PartyCharlie.com - Party Planning Tips

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Safety – Making It a Priority – Part One

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

Chapter 7 - Safety – Making It a Priority – Part One, pages, 43, & 44.

Using the Fire Extinguisher

Follow the fire department’s “PASS system”:

1. Pull the pin.

2. Aim the extinguisher nozzle at the base of the flames.

3. Squeeze the trigger while holding the extinguisher upright.

4. Sweep the extinguisher from side to side, covering the area of the fire with the extinguishing agent.

NOTE: Be aware that fire extinguishers have different grades. For instance, a water-type extinguisher would spread a grease fire. A higher-grade extinguisher can douse most kinds of fires, whether it’s a grease fire or a napkin that was accidentally set on the stove.

When renting or buying, be sure to check the class type:

Class type A extinguishers are for combustible materials such as paper, wood, cardboard, and mostplastic.

Class type B fires involve flammable or combustible liquids such as gasoline, kerosene, grease, and oil.

Class type C fires involve electrical equipment, such as appliances, wiring, circuit breakers, and outlets. Never use water to extinguish class C fires — the risk of electrical shock is far too great!

Class type D fire extinguishers are usually found in chemical laboratory. They are for fires that involve combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium, potassium, and sodium.

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!

Thursday, March 3, 2011

PartyCharlie on Actors Entertainment Network's, ActorsE Chat Show

2011 has already started out with a bang! This month I was featured on the Actors Entertainment Network's, ActorsE Chat Show, with Host Maria Felipe. Click on the TV to view the video!

The only thing I like better than eating food, is talking about it! On Sunday, February 20th, I was a featured speaker at Cafe Du Monde. I had a blast! It was a unique, festive monologue event about the 2nd universal language - FOOD and how our lives revolve around the satisfaction of it!

Last Saturday I appeared on the NBC Oscar special "Inside the Awards" Hosted By Cary Berglund! What a great experience that was! There's lots more on the horizon. Party on!

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, February 16, 2011

Casey Carle, Soap Bubble Artist-Scientist-Comic-Consultant-Wrangler!

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. This month I'd like to feature Casey Carle, Soap Bubble Artist-Scientist-Comic-Consultant-Wrangler!

Mr. Carle was a guest performer at an event under my direction for the client NewEgg.com, held at the elegant Bank Nightclub located in the prestigious Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. The audience included VIP leaders in the electronics manufacturing, distribution and retail markets from around the globe. Mr. Carle's bubble act met with enthusiastic appreciation as he engaged the whole room with jaw-dropping skills that bordered on real magic... all done in a classy, fun and very entertaining way. He was a pleasure to work with - a real pro - and I do not hesitate to recommend him. Party on!

www.bubblemania.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, February 2, 2011

How to properly set up a bar for a party or large event - Part 2

WHAT YOU’LL NEED FOR A WINE AND BEER BAR:

This is the kind of bar I recommend if you’re doing self-service. Anything more can get very complicated and can end up sucking away all your time from mingling. Here’s what you’ll need:

* Wine and beer
* Glasses ( or Clear Plastic Tumblers)
* Cocktail napkins
* Wine/bottle opener
* Ice chests and ice (to keep the bottles cold)
* Trash bin

WHAT YOU’LL NEED FOR A COMPLETE BAR:

If you’re having a Complete Bar and you plan on having more than fifty guests, PLEASE consider having a bartender. A self-service bar can get messy with that many people. But if you are feeling adventurous (and you have help) here’s what you’ll need for a Complete Bar:

