PartyCharlie.com - Party Planning Tips

Monday, December 15, 2008

Hors d’oeuvres Party Tips:

Without a doubt, the most memorable parties are the ones that serve Hors d’oeuvres. These scrumptious treats were traditionally for the waiting period between when the guests arrive and when the meal is served. But today some of the most fun parties are the ones that only serve Hors d’oeuvres.

Making fabulous Hors d’ oeuvres are very time consuming. So, spread the work out over a few days.

A real time saving trick is to make large items that can be made at one time, like sausage. Cut the sausage into bite-sized pieces and serve with a colored frill pick or on a cracker with a drop of Dijon mustard.

Offer a mix of cold and hot hors d'oeuvres.

Serve a variety of diced cheese in-between the hot Hors d’oeuvres.

Make sure you have plenty of beverage napkins to give your guests when serving. Count on at least 10 to 12 napkins per person.

The best tip of all is to call a professional caterer like myself, sit back and enjoy your fantastic party!

For more Party Tips, read my book; “Party Planning Secrets: The Ultimate Guide To A Successful Party.” Go to: http://www.atlasbooks.com/marktplc/02172.htm to purchase!

My “Five Steps for Creating the Energy for an Outrageously Successful Party,” will provide you with all the necessary ingredients to plan and host memorable events that you and your guests will rave about. Whether you’re planning a fundraiser, grand opening, holiday party or family celebration, let my 30+ years in the party planning and catering business be your guide to hosting an outrageously successful and stress-free event. Order your book today!

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Letters To PartyCharlie:

Hi PC,

I'm throwing a big welcome home bash for my buddy, and I was wondering if it would be better to hire a DJ, or a band?

Bob S.

Bob, that's a question that comes up on a daily basis. Cost is always a factor. Hiring a DJ will be a lot less expensive then hiring a band. And of course you have to consider the location of the party. Most apartments and homes are not equipped with the proper power source that a band would require. A live band can be more exciting and impressive, but a DJ may offer a wider variety of musical styles. If you are renting a hall, and money's no object, then why not go for the whole enchilada, and hire a band and a DJ.

Hey PartyCharlie - HELP!!! My boss just put me in charge of organizing a weekly breakfast meeting. Could you help me out with some tips to make it a success?

Leonard

As with everything in life, first impressions are what people remember. So, don't skimp on the quality of the coffee! Having fresh brewed coffee and freshly squeezed juice before the meeting starts, will send the meeting in the right direction. Vary the menu!!! Don't just buy a box of doughnuts, or a fruit platter. That's not going to cut it. Everyone is different, so make the menu a combination of healthy foods as well as sweet concoctions. Change the menu around. Add and subtract menu items each week, to keep everyone happy, content and ready to work!!!

I'm giving my ten year old daughter Lindsey a birthday party. I'm a bit overwhelmed with the variety of birthday cakes on market. Can you help me choose a cake that would satisfy the majority of children?

Mrs. L. Solomon

Well, when it comes to kids, it's best to stick with the basics. A vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream cake will put a smile on every child's face!

If you have a catering question, email me at:

info@partycharlie.com

For more Party Tips, read my book; “Party Planning Secrets: The Ultimate Guide To A Successful Party.” Go to: http://www.atlasbooks.com/marktplc/02172.htm to purchase!

Monday, December 1, 2008

Fun Party Ideas:

Wine Tasting Party: You don't have to be a wine expert to host and enjoy a Wine tasting party. Take a trip to your local wine shop and ask the opinions of the staff. They will be more than happy to recommend great tasting wine at reasonable prices. Go with 3 bottles of red, and three bottles of white. Add some cheese and crackers, and have fun!

Hawaiian Luau: Start by transporting your guests with exotic tropical decorations. Serve traditional Hawaiian luau food; poi kalua pig, lomi salmon, chicken long rice, surrounded by tropical fruits and chocolate covered macadamia nuts. Have plenty of Tropical drinks (alcoholic, non-alcoholic, or both) on hand. And to really kick up the party, have a limbo contest.

Decade Party: This kind of party is fun on so many levels. It's a costume party with a theme. Pick out the decade and you're only limited to your imagination. Break out your Fondue set for the 60s, Doo-Wop music for the 50s, and serve Mai Tais for the 40s, etc...

