Party Planners & Planning Resources

Another Super Bowl Menu Idea

2009-02-09T09:17:00.001-05:00

I received an email from a "Pittsburgher and die-hard Steeler fan" yesterday who argued that there might be better choices for the Steeler side of this year's Super Bowl menu. She feels that pierogies and cabbage and noodles are more local food choices. My response is that I considered those dishes, but didn't feel they were the kind of dishes I'd want at a Super Bowl party. They were better suited to a sit-down meal. But this reader also suggested another item that would make a good party sandwich, Chipped Chopped Ham. Isaly's, the Pittsburgh deli that invented this product, offers a recipe for Rosie's Sandwich on their site. So, if you're a die-hard Steeler fan, you might want to drop all of the Seattle food choices from the menu, and add any or all of these other Pittsburgher suggestions.

Super Bowl XLIII Menu

2009-01-31T09:16:00.000-05:00

The Super Bowl is always an eagerly anticipated event, as much for the party as for the football rivalry. Fans look forward to cheering on their teams, while indulging in hearty, casual food. Along with traditional Super Bowl party snacks, I always enjoy adding recipes to the menu that evoke the hometown cuisine of both competitors.

Here are menu suggestions to salute both the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Arizona Cardinals, the 2009 Super Bowl contenders. It's going to be an interesting menu with hearty, Amish cuisine filling up the appetites of Steelers fans, and the spicy, Mexico influenced flavors of the southwest spiking appetites for Cardinals fans.Super Bowl XLIII Party Menu

Chicken and Corn Chowder - This is a very popular recipe in the Amish country. Serve it in mugs so that guests can move around with it, if necessary.

One Minute Guacamole - Guacamole is always great party food. Serve with tortilla chips for a simple taste of the southwest.

Nachos - These are another "can't miss" party favorite with a southwest fla

Party Planning Basics - The Theme

2009-01-19T09:16:00.001-05:00

A child's birthday party comes once a year and is often one of their favorite days of the year.?Every child loves a day devoted to just them.?Hosting a themed birthday party for your child can be a fun event.?A large consideration is choosing the theme of the party.

A great idea is to sit down at the beginning stages of planning the birthday party and have a brainstorming session.?Find a comfy place, get a pad of paper, and sit down with a cup of coffee.?Your focus is on thinking about your child and what they enjoy to do.?

Do they have a favorite character from television or the movies??Is there a picture book that they want you to read over and over??Are they a member of a sports team or have an activity that they love to do??Write down everything that you can think of.?Remember you are brainstorming and can edit later.??

Your child may have some thoughts about what type of "theme birthday party" they would like.?If your child is very young they may not give much input as to what type of theme they would like to have.?An older child may plan for months in advance what they would like.?If they do have input make sure to involve them in the planning.?They will appreciate it and the party will be all the more special when their birthday arrives.

It might be a good idea to have a top pick and then one or two alternate ideas.?Even with the large number of themed birthday party supplies available, your top choice may be hard to find.?It is good to find this out

Have You Experienced One of These Parties?

2009-01-17T13:54:00.000-05:00

I heard about two different party ideas this week that were new to me. The first one was a chicken pox party where families get together at the home of an afflicted child, and socialize with the hope of spreading the virus to their children, and avoiding the vaccine. I know that there are strong feelings on both sides of the vaccination debate, and I won't get in the middle of that. But I do feel that a party is inappropriate, and unfair to the sick child suffering with the chicken pox.

The other party idea that was new to me was a baby shower raffle party. Guests are asked to participate in a raffle at a baby shower to raise money for the parents-to-be. I guess this has become a common trend, because I see that baby shower party supply sites actually sell raffle tickets for this purpose. If you're wondering, it's poor etiquette to do what amounts to asking for a money gift for the guest-of-honor. A baby shower for a first child is a welcoming celebration where the community helps stock the nursery for the new parents. A baby shower for subsequent children can also be a terrific celebration, and although the family may have the basic supplies, diapers or new small items that wouldn't make it past the first child (such as pacifiers) would be appropriate gifts to wish the family well. These second child showers are often called "sprinkle" showers. But raising money, except in cases where tragedy has struck the family, is inappropriate.

What do you think about these party trends? Have you ever been to one of these? Share your thoughts in our comments sectio

Online Super Bowl Invites

2009-01-15T09:15:00.000-05:00

y Forum

Free, Online Invitations for Your Super Bowl Party

By Donna Pilato, About.com

Filed In:

Theme and Holiday Parties

> Super Bowl

Since the Super Bowl is one of the most casual parties you will host all year, there's no reason not to use the most informal invitation option - the online invitation. They're casual, free, no postage is required and can be sent even if your Super Bowl party is a last minute plan. In addition, they will help you keep track of your invitation responses. Here are the best places to find online Super Bowl invitations this year.

1. EviteThis company is one of the oldest online invitation sites. Their service is free and easy to use. They offer 20 different designs for a football bash

2. My PunchbowlThis company offers 17 different Super Bowl designs from which to choose. They can be customized with colors, and photos. You can also find party planning advice on the site. They will help you keep track of responses, and send out follow-ups to those who haven't yet responded. However, before you can browse the site, you will need to register (all services are free).

3. SocializrThis new player in the online invite market offers 21 free Super Bowl invitation designs. Invitations can be personalized with music, videos, or personal information from sources like your My Space page or personal blog.

4. American GreetingsYou will need to register with American Greetings to use this free football party invitation. The nice thing about this site is that you can use it to keep a calendar of important events, and even have them send reminders to your cell phone if you so choose.

Suggested Reading

Super Bowl Party and Entertaining Tips

Related Art

Guilt Free Snacking on Super Bowl Sunday

2008-02-02T09:15:00.000-05:00

I know every nutritionist and diet expert over the past month has been telling us not to let parties take us off track from our diets. We should drink large glasses of water and eat a meal before attending a party so that we won't be tempted to eat the non-diet food we run across there. But I like to believe that Super Bowl Sunday is one of those days where the party food you eat doesn't have calories, or at the very least can be worked off while cheering on your favorite team. But if you're still feeling a little guilty about your upcoming Super Bowl snacks, I'll give you a healthy way to look at some favorites:

Nachos are a balanced meal as far as I'm concerned. You can have meat, vegetables and dairy all in one crunchy bite.

Popcorn snacks are made with popcorn and popcorn is just chock full of fiber. All of that fiber makes up for the other added ingredients.

Buffalo wings are made from chicken and everyone knows how healthy chicken is.

Guacamole is basically a vegetable dip. The fat in guacamole is a healthy fat, so the calories don't count on Super Bowl Sunday.

