PartyCharlie.com - Party Planning Tips

Friday, August 27, 2010

Coffee – Making Sense of the Many Choices - Part 1

(Party Planning Secrets: The Ultimate Guide To A Successful Party - Chapter 31, page, 167.)

For a great pick-me-up, coffee is one of the most fundamental elements to any great party or event. And yet it is often forgotten in the planning. Hosting a party is an enormous task, with food and alcoholic beverages being the top priority in the party giver’s mind. This may be the biggest reason that coffee is overlooked. Or maybe it’s sub-conscious, stemming from the anxiety of having to make a good cup of coffee for dozens of people. Fear not — I’m here to rescue you from your coffee worries forever!

When buying loose coffee beans, crack a bean between your fingernails. If it cracks easily and you smell the vibrant aroma, it’s fresh. Old coffee is rubbery, will have a flat smell, and will sometimes
give off a rancid odor.

Purchase whole-bean coffee and grind it at the store. Do this a couple of days in advance. Great coffee will still be great a day or two after grinding.

Keep your coffee as fresh as possible by storing it in an airtight container. Bag it and squeeze out the excess air. Store the coffee in a cool, dark place.

Never freeze your opened coffee. In the freezer it is exposed to moisture, which will change the flavor.

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!

Saturday, August 14, 2010

PartyCharlie Life Styles and Travel - Dark Cloud over Aruba

(Now Sharing Lifestyle, & Travel Tips... Enjoy!)

Three reasons to stay away from Aruba
Having traveled the globe over the years and being in the hospitality business for most of my life, I know a good thing when I find it. Yes I must confess it was my first time in Aruba. An Island my sister Rose is fond of. So when I got the assignment to head out there I was like a kid in a candy store.

Let’s start with the three reasons to stay away from Aruba
Reason one. If you don’t like nice people then stay away. Reason two. If you don’t like Amazing Restaurants, homemade ice cream, enjoying a romantic candle light dinner for two on the beach, then stay away. And Reason three. If you don’t like sunny weather, blue skies, gentle breezes and turquoise water, boating, kayaking, giant water slides …then definitely stay away. This island is not for you!

Ok, so I’m being a bit sarcastic, and yes there was a dark cloud over there, one day out of nine days and that day it rained a bit…then back to paradise.
With all the hoopla about the island not being safe due to the story about that poor unfortunate gal who disappeared and assumed murdered, you would think the island is like walking around the outskirts of Washington DC. Yes the Nations capital~!
And that’s a whole other story.

But back to paradise! Ahhhh!!! Aruba!
My Travel Partner actress Tasha Tacosa boost that she has never felt so safe on a vacation, and yes this island is perfect for newlyweds, couples, friends looking to get away, family’s with small children or the corporation looking to host a cooperate event, seminar or conference.

Tasha and I met up with the general manager of the Radisson hotel Rob Smith who has been on the Island for 14 years he tells us that the Radisson is currently pumping 27 million into the hotel and property. We personally loved the hotel and the four diamond Sunset Grille restaurant. The Amazing stretch of beach, the talking parrots and all the amentias hotel had to offer. We chatted about the islands Desalination Plant being the seconds largest in the world and among the world’s cleanest water. Rob Smith says there is a high level of education with children having to speak three languages before they can graduate. The official and most widely spoken language is Papiamento (or Papiamentu). Papiamentu is a mixture of Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, English, French, and it also has some Arawak Indian and African influences. A few more facts, 82 % of the people on the island own their own home. The island is 19.6 miles long and about 6 mile across and is under Dutch Law, outside the hurricane belt make a perfect travel destination. So next vacation… make it Aruba!

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!

Friday, July 30, 2010

Party Planning Secrets: The Ultimate Guide To A Successful Party - Chapter 33, pages, 182, & 183.

Volunteers – Making The Most Of Them -
Part 2

Friends who have volunteered to assist at the party, can help you organize your party, lend and/or gather borrow-ed equipment, be there when the rental truck arrives, andso on. Here’s how to make the most of them.

