Hair and Makeup

• Weddings

• Graduation

• Proms

• Bar Mitzah

• Bat Mitzah

• Sweet 16

• New Year's

• Shoes & Accessories

• Flowers & Favors

• Photographers

• Videographers

• Transportation Event Planning

A guide to planning a great party

P arty artyarty

OCTOBER 25, 2012

Music and Entertainment

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Whether it is a simple dinner party at home, a surprise party out or a blowout Sweet 16, bar/bat mitzvah or wedding, you may quickly find yourself overwhelmed by the myriad of options to be considered, the details to be attended and the deci-sions to be made. However, just like anything else, if you prepare in advance, do some homework, make a plan and then diligently execute your plan you will find your task that much less over-whelming. Prepare yourself beforehand first. Give some serious thought as to how you want your finished product to look. For example, if you are planning a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, think about some of these events you have attended and consider what you liked and what you disliked and why. Second, get a notebook (or open a computer file) and write your thoughts, ideas and notes. Keeping organized helps. Do your homework. Put together a list of the basic elements that comprise your event. Write them down. Once you have your basics listed you may begin to address each one in turn. For example, weddings, Sweet 16s and Bar/Bat Mitzvah all typically include the following elements:

• Venue • Entertainment • Catering (food) • Invitations • Videographer • Photographer • Party Favors • Decorations

PARTY, PARTY, PARTY is an advertising supplement to the HERALD Community Newspapers. Copyright © 2012 Richner Communications, Inc.Published by Richner Communications, Inc. 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530 (516) 569-4000 • www.liherald.com

PublishersCLIFFORD RICHNERSTUART RICHNERExecutive Editor

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lanning an event can be a daunting task.

By David Gross

Make a plan. Start by picking a date well in advance. Venues often book events more than a year in advance and so do entertainers, caterers, videogra-phers, photographers and everyone else with whom you will be working. Once you have the date it will be time to start the search for a venue. Keeping in mind estimated num-ber of guests, begin by looking at spaces that work for you in terms of the size of the room, the location and, of course, the cost. You will also want to give great consideration to your entertainment. As party pros have seen over and over, the entertainment can make or break an event. The biggest decision will be a live band or DJ. Both options have advantages and disadvantages. A good band can provide wonderful music (and there is noth-ing like live music!) but its repertoire may be limited, while a good DJ can provide a broader scope of

music. More importantly however, especially for pre-teen and teen parties, a good DJ will typically have his finger on the pulse of the music of the day and can also provide other games appropriate for young guests such as “Limbo”, “Coke & Pepsi”, “Red Rover”, etc. will have giveaways to distribute and dances to teach the kids. One of the best ways to prepare for your event is to attend a party planning showcase. At the showcase you will see examples of all of the elements that you need to plan your event. You will meet and speak to the people with whom you will be working. Best of all, they are all under one roof and you will gather all of the information needed to be able to make informed decisions in creating your perfect event. David Gross is the executive vice president of Legendary Events, a professional event planning company located in Carle Place.

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UNITY NEWSPAPER - PARTY PARTY PARTY

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Getting started: Party Planning

TT here are so many different reasons to throw a party. From birthdays to bar mitzvahs, the reasons to celebrate are many.

Some people are seasoned experts at planning and executing the perfect party, while others are more apprehensive about hosting. However, with a lit-tle guidance, anyone can successfully host a memorable party. Whether you’re planning an intimate cocktail party for a few friends or a large-scale event for a baptism or anniversary, some simple tips can reduce the stress involved in being a party host.

Step 1: Create a budget Planning the perfect event starts with establishing a clear budget. Above all else, setting a firm budget will help set limits as to what and how much you can buy for the event. It will also then help you make your lists and details accordingly. Be sure to list the main components of the party first: including food, beverages and invitations. It’s important to allocate more of your budget to those items and use the remaining funds to decorate and set the mood.

Step 2: Decide on a location Knowing where you will be having your party-usually dictated by how much you can spend - will help pave the way for other decisions. For exam-ple, if you are having a party at a restaurant, all you may need to handle are providing favors and bringing a cake. But if you are renting out a room or having the party at home, your workload will increase. There are many different places you can have a party, even some uncon-ventional locales. Therefore, if you are coming up with roadblocks based on the cost of venues, think outside the box.