Layered dips usually have lettuce layered between the cheeses and the meats. The lettuce outweighs the fat and calories derived from the other ingredients.

Don't believe my rationale for these Super Bowl snacks? Then go ahead and enjoy your celery and carrot sticks - you'll find me by the guacamole.

Author: Donna Pilato

15 Suggestions for a Healthy Super Bowl Party

2008-01-27T16:02:00.001-05:00

Here are some ideas to make Super Bowl Sunday low fat and, in some cases, low calorie.

1. Order pizza without the cheese and ask for extra veggies.
2. Use plain yogurt instead of sour cream to mix up the dip. Use baked or low-fat chips and veggies for dipping.
3. Make nachos using reduced fat cheese and baked chips.
4. Drink diet soda, non-alcoholic beer and soda water instead of regular beer, soda or juice.
5. Use low-fat microwave popcorn.
6. Take a walk at halftime.
7. Watch the game while running on your treadmill.
8. Eat pretzels instead of chips.
9. Make submarine sandwiches using non-fat mayo, mustard, low-fat cheese and lean deli meats like turkey breast. Skip the ham, salami and bologna while piling on veggies such as pepper strips, sprouts, tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, pickles, cucumbers and grated carrots.
10. Order a fruit tray from your local grocer instead of a cheese tray.
11. Serve a broth-based soup instead of a cream soup.
12. Make a pot of vegetarian chili instead of the regular beef based, or use low-fat ground turkey breast instead of the regular beef.
13. Put out cereal mix instead of mixed nuts.
14. Skip the cheese and crackers and substitute pita wedges and hummus dip.
15. Instead of chicken wings, make chicken fingers using skinless chicken breast strips, dipped in milk and seasoned bread crumbs and baked at 425 for 10 minutes (cooked through, but still moist). Dip into mustard, honey or barbecue sauce.

Author: Sue Gilbert, M.S., Nutritionist

Planning Your Super Bowl Party

2008-01-27T15:59:00.001-05:00

Don't Hold Back!

The traditional Super Bowl Party is probably the least fussy, most unpretentious party you can host all year. So, there is no point in holding anything back! Go all out and serve everyone's favorite high fat, finger-licking snack foods. After all, your television set is the focal point, not the food. Or is it?

Thinking about the traditional party food for this event- chips, sour cream or cheese dips (onion soup dip springs to mind), chili, salsa, Buffalo wings, cheese balls, pizza (the Domino's kind, thank you very much, not the goat cheese and smoked pheasant kind) - I wonder whether these items are served because they're easy to serve and eat while watching the game, or because this has become the one event where Americans can eat their favorite foods without guilt. Men take the lead at this party, and their tastes have set the tone for the snacks as well as the entertainment. Let's all eat what we enjoy and forget about the diet ramifications or culinary trends!

Party Tips According to the folks at Hallmark Cards, Inc., Super Bowl parties are one of the top at-home party events of the year. Super Bowl parties have become much more than a gathering of football lovers. In fact, many people attending these parties don't love football as much as they love the excuse to get together with friends at the end of the very boring month of January.

Whether you're planning a Super Bowl party out of love for the game or just the desire to host a fun, relaxing party, here are tips for making this a super bash:

- Plan simple, portable foods. A buffet is your only option. Nobody wants to be sitting down at a table to eat when they'd rather be screaming at a television set or two.

- Set up as many televisions as you have available around the party area.

- Don't prepare recipes that will keep you locked in the kitchen all night. You should enjoy the party too.

- Have one room set aside without a television for partygoers who aren't interested in the game and would like a quieter place to talk.

- Likewise, set up one room with a television for serious football fans who don't want to be distracted by idle chatter.

- Plan on plenty of beverages, and don't forget the beer. With all of those beer commercials bombarding your guests, they'll be working up a strong thirst for the suds.

- If you feel compelled to decorate, think team colors, footballs, team jerseys, goal posts, and pennants. But don't knock yourself out. Most eyes will be more impressed by the clear reception on your television.

- Have lots of paper towels, napkins and rug cleaner handy for messes created during exciting plays.

- Keep a little spare change and small bills handy for any betting pools that just might pop up over the course of the evening.

Author: Donna Pilato

Top 7 Super Bowl Necessities

2008-01-27T15:25:00.001-05:00

When it comes to the Super Bowl, the actual football game is often an afterthought to the Super Bowl party. Most of your guests will care more about how prepared you were for their entertainment than how prepared the teams were for the game. That's why you need to be sure you'll have all the necessities for your Super Bowl party this year.

1) Maxim Warming Tray
You know your Super Bowl party is a buffet all the way. But the trick is to keep the food warm and appetizing throughout the game. That's why you'll want at least one of these warming trays for all those items you don't want to keep running into the kitchen to reheat.

2) A 6-Quart Slow Cooker
A slow cooker is the perfect appliance for keeping your chili, beans, cocktail franks, or swedish meatballs at just the right serving temperature throughout your Super Bowl party.

3) Swirl Design Glass
Chip and Dip Chips are always going to have a place at your Super Bowl party, and a chip and dip bowl is the ideal way to serve them.

4) Cafeteria Style Supplies
Host your party in cafeteria style with trays, food baskets, ketchup and mustard dispensers and disposable plates. Find these and other party supplies at Plum Party.

5) 4 Part Condiment Dish
Your guests will be looking for lots of crunchy things to relieve their stress during the big game. Remember to serve plenty of crisp veggies and dips to satisfy that crunchy impulse in a healthy way.

6) Super Bowl Party Pack
This is not a party for your fine china. The more disposable your party goods are, the better.

7) Beer Steins
As much as it makes life easier to use disposable party goods for the food, it's still pretty nice to drink your beer from a real stein.

Author: Donna Pilato

Toasted: A Housewarming Tradition

2008-01-17T17:34:00.001-05:00

A housewarming gift comes from cultural traditions the world over. But for the most part, a housewarming gift comes from the heart, an act of giving from one friend to another. The true meaning of housewarming can be found when one friend sees the need of another, and tries in however small of measure to give something to help. May the roof above us never fall in And may we good companions beneath it never fall out. - Irish Blessing

From round bread loaves and salt to a classic kitchen gift, the tradition of housewarming gift giving has a long and venerable history. That history of a housewarming gift continues today as an effective means of bringing new neighbors together.

The Tradition

Boris removed his cap and wrung it nervously. A member of Russia's ruling party was arriving in full regalia. The entourage moved through the village as merchants offered respect. Boris nervously ran to his cottage and asked his wife, Yelena, for the gift they had prepared for this moment.

As the dignitary approached the outskirts of the village, Boris walked forward holding a round loaf of bread with a mound of salt in the center.

