GIFTING LOUNGE: DORIS BERGMAN’S 2021 LUXURY LOUNGE & LUNCHEON IN CELEBRATION OF EMMY SEASON

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DORIS BERGMAN’S 2021 LUXURY LOUNGE & LUNCHEON IN CELEBRATION OF EMMY SEASON

Doris Bergman returned her famous Emmys Week celebration back to where it all began eleven years ago—La Boheme restaurant in West Hollywood. But, because all events should be outside these days, Doris was smart enough to help them create a lovely special oasis where the parking lot usually is. The presentation was really elegant; it felt like something way out of town.

La Boheme is one of my associate Marc’s favorite eateries, so he was extra thrilled to accompany me there. He said, “They have one of the most beautiful patios in West Hollywood.” And the food was no slouch, either! The buffet meal consisted of kale, apple, and cranberry salad; braised cauliflower; penne pasta in a red sauce; steak medallions; sautéed whitefish; and crispy fried chicken bites. Marc remarked that “all the guests certainly seemed to enjoy the delicious multiple-course lunch.” I can attest to the fact that we definitely did!

The delicious La Boheme buffet.  Photo by Karen Salkin, as is the image at the top of this article.

The delicious La Boheme buffet. Photo by Karen Salkin, as is the image at the top of this article.

He added that prior to sitting down, we were treated to “a bevy of hand-passed hors d’oeuvres, including Karen’s favorite—bruschetta.” He is correct–I could have just eaten a ton of those and been perfectly happy.

I must say that the staff of La Boheme could not have been more accommodating. They were lovely to everyone, which made the entire experience that much more special. They answered endless questions, kept the appetizers flowing, offered perfectly-sized portions, and most importantly, served the entire day with masks on, from the top on down. I totally appreciated that consideration, especially from a restaurant.

Karen Salkin autographing the Wednesday's Child poster after donating a plethora of gifts for the foster teens of the orgnaization.  Photo by INAM staff.

Karen Salkin autographing the Wednesday’s Child poster after donating a plethora of gifts for the foster teens of the orgnaization. Photo by INAM staff.

But it wasn’t just the food that drew Marc to join me there; he had loved Doris’ previous event, so he couldn’t wait to go again. He told me he was impressed by how she does things and how smoothly everything runs at her fetes. And we both appreciate that she’s the only one who’s generous enough to treat her guests to a full-on luncheon at a gifting lounge!

My favorite aspect of this event is that it benefitted not only the fortunate guests, but also Wednesday’s Child, the organization for which we were “encouraged” to bring gifts for teens in foster care. (I love the word “encouraged” on the invite, although I never think enough guests understand that push to be kind.) I love giving back like that; it always sets me off in the right mood as soon as I enter. And you can get that same happiness by looking into what they do for yourselves, right here: www.foxla.com/wednesdays-child.

But, of course, Doris’ many interesting gifts are the attraction for most of the lucky invitees. Here are the highlights:

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

The Abingdon Co.–The second I entered this lounge, my eyes went directly to a display of beautiful and functional watches. I almost knocked everyone over to get to the display to find-out more. It turns-out that the company’s founder, Abingdon Mullin, is a pilot, and wanted to design a watch for similarly adventurous women! To that end, the company has watches for all kinds of perhaps-not-the-norm sports for females. They come in categories of certain activities, such as Aviation, Dive, and Motoring. And each collection has a female name. Sadly for me, there is no “Karen,” (yet,) but then the watches would have to be for activities such as the ones I do on a daily basis—watching TV, writing, talking on the phone, and complaining to (and about) my boyfriend!!! Even better than how attractive they are is the innovation behind them. For example, the “Marina” needs no battery!!! Simple movement generates all the power, so the watch charges while you wear it. And with how much I talk with my hands, that would be no problem for me.  That particular perk is a game-changer for people like me because, although I adore watches, and have quite the collection, all my batteries have died from lack of wear in the last year and a half. So an Abingdon watch is a win-win-win—beauty, function, and ease, all on your wrist. www.theabingdonco.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

