PARTY FAVORS

Is it necessary to give party favors for your guests? When should you give them and why?  When to give out your party favors will depend on what “kind” it is.  Many times as the guest is leaving is the time, especially, for example, little children.  If you give them the party favors during the party, many will lose or misplace “their” gift.  Anytime you wish is when you can present the guest(s) with a party favor.

Now, why would you want to give a party favor, or parting gift?  One very good reason is simply for the joy of giving (on your part).  I’m sure you have heard the saying, “It is more blessed to give than to receive”, and it does give a good feeling to be able to give to others.  Another reason is to give something that will provide “memories” of the occasion.  When a guest looks at the gift they automatically would think of the event and remember the good time they had at your gathering.  How about as consideration, meaning, showing your appreciation for guests attending your event.  Everyone who sponsors an event likes to have a good turnout.  Along with that theme, how about gratitude – just demonstrating your thankfulness for the people who came, who gave and who participated, whether it be for a fundraiser, political or civic, or for a birthday party for your child.  Show them how happy you were that they took their time to come and help you celebrate.

A party favor could be something that accents the party.  An example might be using the snow globes as decorations and place setting cards for guests (and part of the winter holiday celebration) and having guests take the snow globes home – those “props” served two or three functions – decorations, place setting and party favor.  Now that is what I call a simplified detail for an event.

Okay, so now you have decided to provide a party favor, what do you give?  Good question!  That depends on what kind of function you are holding.  For example, a political fund raiser could provide candidate “buttons”, bumper stickers, yard signs, and maybe a photo of the guest with the candidate.  They are useful for the candidate and can also be a keepsake for an event the guest participated in.  For a strictly female gathering, your gift/party favor will probably best suit a female.  An example, let’s say you are hosting a Mary Kay party, doing facials and makeup.  You will want the ladies to leave with something that fits with that theme and most likely, some inexpensive product from that particular product line (and how about a photo of them with their “make-over”).  How about a silver wedding anniversary party?  A nice party favor could be a champagne glass tipped with silver with the celebrating couple’s name and date printed on the glass, or a small set of silver bells, you get the idea.  The ideas of what to give is endless.  You will want to remember that if the occasion is hererosexual, you will want to give something practical for both sexes.  It is also nice to give something that reflects your style and individuality.  Let’s say you are a “It’s 5:00 Somewhere” type person, a fun addition and party favor could be palm tree swizzle sticks, tiki platters and pink flamingo toothpicks..

DECORATIONS – Creating Ambiance

Okay – now that you have selected a theme for your event you can begin to think about decorations. This topic is similar to the topic of themes in that there are a ton of ideas that you can use – again, from the simplest to the most exotic and extravagant. You can design and create your own decorations, go to a party store, the dollar store or even Wal-Mart to purchase everything from napkins, plates and cups to party favors, costumes, pinatas, games and more. You can check out online stores and select everything as a package deal with a single theme, whether it be for birthdays, graduations, grand openings, etc.
Some parties and events are memorable just because of the decorations and ambiance. Is there an event you have attended that sticks out in your mind because of the decorations? I am going to give you some ideas of decorations you might like to have for your gathering.  Some of these are easy and inexpensive, which is usually how I have to do it.

Let’s say you want to give a party in December.  One idea that is simple and relatively inexpensive is a snow globe – it can be used as in invitation or as a seat assignment at a table and  it can also become the party favor.  You can usually purchase the “do it yourself” snow globes at craft stores or stationery stores.  The bottom cover snaps off, then insert your invitation to the party or their name for the place setting or whatever message you wish to place inside.  Lit candles of different colors and sizes in containers you design or use, can help in setting the mood for the party.  In continuing with creating an ambiance, how about serving snowflake shaped, or star-shaped, tree shaped, etc. finger sandwiches as an appetizer.  