"What's this?" asked the dignitary.

"Bread - for good health. Salt - for long life," Boris said nervously.

"For me?" queried the dignitary.

"With glad welcome," replied Boris as Yelena anxiously brushed back a strand of hair wondering if the gift would be well received.

All was quiet while the dignitary lifted the bread and inhaled the fresh baked scent. "Such a wonderful welcome," he said with a large grin. The village folk broke out into cheers as a new tradition was born.

...

While there is no definitive way of knowing exactly how housewarming gifts truly originated, some historians believe a scenario like the one above may have merit. Some will look back further to the birth of the Christ child and the gifts of the Magi.

However it originated, the idea of giving a housewarming gift in honor of new neighbors or friends has long been celebrated. It has proven useful in either breaking the ice with those we have not known or celebrating a new chapter in the lives of those we have long cared for.

Meaningful friendships have begun by observing this housewarming tradition.

Housewarming Etiquette

Housewarming gifts should be practical. A kitchen gift or cooking gift is always appreciated as neighbors or friends begin life in a new home. Housewarming gifts do not need to be overly expensive to be gratefully received. A very expensive housewarming gift given publicly can actually cause uncomfortable moments for the recipient as well as any other guests who may be in the home.

So Many Choices

While items for the outdoors may prove useful in some cases, a kitchen gift or cooking gift proves especially welcome in most scenarios. Even single men often find the kitchen of unique interest when seeking to entertain guests, so a housewarming gift for the kitchen may be appropriate more often than you might think.

A Good Neighbor

In a society that is increasingly mobile, a housewarming gift may be the perfect opportunity to lend support for someone who may be distanced from family. Your simple act of kindness in this housewarming tradition may well result in long term friendship and mutual support. In a society where we often don't know our neighbor's names, a housewarming gift provides a welcome means of connecting neighbors.

Author: James Zeller

Top This Party

2008-01-08T09:27:00.000-05:00

Over the weekend I managed to catch the new Lifetime series "Top this Party", that has new episodes every Friday night at 10p.m. with rebroadcasts throughout the week. Although I've been enjoying the recent break from television, courtesy of the writer's strike, I couldn't miss checking out this series about two party planners to the very rich and spoiled. One of the party planners, Brian Dobbin, serves clients based in Orange County, CA. The other one, Brian Rice, works in Las Vegas. Once I was able to get past the spoiled women who hired Brian Dobbin, I enjoyed watching these planners at work. After all, not many of us have the challenge of putting together a party with a virtually unlimited budget. The sky's the limit for these bashes - I just wish the clients appreciated how good they have it, instead of petulantly demanding more. Did you watch the show? Will you tune in next week?

By: Donna Pilato

Party Planning Tips For Planning The Perfect Birthday Party Celebration

2008-01-06T03:36:00.000-05:00

As 2006 draws to a close, and 365 brand new days lie ahead of us, we look forward to another year of memorable celebrations with family and friends!

At times, planning these events may seem a little daunting, that is why we have put together the perfect celebration checklist to keep your party planning on track, and ensure that no small detail is forgotten.

Developing a game plan and keeping a checklist can be exactly what you need to help organize any event. So from the guest list to the thank-you cards, In Favour will be there every step of the way... think of us as little party planning fairies!

Taking the time to organize your thoughts and get your party ideas down on paper can take a lot of the stress out of planning a great event. Advance planning can mean the difference between booking the venue and time that you want for your party and settling for second best.

Four Weeks Prior To Your Celebration

- Select a date for your celebration. Remember, if your child's birthday falls during the week, you will want to book a weekend celebration on either side of that date. Also keep holidays and long weekends in mind. Some families travel or have their own special celebrations on long weekends and you may find your attendance numbers fall if you book a celebration on a holiday weekend. Many party hosting facilities are also closed for long weekends.
- Decide what your budget will be for your event. Planning ahead will allow you to price out the cost of venues, food, loot bags and other incidentals.
- Prepare your guest list. Keep a record of other parties that your child has been invited to over the course of the year. If your child is old enough, sit down with them and discuss who they would like to see at their party. Set limits to the number of friends they can invite. This will help your child decide who they would really like to have at their party. Without limits, you may be hosting the entire neighbourhood!
- Choose a party theme or character for your celebration.
- Take a trip to the local toy store or simply ask your child what gifts they would like to receive for their birthday. Many parents will be eager for gift suggestions, so have a list prepared with items, such as puzzles, books, and art supplies. A great non-gift option that is becoming popular these days is to select a charity your child is interested in, and suggest donations to that charity. Including this information directly in the invitations saves you time and explanations.

HINT: Scholar's Choice offers a BIRTHDAY REGISTRY for all members! You and your child can take time to fill his or her very own birthday bucket with any toy that they would like to recieve. This way, guests can stop in and pick and choose from a much smaller selection of toys that they know that birthday child will love!

- Take all of the stress out of organizing and putting together your party loot bags and decorations! Choose from our wide selection of party packages and mix & match your loot bags to accommodate each and every child at your party!

Three Weeks Prior To Your Celebration

- Review your guest list.
- Prepare and send/handout the invitations.
Include the following information on the invitation:
- Location with address & phone number, time and duration of the party
- Theme of the party and activities planned during the party
- Let the parents know if the child will require special clothing such as socks (for indoor playgrounds) or clothing for arts & crafts.
- Indicate whether or not parents are invited to stay for the party. If parents are leaving their children in your care, be sure to request an emergency contact number where they can be reached.
- State what foods you will be serving. Is lunch included or will the children only be eating snacks & cake.
- Ask if there are any allergies to be aware of.
- Set an RSVP deadline, along with your name and phone number or email address.
- Gift or charity donation ideas or if you would prefer no gifts at all, this would be the time to mention it.

Two Weeks Prior To Your Celebration

- Plan your menu and collect phone numbers for the pizza parlour and bakery.
- Create a phone number sign in sheet for parents who will be leaving their child in your care during the celebration. That way, you will have quick access to emergency phone numbers if needed.
- Order your cake from the bakery. Make sure that they know what time you will be picking up the cake. Always book your cake for at least 4 hours prior to the event time if possible. Confirm that their products are nut free.

One Week Prior To Your Celebration

- Take a moment to mentally run through your celebration day. Imagine how you see it unfolding from the moment that you get up until the time the party ends. This way you can plan ahead for baths, dressing, departure times and arrival times at your chosen location. Setting out an agenda will help the entire family plan their day and organize themselves accordingly.
- Check that all of your invited guests have RSVP'd. Contact those who haven't to make sure that they received their invitation and to confirm whether they will be attending.
- Label the loot bags for each child. This will help ensure you have one for each child coming to the party.
- Shop for and wrap your child's birthday gifts!
- Confirm your event bookings and food orders.

