A Perfect Pair: Nick Verreos and Oscar Lopez (on TV)--Project Runway: Finale Viewing Party/Nick & David's
Photo Courtesy of Evans Vestal Ward www.evansvestalward.com
Last week was the Finale of Lifetime's Project Runway: Under The Gunn and **Spoiler Alert**...my Designer--Oscar Garcia-Lopez--won and therefore, I also won, as the Winning Mentor. I have already blogged about the Finale Episode in my "Nick's Take" blog HERE as well as done a recap of my "Mentor Looks" for the Finale HERE. Now, it's time to blog about my Finale Viewing Party!
Since Lifetime nor the producers were having an official Finale Viewing Party, my partner David Paul (whom literally LIVED through this whole experience with me!) and I went ahead and had a little private one at our "Casa de Mt. Washington"--our home in LA. We had a "Premiere Viewing Party" when the show began months ago so we felt this would be appropriate. And we had the honor of having one of our very good friends, Evans Vestal Ward--an acclaimed professional photographer--take photos of the night...
Ready for the Finale: Nick Verreos and David Paul--Project Runway: Under The Gunn Finale Viewing Party/Nick & David's
Photo Courtesy of Evans Vestal Ward
David and I invited some of our closest and most supportive friends--especially those who religiously watched the show--and made preparations to make the night a fun, festive success...First up, the Margaritas:
Drinkie Time: For the "Premiere Party", I made a big ol' batch of my "Nick Cadillac Margarita's" and it was a HUGE success, so naturally I did it again! I mixed enough high-end tequila, fresh lime (squeezed by moi), Cointreau and Grand Marnier (and some water of course!), to make a perfect batch for our 20+ guests. I had to do a special appearance at FIDM to surprise them with my Winning the Season...David was left to get the food together with our very good friend, Johnny.
Mexi-Cali Buffet: For food (a Host must always have FOOD right?), we catered Chipotle and got the three-meat "Big Spread". When David and Johnny picked up the food at our local Chipotle and returned to the house, Chipotle forgot to give us the salsas and corresponding condiments (Big Ooopsie!). Needless to say, they were kind enough to drive to our place and bring them to us (Gracias!).
Dinner Time: When the guests arrived, it was time for Hors d'oeuvres (Charcuterie and Cheeses, Shrimp Cocktail , Guacamole and Chips, etc.) and Cocktail Hour. But right after that, it was "Make Your Own Chipotle Meal" time! As you can see from the photo above, our guests were very happy!
Soon it was going to be time to watch the Finale--and subsequently...Dessert time!
Time To Watch The Finale: Nick Verreos and friends gather to watch the Season Finale Viewing Party "Project Runway: Under The Gunn"
Photo Courtesy of Evans Vestal Ward
For dessert, some of our friends brought some DELICIOUS treats...
Cookies! Our friend Gary brought some homemade cookies.
Photo Courtesy of Evans Vestal Ward
My very good friend Eunice Castañeda--who I've known since my "FIDM school days"--brought some yummy treats from Porto's Bakery (Love the Easter Bunny!)
Photo Courtesy of Evans Vestal Ward
Finale Friends: (L to R) Johnny Nicoloro, Louie Anchondo, Nick Verreos and David Paul--Project Runway: Under The Gunn Finale Viewing Party
Photo Courtesy of Evans Vestal Ward
Congrats! Eunice Castaneda (topphoto), Mike Lucas and Spiro Skentzos congratulate Nick Verreos on his win--Project Runway: Under The Gunn Finale Viewing Party
Photo Courtesy of Evans Vestal Ward
Photo Courtesy of Evans Vestal Ward
Cute Gals: (L to R) Glenna and Kerri Boyd--Project Runway: Under The Gunn Finale Viewing Party
Photo Courtesy of Evans Vestal Ward
Finale Smiles: (L to R) Ben Kreader, Nick Verreos and Gary Trethaway-- Project Runway: Under The Gunn Finale Viewing Party
Photo Courtesy of Evans Vestal Ward
Beard Brothers: (L to R) John Wade and Erik Moreno--Project Runway: Under The Gunn Finale Viewing Party
Photo Courtesy of Evans Vestal Ward
Tearing Up: Nick Verreos--soon after the Win on "Project Runway: Under The Gunn"--Project Runway: Under The Gunn Finale Viewing Party
Photo Courtesy of Evans Vestal Ward
Yeayyy: Winner! Nick Verreos at the Project Runway: Under The Gunn Finale Viewing Party
Photo Courtesy of Evans Vestal Ward
Thanks to EVERYONE who attended and hopefully enjoyed the Finale Viewing Party--and the delicious dinner, drinks and dessert!