• Friday the 13^th can be a reason to host scary movie night. This will occur in April and July.
• February 6, 1935 was the day Monopoly first went on sale. How about a Monopoly Marathon?
• 2012 offers a once-every-four-years holiday. It’s leap year (February 29). Be creative with this one (I’m thinking games like leap frog, etc.)
• April 6, 2012 marks the 100^th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. In observance of this, the movie Titanic will be re-released in 3D. I’m thinking a girls night out to re-visit the tragic love story of Rose and Jack.
• 2012 also marks the 25^th birthday for the Simpson Family. Why not invite your friends over on April 19 for a little animation domination party?
• May is National Barbeque Month….this is a no-brainer
• The Summer Olympics take place July 27-August 12. This opens up many opportunities for a party. Host your own version of backyard Olympics.
• September 12^th is National Milk Shake Day…..oh the possibilities
• October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Why not organize a fundraiser for your local shelter?
• November 23 is Black Friday this year. After a long day of shopping, gather a few friends and relax with some hors d’oeuvres and cocktails.
• December 5^th marks the anniversary of the 21^st Amendment ending Prohibition. Certainly no better time to eat, drink and be merry!

Remember, traditional holidays are not the only time you can host a party. Actually, any day is a reason to celebrate so start planning!

Mark your calendars and spread the word for the first annual symposium  for the health & wealth-minded individual.  Take the day, enjoy lunch, hear topics such as secrets to beautiful skin from head to toe, focusing on your financial health & learning how your step really matters. Visit exhibit booths featuring short & long-term financial planning, healthy eating, the importance of physical fitness, your perfect colors and much more!

Join us for a fun, informative and inspiring day that will help you discover What Really Matters? and get your 2012 off to a GREAT start!

If your company focuses on services or products that promote a healthy lifestyle and/or financial well-being, we invite you to participate as an exhibitor.

Visit www.whatreallymatters.eventbrite.com for all the details and registration information.

One of my most precious honors to date was serving as my daughter’s MOB. What a blast. Lots of emotions, fun and memories all rolled into one. While serving as the MOB, which for me was a year long position, I learned many things. One of the most important was my “day of preparedness plan”.   I’m not talking the big details that you always think of:  is reception hall set up correct, flowers where they need to be, photographer capturing the perfect moments, bride’s dress and veil ready to go – I’m talking the little details that are easily overlooked.

One of the most important “tools” I had with me that day was my MOB I’ve Got It Bag. This bag not only included things I needed to survive the day, but also anything the bridal party may need. I would highly recommend this to any Mother of the Bride. The following is a place to start; of course you may customize your bag to fit your specific needs.

One large tote bag – mine was a decorative print canvas bag that I’m still using today.
Fill it with:

• Tape – of all kinds
• Scissors
• Safety pins
• Flip Flops (for you to wear during reception)
• Kleenex – lots
• Spray deodorant
• Hair brush, comb, hairspray
• Bottled water
• Aspirin, Band-Aids
• Bobbie pins
• Instant stain remover stick
• Clear lip gloss – for those bridesmaids who
  forget their own
• Mints, gum
• Hand Lotion
• Nail clippers, file
• Dental floss, waterless toothbrush
• Camera
• Journal – my daughter actually gave a blank
  journal to me about 12 months prior to the wedding. I wrote in it periodically
  during our wedding prep, recording to do lists, activities completed and my
  feelings. My last entry was after the wedding and all my thoughts and emotions
  at that time. I plan to give it to my daughter someday – maybe when she’s the
  MOB!

Remember, being prepared will  make the day run as smoothly as possible, help you relax, and most importantly enable you to enjoy this very special day.

Hosting several holiday parties? Decorate early so you don’t have to rush around at the last minute. Do a deep house cleaning at the beginning of the season and then just touch up quickly prior to each event. Face it; your guests are going to be having too much fun to notice a little dust. So don’t sweat it! However, if you are still stressed, lower the lights and use candles for illumination!

Make your decorations cheery and easy. Use extra ornaments scattered about your serving and dining tables; utilize the greenery of the season (add evergreen sprigs or holly leaves w/ berries to centerpieces & table settings); red cranberries and other fruits look wonderful floating in a glass cylinder filled with water; holiday ribbon can be spread along your table and intertwined among your serving dishes; holiday colored candies in glass dishes can double as treats & decorations; sprinkle red, green, gold or silver crinkled paper on the table; and don’t forget the pinecones – these can be used in their natural form or sprayed with faux snow. Remember to use items that will not wither & will last so you can decorate once and forget it!

Serving bottled water or soda? Tie a ribbon around the neck of each bottle. Also decorate around the punch bowl. It’s those little touches that add so much. Search through your boxes of decorations. Anything you have on hand can be turned into a wonderful creation!