One Day Prior To Your Celebration

- Make sure that the batteries for your camera are charged, and that you have lots of film or space on your memory card. It is a good idea to have a friend or family member play camera man on this special day. That way your attention is not diverted and you won't miss any of the fun PLUS you'll be in the pictures with your child!
- Organize a basket or box of all of the items that you will need for the party.
- Prepare food that can be made ahead of time.
- Organize decorations, or if your celebration is at home, decorate with balloons, banners and streamers.

The Day Of Your Celebration

- Wish your child HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
- Pick up your cake and balloons.
- Decorate.
- Organize your party supplies on the table or serving area.
- Organize birthday gifts.
- Sit back and enjoy the perfect party !!!
- During the present opening, write down the gifts that each child gives your birthday girl/boy. This will help when writing out the thank you notes.

Tip: take a picture of the birthday girl/boy with their friend and the gift they gave. Tip: sometimes it is easier to open the gifts after the children have left and the party is over.

- Hand out the loot bags to the guests at the end of the party, as the children are leaving. This allows the birthday girl/boy to personally thank each guest for coming to their party.

It also encourages the kids to open the loot bags with their parents in attendance, and minimizes the risk of kids losing their loot bags, or items out of their loot bags. You don't want anyone leaving the party unhappy!

A Handy Dandy Checklist

 Decorations: streamers, balloons, birthday banner, piñata-filled & hitting stick & blindfold, confetti, table centerpiece.
 Loot Bags for the guests
 Games/Activities/Crafts: Relay races, Pin the Tail on the Donkey, Musical Chairs, and any other crafts or activities that you have planned
 Tableware: Tablecover luncheon plates, dessert plates, napkins, cups, cutlery (for both eating and serving)
 Party Essentials: Masking tape, scotch tape, blank paper, pen, string, matches or lighter for cake candles, scissors.
 Photography: camera, video camera, film, memory card, new or freshly-charged batteries.
 Serving Utensils for The Food: plan your menu, then ensure that you have sufficient and appropriate serving dishes and utensils for each food item. (For example, for the cake: cake plate, knife and lifter, matches or lighter, candles or sparklers, ice cream scoop. For chips: large bowls for each variety of chips or Cheesies or pretzels, etc.)
 List of attendees, sign-in sheet emergency contact information for parents dropping off their children. You can also include party information reminders such as pick-up time and ask once again if there are any allergies that you should be aware of.
 Box for transporting gifts back home.
 Garbage bags for clean-up (although some facilities may supply these).
 Your SMILE!! Be happy and enjoy!

Create Your Own One Of A Kind Loot Bags

Starting in January, you can now purchase loot bag items to build your own loot bags. In Favour carries a wide variety of character items and themed party favours to help make creating your loot bags a piece of cake! Want to make the job even easier? Choose from our many exciting themes of ready made loot bags in two price options!

Happy party planning from your In Favour Party Planning Team!

Saving Time with Double Batches

2007-12-23T09:26:00.000-05:00

It always seems that parties come in bunches. There will be periods when I have nothing social scheduled and then suddenly there will be a series of weekends with multiple events. In those cases it's easy to entertain because you can save time by cooking double batches.
For example, if you are going to a party on a Friday where you will be bringing a dish, and entertaining on Sunday, bake cookies or cook appetizers that you can use at both events. Make sure, of course, that they are recipes that can be made ahead of time. That will save you the trouble of planning, shopping for, and pulling out the ingredients for two different recipes. And as long as you don't see the exact same group of friends, no one will be any wiser to your shortcut.

By: Donna Pilato

Guarantee Yourself Time To Party

2007-12-21T09:25:00.000-05:00

One of the worst mistakes a hostess can make is planning a menu that requires her to be in the kitchen cooking throughout her party. You didn't invite guests over just to serve them food, did you? No, you wanted to spend time enjoying their company.

To make sure this doesn't happen to you at your next party, plan a menu that can be almost completely cooked in advance and simply re-heated when your guests arrive. Have no more than two recipes, and one is even better, that need last minute preparation. Then you can knock-out your guests with your personality and not with your kitchen perspiration.

By: Donna Pilato

Icebreaker For Tweens

2007-10-28T10:22:00.000-04:00

By the time kids are in late grade school, they're becoming a little too sophisticated (or so they think!) for the old standby games such as musical chairs or hot potato. On the other hand, they're not quite skillful enough to keep the conversation flowing throughout the entire party. So a party icebreaker game that provides them with fun, easy conversation questions is a great way to kick off a party and keep the chatter going when things slow down.

You'll need a big basket or bowl, and small slips of paper with these questions written on them within the basket. Have enough questions so that there's one for each kid at the party, and as many more as you think the group will need. The play is simple - have the children sit in a circle facing one another. In turn they should pass the basket around and take one of the questions. They must read the question out loud and answer it. Anyone else who would like to answer the question can take a turn with it. When the conversation for one question is completed, pass the bowl and the next person takes a question. Continue until it's time to move onto the next party activity. If refreshments are served later in the party, you might want to bring out the questions again so they have conversation starters handy if things get too quiet.

Here are possible questions for this icebreaker. Feel free to add other fun questions according to the group's interests. Beware of questions that will provoke too personal an answer, or spark hurt feelings in the group.

What is your favorite book of all time and why?

What is your favorite television program?

If you could be an actor/actress in any movie, which would it be?

If you could solve one of the world's big problems, which would you choose?

If you could have either good looks or brains which would you pick and why?

If you could live under the ocean or on the moon, which would you choose?

What is your most favorite food?

What is your least favorite food?

Name the best day of your entire life.

If you could be great friends with any celebrity, who would you pick?

If you had to give up one food for the rest of your life, would it be chocolate or pizza?

If you could have a magical power, what would you want it to be?

If you could have lunch with a famous historical figure, who would it be?

If you could choose to be born at another point in history, when would it be?

If you could study in another country for a year, where would you like to go?

What animal do you wish you could change into at will, and why?

What was your favorite toy when you were younger?

If you could have picked your own name, what would it be?

Invent a new item of clothing - describe it.

What would be your perfect day?

If you had three wishes, what would they be?

If you could change one thing in the history books, what would you change?

What would be your dream job?

Invent a new piece of technology - describe what it would do.

What is your favorite time of day, and why?

By: Donna Pilato

Business Table Manners

2007-10-08T09:20:00.000-04:00

Part 1 - Place Setting Rules and Personal Habits

Never be fooled by the apparent congeniality of a business meal. Whether a prospective employer is taking you to lunch or you're trying to win the big contract, your table manners have never been under greater scrutiny.

