PartyCharlie.com - Party Planning Tips

Monday, October 12, 2009

Pumpkin Carving Tips:

Halloween is fast approaching. Skeletons, scarecrows, and witches, are always fun decorations, but nothing says “Halloween,” like a hand-carved pumpkin. The Jack-O-Lantern dates back centuries to the very beginning of that magical night called “Halloween.” Follow theses carving tips for a ghoulishly fun time!

1. Medium-sized pumpkins work best for stencils. If you are going to carve free-hand, then let your imagination choose the size.

2. Use a stencil for very detailed carving. Your local craft shop will have all the tools you need. The internet has many sites offering free stencils that you can download.

3. A boning and paring knife, an ice cream scoop, some old newspaper, a black crayon, and your imagination, are all you really need to carve the pumpkin free-hand.

4. Place the newspaper under the pumpkin. Cut around the stem of the pumpkin, and remove. Scoop out the seeds and membrane. Using a crayon, mark up the face of the pumpkin. Cut out the pieces, using a paring knife.

5. Place a votive candle into a glass candle holder. Light the candle and place inside the pumpkin. Place the stem-top back onto the pumpkin.

6. Put the pumpkin on display, to scare all the ghouls and goblins away!

For the ultimate in 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!

Monday, September 28, 2009

PartyCharlie, Featured In The Los Angeles Business Journal

So far, 2009 has been a banner year for PartyCharlie! I’ve appeared on numerous Radio, and TV shows. I was honored by the City of Beverly Hills. My book “Party Planning Secrets,” has been selling at a record pace, and a few weeks ago I was featured in the prestige’s Los Angeles Business Journal!

Party Hearty:

"Charles Scola believes partying is the key to a healthy lifestyle.

Known as "Party Charlie" in Hollywood, the 50-year-old professional event planner has produced thousands of weddings, movie premieres and corporate events, including the grand opening of CityWalk at Universal Studios and a holiday bash for Hugh Hefner at the Playboy Mansion.

"I could never retire because I'm in a business that constantly gives me praises," he said. "That boosts my immune system so I'm never sick."

Scola said studies show that social people are healthier than recluses. But he notes that when he talks about partying, "it's the social interaction definition, not the college boy's definition."

He believes that when people eat at parties, socializing consumes calories and they tend not to gain weight. If they ate the same food at home, they would sit in front of the TV and it would turn to fat.

The formula certainly seems to work for the trim and energetic Scola.

"When I'm planning an event, nothing makes me nervous--it gives me a boost of energy," he said. "I find it exciting to feed thousands of people and do it well."

Staff reporters David Haldane and Joel Russell contributed to this column. Page 3 is compiled by editor Charles Crumpley. He can be reached at ccrumpley@labusinessjoumal.com.

For the ultimate in 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, September 16, 2009

Charlie's Tips For Hiring A Valet Service:

· Get references. Follow up – call the references.

· Put it in writing. Put everything (hours, tips, special arrangements and general expectations) in writing.

· Parking attendants should provide, Flashlights, reflective cones, signs to let people know about valet service, key cabinet, uniforms, and valet tickets.

· Avoid confusion. When you’re having a valet service, post signs reading “Valet parking service for “such-and-such party.”

· Ask your valet company to Check with City Hall. Find out if you need any additional licenses or permits.

· Inform your neighbors. They will appreciate you notifying them before allowing guests to park in front of their homes.

· Prepare for the weather. Make sure the valet service has umbrellas for rain, as well as snow removal equipment (such as ice scrapers, salt, sand, and snow shovels) during the winter months. ( Well I guess we wont be needing that in LA!)

· Have the service visit the property. Make sure the company verifies the parking lots, locations and local rules. Also discuss security concerns.

· Find out what they’re wearing. Ask the valet service representative to come with examples of the uniforms and discuss what special dress requirements you have.

· Make sure the company takes care of their staff – so that you don’t have to. Make sure when you speak with the valet company that they provide meals for their staff (or that the hours of your party don’t encompass a meal time). Also, make sure that the company has a written policy that valets are not allowed to drink any alcohol from the bar while at the party.