Ever thought about giving a “Recycle-Green” Party in your neighborhood or for your friends?  You can help the planet while having fun.  An inexpensive yet different idea for an  invitation is to use a packet of seeds (flowers or vegetables) with the invitation slipped inside the seed packet (you may need to place the seeds in a small sealed envelope and attach).   An idea of a  name  for party could be “It’s a Green Party” or “It’s a Re-Use It Party” or whatever comes to mind.  The goal is to stimulate the thought processes of people to help keep the earth green and reproducing.  Have several containers labeled for the different “stuff” that guests may wish to recycle – you might want to include a list of “ideas” of things that can be recycled.  There are places that gladly take recycled items.  There are also Re-Use It Centers around the country that recycle items that you or I may throw away but others use for building, for crafts or other things.   An idea for place cards – instead of putting your friends or neighbors names on them, write environmental tips on each card and have each person share what is on their “place card” – that way everyone participates and learns.   An idea for a parting gift might be a small tree that your guest can take home and plant in their yard. 

Here is a short  list of items that can be recycled for use – coffee bags, cans, tea tins, Pringle containers, paper towel and toilet paper rolls, soda can pull tabs, bottle caps, egg cartons, wood scraps, wine corks, picture frames, pieces of art, greeting cards, cardboard, all kinds of art supplies.  Most of us probably already recycle our newspapers, catalogs and phone books, aluminum cans, plastic containers, so this is a little different.

How about a “Fiesta” or “Cinco de Mayo” celebration!  The thing about decorations is, a little is better than a lot.  Bright and varied colors consistent within the theme can be as simple as crepe paper hung from the ceiling, or twirled and taped to a table.  Use your imagination.  String lights (bulbs shaped like chili peppers).  If you don’t have them you can find multi-colored chili pepper covers for bulbs online.  A pinata filled with goodies is ALWAYS a hit, especially for the kids.   Do you know anyone who can sing some songs in Spanish?  That adds a little authenticity, along with delicious food!    Don’t forget the sangria.  Sangria is made up of rum (or vodka), orange liqueur, sugar, dry red wine, thinly sliced oranges, orange juice and thinly sliced lemons and limes.   As your party takes shape in your mind you will be able to come up with many ideas.

THEMES FOR YOUR PARTY

Do you know people who love to throw parties, just for the heck of it? Their parties always seem to be successful and fun! Are you one of those? or are you someone who will host a party but only because you feel obligated…..birthday party, graduation party, etc.
Okay, now that you have decided to have a party, what type of  party, when, where, how many people, food, drinks, decorations, and THEME!  Where do you go from here?  There are tons of books, videos and ideas that can assist you.  The important thing to remember is that a party is supposed to be fun – for all – even you!   Some people really go all out and hold lavish parties while others plan a simple potluck dinner – both can be enjoyable.

The THEME you choose will depend on the “reason” (if there is one) for the party or event.  Ideas for themes are limitless – if you can think it, it can be done.  You can do simple and inexpensive  or extravagant and dramatic – from decorations, to music, to entertainment, to food, to invitations and party favors.  The purpose of this article is not to list all kinds of themes that can be done, but to stimulate your brain and creative processes to plan an event, big or small, fancy or plain, the primary focus is that the event accomplishes it’s purpose.

Some people have said that throwing a party is like putting on a show.  Taking that analogy you have the script (theme), the set (decorations and ambiance), the effects (lighting, food, food presentation and the little details that add to the appeal or surprise), the cast (your guests, guest mix and you as host/hostess).  Lets discuss these points in some detail.

                                                  Script or theme – a theme is not necessary, but it gives you a framework to plan the party – it helps with decorating,  flower arrangements, (if applicable) and even the menu selection.  Every detail doesn’t have to follow the “theme” exclusively, use it as a guide.  A theme narrows down the choices you have, for instance, in the type of food you serve.  For instance, if you are hosting a barbecue you probably wouldn’t be serving bagels and tea or Moroccan lamb or spiced duck with lemon grass.  People attending a barbecue would be thinking of grilled steaks, ribs, chicken or hotdogs and hamburgers, potato salad and baked beans.   If you are hosting an Oriental sitdown dinner you might serve spiced duck with lemon grass but not potato salad and baked beans, you get the idea.  A political fundraiser might have a “red white and blue” theme, especially in the decorations.

