With over 14,000 events under his belt (and counting), the super-rich’s favourite party planner, Johnny Roxburgh, knows a thing or two about the art of throwing a terribly good bash.
“I was in Qatar the week before last, St Tropez last Wednesday, then Paris on Thursday and I’m off to Munich tonight. Then next week I’m off to Zambia to plan something out there,” Roxburgh tells me from his hotel in Florence where he and his team are working on a lavish wedding.
Roxburgh has worked in events for over 40 years, earning himself the title ‘Party Architect,’ having masterminded everything from royal birthday parties, including Prince William’s jungle-themed 21st where he erected a giant ice vodka luge in the shape of an elephant’s head, to afterparties where naked models were used as a makeshift sushi bar.
“That was completely out of control with more sex than you can imagine. Some of the things I’ve been asked to do you can’t possibly print — they are definitely not stuffy old parties.”
Roxburgh started working with the royals after a stint organising events inside the royal box at Guards Polo Club. “I was asked to go to Windsor and then to Buckingham Palace but these days I work with Royal Families all over the world.” He says the UK royals are incredibly conscious of their spending. “They don’t want to be seen as being too ostentatious and they are very keen on value for money.”
In the last two years, he and his team have been working non-stop. “Since the pandemic everyone has been desperate to have fun. The richer are richer than they’ve ever been, they want to have these huge, glamorous parties.” He tells me he’s just finished working on one where Diana Ross made an appearance alongside the entire cast of Anything Goes (the client’s favourite show). Last Christmas he was tasked with building a Scottish baronial mansion inside of a marquee.
“What was more extraordinary was that I had to get it all up and then taken down within 24 hours — it all had to be gone by Christmas Eve.”
So, what’s the secret formula for a perfect, royally-approved party? With the King’s Coronation fast approaching, Johnny Roxburgh shares his tried-and-tested industry secrets.
Royal-inspired Ice sculptures are a must
“Have a vodka luge made in the shape of the Imperial State Crown. Pour the vodka through the orb at the top of the crown so it comes out of the jewels at the bottom. It will come out perfectly chilled and guests will love it.”
Hide budget booze in a cocktail
“I’m a big fan of Aldi and Lidl’s gin and vodka. We hosted our wedding anniversary party for 700 people in 2019 and all the gin and vodka came from Aldi. Once it’s gone into a cocktail, no one knows. You can also use sparkling wine to make a budget-friendly champagne cocktail.” Roxburgh says dry martinis are always a winner.
Don’t sneer at paper cups
Whether it’s a Coronation street party or a bash inside your one-bed flat, paper cups will do just fine. “I know it sounds awful to serve a martini in a paper cup but you want to be able to put it into rubbish at the end of the day.” If you do want to serve things traditionally, Roxburgh points to William Yeoward’s American Bar collection. “They have just the best crystal. All my glasses are from here.”
Do have staff in chic dress
If your budget can stretch, hiring a few waiters for your party is money well spent but they need to be charming, efficient and well-dressed. “For summer events, waiting staff look best in chinos and a linen shirt — Jermyn Street’s Emmett do the most beautiful shirts in an array of colours. It could be fun to have them all wearing varying shades.”
Eggs Drumkilbo and rose ice-cream is in
“A Coronation party calls for Eggs Drumkilbo (a decadent shellfish cocktail with chopped egg and sherry jelly), which was the Queen Mother’s favourite — and I know the King also loves it,” says Roxburgh. “The recipe needs to come from A Taste of Mey cookbook.” He’s also big on novelty jelly moulds from Bompas & Parr that’ll brighten the table.
“The Birley Bakery does a wonderful rose ice-cream that has Turkish delight on the top, this would be best served on a bed of wild strawberries alongside lots of edible flowers. You don’t want any food that’s difficult for guests to eat.”
Hire a busker for the day
Setting the atmosphere for the day is essential, whether that’s with a playlist or a musician. “Hire a busker or acoustic roaming band, there are so many musicians looking for a job, it’s an easy way to amp up the party spirit.”
