I have SUCH an exciting post for today. Pretty much because there are like 900 photos BUT ALSO cause we are chatting PACKWOOD GRAND! We are ONE MONTH AWAY TODAY. July 29, 2017. Mark it down.
YES yes yes yes. The event of the summer. I know a few of you have no clue what I’m talking about so let’s talk. Packwood Grand is a fabulous event inspired by the Kentucky Derby but held in Calgary every year. A TON of Calgary’s young professionals dress up in their summers best and attend. It IS an elegant affair but socializing and drinking does take place…. for a majority of the time.
GUYS WE DRESS UP AND HAVE FANCY COCKTAILS AND CHAT.
Isn’t that what we always want to do?
I mean come ON. Look how happy these people are. It’s the event to attend this year and I PROMISE you will have fun and maybe even network a little. WHO KNOWS.
Best part… fascinators. Over the top and fabulous. I think we should all start wearing fascinators as an every day outfit accessory. But that’s just me.
“Packwood Grand is set to be a true celebration of old world leisure and sophistication. Last year, this refined and colourful event set the stage for the ultimate in luxury, horse racing, fashion, and food & drink. As the must-attend social & lifestyle event of 2017, more than 2000 of Calgary’s highly cultured, business-leading, and fashion forward bon-vivants will take part in the affair.”
So the social affair begins with a red carpet at NOON on July 29th 2017 at Century Downs Racetrack in Balzak, AB.
We’re Canadian though so there’s nothing better than a good ol’ fashion pre-game. This is where all of us girls help each other fix makeup, chat about the latest Bachelorette gossip and the boys sip a couple cold ones.
So fun and this year you can host. Don’t worry, I’m walking you through how to throw your Packwood Grand pre party.
It’s not scary you guys. I throw together last minute gatherings all the time. My go to:
+ bubbly
+ cold beer
+ glasses
+ straws
+ flowers {fake or fresh}
+ fun bowls
+ ice in a fancy bucket
+ witty cocktail napkins
+ sparkling water.
+ BUBBLY
First and foremost…. bubbly. Preferably VEUVE because WHY NOT and it is so good. If you prefer mimosas for the pre party, of course that works too. So you can buy these plastic champagne flutes that are actually NOT TACKY from Party City. I recommend that for a larger group. Glass for smaller.
+ BEERS
Have some bottles of cold beer waiting. Heineken is always a great option. Put those + the bubbly in that champ bucket on some ice and you’re good to go.
+ PROPS
I love fancy straws as a fun party addition. This time I put out these Veuve sunnies that are so fun. Also SUPER practical for the people who actually forgot their sunglasses. #alwaysthinking
+ COCKTAIL NAPKINS
I have an addiction to witty cocktail napkins. Homesense has them for like $2.99 and I cannot help myself seriously. Every time I use them I get compliments too. As always, practical. This year I scored these amazing palm placemats from Pier 1 Imports. LOVE LOVE LOVE. I used them more as decor.
+ FLOWERS
Fresh or fake. This time they were real and they are so gorgeous! You can even just lay them on a plate beside cups or on the dessert table.
+ SPARKLING WATER
HYDRATION IS KEY. My inner nurse is coming out. I always make sure there is a bottle of sparkling water in that champ bucket as well.
+ BAKED GOODS
For our pre Packwood party it’ll be in the AM so why not grab some Cobs Bakery scones/danishes?! Cut them in half or quarters and arrange them on a plate. Make sure to grab a variety so that everyone has a choice.
+ FASCINATORS + BOBBYPINS
WHEN ELSE WILL WE DO THIS!? Pink Spots is where to go for fascinators in Calgary. Lia’s creations are breathtaking. I call them creations because these head pieces are like works of art. I mean honestly.
+ A SUPER CUTE PUP
HI GOMER THE PUG. Oh my gosh I had to add him in here because he is just too cute. You can check out more of him on IG @itsgomerthepug.
PS I want to thank EVERYONE who helped out on our shoot and the entire Packwood Grand crew.
Event by Packwood Grand
Photography by Katelyn
Fascinators by Lia from Pink Spot
My hair by Stacey from Notorious Hair Group
Treats from Heineken, Veuve Clicquot & Strongbow.
Lastly, I want to touch on ATTENDING Packwood Grand for those of us who do not have tickets yet. You can pick from 3 different experiences; The Guest Experience, The VIP Experience and the VIP Infield Suite Experience. From transportation to bottles of Veuve, the Packwood Crew has curated every single detail perfectly. You can also check out the timeline of the day at that link as well.
Come and hang out with me for horse racing, fashion and OBVI food + drink.
xxoo Drea Marie
