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed

No more words are needed.

www.savvyclub.co.uk – London’s first Boutique social events club offering stylish, exclusive & memorable events

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Kim Rix interviewed by The Business Mix

Kim Rix, Founder and CEO of The SaVVy Club, has recently been interviewed by Jon Heath at The Business Mix. Their aim is to become the first stop for new and seasoned business networkers by providing a business networking resource that will compliment your other activities to help you build your own successful business mix. Please follow this link to find out more about Kim Rix.

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Define Your VIP Experience

We all know that VIP stands for Very Important Person and I think we all have the same understanding of what it means to be classed as a VIP. But what happens when you use it in the context of a VIP experience? Does that mean the same to everyone? Somehow I doubt it.

Just stop for a moment and think. What, to you, would be a VIP experience? Is it a red carpet, no queues, or privileged access? Personally, I experienced my idea of a VIP experience in 2006 when my father was awarded an MBE for his work in local government. Our VIP day began when a Rolls Royce arrived at my parent’s house to collect us for the journey to London. After a brief site seeing tour we arrived at Buckingham Palace and were driven through to the inner courtyard. Once inside the Palace, my father was ushered off to be briefed with the other recipients whilst I and the rest of the family were shown through to the opulent Ballroom. After a short while the Queen entered escorted by the Lord Chamberlain flanked by two Ghurkha Orderly Officers. It was with great pride that I watched my father be presented to the Queen to receive his award. After the ceremony and photographs outside the Palace, we returned to our waiting Rolls Royce and were swept out through the Palace gates (as we waved to the crowds of tourists) and off for a delicious meal to celebrate. Now to me, that is VIP treatment.

Here are three other perspectives of a VIP Experience:

‘A VIP experience for me is when I call at the last minute for a reservation at a good restaurant, they already know my name (from a circulated VIP list) and can accommodate me – this I can get in nearly any major city I travel to in Western Europe and some of South East Asia. I call a number and ask what shows are in town that evening and what do they suggest I see, I get my ticket delivered to my hotel or restaurant and a cab picks me up to get me there on time. I have details of my travel plans uploaded to my web page and virtual network, and before I arrive I have a text/email telling me where and when there is a social event that I may find interesting and if I want an invite just let them know, they give a snap shot of the guest list and advise dress etiquette. To sum it up, a VIP experience for me is to know that the folks you are talking with care and want to help you make the best choice for the best price. I have confidence in their ability to meet my requirements and feel valued and not pressurised.’

Gordon Whyte

‘VIP treatment to me is when a staff member of a hotel or restaurant provides exceptional service. I enjoy the small touches that make a visit memorable. Whether it is an individualised hand written welcome back note from the General Manager of a hotel or the staff remembering I can’t sleep with hard pillows and replacing them before I arrive such as the service at the Four Seasons Hotel in Hong Kong.’

Linda Ruck
LR Communications, Singapore

‘I think being treated as a VIP invariable means paying for extra privilege. Frequently it is seen as an exceptional level of customer service which unfortunately comes at a price, usually only accessible by those who can afford to pay for it. However, in my personal opinion, this type of treatment can be experienced by everyone in one form or another. In essence, being treated like a VIP is being made to feel special, looked after, cared for. It’s about the personal care and attention that one receives. It is attention not just before, but during and after.’

Kim Rix
CEO – http://www.savvyclub.co.uk

So what does a VIP experience mean to you?

www.savvyclub.co.uk – London’s first Boutique social events club offering stylish, exclusive & memorable events

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A Time of Transition – The SaVVy Club’s® Anniversary Competition

We will all, at some time or other, come to a period of transition in our lives. Be it a desire to change career, a desire to start your own business, financial concerns, relationship issues, returning to work or simply a need for something new. Our lives constantly change and so do our wants and expectations. So how do you deal with change?

From a personal perspective, I have recently come through a long period of transition. I have always loved travelling and was lucky enough to work in the travel and tourism industry for a while which took me abroad. It was an incredible eight months but it took its toll on my personal life ending a long term relationship. When I returned to London I worked several short term contracts before working for the Chairman at KPMG but, when news of 9/11 broke, I was the first to be made redundant. The thought of more contracts, starting another new job, getting to know the ropes and a new set of people didn’t appeal; I needed a new start, a new direction.

My defining moment was on New Year’s Day 2001, I decided I wanted to be my own boss and my new found passion for organising social events inspired me to start my own business. After much research and planning, The SaVVy Club^® was born in May 2002. A few years later saw another change in my life; in July 2006 I got married and so now I run a household, look after my husband and run a business full-time.