Step 3: Make your shopping list Once you’ve established your budget and location, it’s time to make your shopping list. List all of the foods you plan to make and then separately list the ingredients that need to go into each recipe. Purchase the necessary ingre-dients if you are having mixed drinks. An easier idea is to simply offer soft drinks, wine and beer because guests can serve themselves. You can shop for nonperishable items, like utensils and decorations, early on. Save perishable foods for a few days before the party.

Step 4: Get help Hosting a party can be a lot of work, so it can benefit you to have a friend or family member lend a hand. Perhaps he or she can work on party favors while you’re putting the finishing touches on the meal or the dessert. If the budget allows, some people like to hire a service to wait on guests and cleans up during and after the party. This is beneficial to hosts who want to mingle with guests and not worry about collecting soiled dishes and bever-age glasses.

Step 5: Decide on personalization Although there may be the temptation to have a theme party, sometimes these can come off as immature. Instead, think about putting your own per-sonal touch on the party planning. For example, if you’re a budding artist, decorate with pieces you have made and other inexpensive works of art. Think about having a decorative item as a centralized theme, such as crystal vases or birdhouses. Maybe the party will be dazzling because of a particular color scheme. Figure out what you like and then go with that instead of a preconceived concept from a party store. Professional party planners make their money by creating one-of-a-kind events for their clients. You, too, can host a party that will be magical with just a little organization.

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

By Ramona Creel

First Steps√ Determine the type of party (formal, special

occasion, holiday, etc.)√ Decide if you want drinks, finger foods,

buffet, full meal, or other√ Choose a party theme√ Decide how many guests you would

like to invite√ Set a date, time, and place for your party√ Determine a date by when guests must RSVP√ Book your location and pay any deposit√ Make a shopping list -- including small items

like napkins and candles√ Make lists of tasks that can be done in

advance and those for party day

Budget√ Decorations, including flowers,

plants, or props√ Food and beverages√ Other services (caterer, parking attendant,

wait staff, etc.)√ Invitations and postage√ Rental space√ Entertainment (music, DJ, etc.)√ Tables, chairs, and other equipment rentalsOther miscellaneous expenses

Three To Six Months Before√ Put together your guest list and gather

addresses and phone numbers√ Order invitations√ Purchase decorations, paper goods, and other

supplies√ Contract for any services (caterer,

entertainment, etc.)√ Plan your menu and purchase non-perishable

foods and drinks√ Contact any friends or family you want to

help with the party√ Address and mail your invitations√ Pick out the music√ Contract for any equipment rental

(chairs, tables, etc.)

One To Two Weeks Before√ Confirm any friends, family, and hired service

people working the party√ Pck out your party outfit and have it cleaned√ Finalize the menu, space layout and

decorations

Two To Three Days Before√ Clean your house if party is at home and

begin decorating√ Gather your supplies and equipment together√ Shop for any last-minute food or supplies√ Touch base with contracted services√ Aassign specific tasks to your volunteer

assistants√ Make preparations for cleaning up, returning

equipment, etc.

When The Big Day Arrives√ Finalize the decorations and place settings√ Instruct any hired and volunteer helpers√ Relax and enjoy yourself!

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Invitation trends

Giving your invitees aletter to remember

O ne common problem when hosting a party is sending out invitations only to have a handful of people actually respond.

There are ways to entice others to say “yea” or “nay” to the invite. RSVP stands for “respondez s’il vous plait,” which is the French translation of, please respond. Although just about every invitation, whether paper, electronic or verbal, generally includes a response request, many invitees fail to make the call or send that e-mail. This can be annoying for a host or hostess trying to plan a party based on the number of guests. Although failure to respond to an invitation can seem like poor etiquette, party hosts should expect lots of non-responses. Here are some other ways to encourage guests to reply when invited. Set a deadline. Instead of leaving it as an open response, be sure to indicate on the invitation when the response will be needed. Be clear. In this day and age one would hope others would understand what RSVP means. However, there are some who believe they have to respond only if they are coming to the fete. Change the wording of the invitation to include a more explicit description of what is desired in a response. (Please respond if you will or will not be attending by this date.) Give response options. Let’s face it, with all of the electronic devices some people are simply “phone-a-phobic.” They’d much rather text, e-mail or place a wall post that they’ll be attending ... or not. Especially if some-one isn’t going to be able to attend, it can be a little embarrassing to call and give a reason why he or she will be a no-show. Give guests plenty of ways to respond (and save face) so they’ll be more likely to do so. (Call, e-mail or IM your response to...) No ticket, no entry. Remember the last concert, theater show or sports event attended? To enter such events a person will need a ticket as proof of payment. The same concept can be applied to individuals’ parties. Once a person responds in the affirmative, he or she can be issued a “ticket” for attendance. If a person fails to reply, no ticket, no entry. This may seem harsh and may alienate a few people, but it can drive home the RSVP point to serial non-responders. Pick up the phone. Party planners who really need an accurate headcount for financial reasons (the restaurant will charge for the num-ber of plates reserved) can give non-responders a call. It’s more work and it puts others on the spot, but it’s the most effective way to getting responses.