Make a menu for each event you have planned. Create a shopping list that’s all inclusive. Purchase all non-perishables at once and have on hand. Then pick up last minute items a few days prior to your party. This eliminates the hassle and hair-raising experience of numerous shopping excursions.

You don’t have to fuss with a turkey or ham. Make it easy. Deli trays, cheese/crackers, a big pot of chili or soup and pasta salads simplify everything, yet present a nice buffet.

Make your cookie dough ahead of time and freeze. When ready, pop a few of each type in the oven and you will always have fresh baked cookies for each gathering without the fuss.  Present your holiday treats in a unique way. Purchase a divided box (in holiday colors or cover it with wrapping paper), tie a festive bow around it, and place your treats in each divided section. This can be used year after year.

Paper, paper, paper. You don’t have to pull out the good china to make a table presentable. Use paper products wherever and whenever you can. Then, just throw them away (or add to your recycle bin). Mini ornaments hanging from ribbon can be tied around red plastic cups to make instant decorative flatware & napkin holders. Cover your serving table with white paper tablecloths and add a runner down the middle made of a strip of wrapping paper. When done, no need to wash & iron, just bundle it all up and throw away.

Spending the holidays as someone’s house guest? Don’t forget the hostess gift. Consider “gift mixes”. There are a number of options available from soups to sweets. Layer the ingredients in a jar, spruce up with festive ribbons and include the recipe directions on a cute card tied to the neck of the jar. You can make several jars ahead of time and have handy to grab and go. Here are a few resources. www.recipelink.com/holiday; www.cooksrecipes.com/holiday-recipes/holiday-food-gift-mix-recipes; www.allfreecrafts.com/giftinajar.

Remember, the best part of the holidays is just being together with family and friends. Don’t let stress get in the way of what’s really important. Wishing you many happy memories of this Holiday Season.

1. Make lists: Make lots of to do lists. Make a grocery list, make an errand list, make a list of things that need to be done around the house. Remember…..delegate some tasks to others in the family. Make sure kids have something to keep them busy. They will love feeling a part of the big day.
2. Make Thanksgiving a pitch in: You don’t have to do all the cooking. Give specific assignments to your guests (be sure and ask them what their specialty is!) This relieves the stress, gives everyone an opportunity to contribute, and makes it a real family affair.
3. Check on your supplies: Do an inventory of your kitchen. Make sure you have all the cookware you need, necessary serving dishes, and your festive table linens (making sure all is in order and clean can be done days in advance.)
4. Decorate early: To avoid last minute rush on the big day, set your table, including centerpiece the day before. Once again, let the kids help!
5. Appetizers:  We all know how difficult it is to bring the entire meal together at the same time. While guests are waiting for the chef to put on the finishing touches, serve a few appetizers. Make sure these are just little nibbles…..you don’t want everyone filling up before the big meal!
6. Carving the bird: This all important task is often thought of at the last minute. Appoint your official “bird carver” ahead of time. Make sure they have the necessary tools to do the job justice.
7. Drinks:  An important detail that is often overlooked is the beverages to be served. Give these some thought, prepare ahead if possible, remember to stock up on ice and have appropriate beverage glasses available.
8. Keeping everything warm: In order to serve a warm delicious meal, use warm plates. This can be done in a clean dishwasher set on the dry cycle or run the plates under very hot water. Dry them thoroughly and wrap in heavy towel     until ready to use.

Adapted from The Thanksgiving Table by Diane Morgan. Copyright 2001.

NOTE: Mini loaf pans can be
found at www.cooking.com; www.kitchenkrafts.com; or www.target.com

Your Event Place offers several package options to assist you in the planning and executing of your open house.

Option I
Open House Event Management Blueprint:

Your Event Place will provide client with an Open House Event Management Blueprint – guidelines which can serve as a roadmap for managing your corporation open house. Think of it as a “recipe” for a successful event. We provide the “ingredients”; you put the event together.

Blueprint will include:

• detailed plan with action steps and timeline
• budget template
• recommended vendors for catering, photographer, etc.

Option II

Open House Event Management Blueprint Plus:

Your Event Place will provide client with an Open House Event Management Blueprint as outlined in Option I) and offer a limited level of implementation counseling.  The blueprint we furnish client will provide you with the guidelines and components needed for a successful corporate open house. We will then work with you on a limited basis to help you carry out those plans and provide execution assistance.

This assistance can include:

• vendor selection
• theme ideas
• creation of event format
• suggestions for invitation list

Option III

Open House Event Management Blueprint Deluxe:

Your Event Place will provide client with an Open House Event Management Blueprint (as outlined in Option I) and offer total integration of implementation counseling.  The blueprint we furnish client will provide the guidelines and components needed for a successful open house. We will then work with you on a consistent basis to help you carry out those plans and provide complete execution assistance.