It's not that anyone cares if you have the skill to memorize the rules of the table. Emily Post is not quizzing you. But the fact is that table manners were designed to keep us from offending one another with unappetizing behavior. For example, you may think that it's better to pick food out of your front teeth with that handy matchbook cover than to have spinach stuck between your choppers. But your potential employer may not want to shake your hand after it's been digging in the recesses of your mouth.

The rules of table etiquette can be very involved. But as already stated, you won't be sitting for an exam on the subject. This is a basic list of American rules for the table to keep you out of trouble and, hopefully, land that job or contract.

Place Setting Rules

Your water glass is the one on your right.

The bread dish to the left is yours.

Put butter on your bread dish. Break off bite-size pieces of bread to butter and eat one at a time.

Use the utensils from the outside in.

If right-handed, hold the knife in that hand while cutting and the fork in your left. Put the knife down on your plate and switch the fork to your right hand to eat the piece that has been cut.

If you drop a utensil, leave it where it fell on the floor and ask the waiter to bring you a new one. Once you've used a utensil, do not place it down on the table cloth. It should be put on your plate. This ensures that the table linens will stay clean.

When you finish eating, your knife and fork should be placed across your plate pointing to 11:00.

Personal Habits

Don't talk with food in your mouth. It makes it difficult to understand what you're saying, and it's not pleasant to see your food being masticated. Further, you don't want to risk a torpedo flying out of your mouth onto your companion's plate.

Chew with your mouth closed. See above.

Don't order messy foods that are difficult to eat. You will feel self-conscious as you try to keep the greasy sandwich from dripping on your new silk tie or dress. Or think about the vision of yourself with barbecue sauce smeared across your cheeks after slobbering over a rack of ribs. Not a pretty sight, is it?

Don't burp. It's not cute and it's not a compliment in most parts of the world, no matter what your father told you. If a burp or hiccup escapes, just quietly say, "excuse me."

Keep your elbows off the table while eating. It can interfere with the person seated next to you. After the meal has been cleared, you may put your elbows on the table in order to lean forward to join in conversation.

Head for the rest rooms if you must remove something stuck between your teeth.

Don't gobble your food in a rush. Give your mouth some space to converse.

Never lift your soup bowl to drink the final drops. Tilt it away from you and scoop the final amount with the spoon pushing away from you. Don't try to get every last drop.

Don't lick your fingers, use a napkin.

By: Donna Pilato

Have You Tried a Progressive Dinner Party?

2007-09-22T09:19:00.000-04:00

A progressive dinner party is a very neighborly way to socialize. Most people are familiar with pot luck parties where everyone brings the food to one place. With a progressive dinner party, the guests move around to the food instead. Several couples take turns hosting the various courses of the meal, with everyone moving from house to house in time for the next course. I've participated in progressive parties, and they can be a lot of fun. If it's a large group of people who don't know one another well, it helps to begin with ice breaker games.

By: Donna Pilato

Party Planning Tips

2007-08-20T09:17:00.000-04:00

Below are a few helpful tips when planning your next party.

1. Most importantly, have a good time! Your guests will take their lead from you. If they see you dancing and having a good time, they will too. It really does work this way.

2. If the party is to be a surprise, it is important to have a private phone number where caterers and DJs can call to confirm times, locations, etc.

3. It is a great idea to have a theme to your party. This will help guests in gift selection and attire for the party. Here are some ideas: 20's - 90's, Mexican Fiesta, Caribbean, Hawaiian, Pajama Parties, Sock Hops, Over The Hill Parties, etc.

4. When sending invitations, allow three to four weeks advance time. Be sure to include attire and theme, food to be served, time to arrive, whether gifts are appropriate, an RSVP number, directions to the party and for kids' parties remember to include pickup times.

5. If you are going to use a professional caterer, ask for references, ask about cancellation policies, deposits, and staffing. One source for professional caterers is The National Association Of Catering Executives.

6. Make sure that dinner is served on time. If dinner is late or runs too long it can really throw the timetable off and there's not enough time left for a lot of FUN!!!

7. Be flexible with your music! Allow the DJ to read the crowd! Trying to program the entire evening's music by choosing too many songs really never works, you need to allow for guests' requests and what the DJ sees is going over at the event.

8. When deciding on a location for your party consider your parking needs, a large enough area to accommodate your guests, a dance floor (these can be rented), noise codes or statutes, handicapped access, cleanup times, and any other needs of your vendors (cooking facilities and electricity).

9. Tell the hall manager to please adjust the air conditioning if necessary as the room fills up and the dancing starts. Guests don't like to dance if the room is too warm.

10. Don't expect your guests to dance on carpet. If your hall is all carpet and does not have a tile, or wooden dance floor etc, consider renting a portable dance floor. You'll find them in the yellow pages under "Party Supplies" or "Rental Equipment". To a lesser extent, for outdoor weddings, guests don't like dancing on rough concrete. Just something to keep in mind.

11. Advise your guests whether gifts are appropriate, limited to a dollar amount, and whether they should be tied to the party theme. With kids' parties, correct sizes and personal tastes (e.g., Barbie's or baseball cards) can be very helpful.

12. If your party will consist of many or all underage guests, adult supervision is a MUST. Make sure your chaperones know what their responsibilities are and that they are available at all times. Your catering staff and entertainers will be busy performing their functions, so it is important for them to know who the chaperones are and where to find them. It is best that no alcohol be available, because your liability can be questioned, even after your guests have left your party.

13. When deciding on times for your party, don't let the party go on too long. It is best to have everyone in good spirits at the end rather than having your guests dwindle down to a few.

14. Be sure to let all your vendors know what you expect of them, and what they can expect as to your guests and the party. Disappointments will come when the communication is poor.

15. Entertainment will be a key component of your party. When considering your entertainment keep in mind, the party theme, the Guest of Honor, and especially your invited guests. Though the Guest Of Honor may be a "classical buff," having a string quartet for entertainment may find many guests having "pressing commitments" and leaving early. The same may be true at an 18th birthday where Oldies are played, or a 5 year old's party where Top 40 is played.

By: AZ Productions

Party Planning Tips

2007-07-22T08:06:00.001-04:00

"When you are arranging a party you may find it bewildering at first knowing there are so many things to organise and so little time to plan them."

First things first: Relax and take a deep breath. Secondly, find a pad of paper, a pencil and a quiet corner and begin making notes of what needs to be achieved and a diary or a time grid to begin prioritising key essential elements.