II nvitation trends rise up and evolve just like fashion trends, with different colors, textures and styles forming the new “in” designs.

Because today’s brides and hostesses want a coordinated look for all of their print items, every important stationery piece – from “save the date” cards to menu cards, place cards and thank-you notes – is often designed in matching or color-coordinated styles. While those on a budget often ask whether emailed, free invitations are acceptable now, it’s still a must to send pretty print invitations. Ceci Johnson, celebrity invitation designer and founder of CeciStyle magazine, says, “By sending a pret-ty, formal invitation through the mail instead of an online invitation, you show that you went to great effort to design them, and you create a gorgeous keepsake.” And guests love to see the gor-geous invitation that always thrills when it arrives in the mailbox. Designing the invitation has become a creative treat. Look to these top invitation trends:• Bright and bold colors. While many

still love the traditional look of ecru-colored invitations printed with formal black lettering, a big trend in invitations, according to the bridal website BecomingTheMrs.com, is bright and bold colors to match the season.

Another recent invitation trend is to choose bold colors and have the wording printed in white. Top hues for spring and summer are candy brights, and fall and winter call for jewel tones such as sapphire, eggplant, hunter green and cranberry.• Sparkle. Invitation cards are intricately accented with tiny Swarovski

crystals, mini pearls and rhinestones all hand-placed in the design. It might be a crystal sapphire affixed in a monogram or starburst designs in crystal shine.

• Textures and layers. Invitations are no longer simple, single-card stock pages in an envelope, but are instead multilayered with touchable tex-tures such as an overlay of frosted vellum or decorative seals. Raised borders in smooth, pearlized print add a touch of elegance, and the color motif might be shown in the added layer of color or pattern in the envelope liner.

For any panel type, the laser-cut printing technique is a huge trend. “It’s so fresh, unique and innovative,” says Johnson, who launched her Ceci Vivre collection, which coordinates the invitation’s laser-cut design with other print items, as well as tabletop accessories, such as place cards and place mats. “There isn’t a way of defining cheaper when it comes to paper stock, but it’s always best to choose ‘nice’ paper stock,” says Johnson, who also says that one type to consider is 130-pound paper. It’s not so glam-orous as satin or silk in fabrics, but it is high-quality.”

Johnson says the best way to find the perfect paper is to feel it. Go to your invitation designer or to the art supply or stationery store to pick up, touch and feel different types of beautiful papers. “I love imported papers with shiny coats and recycled papers that don’t feel like paper bags,” she says. Another aspect of textures is embellishments to an invitation. Johnson says,

“Ribbon and buckle invites are defi-nitely out. They are so ‘80s and overdone. What’s in is incorporat-ing incredible techniques like laser-cut or foil stamping for that extra-luxe design element.” She says that invitation design is now featuring hand-painted custom elements, as well, to illustrate a personal aspect of the celebration. Start early in your planning, and make sure you order with plenty of time in advance. Remember that custom printing requires lon-ger lead times than buying off the shelf. Typically, you should allo-cate about six to eight weeks for design, printing and calligraphy. Work backward from the date you want to mail them out. I always recommend starting sooner than later. Rush fees are

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Countdown to the holidays

Here’s a refresher on the fine points of sending out those invites, courtesy of the folks at the Emily Post Institute.

When addressing invitations, include all the names of the people you’re inviting. For example, if children are allowed, address the invitation to “Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Rickman and Family.” If chil-dren are not allowed, simply exclude the word ‘family’. For informal invitations, it’s fine to use first and last names and nicknames. For formal invitations, be sure to use titles and full names.If you’re inviting guests to bring a date or guest, note this in the invita-tion itself, not on the mailing address.

Sooner rather than later is best to accommodate guests’ busy work and social schedules. For a holiday party, invitations should go out from four to six weeks ahead of the event.