Event management will include:

• vendor selection such as caterer, photographer, florist, etc.
• venue selection if necessary
• event theme ideas and decorations
• creation of event format
• components to include such  as entertainment, featured VIPs & special guests, unique attractions,
  product giveaways & freebies; creation of invitation list; assistance  with publicity and on-site event management. This comprehensive level of  counseling and assistance will assure a successful open house.

Give us a call to learn more about how an open house can enhance your business!  317-840-7054

Paper plates, napkins, cups, forks, spoons, knives

Foam cups for coffee/hot chocolate

Spatula (metal to avoid melting on a hot grill)

Propane lighter/matches

Salt & pepper

Koozies for cold cans

Cheese spreader

Granny fork

Stir sticks (for mixed drinks, cream in your coffee)

Roll of paper towels

Sharp knife in a protective case

Tongs

Serving spoons

Plastic zip top bag (to hold dirty utensils for the ride home)

Trash bags (be eco-friendly)

Can opener

Toothpicks (to serve the cheese cubes!)

Scissors (to open those impossible shrink wrapped packages)

Chip clips (to secure opened bags for the ride home)

Sunscreen

Bug spray

Hand sanitizer

Moist wipes

 If you need an event……you need a plan…..let’s chat

Special Events are a popular fundraising strategy for nonprofit organizations.  However, the main function of an event such as this is to raise awareness in the community about your organization and its programs.  A special event is foremost a “friend raiser”. 

When determining whether you should host an event, what type of event you should hold, or when appraising the success of your event, keep these basic concepts in mind:                                                                                                                      

• Is the event appropriate for your organization? 
• Is the event in line with your mission & does it positively promote your image?
• Is your community already saturated with the same type of event? You must make sure your event stands out from all the rest.
• Who do you want to attract to your event & what type of event will be appealing to those in your community?
• What do you want to accomplish with the event? You can have multiple goals, but make sure they are realistic and you can achieve each desired result.           

In order to have a successful event of any kind, you need a detailed plan. Get it on paper. Include a timeline when each task will be completed & who is responsible for that particular assignment. This will help you manage your event efficiently, making sure that every detail will be handled, and nothing will be overlooked. Remember to delegate & ask for help. Don’t let yourself get overwhelmed and bogged down. Eliminate as much stress as possible! 

After the event, be sure and do an honest evaluation. What worked; what didn’t work. Each staff member & volunteer involved closely with the planning & execution of the event should have an opportunity to offer their feedback. Use this information as a foundation for planning next year’s event!

Determine what you want to accomplish; choose an appropriate event; draft a detailed plan; recruit sufficient volunteers & staff to help; evaluate the event from start to finish; celebrate all achievements big & small; and start planning for next year. 

Above all…..have fun!!!

If you need an event….you need a plan…let’s chat

Does the venue have the right look for you?  Is it attractive on the inside and outside? Does it have the right ‘feel’?

Space is very important. The venue shouldn’t be too big or too small. Will it suit the type of event you are doing and the number of guests you expect?

Is parking sufficient, easily accessible, close to the structure itself and reasonably priced?

Is the venue conveniently located? Is it easy for your guests to find; is it in close proximity to any other location guests need to go (church, hotel, etc)? Is the inside layout easy to navigate?

Does the venue have adequate supplies or will you need to rent some items? Is everything included in your room rental or are there additional charges for items such as tables, chairs, linens, etc? 

What restrictions, if any, will you encounter for decorations? What can they provide as “standard” (special lighting, centerpieces)? Is there a cost for clean up?

Can the room be set up according to your needs? Is set up and tear down included in room rental? 

Are there any time restrictions? Do you need to clear the area at a certain time or incur additional charges and is this enough time for your event? When can you have access to the room the day of your event? Consider how much time you need to set up. 

When do you need to give them a guarantee and how much do they overset? Be aware of all contractual elements before signing anything!

What are your total costs? Is there a minimum guarantee, room rental, etc? Does this fit your pre-determined budget?

What staff will the venue provide? Who is your direct contact while planning the event? Do you feel comfortable with his/her ability and service level? Will you have a banquet manager on-site during your entire event? How can you access him/her? (walkie talkie, call button) 

Will you have exclusive use of the facility or will there be other groups there. If another event is at that location, how does this affect your event as far as space, parking, noise, etc? 

What is their alcohol & smoking policy? What type of security will they provide?

What are the venue’s capabilities for audio/visual? Is it in-house or will you be responsible for contracting this work? What are the cost implications?

Does their catering service suit your needs? Do they offer tastings so you can determine your menu? How do they handle special requests and are the additional charges for this? 

Your venue can enhance or diminish your event. It is one of the most important decisions you will make. Preparing your thorough checklist prior to your venue evaluation journey will assure you make the appropriate choice! 

If you need an event…..you need a plan. Let’s chat…