Spring is in the air, giving us cause for celebration. It's a time for backyard barbecues, and family gatherings!

 

In the past, if you were sensitive, or intolerant to gluten, you would have a hard time enjoying yourself at an event or party. 

 

Gluten is hidden in many products. It is found in rye, barley and wheat , commonly used as a thickening agents.

 

 

Thankfully today, event planners, and caterers like myself are offering gluten-free menus, that are that are super-tasty, and enjoyable for everyone.  

 

Eating a gluten-free diet can help reduce your risk of heart disease, certain cancers, and other health-related conditions, like diabetes. 

 

In the next few months, I will be sharing my gluten-free menus, that you can be enjoying at your next event, or party!

 

Check out my Gluten-Free Hors d'oeuvres Menu.

Gluten-Free Hors d'oeuvres Menu - Part 1

 

 

Endive Spears

Stuffed with Red Pepper Mousse, Fire Roasted Pepper and Topped with Sprouts

 

 

Crab Filled Mushroom Caps

Filled with, Spinach, Pesto & Topped With Aged Parmesan Cheese

 

 

Pineapple Pico De Gallo

Crisp Corn Tortilla Chips

Home-Style Fresh Guacamole

 

 

Caprese Skewers

Imported Fresh Mozzarella Cheese

Fresh Basil Tear Drop Tomatoes

With an Lemon Olive Oil Glaze

Dusted with Pink Himalayan Salt and Black Pepper

 

 

 

Roasted Vegetable Skewers

Served with Brushed with Butter Maple Glaze

 

 

 

Mini Red Potatoes

Stuffed with Crème Fraiche

Topped with Crispy Toasted Shallots and a Dash of Lemon Pepper

 

 

Fresh Sweet Seasonal Fruit Kebobs

With Mint Sprig

 

 

Black Garlic Chicken Saté 

Korean Black Garlic Roasted

Mixed with Almond Butter and Coconut Milk and a bit of Red pepper

 

Give me a call, and I will make your next event, or  party a spectacular gluten-free experience for all five senses! 

 

  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!

Saving Money on Floral Items

 

 

 This month's party tips are taken from my book:

 

Party Planning Secrets

The Ultimate Guide to a Successful Party

 

 

 

 

Saving Money on Floral Items

 

Order your floral items far in advance. 

 

Be sure to ask what will be in season at that time.

 

Avoid exotic flowers unless you can strike a deal with the florist. 

 

Avoid flowers that are in high demand for the season. For instance, roses are beautiful, but if your party is on or around Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day, the cost will shoot up.

 

 

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!

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Know Your Crowd

This month's party tips are taken from my book:

 

Party Planning Secrets

The Ultimate Guide to a Successful Party

 

Know Your Crowd

 

Instead of planning your party around what you like, consider what your guests like. This goes for all stages of your party, such as your theme, music, and menu.

 

Garlic is great, but if it’s a cocktail party and people are talking close to each other, think twice about the amount you use.

 

Consider the age group of your guests. This will tell you a little bit about their eating habits. Older people tend to stay away from spicy and chewy foods, whereas younger people like trendy foods.

 

For a children’s party with lots of adults in attendance, provide two menus: one for the children and one for the adults.

 

Knowing your crowd will tell you if you should serve beer, wine, or possibly tropical blended drinks. Maybe it’s a martini crowd. If it’s a dancing crowd, make sure to provide music and an area for dancing.

 

Themes are great, but a toga party probably would not be a great choice for an older crowd. But then again, maybe it will. That’s the point of knowing your crowd. Take a minute and consider the crowd. It’s that simple!

 

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!

Sign Up For My FREE Monthly Newsletter:http://www.charliescola.com

 

Happy Holidays!!!

It's that time of the year again for holiday parties and family gatherings. It doesn't matter what religion you practice,  this is a universal time! 

 

Have you been thinking about throwing that perfect Christmas cocktail party, holiday office party, or an elegant sit-down dinner?  

 

if you want your event to be successful, you must begin planning the details... ASAP! 

 

Planning in advance is the key to the success of any party or event!

 

Consider the presentation, and make a list a few days before the party of  every item you will need,  and you will have a fun, holiday party, that everyone will enjoy!

 

I would like to wish everyone the most wonderful holiday season, and a very, happy, happy, New Year!!!