Are not engraved May include reply cards Use first-person voice Allow abbreviations for months, states, and street addresses

Are printed or engraved on high-quality paper Use classic type styles Address guests by full names and courtesy titles Are phrased in the third person Use written out numbers for dates and times

I t may seem like the holidays are many weeks away, but as the calendar moves forward, those parties will soon be here. So start thinking invitations!

Informal Invitation

Formal Invitation

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How To SurviveYour Child’sBig Day!

Party SwagFor

Bar & Bat Mitzvah • Quinceañera • Sweet 16

Seasonal celebrations

Instead of spending your time shopping and being enter-tained, become the entertainer. You, too, can host a one-of-a-kind holiday party. Not sure where to begin? Try these festive ideas for your holiday party – or any special fete for that matter – from entertaining expert Allana Baroni. Rise to the occasion. Before you begin planning your fete, make sure you’re in the right frame of mind. You don’t even have to call it a party-that word can carry too many expecta-tions. Just think of it as group therapy with a party twist. Look “dishy.” Leave the dishes in the kitchen, but do look “dishy.” Dressing up used to be a competition, but casual is the new fabulous. So, lose the head-to-toe bling and embrace a fresh, simple and festive ensemble. Don’t be afraid to seek out help. It’s OK to use ideas you’ve seen before, after all, it’s the interpretation of the inspiration that makes the difference. Ask event planners and specialists for advice. Admitting you need help is a starting point, but it doesn’t mean you’ve hit rock bottom. Keep it simple. Embrace a relaxed, yet minimal concept. Start with your party space. There’s no need to completely makeover your place. Rather, work with what you have, to create a casual and comfortable envi-ronment. A good example is to create a cozy, cushy seating area on the floor. Place a plush rug and fluffy pillows in front of the fireplace for a fun night of storytelling and gift swapping. And the simple look goes for you, too. Remember, casual is in this year. So, happy party planning, and, remember, the key to planning a great event starts with being a fantastic host. Who knows, your event may even become an annual tradition that will have your friends talking all year long.

T ired of the same holiday routine, and looking to get out of your rut? A new outlook this holiday season could begin with an entertainment intervention.

Q - What do you feel are the most important ven-dors to spend the wedding budget on when it comes to allocating wedding funds and why?

&A - Everyone is different and we ask that our couples take time to consider what elements are most important to them. We find and typically suggest that the bulk of wedding funds go toward the venue, food & beverage and entertainment. We also put together a budget estimate that outlines every possible wed-ding line item so that brides and grooms are looking at the whole picture. We don’t want important items, like décor lighting, to fall through the cracks because a couple has not budgeted for it from the beginning. Regardless of the budget, we also prioritize helping couples afford the unique touches that will make guests feel special and ensure a memorable night.

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The life of the party

A ttending the party of the year is always something to look forward to, but throwing the party of the year? “Eek!,” you may think: Where do I even start to plan?”

Have no fear. While hoosting a party can be incredibly stressful, much of the anxiety stems from the host worrying about whether or not their guests will have a good time. Put your worries to rest! In the age of professional party planners and event coordinators, hosts are becoming more innovative and creative with their entertainment and culinary choices in order to impress their guests. Here are some hot ideas that you can do on your own that will make yours the coolest of the year. Send in the clowns. Regardless of the occasion, one way to get the party started is to head to the carnival! Most catering halls and party rental companies now offer popcorn machines, cotton candy machines, pretzel machines, and candy carts to add some flavor to the party. The interactive aspect of these fun food stations keeps everyone involved and always wanting more! Never grow up! What started out as food options to keep kids entertained during special events has now become hot new trends at adult parties as well — even formal weddings! No matter how old you get, there always something delightful about indulging in mini sliders, pigs in a blanket, or make-your-own ice cream sundae bars to stay young at heart. Midnight snacks. Partying into the early hours? There is nothing like a midnight snack to satisfy your hunger! Many party hosts are incorporating late night munchies like mini pizzas, grilled cheese and

