An eye for the extraordinary
Now that we’re allowed to travel and celebrate once more, it’s a great time to plan events. But before you start, take a look at the elegant teal blue and gold of Bruce Russell’s website – and you’ll see the subtle but telling strapline ‘Extraordinary Events’. The Extraordinary reference is the promise of what sets Bruce apart from his peers: his beautifully orchestrated, theatrically produced occasions that bear his unique hallmark and flair.
Now, as you’d imagine, with the Season upon us, Bruce is a very busy guy. But like the gentleman that he is, he found time for us, to tell us his wonderful story and even impart some top tips to help make the perfect celebration!
“I'm a Canadian-born Londoner and like many Canadians I'm fluent in French. This stands me in good stead for my international portfolio.
I’ve called Britain home for over a decade, but growing up on Canada’s East Coast, where family gatherings are big and parties are a-plenty, I realized at a young age that celebrations hold the key to our most treasured memories.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a passion for entertaining and an eye for the extraordinary.
After twenty years in hospitality management working for some of the world’s most exclusive hotels, such as New York’s The Plaza, and London’s Savoy Hotel, I took a deep breath and launched Bruce Russell Extraordinary Events.
I just love making magic...
Be it a multi-day destination celebration or an intimate soirée in a private home, I believe that when people gather to celebrate, magic happens. My passion is to cultivate that magic by creating one-of-a-kind moments and bespoke magical experiences.
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Plan your event with your guests in mind – put yourself in their shoes to see what their experience will be, from the moment they walk in until time they spend at the table
Touch points – consider every item that the guest will touch or encounter. People remember touch points
Always have a Plan B (C, D and event E!!) – plan for the worst-case scenario. Always!
Don’t underestimate the power of great lighting
Keep your guests entertained – if there is ‘dead time’ where nothing is happening, people will get bored and suddenly those wow moments are forgotten
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Fragrance is important to me. My go-to scent is Jo Malone’s Wood Sage & Sea Salt.
I’ve snapped it perched atop a favourite book of art by American photographer Slim Aarons. The scene on the cover, ‘Poolside Gossip’ – that’s my retirement goal!
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I have a full-on life, which I thoroughly enjoy, but I do need my me-time and a place to escape and ‘reset.’
I am happiest when I’m by the ocean, and I recently discovered that West Wittering beach is only 45 mins from my home, and it has since become that very place.
Of course, elegant travel demands exquisite luggage
I love the Gladstn London brand, their heritage products are hand-made in Italy and immaculate in quality. They’re innovative, too. They’ve designed an ingenious ‘hat bag’, created in collaboration with couture milliner J Smith Esquire. It’s large enough for a wide brimmed hat and small enough to take on your flight for a trip away, to sport around town or to keep your millinery fresh for a special occasion. It’s the perfect travel buddy!
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I’m going to finish by giving you some packing intel:
- Invest in a great travel steamer! You won’t regret it. The Steamery is my go-to brand.
- Packing cubes for your luggage are a godsend. Most amazing invention ever.
- Always carry essentials and a change of clothes in a carry on. My luggage has travelled to places I’ve never even been!
- I admire people who can pack light – not me! When in doubt I pack it. Shoes, blazers, toiletries …. bulky and heavy I’m afraid!
All that’s left is to wish you Bon voyage!
To find out more about Bruce Russell visit his website here
Bruce was speaking to Denise Barrett, Guest Editor and author of Handbag Homage