The “set” or setting of the event is important as that sets the stage or mood of the event/party.  Have you ever walked into a home or location of an event that was decorated so nicely that it just took your breath away and right away put you “in the mood” to party?  I remember walking into a dance hall with a Roaring 20’s party theme that resembled a location back in the 1920’s – the decorations,  table centerpieces, music and menu all fit together.  Immediately I felt like I should be dancing the dances of the 20’s.    What a fun evening that was.  If you are planning an event or party you want to make sure it is FUN for all!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Lighting?  Does that really add or detract from a function?  You bet!  Only light areas where you want your guests to focus.  If your kitchen is the main preparation area you might want to keep the lights low so as to hide any mess.  Avoid bright lighting – you’re not trying to scare away roaches (or if you have them, you don’t want your guests to see them either). Dim lighting adds an ambiance of a small group, intimate setting.  People usually appear better looking – especially with candlelight. (And who doesn’t want to look their best?)  Sometimes even colored lights can change a setting.  Even the types of lights or candles (sizes, short or tall) can affect a setting.  Flowers bring life into a home or location of entertainment.  Flowers add warmth but they can also add a scent in the air.

We have talked about food and menus and matching food and beverages in earlier articles, but what I want to touch on here is the “setting” of the food on the plate.  Instead of piling on the food leave space – it helps to highlight the food that is there.  When there’s a lot going on, people don’t know where to look.  Artful, creative placement of the components of the meal makes a dish more appetizing and appealing.  Contrasts in color of the food (e.g. mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli) creates visual and appetite appeal.  It is fun to surprise guests with something that is simple and makes them think, “Wow, why didn’t I think of that!”  An simple example – a winter event or party, an idea for an hor d’oeuvre, make snowflake sandwiches – using a cookie cutter, trim the bread into a snowflake shape, top with a favorite spread or cheese or meats, serve on a plate/platter lined with coconut shavings, resembling snow.  How about a “beach” theme party?  Using shells (like clam shells) as bowls for condiments – even ketchup and mustard are classier in a shell than in the plastic bottle!

And finally, the “cast” – you are either the guest or the host/hostess.  Everyone has to “play their part” to have a successful event.  the host/hostess has the responsibility to invite the right mix of people, finish decorating BEFORE the party starts, ensure everyone has enough to eat and that everyone has a good time.  To borrow another theater metaphor, as the host, you are the lead actor and you must allow the other cast members, the guests to shine.  Remember, the party is not about you;  it’s about them!

GUEST Responsibilities

Isn’t it great to be invited to a party, go, enjoy yourself and go home – no preparation and no cleanup.  However, there are some responsibilities that go with being a “guest”.  Some of these are:

• Be sure to RSVP – it’s the proper thing to do and helps the hostess plan the amount of food to prepare, seating arrangements, parking facilities etc.
• Unless it is an open house, plan to arrive on time – especially if it is a sit-down meal.
• Don’t bring an additional guest without asking the hostess first, then its best to bring only one.  I remember hosting a party for our employees and their “immediate” family members.  What a surprise it was when, in their minds, immediate family included aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers, sisters and their children.  It was a good thing I had prepared extra food, otherwise there wouldn’t have been enough to go around.  Of course this was in a foreign country where the people lived differently than we did.  Although it was a surprise to have such a “house full” of guests, it turned out well.
• Bring a small gift of appreciation, but don’t expect the host to open it then and there.
• If a meal is to be served, notify the host a week before if you have any allergies or aversions to certain foods so the host has time to shop or make any alterations needed.  An example that comes to mind is, lets say you are highly allergic to anything with peanuts in it.  If the main dish has peanuts in it you couldn’t partake and that could be an embarrassment to you and your host.  Another example might be if you are highly allergic to anything with shellfish in it – an unexpected trip to the hospital is not a fun way to end an evening.
• Don’t make out with your date – it makes everyone uncomfortable.  Much more interesting for everyone is lively conversations.  You can make out when you leave.
• Don’t ask the host if you can watch “the BIG game”, unless it is a party for the world’s series or the Super Bowl.  If you just can’t miss the game, tape it for later or stay home.
• Meet other guests.  Other people might also be shy, may not know anyone at the party or event, and they would be so thankful that you made the effort to initiate a conversation with them.  When I have found myself in that situation, I try to forget that I know no one there and reach out – how fascinating it can be to meet people with different experiences and knowledge .  You never know who may be there that has traveled the world, has adventures to share or has a hobby that is the same as yours.
• Be careful not to “over imbibe” so as to make yourself a nuisance to others.  Also, if you smoke please ask the hostess BEFORE you light up, she may have a particular area where you can smoke without interfering with the other guests enjoyment of the gathering.
• And finally, send a thank you note, even if it is just an email.  Sending “thank you” seems to be a lost art these days.  If you have a photo or two of the event, you can send a picture to the host (or email one), they would appreciate the gesture. 