french fries platters to keep their guests going. You can even offer the new trend of mashed potato bars with three different kinds of potatoes and all the fixings like sour cream, chives, and bacon. All you can eat. Conventional ideas about throwing a formal party have evolved in recent years. Sit down dinners are no longer the only option for an elegant affair. Let your creativity take over with buffet stations featuring cuisines from all over the world like sushi, Indian, crepes, and barbecue. The variety of choices gives guests something extra to get excited about. Let them eat cake. Or not! Gone are the days when all parties ended with the cutting of the cake. Give dessert an extra flare with Viennese trays of cookies and pies or a chocolate fountain with mixed fruit, marshmallows and pound cake for dipping. Before bidding adieu to your guests, leave them with one final surprise of butler passed dessert trays with mini sorbet cones, mini pies or truffles. In the end, remember what the party is all about. Whether it’s a birthday, shower, wedding, or religious milestone in your children’s lives, you’re celebrating a momentous occasion. It’s easy for us to forget the reason behind the party, which is to come together for a few hours with our closest family and friends and make the most of that time together. So happy planning and enjoy the day! Frank Marino is the owner of the Inn at New Hyde Park. He has been an event planner on Long Island for over 40 years.

By Frank Marino

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Cocktail chic

N ot sure what to wear to an event or what to specify on your invita-tion? These guidelines, listed in order of formality, will help you crack the dress code.

And remember, it’s never inappropriate to ask the host or other guests what’s acceptable.

Men: Tailcoat and white vest, shirt and bowtieWomen: Long gown

Men: TuxedosWomen: Gown or dress (knee-length, long)

Men: Dark suit, tieWomen: Knee-length dress.

Men: Dark suitWomen: Knee-length dress or skirt

Men: Jacket or collared shirt, pantsWomen: Skirt or dressy pants

Men: Collared shirt, khakisWomen: Dressy pants or skirt

Anything goes

If an invitation indicates that a certain dress style is “optional” or “preferred,” you can dress slightly less formally, but not necessarily casual.

Hosts, if you include a creative dress code, like beach formal or urban casual, be sure you give examples of what is, and is not, okay.

With the holiday party season fast approaching, it’s time get down to some serious shopping – for cocktail attire, that is.

Most of us know the sinking feeling of having an important party to attend and feeling like we have nothing to wear. But before the ice cubes start tinkling, you can head off the panic attacks and take some advice from a fashion pro – Nina Garcia. As the fashion director of Marie Claire magazine, a judge on the Project Runway series and author of “Nina Garcia’s Look Book: What to Wear for Every Occasion,” Garcia is an authority on what to wear on the party circuit. “It’s a good thing I love a cocktail party,” she says. “In my business, I some-times attend a cocktail party or two every night of the week. So believe me when I tell you that I have this down to a science. Cocktail parties are about elegant, show-stopping outfits that turn heads. Period, the end.” Luxury fabrics and embellishments are key to getting glamorous, according to Garcia. “Ruffles, feathers, beading, or sequins are all welcome at a cocktail party – though, generally, not all on one dress,” says Garcia.Here are Garcia’s tips from her Look Book on what to wear to your next soiree: A Cocktail Dress: Nothing beats the LBD (little black dress), admits Garcia. “It’s easy to accessorize, always slimming, total perfection. Black does not have to be boring; mixing textures or matte and shiny materials adds an interesting edge to your basic black.” Garcia suggests adding a patent leather belt or shoes, or a satin jacket over a crepe dress. “For a posh event, I wear something simple and elegant. A tailored silhouette with a skirt that hits just below the knee is becoming to almost every figure. Anything that falls more than an inch or two below the knee to just above the ankle is a tough length to pull off, unless the skirt is very, very fitted or you are Grace Jones. Believe me.” When Garcia has a semiformal fashion industry event, she says she goes for “an edgier look: asymmetry, strong color and try a gorgeous jewel tone or a rich, deep red or burnt orange.” Break out of your chromatic rut and try a gorgeous jewel tone or a rich, deep red or burnt orange.” Separates: These are the pieces I personally rely on for holiday festivities. Garcia suggests silky pants and a sequined tunic as an excellent alternative to the cocktail dress. “You can also wear sequined baggy peg leg trousers (very YSL),

a silk jumpsuit, or sharp tuxedo pants.” If you’re in a tropical climate, even shorts can be dressed up with opaque tights and stilettos, she says. “Add a silk blouse, throw on a tuxedo jacket, and you’re ready for action.” Accessories: “A little black dress is the perfect back-drop for a statement piece,” she says. “Stunning drop earrings with an updo, an ornate cuff, or bangles to show off a toned arm.” However she urges caution: “Always make sure your jewelry isn’t taking over you or your ensemble and keep every-thing in proportion to your frame. Balance is key in dressing and in life.” The Wrap: Garcia suggests wear-ing a sequin-encrusted number that will “encase you in a cloud of spar-kle.” For colder weather, she likes sumptuous velvet wraps or a faux fur chubby, stole, bolero or vest. Party Shoes: Go for strappy heels. “Metallics add glam to a simple dress,” she says. Booties are another modern and chic way to accessorize cocktail attire, “especially with pretty lace or pattern stockings to add a little texture and whimsy.”