But what if you are unsure of what you want to change? Sometimes we need a little help to really understand what it is that we want. The Mangrove runs weekend retreats specifically for people who are looking for a change but don’t necessarily know what kind of change they want. The retreats are structured in such a way that they give you the opportunity to take a 360 degree view of your life. Their experienced team of facilitators and professionals take you through an innovative series of practical workshops and personal sessions that will help you understand what direction you need to take to move forward.

The SaVVy Club^® celebrates its 6th anniversary this month and therefore to mark the occasion we are running a competition to give one lucky person the opportunity to experience the next retreat at The Mangrove, Guildford on 31st May – 1st June (excludes transfers and accommodation) worth £700. Entering couldn’t be simpler:

• For members of The SaVVy Club^® simply book an event from our London social events calendar
• For non-members, simply sign up for your Guest Pass

You must book/sign up by 5pm on Monday 19th May 2008. The winner of the competition will be announced on Tuesday 20th May 2008.

Good luck!

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Henley Regatta – a very English event

It is time to look forward to balmier spring days and hazy sunshine. To celebrate the coming of the warmer weather we have on offer two exceptional events. So, without further ado, here are the details.

 

The Henley Regatta VIP Experience

Ah yes, the Henley Regatta – a very English event. Is your idea of fun and relaxation a day by the river with a champagne reception, four course lunch and fine wines? If so this is a must for you. Indulge in a typically English outing that harks back to 1839. Loose yourself within the atmosphere as you cheer on your favourite oarsman.

The Regatta covers 5 days from Wednesday 2^nd July to Sunday 6^th. 

 

 

 

 

All aboard the Orient Express – first stop: Le Manoir

This is a wonderful opportunity for you to step aboard and allow the real world to evaporate behind you. Leave the hustle and bustle of the City far behind as you relax within the magnificent period carriages of the British Pullman.

Champagne and canapés are served on the outward journey to whet your appetite before arriving at the two starred Michelin restaurant, Le Manoir in the stunning Oxfordshire countryside. Here you will enjoy the first three courses of your lunch before indulging in a delectable two course desert onboard the “Palace on wheels” on your return to London.

 

London Social Events Club – The SaVVy Club^® is London’s First Boutique Events Club offering Stylish, Exclusive, Memorable Events for professional individuals.

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Do you have a wish list?

Do you have a wish list? A series of things that you feel you must do or experience in your life time? Many people just don’t have the time to make their dreams and desires happen, and that was one of the driving forces behind the creation of The SaVVy Club^®. I believe in living life to the full and making every moment count; life is too short not to.  I One never knows what is lurking around the corner, which is why it’s important to seize opportunities when they happen.  When my time comes, I don’t want to have any regrets.

Here’s my wish list – my top 20 life goals:

1. Visit at least five of the Seven Wonders of the World – so far I’ve only been to Machu Picchu and the Taj Mahal.
2. After learning about the death of Charlton Heston recently, I want to watch the top 50 Academy award winning movies.  
3. Experience the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights)
4. Sponsor the education of a child in the 3^rd world
5. Take a hot air balloon ride (and drink champagne) over the Serengeti
6. Fly to the moon and experience weightlessness  
7. Experience the Rio Carnival
8. Send my husband the message ‘I love you’ by skywriting
9. Win the National Lottery Rollover whilst I’m still relatively young and able to enjoy it
10. Follow in the footsteps of my late godmother, Roshan Sadri by starting my own Charity to help disadvantaged children.
11. Learn to cook ‘real’ food like Delia Smith
12. Experience giving birth and breast feeding
13. Save someone’s life by mouth to mouth resuscitation
14. Find a long lost friend called ‘Lorraine Miller’, who used to live in Naphill.
15. Expand The SaVVy Club^® into every continent around the world
16. Organise a memorable social event for The Royal Family
17. Discover a new gem stone and name it “kimite” (after myself, of course)
18. Meet and shake hands with Nelson Mandela
19. Win an award for innovation
20. Organise a massive party to celebrate my 50^th wedding anniversary

In the spirit of tagging, I tag these people to tell us what their top life goals are:

 

Thomas Power 

Andy Lopata  

Bill Morrow   

Oli Barratt     

Ijaz Tareen       

 

 

 

Written by Kim Rix – CEO – www.savvyclub.co.uk    London Social Events Club – The SaVVy Club^® is London’s First Boutique Events Club offering Stylish, Exclusive, Memorable Events for professional individuals.