* Liquor
o Gin (dry)
o Vodka
o Rye (or Canadian whiskey)
o Bourbon
o Scotch whiskey
o Rum (light)
o Vermouth (dry and sweet)
o Tequila
o White and red wine (dry)
o Beer (lager)
o Cognac (or other brandy)
o Triple Sec
* Juices:
o Tomato juice
o Orange juice
o Pineapple juice
o Cranberry juice
o Grapefruit juice
* Carbonated mixers
o Club soda
o Tonic water
o Ginger ale
o 7-Up or Sprite
o Cola
o Diet Cola
* Non Carbonated Mixers
o Grenadine
o Lime Juice
o Bitters
o Tabasco Sauce
o Cream/Milk
* Garnishes
o Cherries (maraschino)
o Green olives (small)
o Cocktail onions
o Lemons, limes and oranges
o Sugar, salt and pepper.
* Specialty Garnishes
o Pineapple wedges
o Orange wheels
o Melon cubes or balls
o Mint leaves
o Cinnamon sticks
* Here is the type of equipment you should consider for your bar:
o Bar spoon (a long handled spoon for mixing drinks and stirring in fruit)
o Bar/Hand Towels
o Blender
o Bottle opener
o Bowls for garnishes
o Can opener
o Cocktail shaker and strainer (to prevent ice from getting into non-iced drinks such as Martini’s)
o Corkscrew
o Cutting board and a sharp knife
o Electric blender
o Ice bucket and scoop (for putting ice in drinks)
o Ice tong
o Jars/cups to display garnishes
o Juice squeezer
o Measuring cups and spoon set
o Mixing glasses (where drinks that are to be "stirred, not shaken" are combined)
o Pitcher (for mixing larger amounts of drinks)
o Stirrers

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, January 19, 2011

How to properly set up a bar for a party or large event - Part 1

A full service bar is one where you will be providing everything; including the staff to serve the drinks (you can always get staff from a catering company). The first goal in setting up a bar is making sure it is in the right place. Don’t cause a bottleneck at the bar by placing it too close to the buffet, entrance, exit, guest table, or restroom (unless the bar is permanent and you don’t have a choice). Don’t be afraid to place the bar at the far end of your party space. In fact, it will encourage guests to enter further into the party.

Next is figuring out how much alcohol to provide. The following guide is designed to help you do just that. Estimate by considering what kind of alcohol you are serving and who your crowd is.

Remember the PartyCharlie # 1 rule: Know your guests.

MAKING YOUR BAR WORK:

* A full service bar can get expensive, but by estimating how much alcohol you’ll need you can keep costs to a minimum.
* To find out the trendy drinks in your area contact the local clubs or trendy bars.
* Know your crowd. For instance, if it’s a younger crowd, chances are that they won’t be drinking scotch on the rocks.
* Have a bartender. Your bartender will pour the right quantities, and alcohol won’t get wasted.
* Your washing machine is a great back up for keeping your canned beverages on ice. It has it’s own draining system and is ready to go.

HOSTING A CASH BAR

* It is illegal to sell alcohol without a license even at your own house. There are temporary liquor licenses that are available for a fee. It is best to check with your local city and state ordinances.
* Use drink tickets instead of having a bartender handle cash.
* Make sure you ticket person is VERY visible has lots of change.
* Charge in dollar amounts instead of $3.50 round it to $3.00 or $4.00

BENEFITS OF HAVING A BARTENDER:

* The set up and breakdown of the bar station is taken care of.
* The bar will be maintained and drinks will be kept cold.
* Spills and broken glasses will be taken care of immediately.
* They will have knowledge of different drink recipes for your guests to enjoy.
* Confirm that your Bartender will have a kit that will have all of the tools; shakers, pour tops, wine openers, etc.
* The bartender will be constantly watching out to make sure that the guests aren’t drinking too much. You can have the bartender alert you to any over-intoxication, and then you can handle it discreetly or, if the particular guest has a ride from a designated driver, you can inform the bartender of that.

A REMINDER ABOUT HAVING A BARTENDER

* If you’re party is at home it is up to you as to whether you’ll allow a “tip jar.” If you don’t allow one, find out if the bartender will be adding on a gratuity cost to your bill. Bottom line, though, if you don’t want your guests to feel they have to fork over money tell your bartender not to put a tip cup out. As listed in my Employee manual I don’t permit 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!