Decoding party attire By Sharon Mosley

Party circuit

Make an impressionW hen an invitation to dress up arrives, it

can often cause a fashion panic attack. Now is the time to start shop-

ping. It pays to be prepared to party, and that means early intervention. You don’t want to find yourself shopping the afternoon before a big event with nothing to wear. The possibilities for finding the perfect cock-tail dress this season are unlimited. So don’t settle for the same little black dress you’ve worn for the last five years. Step out and make an entrance. Here are a few tips for putting power dressing back in the cocktail hour: You don’t have to settle for black. Yes, the little black dress may be a classic, but it can be oh so boring. Make this a year to do something a little bit out of the black box. Colorful cocktail dresses abound – red is a favor-ite, so is emerald green, but there are also plenty of other elegant options. Why not go for shimmering silver or icy white?

Look for standout details. Simple can be chic, but party dresses that have sophisticat-ed details like subtle embroidery, lace trim or feathery hems can make a festive impact. Subtlety is the key here; too much of a good thing and you will find yourself wearing your new dress on rare occasions. Go for classic silhouettes. When you’re looking for a party dress, you don’t want to invest in a dress that will become outdated as soon as soon as New Year’s Eve. You do want to look for a dress that will take you through several holiday seasons. A slim, sheath dress that you can dress up or down with accessories is your best bet. Classic dresses pay homage to the ‘50s and ‘60s, when the martini lounges were in full swing. Buy one long dress. If you find a long dress that you love, snatch it up. Chances are, at some point, you will receive an invitation to an event that requires this formal length, and since

this is one kind of dress that is hardest to find, it pays to have one lovingly stowed away in your closet. Think dramatic, but simply styled. If you never attend black tie or white tie events, then stick to shorter dresses. But it never hurts to have one long dress just in case your date arrives in a tuxedo to pick you up! Kick it up a notch. If you do want to recycle that party frock from years ago that has languished in your closet, then have fun with accessories. And no, you don’t have to do the diamond thing to sparkle. There are plenty of gorgeous ways to shine – from colorful cocktail rings and dripping chandelier rhinestone ear-rings, to statement choker necklaces and jew-eled evening clutches. Show-stopping stilettos can also give your dress new life. Wrap up in style. There are other ways to add some festive touches to a party dress – especially in cooler weather. It’s often what

you top off your dress with that makes an impres-sion. Think beaded scarves, jeweled cardigans,fur vests or cashmere shawls. A satin trench coatis another great way to chase away chills. And my all-time favorite party cover-up? A feather boa. Feathers always add high drama! Take the alternate route. And if dress-es just aren’t your style, then think about analternative to the cocktail circuit with separates.The menswear look is a still a big trend, andtuxedo-inspired pieces are a classic way to strutyour stuff. A fabulous blouse and short skirt ortailored trousers can also do the trick. Add a fewfeminine touches with dazzling accessories andyou have the “other” dress for party success.

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October 25, 2012 — HERALD COMM

UNITY NEWSPAPER - PARTY PARTY PARTY

TT he interest in cocktails is only one reason cocktail parties have enjoyed a recent resurgence.

Cocktail parties require less preparation than a din-ner party, can be less expensive, have set time limits, and make it possible to entertain a lot of people in a small setting.

Please Come for… Cocktail parties can be large or small and as simple or elaborate as you wish. For a last-minute party, invite by phone; for a larger party, invite by fill-in-cards. A cocktail party invitation specifies a set time, unless you’re planning a cocktail buffet — a cross between a cocktail party and a buffet din-ner. Then your invitation need only state the arrival time. Whether to include an RSVP is ultimately your decision. Leave it off if your party is a big one and you’d rather not be inundated with phone calls.