True Gold Honey—This has been my favorite brand of honey, by far, for a few years now. Marc’s and Mr. X’s, too. I had to buy emergency honey at a supermarket recently, (because I had run out of True Gold and needed it right away,) and one taste of that banality immediately reminded me of just how superior this company’s products are! (Perhaps that’s because they’re 100% pure, raw, and unfiltered.) And they now have two new flavors, (in addition to their famous five-product gift box.) Those are their Special Reserves–Pozo Wildflower and California Wildflower. And receiving these honeys was an extra boon for those guests celebrating the Jewish New Year that week, because the tradition is to dip apples in honey to ensure the next year is a sweet one. Perfect timing, especially because I cannot imagine ever dipping anything into any brand of honey outside of True Gold ever again!!! www.truegoldhoney.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Hypo Footwear Presented by RockNRanch—I saw a constant big crowd around one table, and could not imagine what the fuss was all about. When the seas parted for a minute, I noticed…sneakers! But not your ordinary tennis shoes; these are fabulous footwear. The baby blue trim on one pair was mouth-watering. And the reps were being kind to absolutely everyone in attendance—in addition to the shoes, they handed-out comfy v-neck tee-shirts, without anyone even having to ask for them! www.hypofootwear.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Twisted Silver Jewelry—I don’t know how this jewelry designer comes up with a different special gift at every one of Doris’ events! This time it was pendants featuring mica that Debra Mitchell mined herself! If guests weren’t into gold tones, they could instead choose a silver-toned necklace with actual slate on it. Debra and her staff are great advertisements for all her own work because they always look the epitome of hip! www.twisted-silver.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Milena LA—Everyone was happy to see Milena here with her beautiful and fragrant candles again. She brought items from her latest collection with her this time, including the just-right-for-this-time-of-year Pumpkin Spice!  And some of them, including the Woodland Berry, were housed in pretty new containers, such as beveled orange glass or crisp, shiny silver. www.milenala.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Art Lewin Bespoke—Marc and I were happy to see tailor-to-the-stars Art Lewin there again, especially since, in the eyes of many of the guests, (and themselves!,) those two tied for Best Dressed Male at the event. I enjoyed witnessing such a mutual admiration society. Not only was Art gifting smart red and black ties, which will be perfect for the upcoming holiday season, but he gave-out custom-made masks, as well. The only problem was that the classy muted colors were hard to decide among.  www.artlewinbespoke.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

My Saint, My Hero—These blessing bracelets are so stylish and you get to size them each yourself with just a pull on the string. Any wrist can look attractive wearing just one or a plethora of them. And each group of designs is unique while still featuring the intention of the line to begin with—to realize how blessed we all are. What a perfect sentiment for 2021. www.mysaintmyhero.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Custom Candle Co.–This clever company houses its scented candles in…used liquor bottles! They’re perfect conversation starters at parties, and what ideal gifts they make. They are so creative and attractive that they almost made me want to start drinking, just to empty a bottle for this company to fill with a candle! www.customcandleco.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Sue Wong—This gown designer gifted everyone one of her sweet little colorful neck scarves. The elegant designs are all ones that my mother, the queen of neckwear, would have really appreciated.  www.suewong.com

I ended my day the same way I began it--by signing a poster!  This time it was for Timmy Woods.  Photo by event staff.

Karen Salkin ending her day the same way she began it–by signing a poster! This time it was for Timmy Woods. Photo by event staff.

Timmy Woods—This handbag designer branched-out this time, and gifted everyone a fun leopard-print cowboy hat, that Marc said was “fabulous!” It was a riot to look around and see a sea of them coming into the luncheon. So Hollywood. www.timmywoods.com

Guests also received Precious Vodka in petite pyramid bottles (because they’re not allowed to give-out the full sizes anymore,); a trio of sample-size relaxing products from CBD Live Natural; a Rose Water spray from Beauty Kitchen; a duo of bottles of Vai Wellness Water, which is infused with CBD; tastes of Dulce Vida Tequila; and nitrogen ice cream made fresh on the spot by Sub Zero.

All in all, I’d say it was another success for Doris Bergman. And a great way to kick-off Emmys week-end for everyone involved.

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