Below are some of the main areas you will need to address and the detail you will need to cover:

Venue - Select location that matches style and theme of the event.
Catering - Menus, style of food service, drink requirements and hire.
Production - Lighting, theme, floristry.
Staffing - Bartenders, waitresses and supervisors.
Entertainment - Band, DJ, act(s) or performers.
Invitation/Guest list management - Names and attendees on spreadsheet.
Operational - Event scheduling, venue access, contact details, supplier arrival times.
Logistics: Power Requirements, supplier kit specification, venue dimensions.
Health and Safety - Supplier Risk Assessment and Method Statements.
Insurance - Public Liability, Accidental, Indemnity.

At Evolve, we never take anything for granted and therefore we place huge emphasis on what we term the three P's: Planning Planning Planning

You can never do too much planning and by crossing the t's and dotting the i's, checking and double-checking you are taking the right steps to ensure your event runs smoothly, effortlessly and without unforeseen surprises.

Remember: never leave anything to chance and never merely hope that on the day everything will turn out well.

Evolve Events & Venues' Top 10 Party Planning Tips

-Always start planning early and never leave anything to chance.
-Choose your creative angle and then a venue that reflects the idea.
-Always arrange a site visit to each venue.
-Confirm power requirements and venue dimensions with all suppliers.
-Read venue contract and "Do's" and "Don'ts" thoroughly.
-Choose food and beverage that ties in with creative angle.
-Build in more than sufficient time for set-up - you will always need more time than you think!
-Checklist of all suppliers with contact details including arrival and finishing times.
-A schedule outlining every activity during your event.
-Confirmation of numbers with caterers at least one week in advance to ensure adequate supplies of food, glassware and staff are present at the event.

By Evolve Events

Progressive Dinner Parties

2007-07-13T09:19:00.000-04:00

How it Works

If you're looking for a way to socialize that requires little work or expense and that keeps the party moving all night, then a Progressive Dinner Party may hold the answer for you. At a Progressive Dinner a group of friends plan a meal together where each course is served at a different participant's home, so that the party literally moves from place to place throughout the evening.

This party style works especially well for friends who live close to one another either in a neighborhood, an apartment building or a condo complex. Then everyone can walk from home to home without worrying about organizing cars and designated drivers. It also facilitates digesting between courses!

When planning your dinner, you should schedule no more than 3-4 courses. Beyond that the logistics become too complicated with too much time wasted on traveling. Plan on at least a three hour evening, in order to allow for 45 minutes to an hour at each stop.

Here are suggestions for potential courses:
- Hors d'oeuvres and cocktails
- An appetizer course
- A first course such as soup, salad or pasta
- The main course including side dishes Cheese, fruit and nuts
- Dessert

Some groups hold monthly Progressive Dinners with a different theme each month. The course responsibilities can be rotated among participants, or everyone can always be responsible for their favorite course. You can pick holiday themes, seasonal themes or different cuisines for each dinner. Tie-in your decorations with the recipes, asking each host home to use decorations representing the nationality of the course they are serving, or picking up on your seasonal theme. Or make the menu items challenging by preparing alphabetical dishes, e.g. the first home prepares an appetizer beginning with the letter A, the second home prepares a main dish beginning with the letter B, and so forth. The next month continue with the letter where you left off in the previous dinner. Good luck to the host who gets the letter X! Whatever you do, have fun with it!

Sometimes organizations such as churches, woman's clubs, or veterans groups hold an annual Progressive Dinner so that new members can meet the group under more intimate circumstances. In that case the planning is usually a little different. Depending on the size of the group, the hors d'oeuvres course is held with everyone gathered in one home or location such as the church or veterans' hall. Then the group splits off into small groups for the next two courses in volunteers' homes. At the end of the evening the whole group reconvenes in a large home or facility to share dessert. If this is the case, some people might be asked to bring appetizers and a side dish, others might prepare a side dish and dessert. The members hosting the main course have no other responsibilities.

You can handle beverages several ways. With small groups you could ask each host to provide the beverage that best suits their course. With larger groups you could make it BYOB for alcoholic beverages and just ask the hosts to provide soft drinks and coffee.

Avoid These Problems, Plus, The Menu

From my experience, and after checking with friends who have participated in progressive dinners, there are several drawbacks to this plan. Unlike a potluck dinner where everyone brings food to one location, every host has to prepare his home for receiving guests, as well as having the cleanup afterwards. Also, it can be difficult to move people out of a home to go to the next course when the party is really rolling along. Finally, unless you pick the right recipes, the host for the subsequent course generally has to cut her current course short to run home and get ready for the next round. With all of that in mind, here are some final tips for hosting one of these dinners:

- The closer the participants live to one another, the better for minimizing travel time.
- Never plan on more than three changes of locale.
- Choose recipes that can be made ahead and simply reheated and served when the guests arrive.

There's no time to fuss in the kitchen when everyone needs to get up and leave within the hour.
- Set your table prior to leaving your home for the first course.
- Appoint designated drivers at the first course if you'll be driving between homes. When organizing a dinner for a large group, allow extra time for the hors d'oeuvres and dessert courses where everyone will be together.
- Try to devise a way to motivate people to move along to the next stop. Perhaps give everyone a certain number of poker chips at the first course. As they move from home to home, the last arrivals lose their chips. Whoever has the most chips at the last stop wins a prize.

A Harvest-Themed Progressive Dinner Menu for 8

Appetizers
Bruschetta with White Beans, Tomatoes and Olives
Brie and Red Pepper Mini Quiches
Garden Dip (served with crackers or veggies)

First Course
Butternut Squash Soup

Main Course
Crock Pot Cider Pork Stew
Carrots Glazed with Balsamic Vinegar and Butter
Golden Potato Wedges

Dessert
Quick Apple Tarts

By: Donna Pilato

Limousines For Everybody?

2007-05-11T10:21:00.000-04:00

Since the first limousines appeared, within the automotive development in the end of XIX century and beginning of XX, they have been used for special events (as public appearances) or extraordinary people (such as nation-state presidents). Since those classic limos a lot of changes have being made in the cars, such as an introduction of several amenities as new seats, more reliable and safe technology in the cars, tv, audio devices and so on. This improvements or changes still seems to point at limousines as special, luxurious, extraordinary vehicles used for extraordinary events. However maybe more important than the changes in the cars or the chauffeurs, are the changes in the conception of the companies who provide limousine hire services.

While in the past hiring a limousine was something that only the people with high social status or finance and economical power could afford, the market is changing today requesting a re-shape of the limousine companies approach and services. Where are these changes pointing today?

First the continuous development of a strong middle class, in many countries that we are used to call as developed or "first world", with increasing desire and economical power for better lifestyle opened the limo hire market as we never saw before. The hiring of a limousine becomes something quit ordinary for many "common people".

