By Eric Eugene Chandler, Special to the Star-Bulletin
Dolls used in a holiday scene can "transform a space ... into
another world for a brief period of time," says Eric Eugene Chandler.
The possibilities are endless
By Nadine Kam
when it comes to entertaining
and decorating during this
festive time of year
Features EditorReady or not, the season of celebration is upon us and between now and New Years, time gets compressed so that 30 days might as well be 7. It's never too early to start planning your yuletide bash, according to Eric Eugene Chandler of 2 Couture, who's been dubbed "The Martha Stewart of Hawaii" by staffers from the Sheraton Corp.
Chandler starts planning his annual private bash at the beginning of the year. He needs all that time to perfect a lavish dinner affair complete with ornate table settings and decor, and multiple entertainment segments that this year will feature the Kamehameha Schools choir.
Consider your woes simplified right now, since the typical host doesn't have to worry about stage lighting, banquet seating and hiring an emcee. But Chandler says whether you're planning a formal or back-yard event, the principals of hospitality are the same.
First of all, relax. "There is no failure in entertaining," Chandler reassures. "It's not about the cost of your china or the number of guests. It's all a matter of being with people who genuinely enjoy your company."
By Eric Eugene Chandler, Special to the Star-Bulletin
Swags, scrolls and a serving tray combine in a garland that
adds drama to an entryway. Use your imagination and bring
family collectibles together to make singular decorations.
Even so, you probably want to make the occasion one that people will recall fondly later on. An important first step is to come up with a theme for your festivities. Chandler says this could be based on a children's story, cultural tradition, travels, unusual hobby or collection such as dolls, trains, even chopsticks.Once a theme is in place, Chandler said, "So many possibilities will emerge involving all aspects of decorating and entertaining. The idea is to transform a space -- whether it's a house, office or a building -- into another world for a brief period of time."
Look around the home for objects that fit the theme, that might be incorporated into decorations, such as old obis, Chinese embroidery or perhaps a piece of kapa. He has hung tea cups and children's wooden blocks on Christmas trees. He's even nestled Tupperware between the branches, each tub filled with such lightweight goodies as cookies, for the taking.
"It's a mistake to think that things have to be expensive to be elegant," he said. "We forget that paper can be worth as much as gold in decorating. A series of postcards strung on gold ribbon can be just as beautiful as Venetian glass or handblown ornaments."
These days, Chandler has big budgets to work with in designing holiday installations and trees for such properties as The Royal Hawaiian Hotel and Sheraton Moana Surfrider. But he recalls early Christmases upon his arrival in Hawaii 30 years ago, when he'd simply hang tangerines on a Douglas fir.
These days, he says with authority, "From a designer's point of view, the Noble fir is really the only Christmas tree." Nobles usually sell for about $10 per foot, unflocked.
Chandler didn't set out to become a Christmas guru, and if he hadn't moved to Hawaii, the spirit may not have taken over so completely.
"Here were the Chinese, Japanese, Hawaiians and Filipinos, with all their festivals and holidays, and here I was, a haole," he said. "I felt left out and I tried to think of what I could do to show I had some kind of tradition I could call my own. And I thought, 'The one thing I'm good at is Christmas.'
"It's an American obsession. It was my way of saying, 'I'm just like the rest of you. I have Christmas!' "
Now he finds his expertise often works against him. "People are intimidated to invite me to parties. They feel like the invitation has to be delivered by horse-drawn carriage or something."
Chandler says that's not necessary, and would-be hosts should go easy on themselves.
"You can make a plan, but realize you have to be flexible. What do you do if you're having a picnic, and it rains? What if the roast burns? Plan for the best but be prepared to throw those plans out. It's important that you don't put any pressure on the guest and don't put pressure on yourself."
Although entertaining seemed to have fallen out of style in the late '80s through early '90s due to recessions in different parts of the country, Chandler said the value of entertaining increases in proportion to the increased importance of family values.
"Everybody's busy doing 101 things. That makes the time we actually spend together so important. It's a challenge to be able to get together."
Here are more of Eric Eugene Chandler's tips for decorating: Helpful hints
Don't limit lights to the outside of Christmas tree branches. String them down the center, or the tree will look dark.
TIPS for the holiday table will be offered at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel when Sheraton Hotels hosts the next installment of its "On the Front Burner: Flavors of Hawaii" cooking class. Taste the 'Flavors
of Hawaii' again"Holiday Flair," from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 5, will include demonstrations by Royal Hawaiian executive chef Tom Wong, and guest chefs Alan Tsuchiyama, executive sous chef of the Sheraton Waikiki and Clifton Kaholokula, sous chef of the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani.
Guests will be inspired to create holiday dishes and a dessert. Participants will sample finished dishes and will receive an apron, recipes and bottle of The Royal Hawaiian's private label chardonnay.
The class will be held at the hotel's Coconut Grove Lanai. The cost is $50 per person or $75 for two. To register, call 931-8409.