Ask for help! Here are a few reasons we say we don’t need help:

1. We don’t want our guests to feel as though they’re “singing for their supper.” Asking a guest to help with one small task can make a big difference, so don’t be shy — ask!

2. We want everyone to think of us as Supermen and Superwomen who can put together a party for a hundred guests without any help at all.

3. We’re sometimes afraid that when a friend asks if he or she can help, the guest is only doing so because it’s an obligation rather than a sincere desire to be of assistance.

Here’s what happens when you just say YES:

1. You get much-needed assistance.

2. Your guests get the pride of knowing they’ve helped you put together a great event.

3. Everyone who comes to the party enjoys how seam- lessly and smoothly everything runs.

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!

Thursday, July 15, 2010

On Friday, June 18th, the prestigious Bel-Air Magazine Launch Party, was the place to be! I had the pleasure, and honor to be the producer of this incredible event, benefiting the Children's Hospital, Los Angeles. The party was a spectacular success! Bel-Air Magazine is something you really want to get your hands on. This glossy work of art, is packed with design, film, fashion, entertaining, and so much more. Over 700 VIP guests packed one the most spectacular homes in the world, to celebrate the release of this gorgeous magazine. It was glitz, and glamour as far as the eye can see. Click on the image below, to watch a short video that I put together from that wonderful event!

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!

Friday, June 25, 2010

Party Planning Secrets: The Ultimate Guide To A Successful Party - Chapter 33, pages, 182, & 183.

Volunteers – Making The Most Of Them

Recognize when you need help. We all like to have the pride of doing things on our own, but putting together a party is a big endeavor (even with all my guidance and tips). So recognize when you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, and rather than allowing yourself to burn out, turn to volunteers.

Use my PartyCharlie Checklist at the end of my book to determine in which areas you could use assistance.

Make a list of equipment you need to borrow and assign this task to a volunteer.

Make a list of the times when you expect rental deliveries, such as for tables and chairs. Don’t forget that if you’re allowing one of your volunteers to do this, he or she needs to check in every rental piece so you don’t get charged for something that was damaged or never arrived.

Invite your volunteers to choose a job they would enjoy doing. People are more likely to do something well if they really care about it.

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!

Friday, June 11, 2010

On Friday, June 18th, the prestigious Bel-Air Magazine Launch Party, will be one of the hottest tickets in town. Where you ask? Well darling, Bel-Air of course! I have the pleasure, and honor to be producing this wonderful event, benefiting the Children's Hospital, Los Angeles. This event is invitation only!

Fundraising parties are a hot topic these days. I've been receiving a lot of emails on the subject. Most people feel overwhelmed, with the prospect of putting together such an event. But I'm here to tell you, that with a little bit of planning, you can host a successful, fun party that will raise money for your important cause.

Organization is the key to any winning fundraiser. Pick a date, secure your space, and decide what method you will use to raise funds. A combination of admission price, along with an auction can maximize profits for your event. Asking friends to donate their time, and services is great way to cut costs, and increase net income! Invite anyone, and everyone that might have an interest in your project. When the lights go down at the end of your event, your job is not over. Send thank you notes, and keep everyone that attended, informed about the progress of your project.

Create a time line, stay focused, and everything will fall into place!

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, May 26, 2010

A Memorial Day Party is a great opportunity to bring your friends and family together. Your local park makes a great location for a Memorial Day Party.

Make sure you call your local parks department early and reserve a space for your party.

Over-sized blankets are perfect for any picnic. Bring along some plastic sheeting to protect the blankets in case the ground is moist.

Use one picnic basket for food and bring along another for dishware, glasses and other utensils.

Extra-strength paper plates are great for a big picnic as well as colorful Milmac plates.

Thermal flasks are very important.

The local supermarket has a fantastic array of colorful plastic glasses. They add so much to the overall presentation of your picnic.

Always bring a tablecloth, and an old sheet to use as an under liner.
Flowers will add a touch of elegance to your outdoor affair.

Clean-up is a very important part of any party. Don't forget to bring plenty of plastic garbage bags and paper towels.

And most importantly, pack sunscreen, and a first-aid kit.

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!