For more Party Tips, read my book; “Party Planning Secrets: The Ultimate Guide To A Successful Party.” Go to: http://www.atlasbooks.com/marktplc/02172.htm to purchase!

Monday, November 24, 2008

Hot Food Tips:

What do you do if you're having a party and you don't have a way of keeping all your food hot? Consider using an ice chest. Yes, an ice chest! An ice chest will keep hot foods hot, and cold foods cold. That's because its a thermal unit.

Keep in mind, food must be stored at 160 degrees or hotter, so DO NOT leave the food in the Chest for an extended time. It will give you that extra 1/2 hour you need to free up the oven while your cooking other foods.

Here's the best way to use the chest.

1. Make sure the ice chest is CLEAN!

2. Pour a Gallon of Boiling into the ice chest.

3. Close the lid for 2 minutes

4. Pour out the water, and place your wrapped food into the chest.

5. Potatoes, Vegetables, Breads, Gravies, Sauces are ideal candidates for the ice chest.

For more Party Tips, read my book; “Party Planning Secrets: The Ultimate Guide To A Successful Party.” Go to: http://www.atlasbooks.com/marktplc/02172.htm to purchase!

Monday, November 17, 2008

Party Planning Book:

All the tips and tricks for planning an outrageously successful party all in one book:

What You’ll Need for a Wine and Beer Bar

What You’ll Need for a Complete Bar

Quantity Buying Suggestions

The Golden Rule for Self-service Bars

PartyCharlie Tips on Using Volunteers

Bathroom – Preparing It for the Party

Returning Rentals Properly and Avoiding Penalties

Working with Vendors Effectively

Lighting for an Indoor Party

Lighting for an Outdoor Daytime Party

Lighting for an Outdoor Nighttime Party

PartyCharlie Budget Worksheet

PartyCharlie Party Checklist

PartyCharlie 1-2-3 Buffet Setup

PartyCharlie Event Walk-Through Checklist

PartyCharlie Vendor Questionnaire

PartyCharlie Vendor Contact Sheet

…and many, many more questions answered for you to make your event...

successful!

Go to: http://www.atlasbooks.com/marktplc/02172.htm to purchase!

Monday, November 10, 2008

Gas Grilling Tips:

1. Always preheat your grill.

2. Lightly oil the cooking grate before placing it over the heat.

3. Marinate meats from 20 minutes up to several hours or even overnight depending on the cut of meat, for tender, flavorful results.

4. Apply spice rubs to kick up the flavors.

5. To avoid overcooking and burning the sugars in the sauce, apply sauces just prior to completion of cooking.

6. Use cooking tongs instead of a fork to turn meat, to avoid losing meat juices.

7. Get creative. Meat and Fish is not the only thing you can grill. Vegetables, to add to salads, and fruit to make chutneys and salsas are always fun and delicious.

For more Party Tips, read my book; “Party Planning Secrets: The Ultimate Guide To A Successful Party.” Go to: http://www.atlasbooks.com/marktplc/02172.htm to purchase!

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

At PartyCharlie, we are very pleased to announce a spectacular way to celebrate the holiday season in style. We are in the unique position to offer our clients a wide array of the most beautiful mansions in Southern California, for all your party and corporate events. Centrally located along one of the most beautiful boulevards in Pasadena, formally known as Millionaires Row, you will step back to a more gracious time for your special event. Go to: www.charliescola.com/mansions.htm, to view pictures of these fabulous estates.

Make your holiday party a Special Event this year!
Rent a Unique Party Location.

Here a few tips on renting party locations:

1. Maximum number of guests allowed- this is important if the guest list grows unexpectedly.
2. Music restrictions. How loud and what time will music be required to stop.
3. Power availability, will the location support your power requirements.
4. Where will the staging area be for the caterer.
5. Will there be an on site manager during the event in case of questions/
6. Trash Responsibilities.
7. What does the location price include? Will there be an extra charge for load in the day before and break down the day after?
8. Clean up & Cleaning deposits.
9. Insurance requirements.
10. Be sure there is a well lit parking lot, and stairways, for your guests to exit the event. Safety, Safety, Safety!!!
11. Who will be your contact person? And Who will be your contact person the day of the event?
12. Loading restrictions, Low entrance driveway. I.E. Tunnel, Entrance Arch.

Keep in mind when you hire me, PartyCharlie, I handle all the details!