 

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How did you spend your May bank holiday weekend?

How did you spend your bank holiday weekend? Relaxing with the family? Generally switching off from work and indulging a bit of ‘me’ time?

When you run a high-end social events club in London, switching off is never that easy.  Married for nearly 2 years, my husband has become accustomed to the fact that every meal in a London restaurant, luxury holiday, dinner party or any celebration we attend is an opportunity for research and to learn something new. I am always on the look out for ideas, useful information and ways to bring my members the very best stylish and memorable events to ensure that they have a packed and varied social events calendar to enjoy.

 

Taking the express train from Paddington, our weekend started half an hour later when we arrived at the African Queen (a cruising hotel and restaurant), moored alongside Mapledurham House and Water Mill, near Reading. Apparently the house was the inspiration behind Wind in the Willows.  ‘Toad Hall’ is Mapledurham House and ‘The Wild Wood’ behind the house is where Badger used to live.

 

  

 

Our hosts, from South Africa, Andy and Bonny were very welcoming and introduced us to our fellow shipmates (8 other couples) before setting sail on our sunset cruise.

Our cruise itinerary took us through Mapledurham Lock, Whitchurch Bridge (for Panbone), Reading, Sonning and Marsh Lock (for Henley-on-Thames) where Local MP Boris Johnson was not in evidence – too busy becoming Mayor!

 

Moored up outside Uri Geller’s house (famous for his claim to be able to bend spoons and keys with his mind) we stopped to look at The Mill at Sonning – an 18^th Century flour mill that has been converted into a Dinner Theatre. Guests enjoy a home-cooked meal before watching a performance and after the show can enjoy drinks in the bar. The locals told us that before the existence of the Theatre, Sonning was just a sleepy little village. Now in its 26^th year, a lot of well-known actors (eg Dame Judi Dench) have performed at the theatre, putting Sonning well and truly on the map – and tickets sell like hotcakes for every show.

 

There is another little gem in Sonning though, The Bull Inn which is mentioned in Jerome K. Jerome’s ‘Three Men in a Boat’. This traditional English 16^th Century inn offers friendly hospitality, an excellent selection of real ale, and first class bedroom facilities – the perfect place to rest after a night at The Mill.

 

After stopping for a wonderful lunch we indulged in a very relaxing horse and cart ride. Led by Ian Smith of Country Ways, our journey started at Darkwood Farm in Nettlebed. Four burly Suffolk Punches were shackled up and took us through the beautiful countryside passing Antony Worrall Thompson’s gourmet Restaurant, The Greyhound Pub, along the way. 

Having already organised a river cruise for the final day of Henley Regatta on July 6^th, I was keen to investigate what other vessel charters are available for comparison.  Hobbs of Henley offer a range of boats catering for parties of 12 to 200, but the magnificent beauty that really caught my eye was the luxury motor yacht owned by Thames Executive Charters – lush leather and mahogany interior, seats 12 and probably more suited to the tastes of The SaVVy Club members.

 

Of course, all this research does have its perks. As well as generating some ideas for more stylish and memorable events for The SaVVy Club, our bank holiday weekend was relaxing and really helped to re-charge the batteries. Whoever said “a change is as good as a rest” was spot on. It was wonderful to have a change of scenery; to get away from the hustle and bustle of the City for a while and to have the opportunity to slow down and enjoy our beautiful countryside. 

 

Written by Kim Rix – CEO – www.savvyclub.co.uk

London Social Events Club – The SaVVy Club^® is London’s First Boutique Events Club offering Stylish, Exclusive, Memorable Events for professional individuals.

 

 

 

 

 

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Fancy an exclusive look around Buckingham Palace?

Would you like an exclusive look round Buckingham Palace after the Palace has closed to the public? This rare privilege gives you the opportunity to view the state rooms – of which there are 19 – which house some of the greatest treasurers from the Royal Collection. But what makes this event so special is that you will also be led round some parts of the Palace that are never open to the public by a Palace historian.

 

After the tour we shall adjourn to enjoy the warmth of the summer with a glass of champagne on the steps of the West Terrace, overlooking the Palace gardens.

 

We shall round off this unique tour with a gastronomic treat at Mosimann’s private dining club in Belgravia.

 

Book now and ensure your place on this exclusive ‘through the keyhole’ of the most famous residence in London on August 12th, 2008.

 

 

London Social Events Club – The SaVVy Club^® is London’s First Boutique Events Club offering Stylish, Exclusive, Memorable Events for professional individuals.

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