Monday, January 10, 2011

Super Bowl Party Tips:

I would like to wish everyone a happy, and healthy new year! I can't believe that another year has come to a close. I hope 2010 was as good to you as it was for me. My business has grown in leaps and bounds, but I am not set to rest on my laurels. I have some wonderful new projects that I will be announcing over the next few months! 2011 looks to be another exciting year!

Speaking of excitement.... The Super Bowl is almost here!!! Here are some great ways to turn your party from ordinary, to, well...Super! Or give me a call, and enjoy the Super Bowl party of a lifetime!!!

When planning a Super Bowl party, simple is always the key, so the best way to serve your guests, is have them serve themselves from a buffet table.

Kickoff your party with everyone's favorite high fat, finger-licking foods - break out the chicken wings, pizza, hot dogs...

A great dish to serve for your Super Bowl party is Chili. You can prepare it ahead of time and your guests can serve themselves, so you don't have to miss a minute of the game!

Set up a separate table for the beverages. A keg of beer, a punch bowl filled with your favorite cocktail, and a cooler with assorted soft drinks, will keep your running around to a minimum.

Divide the TV room by team colors, and sit your guests accordingly.

Everyone loves a Super Bowl party, but not everyone loves football, so have a room set up for the non sports fan to enjoy.

If children are attending, set up a kids room, stocked with treats, video games, and a TV.
Always plan for more guests than you think will attend. It is better to have too much, than not enough.

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, December 17, 2010

Hiring a Quality Limousine Service for Special Events By Brandan Stein

Whether it is for a wedding, charity gala or other special event, hiring a limousine company involves far more than simply finding cars to get people from one point to another. The first impression your guests will have of your event will be the experience of the ride you have arranged for them.

A quality limousine company understands that they are really the start of the event, and are responsible for setting the tone what will follow. For the start of any event to be truly memorable there has to be something more than the luxury and glamour of the vehicle. To find a quality limousine service that will add value to your event, look for a company that has been in business for many years so that they are experienced in handling the type of event you are planning.

Ask for references from customers that have used the company for similar types and sizes of events. Confirm that the company has access to a fleet large enough to handle your needs and if you are using more than a few cars, arrange for a visit to the company to inspect their vehicles in person.

Ask the company to describe the training programs they have established for their chauffeurs; the experience that you and your guests enjoy inside the vehicle will be defined by the exceptional customer service delivered by a highly trained, professional, knowledgeable, and attentive chauffeur. The safety of your guests is always a priority, so in addition to questioning training practices, and inspecting the vehicles in person, you should always ask for a copy of the company’s Certificate of Insurance to confirm adequate coverage for both vehicles and passengers in the event of accident.

Schedules and timing are critical and the company you select should be expert in understanding their customer’s requirements and at coordinating vehicles and personnel to ensure guests arrive on time. This logistical expertise is critical especially if multiple stops are involved, as in the case of a wedding – home, ceremony, photos, reception, hotel, shuttles for guests, etc. – or large events when hundreds of vehicles are coordinated.

Find a partner that delivers the combination of all of the above and you will find that they will also, in all probability, be competitively priced – they will not be cheap, but the value of the service delivered will be worth every cent.

In 1980, Ron and Jackie Stein started Exclusive Sedan Service and were joined by son Brandan in 1998. Exclusive Sedan Service is, today, co-managed by Ron and Brandan Stein, and is a model of how a modern, successful family business should be run: the Stein’s not only work well together, they work effectively and efficiently by maximizing each of their individual strengths.

Exclusive Sedan Service includes a broad range of vehicles and transportation options, a wide range of clientele, and provides exceptional ground transportation services in more than 550 destinations throughout the world.

EXCLUSIVE SEDAN SERVICE WORLDWIDE

(800)400-sedan (7332) (818) 765-7311

www.exclusivesedan.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!