Second, besides the enlargement of the number of possible customers, the competition between Limousine companies increase exponential in the last 10-15 years requiring continuous innovation. We can see this changes looking at the internet sites, that many of this companies have. The focus of this re-shaping is being on increase quality and security of the chauffeurs, cars and all the limo service in general; providing easily and direct ways of contact, booking and hiring those companies services on-line; struggling for competitive prices which assure top positions in the global opening markets; improving the appeal of internet windows (sites) concerning on the one hand the importance of achieving good positions in search engines and on the other hand to obtain new customers; some of this companies are being specialize for some special events (like weddings for example) as strategy to obtain secure niche markets; the introduction of blogs, forums or simply informative pages providing access to new information about limos world. Where are this changes pointing out tomorrow?

This re-shape of the limousine companies today shows a concern in targeting a much more vast market as 20 or 30 years ago providing good quality and security services at competitive prices (prices affordable to many persons as possible) in parallel with a more easy, direct and closest way of hiring. This shows a great movement towards global economy in general and recreational business in particular of what I call - democratization of global resources and services - which means a boom in economical business sources together with a vast and increasing number of consumers within a fast dynamic of changes in the offering - demanding social complex.

Concerning the limousines business of tomorrow we have to be aware the continuity with the features we are already saw more or less clear today (as mention above) and also the new features that will bring the new competition arenas of the limo companies. These new features and arenas are being built upon information and knowledge about the limousines services being provided in an interactive way by both professionals of the area and not specialize authors (as costumers); the companies also have to adapt their services to a more personalize demand (which includes age, events, number of costumers, taste, pre-requirements made by the costumers among others).

As a conclusion we can say that Limousine Companies are facing the ultimate challenge that is trying to provide everyone the opportunity of hiring a limo transforming the old concept of "limos as cars for the special ones" into a guideline focuse in showing that "everyone is special enough to demand the kind of quality that limousine services are offering".

Etiquette of Funerals

2007-04-08T09:14:00.000-04:00

When you think about wakes, funerals, shiva and other mourning rituals, you don't normally think of the social and entertaining etiquette involved. And that's certainly as it should be. If we're mourning the death of someone, it's hardly time to think about entertaining in a fun sense.
But these mourning rituals are family and community events, nonetheless. And though we don't often stop to think about it, there are certain rules of etiquette that apply and are expected. Whether you will someday be responsible for handling the organizational aspects of one of these rituals, or will be attending the mourning gathering for someone of a different religion, here are some basic guidelines of what you can expect and should do in these situations.

Christian Traditions

It often customary for the body of the deceased to remain at the funeral parlor several days before the funeral with hours set for visitation or a "viewing." Visitors may come and express their condolences to the family and are welcome to stay and visit for the full viewing period, although not required.

The funeral may be either private for family members only or open to the public. If the hours and location are printed in the newspaper notice, it is a sign that all visitors are welcome.

In some areas and among some ethnic groups it is customary to host a gathering after the funeral for attendees. If held at the home of the family of the deceased, very often relatives and friends will supply the refreshments to relieve the family of that task. In some families, it is traditional to take attendees to a restaurant after the funeral, in which case, the family of the deceased pays the bill.

The purpose of these gatherings is to share memories of the deceased, help the family deal with their mourning, and provide hospitality for those who may have traveled a distance to attend the funeral. At times, these gatherings may become very lively and seem disrespectful to the deceased. However, no disrespect is intended.

Any of the following gestures of sympathy are appropriate: sending a note of condolence if you cannot attend the viewing; sending a mass card which can be obtained at a Catholic church or sometimes the funeral home; sending flowers to the home of the bereaved family or to the funeral parlor; sending a donation to a charity selected by the family. As in most religions, offers to help the family, including bringing meals to their home immediately following the death and for a time after the funeral, are welcome gestures of support and sympathy.

Jewish Traditions

Jewish tradition believes in burying the body as soon after the death as possible, as a mark of respect. After the funeral, a seven-day period of mourning, known as sitting Shiva, is held at the home of the mourners. Friends and community members bring prayers, condolences and support. All normal activities are suspended in order for the mourners to fully concentrate on their grief, so that they will be better prepared to re-enter life at the end of this period.

The first meal upon returning from the cemetery is called the seudat havrach, which is prepared by friends and neighbors for the mourners. Traditionally, the foods include eggs and other round objects, symbolic of life, hope and the full circle of life to death.

Throughout the period of Shiva, friends and relatives bring food to the mourners to eliminate the need for them to think about preparing meals. Those closest to the family will organize dinner preparations for the mourners. Friends and acquaintances will often bring cookies, cakes, fruit and other food.

You don't need an invitation to visit at a Shiva. All visitors offering condolences are welcome to attend. However, keep in mind that it is not Jewish custom to bring or send flowers as one might at a Christian funeral. Jewish tradition encourages mourning, and discourages efforts to cheer-up the mourners. Donations to selected charities in memory of the deceased are appropriate.

Party Planning: Catering Options

2007-04-05T09:14:00.000-04:00

Organizing your thoughts and ideas for your party eats is a must. Start meeting with caterers immediately (as in as soon as you've decided on a date for the party), but first fill in this checklist. It will be a helpful reference when consulting caterers.

CATERING BUDGET

Since caterers charge per head, divide your approximate number of guests into the amount you have set aside for catering. This will give you a sense of what you can afford.

MEAL

If you've already booked your site for a chunk of time, you probably already have the type of meal in question nailed down. If not, decide quick, then reserve a location for the appropriate time. Dinner is the party meal most commonly served, but the brunch or breakfast variety will cost less. Tea or cocktails are also affordable - and quite stylish - alternatives for adults-only soirees.

Brunch/Breakfast
Tea
Lunch
Cocktails
Dinner
Dessert only

SERVICE

Think about the style of your event and let that guide your decision here. Most options are compatible with all degrees of party formality, though some differ dramatically in cost. Aim for your ideal and modify later (with advice from your caterer).

Cocktails
Passed hors d'oeuvres
Hors d'oeuvres tables
Seated Meal
Family style
American
French
Russian (white gloves)
Buffet
Formal (staff-served)
Casual (self-serve)
Food stations (e.g. raw bar, crepe table)

FLAVOR

Let your mind soar to the flavors you most fantasize about. When your taste buds have traveled the world over, try to categorize your ideas below.

Continental
Regional
Seasonal
Exotic
Ethnic
Thematic

COURSES

Map out your menu (and tame that food fetish) by ruling out courses that seem excessive and marking the ones that will make your meal completely mouthwatering.