For the ultimate in 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, August 31, 2009

Senator Kennedy & PartyCharlie:

First of all… YES, that’s me, sporting a beard with Senator Ted Kennedy. I first met the Senator in 1983 at Senator Tunney’s home, for an event for Governor Jerry Brown. Linda Ronstadt was one of the many celebrities in attendance, and the rumor making the rounds, was that Governor Jerry Brown was dating the internationally acclaimed singer.

A few years later, in 1994, I once again had the pleasure to meet Senator Ted Kennedy at a fundraiser I catered for Gray Davis, who was campaigning for Governor of California. It was a full service brunch with all the pomp and fanfare one would expect for an event of that magnitude. The outstanding event included the very finest smoked salmon, a breathtaking bakery display, assorted fresh squeezed juices, a cappuccino bar, top-flight chefs cooking gourmet omelets to order, all accompanied by a full white linen style service.

I noticed that the Senator was not eating. I approached him in my PartyCharlie way, and asked if I could prepare something else for him. The Senator explained that he and his wife, Vicki, already had breakfast, and would wait for lunch. I was delighted to tell him that I had a wonderful, homemade lasagna, for our staff meal, accompanied by our trademark Caesar Salad with Garlic Cheese Croutons. The Senator smiled, and asked if there would be enough for him and his wife. I returned the smile with a resounding, YES! Plus seconds!

The senator later asked what my last name was. I said SCOLA. He replied, “HA! Italian! No wonder why the Lasagna was so great!” I told him about the time I met him at Governor Brown’s event, and wondered if I could have a picture with him. He said he’d be delighted. It’s a picture that I’ve cherished for a long time, and I’m very happy to be able to share it with you.

A few years later, a good client of mine called, and asked me to create an event for Senator Barbara Boxer and Senator Diane Feinstein. My client said, “By the way, Senator Ted Kennedy is coming, and has requested your magnificent lasagna.” Well, you can imagine how that made me feel. On the day of that event, I brought the picture with me, and asked the Senator to sign it. I never asked for an endorsement on the lasagna, but I was happy to get it!

Senator Kennedy has been in the public eye for a long time, and I’m sure he will be greatly missed. I would like to take this time to give my most sincere condolences to his family, and friends.

CLICK HERE to view my celebrity client list!

For the ultimate in 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, August 17, 2009

Wine Of The Month:

KUNDE ESTATE – Magnolia Lane Sauvignon Blanc 2008

Crisp, clean, and fresh, it reminds one of the warm Sonoma Valley sun that has ripened sweet grapes on the Kunde Family Estate for over 100 years. When you're feeling a little warm you can enjoy a cool glass brimming with flavors of musky cantaloupe, exotic guava, and crisp grapefruit, with just a hint of fresh-mown grass to add complexity. Do yourself a favor and try this with some smoky grilled vegetables and shrimp skewers.

For the ultimate in 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, July 27, 2009

Hiring An Entertainer:

From Hollywood to Broadway, the USA is the entertainment capital of the world. Not only do we produce more talent, and product than the rest of the world, we also have a non-stop craving for it. IPhones, Cable TV, Movies, The Internet, Video Games, etc… the list keeps growing, as does our appetite. One of the things that can take your party to the next level is hiring an entertainer. Most of the time, that is easier said than done. Most people don’t know how to go about it, or have had a bad experience with the process. That’s where I come in. www.PartyCharlie.com has over thirty-years of experience in all aspects of party planning. Celebrity Look-A-Likes, Clowns, Magicians, Singers, Dancers… you name it, and we can provide the best entertainers in town for your next event, or party! PartyCharlie Entertainment Quick Tip: Most entertainers schedule events, back to back, so it is very important to stick to a party time-line.

For the ultimate in 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, July 13, 2009

PartyCharlie On KTLA

On July 2nd, I appeared on The KTLA Morning Show. If you missed it, just click on the video and watch me, PartyCharlie, as I give my expert advice, party planning tips, and time saving short cuts, that can help you achieve a successful, fun, and stress-free event or party!

For the ultimate in 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!