WHAT SHOULD I SERVE?

GOOD QUESTION!!  We discussed hor d’oeuvres and appetizers in the previous blog, so now we will focus on planning the rest of the meal.  You can plan a menu that is simple yet elegant and enjoyable.  When choosing ingredients think about an array of colors, tastes and textures, which foods work together.  Keep the dishes you plan to serve simple, full of flavor and easy to prepare.  Your goal is to make it taste as good as it looks.  Have you ever purchased pastries or cookies in the bakery section of your grocery store – they look scrumptious – and taste like cardboard.  I recently attended a wedding where the bride spent $550 on the wedding cake – it looked pretty but it had no taste – real blah….

 So where to start?  Fresh ingredients of the best quality will go a long way in making your meal successful.  You may want to start with what produce is in season at the time of your event – it is usually the freshest, can generally be found in plenty supply and many times are on sale or offered as a “special”.   Again, you always want to be mindful of your budget – or did you forget that part already? (Easy to do once the planning and excitement get under way).

When buying real estate I’m sure you have heard that it is “location, location, location”.  In serving a meal it is “presentation, presentation, presentation”.  If you have ever watched “Iron Chef” challenges on HGTV you have seen where “presentation” is an important part the scoring process.  Whatever you serve, you want it to be pleasing to the eye and then of course to the palate.  You can be creative here as well, for example, let’s say you are serving a caesar salad – instead of the typical croutons, top it with spicy chopped nuts, or whatever you think will bring a little pizzazz to the salad;  top the baked potato with french fried onion rings with butter and sour cream on the side, or serve with flavored butter, you get the idea.

Your menu should sound appetizing when you write it down and read over it – if it makes you hungry just thinking about it, maybe you have a winner!  Menus should have an interesting balance of temperature, appearance and texture.  Regarding temperature, everything doesn’t have to be hot or cold, you can serve different dishes that complement each other.  An example, let’s say you are serving a hot spicy entrée – you might want to consider also serving a cool salad or sauce to offer a needed relief from the spicy dish.  You might also want to take into account any guests who are vegetarians or guests who may have special allergies, etc.  You do not have to plan the menu around their needs, but you might offer options in what you serve, for example, have 3 vegetable dishes or 2 different kinds of salads to give them a choice.

 Flavors of the different dishes should complement each other and flow from appetizers to dessert – establishing a theme for your event can help with the menu planning.  What about color?  What do I mean?  Let’s say you want to serve a steak, baked potato, sautéed mushrooms – looks kind of bland don’t you think?  How about serving the steak on top of  bright fresh asparagus, and top the steak with a diced roasted red bell pepper – you have added color, flavor and appeal. 

Vary the texture of your foods – try not to repeat food with similar textures, for example, you may not want to begin the meal with a bowl of creamy soup, then serve mashed potatoes as part of the entrée , and a chocolate mousse for dessert –  unless you are serving a room full of elderly people with no teeth (just kidding).   Avoid preparing and serving, for example, all fried foods on the plate, like fried chicken, french fries, hush puppies and fried okra –  to some of us “southerners” that sounds like a pretty good meal, but some people would definitely disagree.

Less is often more when it comes to food – especially strong and spicy flavors.  When serving fatty foods, serve something tart or acidic to go with it to help cut the richness.  Mint sauce with lamb and orange sauce with duck are classic examples of  this.   As a note also, do not feel that you must prepare the “whole meal” – nothing wrong with picking up roasted chicken from the deli or a dessert from the bakery – as long as it looks good and tastes good and is fresh, people won’t care and who is going to tell them????  You want to enjoy the event and spend time with the guests also.   Remember the K-I-S-S philosophy.