Hors d'oeuvres
Soup
Fruit and cheese
Appetizer
Pasta
Dessert
Salad
Entree

REQUIREMENTS

Now it's time to think of the needs and preferences of some of your guests. Sauteed pork medallions or an all-beef barbecue may be music to your mouth, but considering your guests should be a top priority.

Kosher
Vegetarian
Halal
Other

ENTREES

Determining the main feature of the main course is just the beginning. Start with the basics, then let your caterer tempt your tummy with possible accompaniments.

Beef
Chicken
Vegetarian
Pork
Seafood
Lamb
Pasta

Keeping a Party Journal

2007-02-28T16:57:00.000-05:00

By Laurel Ennis

Think about the parties you've been to in the past few years. Don't they tend to run into each other in your memory? It's hard to remember if you met an associate's wife at the company picnic or the Christmas party. For women choosing a party dress, it's important to remember if you wore the same dress to another party that season. Who was it you were talking to at the last open-house about your plans to expand your market? Which employee was it that had too much to drink at the Christmas Party? You wanted to have a word with him, but can't recall who it was. Last year did you serve turkey or ham? There are so many details to keep track of that lots of important details get lost, especially if you are so busy throwing a party that you don't have time to "work" the party.

A very useful tool to help you keep track of the details of a party, is keeping a Party Journal. Set up a file in your word processor to record details of your parties. At the end of each event, take a moment to add details from your parties to your Journal while the information is fresh in your mind. Review your Journal when planning your next party. It can serve as a source of inspiration for other events.

Party Planning

* Keep track of who is helping you throw the party. If you live in the Surrey/White Rock BC area, Shindigs Party Planning should be on your list. Caterers DJ's Musicians Rental companies Hotels or restaurants in which the event is held. Contact people there. * Contact information for all the people working with you so you can hire them again for other parties. * Guest Lists. * You can keep RSVP info. Or note that Shindigs did that for you.

People

* Business contacts information.
* Spouses names and distinguishing characteristics.
* Note individual's hobbies, or interests.
* Make note of associate's children.
* Note when important events occur in the lives of your associates, make note of them. Such as a wedding, a new baby, a child's graduation, buying or renovating a house, etc so that you can remember to ask about it at future events or send congratulatory gifts at the appropriate time. This will endear you to the people involved.

Business Associates

* Naturally, collecting business cards is important. You can keep these in a journal, or scan them into business card management software. Make note of any new contacts you made at each event so that you can jog your memory with this entry and when you see them again you can say "I haven't seen you since our party in February to celebrate the launch of our new branch. Tell me more about that new product in development you were talking about."
* Remember that even people who are your customers may not know all that you do. Make a point of talking to your clients about other aspects of your business that they don't use yet. Make a note of the topics you discussed with which client. Then you can follow up later with a more in depth letter or E-mail.
* Note any follow-up you need to do with guests.

Party Details

* What was the purpose of your party? Was it a new company launch? An important milestone? A way to introduce everyone to your new Vice President? An employee appreciation party? A holiday party? Keeping track of these parties separately helps you distinguish one from another over the years. Remember that every party should have a purpose.
* Food and drinks served. Keeping track of the menu and wine list is key so you don't serve the same thing at every party. Keeping track of this info can also be useful for future party planning
* If it was a party with a meal, make note of the table décor, centerpieces, place cards, china and linens.
* Make note of your clothing. That way you can avoid showing up to another event wearing the same outfit you wore to this party. Some people take a digital photo of themselves with their spouse before they go to a party and then later scan the photo into their Journal. That way they recall exactly what each wore that night.
* Décor. Make note of the decorations. Digital photos are a great way to keep a record of how your party looked so that next year you can change the look and feel of the event. Each party should be a new experience.
* Review your party afterwards. In what ways was it successful? In what ways could it have been better? Was all the food a hit? Did the caterer run out of anything? Did anyone in your employ behave inappropriately? Is there anyone you would not invite again? Is there someone new you want to invite to future parties? Were there requests for anything which could not be satisfied? Was there enough seating? Would it have been better to hold your next party at another venue? Did your party planner have any ideas you didn't use this time, but want to use in future parties? Did anyone lose anything? Form a Lost and Found for such contingencies.

Other People's Parties

* When going to other people's parties you can make note of things you liked or disliked about the experience and share that info with your party planner to help make sure your events are better.
* Keep track of contacts made at other people's parties.
* Make sure to invite everyone to your parties who invited you to theirs.
* Make note of party ideas you've seen in magazines or movies. Keeping a file of future party ideas is great for the next time you are sitting down with a party planner to plan your next event. You could have a treasury of party inspiration at your fingertips.
* Even events you didn't attend but heard about can be noted in this section. If someone tells you about a fabulous event jot down what the person thought were the highlights to make sure that you have people talking about your events in the same way.
* Scan in photos from newspapers or magazines for inspirational sake or to show your party planner.

Keeping a Party Journal is also a great window into your life. What if you could sit down with your Great-Grandmother's party journal today? I actually can. My Grandmother was born in 1880. She documented, all too briefly, her social events. She wrote down who left their calling cards on which days, which church social she attended, what she wore, which hat and which pair of gloves, and with whom she danced at cotillions. It was a wonderful treasure to find in the attic. You children and theirs will smile to read about your parties, your pictures of what you wore, what you ate, and what music you listened to. It can become a treasured family document passed down from generation to generation. One day your Great-Great-Great-Grandchildren may throw a party based on one her ancestors had thrown, much to the astonishment and delight of her friends. A REAL 20th century party from the olden days! How frigid is that?

Laurel Ennis is a co-owner of Shindigs Party Planning. She is also a professional Interior Decorator.

Shindigs Party Planning is located in Surrey, B.C. Canada. Shindigs specializes in home and business party planning. 604.536.4777.

Let your party worries melt away

2006-03-29T15:29:00.000-05:00

Let all your worries melt away with the helping hands of, the At Your Services wedding and event planners. Do you have a birthday party to plan with no extra time on your hands, or a wedding and you have not a clue where to start, or do you just want to enjoy the event with out the stress that come with the planning. Well you could have it all just give me a call. At your service wedding and events planners offers a variety of options form helping with just part of the event such as finalizing the event a month before the event, to planning the whole shebang. Nothing is too small or too big, just give us a call. At your service wedding and event planners is located in the Sacramento California area. We provide service to the surrounding areas such as Roseville, Rancho Cordova, Carmichael, Elk Grove, and fair oaks, we will go as far as lake Tahoe, and Stockton for an extra Traveling fee. At your service wedding and event planners will make your event a dream come true. To obtain information on the packages call 916-635-6839 and ask for Nicole Jackson.