 

  

If you want to do something special this Holiday season, give PartyCharlie a call.  I specialize in traditional parties to out of this world extravaganzas!

HOLIDAY OFFICE PARTY TIPS:

 

Choose a party theme. This can be helpful in deciding food choices and atmosphere.

 

Send out a memo at least three weeks in advance.  

 

Have breakfast or lunch instead of an evening office party. This can allow employees to include their families in the festivities.

 

Have employees donate gifts to a charitable organization instead of exchanging gifts.

 

Remembering guests names isn't always easy; create festive name-tags.

 

Make sure there are plenty of alternative, non-alcoholic beverages available.

 

If alcohol is served, make sure that arrangements are made for taxis to take people home or arrange a designated driver system.

 

Call PartyCharlie, and I'll help you create the most festive, electrifying, fun-filled Holiday Office Party that you and your co-workers will ever experience!

 

Call now and reserve your place in party history! Large or small... Elegant to wild... We do it all! Experience + Imagination = SATISFACTION!

 

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!

Sign Up For My FREE Monthly Newsletter:http://www.charliescola.com

 

Tips for a stress-free party planning holiday season!

Okay, I know it's only October, but the holiday season has a way of sneaking up on all of us!  

Halloween is just down the road. 

For fun with the entire family, check out my pumpkin carving tips in my “Tips, and Tricks,” section.

It is never too soon to plan for your Thanksgiving, Chanukah, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve events.  

Whether you use a professional caterer, or do it yourself, proper planning is the key to any successful party...

Here’s my tips for a stress-free party planning holiday season: 

1. Decide on the date, time, and place.

2. Plan the menu and the guest list.

3. Give careful thought to table settings and decorations. 

4. Make a list of everything you need to rent or borrow.

5. A checklist for food and beverages.

6. Shop in advance for everything that is not perishable.

7. Plan a cooking timetable.

8. Or just sit back and relax, and let me cater your next affair.  You'll be glad you did...

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!

Sign Up For My FREE Monthly Newsletter:http://www.charliescola.com

Saving Money on Beverages

 

This month's party tips are taken from my book... 

“Party Planning Secrets: The Ultimate Guide To A Successful Party.” 

Chapter 6 - pages, 40, &; 41

Saving Money on Beverages

Consider hosting only wine, beer, and soft drinks.

The overall cost is lower than that for mixed drinks, unless you use high-cost wines. 

Serve pitchers of sangria — it’s inexpensive, festive,and flavorful.

Use proper glass sizes to avoid waste. If your glasses are too small, you’ll find an increase in the number of drinks and cups consumed. If your glasses are too large, you’ll find that there is a lot of waste because cold beverages get warm and are thrown away.

A 10-ounce all-purpose plastic cup is a good size for mixed drinks, soft drinks, and even wine.

Most beer drinkers prefer to drink from the bottle. If using keg beer, provide a 14-ounce cup.

Close the bar approximately 30 minutes before the end of the party and serve only soft drinks and coffee.

This is not only good for saving money, but it also helps to ensure that your guests have time to sober up.

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!

Sign Up For My FREE Monthly Newsletter:http://www.charliescola.com

Mexican Fiesta Party

The PartyCharlie Summer Party Series concludes with a hot, hot, hot, Mexican Fiesta Party!!! 

Let's head south of the border, and celebrate the end of the summer, with a colorful explosion, of sights, sounds, and tasty delights!

Southern California has a very large Mexican population, so finding the things you need for your party will be a snap!

Grab a cool, refreshing, Margarita; sit back, relax, and check out my party tips, below...

Or give me a call, and I'll grab the bull by the horns, and take you, and your guests, on the party ride of your life... Olé!

CALL ME NOW!

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(click the pic)

 

Mexican Fiesta Party Tips: 

Invitations should be as colorful as a Mexican Sunset. 

Sprinkle in a few words of Spanish, to set the tone of your party.

Decorate with Sombreros, Serapes, and colorful bunting.

To set the mood, check out your local party supply store, for Chili Pepper Lighting.

A Mexican Fiesta would not be complete without a MUCHO GRANDE Taco Bar!

Kick your party into overdrive with a full featured Margarita bar!

Mariachi music will have your guests dancing the night away.

A Mexican Fiesta would not be complete without a Pinata to break!

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!

Sign Up For My FREE Monthly Newsletter: http://www.charliescola.com