Advice for the Host When hosting a cocktail party, stock your cabinet with the basics: vodka, Scotch, bourbon, a blended whiskey, gin, rum, white and red wine, and beer, as

well as a variety of juices, soft drinks, bottled waters, plenty of ice, coasters, and napkins. Hors d’oeuvres are the only food served unless you’re hosting a cocktail buffet. Any finger food will do: crudités, canapés, olives, nuts, cheese, and crack-ers. Also have a bowl of snacks placed around the room – nuts, chips, pretzels, olives, and the like. If the choice of beverages is limited, save embar-rassment all around by asking, “Will you have a martini, wine, beer, or juice?”– not: “What would you like?” Invite your guests to refill their own glasses if they want another drink, as a self-serve bar will help free up your time to visit and perform other duties. If your planned cocktail party is for more than 20 people, it’s wise to hire a bartender for the evening. If the guest list reaches 40 or 50 people, two bartenders would be needed, each with their own tables in dif-ferent areas of the room. Instruct your bartender how you want the drinks mixed and to wrap a napkin around each glass to prevent drips and make holding

a wet, icy glass more com-fortable.

The Art of Mingling As a guest, if you find yourself on the sidelines, don’t be embarrassed to introduce yourself to some-one. As it is more difficult to join a group conversation, try to find one with an

impersonal subject that is open to all. Smile and make eye contact with one or two people, and wait for someone to acknowledge your presence. Then wait for a lull and introduce yourself.

Juggling Acts When you are holding a drink and plate and want to shake hands, try to find a place to set one of the items down. Some people are poised enough to joke about their dilemma, and ask someone to hold their glass while they extend their hand. The important thing is to make the effort to greet another person in a pleasant way.“Would You Please Leave Your Shoes at the Door?” Politely asking family, friends, and party guests to remove their shoes is acceptable – especially during seasons of inclement weather. Just make sure you

have a stash of slippers for visitors to wear to ease their discomfort. If you’re throwing a more formal party, it may be awkward to ask your guests to remove their shoes, or especially if you don’t know your guests all that well. Courtesy of the Emily Post Institute

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AAgreat celebration involves the guests, the entertainment and, of course, the food. Whether you’re planning a big event or a cozy get-together, the basic steps are still the same. Then you decide how simple or elaborate it gets.

Tasteful occasions

Tempt your guest’s palates

Just set the stage, anticipate the needs of your guests, and let everyone get on with having a good time. Know your guest preferences. Understanding the profile of your guest, this allows Jane to begin considering what menu options to offer. The follow-ing will help you better plan to meet your guests’ needs. Older groups of attendees may prefer a milder menu. Attendees concerned about health may prefer more seafood and vegetable options. Younger or middle-aged attendees may prefer spicier, more adventurous meals. And children, will want simple, kid-friendly choices. Provide menu choices. Offer several choices so that all guests will be pleased with what’s available. Some general guidelines: • Offer at least two choices of entrees (three is

better). • Offer three or more salad dressing options. • Serve all condiments on the side. • Offer two dessert options: one very indulgent,

one healthy. Incorporate local, seasonal and fresh items. When selecting the menu, you should consider how time of year will play a large factor in deter-mining food and beverage. Take into consideration which items are in season for fall or winter menus. Select a menu that fits the event schedule. Sometimes the clock will be the greatest guide to determining the menu for an event. Some examples: • Plated meals usually requires at least 1.5

hours. • Buffets may be finished in about 1 hour. • Cocktail receptions require a minimum of 1

hour before dinner. Anticipate special needs. Before any event, it is critical for the caterer and staff to find out if any of the guests have a special need so that those needs can be addressed prior to the event. Dietary restrictions include food allergies and religious requirements. Presentation matters. We eat with our eyes and our nose before tasting it. Whether it’s served plated

or buffet, a catered meal should visually colorful and fragrant. Caterers take great pride in the pre-sentation of food should make your guests want to eat it. This means using linens and decorations that complement the theme of the meal.

Menuplanning guide

1 How many many guests are you expecting?

2 Is there a kitchen or ‘staging’ area where your catering staff can work?

3 Who are your guests? Are they male, female, or couples?

4 What are their ages? Where do they live? Are there any socio-economic, ethnic, or religious factors that might affect the menu?

5 Would you like your guests served while seated at a table, or would you prefer a buffet or food station?

6 Are there any foods that you particularly want (or do not want) to be served? Are there any special dietary needs?

7 What is the purpose of the event?

8 What will your guests be doing before and after the event?

9 Have you had (or been to) this type of event or party in the past? If so, what did you like or dislike about the menu and the food?