One LAST item to mention that may apply or not.  Let’s say you are planning a sit down dinner for 10-12 people, some will want to know “what’s for dinner” before they RSVP – you want a good turnout for your dinner, so sell the sizzle of your meal.     With your invitations you can include the menu – instead of saying “baked chicken and rice and vegetables” (which you must admit doesn’t sound real exciting),  how about a menu that says:  “ Brie-stuffed chicken breast with herbed breadcrumbs and wild mushroom risotto and garlic snow peas”.    Which sounds better to you?
Please feel free to comment or offer suggestions, they are welcome!

Our next blog will discuss serving wines – which kinds go with which meals, or does it matter?

INVITATIONS

INVITATIONS

 

Okay, we know what kind of event or party we are planning.  We should also know by this time the date, location and time.  Next we must pick out or design invitations to the event.  There are many different ways you can make the invitations themselves “memorable”.   Of course you will want to keep in mind the number of invitations you will need when you decide if you want them printed professionally, or homemade or selected from an array of party and event invitation packets.  Another method of “inviting” today can be accomplished via the internet, email.  I’ve made invitation audio postcards that I’ve emailed to potential guests.  It was something new and different at the time.

A large event you would probably prefer to have professionally produced, especially because of the volume.  Many times it will be a large colored postcard promoting the event, e.g. a grand opening celebration.  More formal affairs will probably be professionally designed and printed with all the information you require, an example of this might be for a large wedding.  Most printers and printing shops offer a wide array of options.  You might also consider checking out what Staples or Office Max or Kinko’s can offer you.  The price may be less and most times the quality is just as good.  I would definitely ask to see some samples of what they have produced/printed for other events/parties.  You will want to check and double-check the proofs to make sure there are no errors, as if the error is on your part, you will have to pay for the reprinting.  It is easy to overlook such things as the date or time of the event, (speaking from experience).

Okay, let’s say that your event is unique, you cannot find anything already available or affordable that meets your needs.  An example might be of a special themed event.  Let me give you a couple of examples of  invitations I’ve seen for events:

A NIGHT IN MOROCCO – your imagination is the limit here.  Think of the exotic lure of sun-drenched bazaars, many different fragrance of spices, veiled beauties dancing in the moonlight, a sense of danger and intrigue, you get the idea.  If you put a great deal of effort in hosting a party like this, you will want to excite the invitees of the unknown and unpredictable at your party.  A regular postcard or typical invite card will not do justice.  How about making scroll invitations?  This beaded scroll instantly transports your invitees to a fantasy faraway land – they will be so intrigued they will have no choice but to RSVP a “yes”.  Okay, how does one go about making a scroll invitation?  Here is one way:

Take two wooden doll pins and tape together, end to end.  Or use a skinny (and cut) dowel rod.  Cut a piece of decorative paper that is about 6 inches wide by 12 inches long.  Wrap the six  inch side around the doll pins (or wooden dowel) and glue paper to the wooden pin/dowel.  Next cut a smaller piece of paper that is about 6×6 inches, trimming the top and bottom curved or curved with a pont in the middle on top & bottom.  Trim the bottom of the longer piece of paper so that it matches up with the bottom of the smaller piece.  Then glue the two pieces together, leaving the top open for the pocket.  Glue beaded trim or something similar to the edge of the entire scroll.  Add an embellishment to the pocket and finish it off by tying a tassel to the bottom.   Finally, slip the paper invitation (with the invitation and  details of the party – when, where, etc) inside the pocket.  Then let your guests take home a fragrant reminder of the evening, such as  incense – wrap each in cellophane with ribbon and place all the favors in a large chest – and each guest can take one when they leave.

How about a party/event with the theme of  WINTER  WONDERLAND – An interesting and easy invitation – You can purchase customized snow globes, or you can make your own – you should be able to purchase the snow globes at an arts and crafts store.   The bottom of the snow globe snaps off, and you just slide your event invitation inside.  The water magnifies the words as snow flurries hint at the wonders to come.   In a later article we will talk about decoration ideas for an event such as this.

A final note about your invitations.  Guests may appreciate if you mention the type of dress expected (especially the women), as a person would not want to show up in nice jeans and sweater when the rest of the guests are in formal attire.  Also, if you live in a rural area or in a location not real easy to find, you may wish to include a map (with your telephone number) in your invitation.  Next article we will be discussing WHO to invite (and WHY) to your events/parties.

Feel free to share the most interesting invitation you have sent or received.