Grab your esky, unfurl your flag and show off your Southern Cross tattoo - tomorrow's Australia Day. Just kidding, we're planning a barbecue with a slightly more sophisticated edge. To get some tips, we caught up with Elleni Pearce, founder and director of event hire and trade company LENZO, and hostess with the mostess (responsible for the stunning summer soiree below).
'Summer Splash' photography by Stefani Driscoll Photography.
Elleni's passion for parties started young - as a child, she would watch a video tape of her 3rd birthday celebration on repeat. Not surprisingly, she grew into an avid entertainer with an ever-expanding collection of bunting and balloons. "I used to get a little carried away with all the details, spending time and money on props and partyware that were only used once. After a celebration, I'd be left with a heap of on-trend products that were still in perfectly good condition," she says. It was when she started lending pieces to friends and family that she saw the potential to turn just that - loaning lovely, little-used party products - into a business, and LENZO was born.
Elleni started working on the LENZO business plan while on
maternity leave with her first daughter - and hasn't looked back.
maternity leave with her first daughter - and hasn't looked back.
The concept of LENZO is simple yet genius. Individuals and events companies can log onto the website and list their items for hire or sale. Then, anyone can jump online and browse through the inventory of styling stock. Searching for some cake stands or antique glassware for a special occasion? In need of a set of supersized letters spelling out LOVE, which you'd rather not buy, but happily hire? Sorted. Alternatively, do you have a collection of vintage chairs from your wedding or engagement party that you're looking to offload? Upload them on LENZO for the next person to enjoy (and help reduce your carbon footprint by reusing and recycling).
As well as the trading aspect, the LENZO website features gorgeous styled photoshoots to inspire your next shindig, with many of the featured products available to hire/buy straight from the site. Also check out Elleni's positively dreamy Instagram feed, a stream of sparkle-laden, party-perfect images - think pastel-hued donuts, magnificent flower-topped cakes and beautifully put together tablescapes.
'Summer Splash' photography by Stefani Driscoll Photography.
'Summer Splash' photography by Stefani Driscoll Photography.
Sweetbakes cake. Via @partywithlenzo
By @grettarose, via @partywithlenzo
By @s.wallis_ , via @partywithlenzo
Image by @ayofemi_, @danielkimphoto, via @partywithlenzo
When it comes to entertaining, Elleni cites a few essentials. "A personalised welcome drink always sets the tone of an event," she says. "For example, at my 30th we did a 'Dirty Thirty' Pimm's cocktail, and for a recent baby shower we created a Baby Bellini." She also recommends employing bar and wait staff - even if they're your teenage cousins - and leaving room in the budget for beautiful blooms. "I have a flower obsession so it's probably not everyone's essential, but it's definitely mine." And ours too, Elleni.
So how does a party professional celebrate Australia Day? "I'll be at a friend's pool party," she says. "I'm looking forward to a casual barbecue, delicious salads and a G&T in the sun. Our giant pink flamingo Fran will also be attending!" Better leave them to it - happy long weekend!
For more info (and to hire fabulous party stuff), check out LENZO here.
MY DREAM PARTY {elleni pearce}
outfit: Backless Dion Lee number
drink: French on tap
location: home
colour scheme: A multi-coloured pastel palette
flowers: Fluffy dahlias
guestlist: Martha Stewart, plus my nearest and dearest
soundtrack: A balance of old and new. Beyonce at the top of the playlist
dessert: Toffee apples!!!
Introducing Fran the flamingo
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