10 What would you like your guests to say about the menu and the food after the event?

11 Are there any budgetary considerations? Sometimes it’s easier to know your budget per person and let the caterer determine what they can do for that price.

Elegant bites

Creating your perfect menufor an at-home gathering

Each celebration is unique, just like each home. With a little preparation you define a menu that is perfectly suited to your guests, event, home, and budget.

Even a simple gathering can benefit from fore-thought and organization, and you may even dis-cover along the way that planning is half the fun! Is there a special milestone or event that is bring-ing people together? Perhaps it’s baby’s first birth-day, or a housewarming, or a holiday open house or a post-wedding or bar mitzvah party? Whatever the occasion, although it may seem a bit obvious, defining a clear answer will help sharpen your focus your preparations. With the right menu, budget and a few assis-tants, anyone can self-cater a party. Set an acceptable invite limit. A home kitchen is generally large enough to accommodate cook-ing for 60 to 100 people. If you plan to invite more, you may not have the room and will need to rent out commercial space. Splitting up the cooking between two kitchens (for example, a relative or friend who wants to help) can stretch the invite number a little further. Decide on type of service. Before selecting a menu, decide on the serving method: cocktail reception, buffet, sit down individual service, or sit down family style. Buffets are generally easier to manage. However, you may need to have more food than if you serve individually. Dinners are the most expensive events to cater, so cocktails and hors d’oeuvres could be better if you want to watch the budget. Plan the menu. It’s best to choose menu items that you have made before, as now is not the time to try new recipes. Think about foods that can be stretched to feed a crowd that will be relatively inexpensive per plate. For example, offering guests individual steaks is far more expensive than cook-ing a roast beef that is sliced and served. Pasta, rice and potato dishes are filling and can be made in quantity. Remember to factor in at least one item that vegetarians can enjoy. Salads and vegetable dishes can serve to supplement meals, but gener-ally are not as well received as other fare. How much food? It takes about 120 servings to feed 100 people. That’s because you want to have extra food on hand for bigger eaters. Those who serve themselves in buffet lines tend to take larger portions than if portions are served by a buffet server. Teenagers (even girls) tend to eat more than adults, too. When serving beef and a second meat, such as chicken or pork, on a buffet, allow for 5 ounces ready-to-eat beef plus 3 ounces ready-to-eat second meat for each person. Therefore, you’ll need roughly 50 pounds of your first meat, and 25 pounds of your second meat to feed 100 people, if you allot extra for big eaters. Plan for 15 to 20 2-liter bottles of soda for bever-ages or the equivalent in punch or iced tea. Hire additional help. It may be worth the extra expense to hire servers for your party, or individuals who can help with clean-up. This way you have a chance to mingle with your guests instead of spending the duration of the party in the kitchen.

11B

October 25, 2012 — HERALD COMM

UNITY NEWSPAPER - PARTY PARTY PARTY

In our tech-savvy world, more and more people are forgoing traditional invites and turning to the Internet to spread the word about upcoming

celebrations.

E-Etiquette

But in even in this digital age, proper etiquette still applies. Using email or online invitation services, which organize and customize the invitation process for you, can save time (you don’t have to go to the store) and money (they’re free), and build some excitement at the same time (there are design choices for every occasion). They’re also a greener alternative to paper invitations. On the other hand, there are some challenges that come along with the use of e-vitations. They can end up in spam folders or simply undelivered as a result of a computer glitch. Here are some tips to help you to achieve suc-cess in using e-vitations, courtesy of the Emily Post Institute: Make sure that the email addresses you use are correct, and that all of your invited guests check their e-mail regularly. Be familiar with all the options. For example, you may want to turn off the feature that lets guests see who else is invited. This is especially important for people who don’t know each other well. Doing so hides email addresses and respects their privacy.Include all of the important info: who’s hosting, what kind of party it is, why the party is being thrown (if there’s a reason), when and where it is (including maps if necessary), and RSVP details. Fill in all the details the site asks for and remem-ber to include a personal message.

Proofread before you hit “Send.” Invitations are the first hint of what a party will be like, so make a good impression. Be prepared to follow up by phone if your don’t receive an RSVP in a timely fashion, just in case your message wasn’t delivered or is lingering unopened in an inbox. (Note: One of the advan-tages of using a service, compared with using your own email account, is that it lets you know if the recipient has viewed the invitation yet.) Follow up with a reminder to the group a day or two in advance.

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