EXTRA Celebrates TV’s Finest With the 2006 Emmy Awards Lounge

Hollywood enjoyed a day out at "Extra’s" Emmy Awards Suite at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles. Just days before they hit the red carpet for television’s biggest night, TV personalities, award nominees, and the media came to celebrate the 2006 Emmy Awards in style with a day of luxurious gifts, delicious food, and pampering.

Alyson Hannigan, Josh Radnor and Jason Segel of "How I Met Your Mother" were a few of the many stars who collected a bundle of extravagant gifts, as was comic Kathy Griffin. Hannigan joked, "How can you not have fun when they give you free stuff"? Other stars included Cheryl Hines of "Curb Your Enthusiasm, Jai Rodriguez of "Queer Eye" and the new FOX series "Celebrity Duets," Greg Grunberg of "Heroes," Maria Conchita and Joy Lauren of "Desperate Housewives," Robert Gossett of "The Closer", Daviegh Chase of HBO’s "Big Love", Ming-Na of FOX’s "Vanished" and Paige Davis of "Trading Spaces". A contestant on last season’s "Dancing with the Stars, the always stunning Tia Carrere brought her husband, photographer Simon Wakelin, and her adorable little girl, Bianca, to share in the fun.

Upon entering the luxurious penthouse suite, guests were greeted by the overflowing Jewels and Pinstripes gift bag that would make even the most jaded celebrity’s jaw drop. Besides the incredible gifts, stars were pampered with instant Giorgio Armani makeovers and even spa treatments by InSPArations Mobile Wellness Spa. Teen star Daviegh Chase relaxed with her mom as they received mother/daughter manicures by the professionals at InSPArations, while Cheryl Hines got camera-ready with a little help from the Armani make-up artists. On the other side of the suite, the taste buds were being pampered as well with a variety of mouthwatering treats and refreshments. Guests dined on delicacies prepared by Bravo’s "Top Chef" contestant Dave Martin and sipped fine Stags Leap District wine like Clos Du Val. Martin chatted with us about his upcoming ventures as we his tasted his divine wasabi gazpacho and sushi rolls. (Read more about Martin) Guests also nibbled on cheese and crackers and gave in to their sweet-tooth courtesy of Sweet Elise European Cakes and decadent Shari?s berries chocolate-dipped strawberries. Libations were flowing over at the bar, complete with an "Extra" ice sculpture, featuring drinks made with Frida Kahlo Tequila and Roberto Cavalli Vodka. Complimentary bottles of both fine liquors were gifted to guests. Before leaving, stars signed the specially commissioned "Extra" painting by celebrated Brazilian pop artist Romero Britto.

The suite itself was something to behold, as it was transformed with dazzling floral arrangements complete with shining crystals pinned throughout. Custom flowers were provided by Speaking Roses, who created specialty white and lavender roses imprinted with the famous "Extra" logo. The company specializes in customizing roses with screen printed text and even photos. "Your picture on a rose!" exclaimed an awed Paige Davis.

The "Extra" gift bag created by Jewels and Pinstripes was the truly spectacular. Along with the many other specialty items available in the suite, guests were able to go home with more than $50,000 in gifts. Guests sparkled as they tried on (and then took home) precious jewels from young and hip designers like Julieri, Jessica Elliot, Twisted Silver, and Yen Jewelry. And, of course, great fashion was needed to go with all their fabulous new baubles, and the gift suite was in no loss for Hollywood’s hottest clothing and accessory collections. Spoylt Lingerie, SEE Eyewear, Frankie & Johnny Pajamas by Sleepyhead.com, Poe Hats, Streets Ahead Belts, the La Brea boutique Iconology, Agave Premium Denim, Crocs Shoes, Cameron Nicole Designs Handbags, Ike Behar Shirts, Clara Kasavina Bags, B’s Purses, Pearl Swimwear, LuLu Travel Duffels, Smart Ass Thongs, and Patricia Green Collection Shoes all helped guests expand their closets. Their kid’s wardrobes got a little bigger, too, with clothing and toys including Tiny Toes Baby Wear, Trumpette Baby Socks, Sweet Peanut and Om Buddy Baby Clothing, Silly B Tees, Mama and Bambino Kids Clothing, a Kid-Tough Digital Camera by Fisher-Price, Munchkin iCRIB and Bling Pacifier, SnuggleBug Baby Pacifier Clips, and "Salt Water Kisses" children’s book by Kristen and Nancy Usich.

The ever-popular beauty products were definitely not lacking, either, with wonderful items including Giorgio Armani Parfums, the amazing Clarisonic Skincare Brush, made by the people who brought us the Sonicare toothbrush, B. Kamins Skincare Products, Jack Black Authentic and Original Men’s Grooming Products, DermaStyle Skin Stylus, Brown Bag Botanicals Shea Butter, English Leather Cologne, Tabu Fragrance, and Heavy Duty Body Care Products, to keep the already-beautiful people looking fabulous. Other gifts included electronics from Shure Microphones and Audio Electronics, Keurig Coffeemakers, Logitech, and Techno Source Sudoku, travel certificates from Pure Las Vegas Nightclub and Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, and scrumptious goodies from Woodhouse Chocolates, St. Helena Olive Oil, and TeaForte Tea.

Of course, the current celebrity accessory of choice – a little dog, that is – was not left out of the fun. Owners of pampered pooches took home a Bark Avenue Jewelers Year of the Dog Pendant, Pup-Pup Personalized PupID, Hyde Bark Dog Bowl, Planet Dog Squeaky Blue Ribbon Buddy and Blue Ribbon Ringo toy, Bella Lucy Doggie Poop Bag, Sushi Pups Squeaky Dog Toy, Everlasting Fun Ball for Dogs, and gifts from Chi Chi Couture.com Dog Gifts and Couture, Just Pet Strollers, Furr Me Products, Vegas Rock Dog, Aud & M Leather Dog Collars, and Hollywood Dog Magazine.

"It’s an interesting range of products so everyone who comes in has a little something for them," said "Extra" event planner JL Pomeroy of the J Line Group.

It wasn’t just all fun and free gifts, though. Jewels and Pinstripes auctioned one super gift bag on eBay and raised more than $15,000 for the American Red Cross Hurricane Relief Fund. Founded in October of 2004, Jewels and Pinstripes is a premier designer of luxury gift bags, specializing in celebrity and VIP gift bags for charity and high profile events. They also designed the bags for "Extra’s" Oscar Suite in March. To date, Jewels and Pinstripes has raised more than $175,000 for various charities.

For more on these exciting gifts, watch for our upcoming article here in LA’ The Place featuring the products in the gift bags of the Extra 2006 Emmy Gift Suites.