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!

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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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!

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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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!

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/




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!

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!

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

Monday, October 27, 2008

Food Freezing Tips


Today, most parents each hold down a full time job, and with so many hours in the day it becomes increasingly hard to cook healthy meals for their children. Take-out, and fast-food has its place, but with a little careful planning, you can put home-cooked meals on the table faster than you might of thought possible. When you have time to cook, double or even triple the recipe and freeze the leftovers for another time. Soups, stews, pasta sauce are all good candidates, and most of the time taste better, because their flavors have jelled. Your microwave is your friend. That great invention will have your healthy meal on the table faster than a Domino's Pizza car driven by Dale Earnhardt!

Foods That Freeze Well

* Cooked chicken or turkey in casseroles.
* Stews, ragouts, goulashes made with beef, lamb, pork, or veal. Most vegetables used in these combination dishes, such as peas, carrots, celery, or small quantities of onion also freeze well. However, potatoes may not be satisfactory.
* Baked meat loaf.
* Cooked dried beans, such as bean soup and baked beans. Because freezing softens beans somewhat, cook until barely tender for best quality. Limit storage time to two weeks if seasoned with ham or bacon.
* Cooked rice and pasta, plain or with tomato sauces.

Foods That Do Not Freeze Well

The flavor and texture of some foods become poor during freezing. Avoid using these foods.

* Cooked egg white toughens.
* Mature potatoes, which tend to disintegrate, become watery, or darken. New potatoes are better.
* Fried foods tend to have a warmed-over flavor when reheated.
* Avoid freezing cured meats; salt hastens rancidity.
* Fresh salad greens, raw tomatoes, raw apples and grapes become soft, soggy, and mushy. Mayonnaise separates. To make entree salads, freeze some ingredients separately; add fresh vegetables, fruits, and dressings to other thawed ingredients.

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!

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

Monday, October 20, 2008

Outdoor Party Tips

It’s October. The leaves are starting to turn, the weather will be getting colder and colder... but not here in beautiful La, La land! While people on the East Coast reluctantly bring their parties indoors, we can continue to enjoy outdoor events in Southern California for many, many months. And I’m always here to help you! If you need a professional, I'm only a phone call away.

Place citronella candles throughout the party area to keep the bugs away.

Simple or elaborate centerpieces are one of the best ways to illustrate your party's theme.

Tablecloth grips are the best way to secure plates and napkins on a windy day.

Stringing small white lights around a few trees will look magnificent when it gets dark.

A great idea for table lighting is to fill small metal pails with sand and use them to hold candles.

Illuminate steps and steep paths.

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!

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

Monday, October 13, 2008

Holiday Planning Tips

Summer is over, and it is now time to turn our thoughts to the HOLIDAYS!! You may think you've got plenty of time, but in my experience it is never too soon to plan for your, Halloween, 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...

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...

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!

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