Helpful Hints & Party Tips

Space Planning Tips

When planning how much space is needed for your event, allow for:
Stand-up Cocktail: Approx. 6-8 sq ft per person
Buffet: 8-10 sq ft per person
Cathedral Seating: 5-6 sq ft per person
Dance Area: 3 sq ft per person

Overinvite! Let's face it, people -- even your best friend in the whole world - can flake. Maybe they've had a terrible week at work, a family crisis, or an unexpected guest; whatever the reason, no-shows and last minute cancellations are bound to happen. Plus, people will come late and others will leave early, so when putting together your guest list use this rule of thumb: Invite 5 extra people for every 20.

On the List The key to a great party is having an interesting mix of people. Think about it: Everyone wants to see old friends and meet new people. Expand your social curcle by browsing your email list and phone book, and ask your best friends and coworkers to invite friends and acquaintances.

Money Matters Once you've decided to have a party and selected a theme and the number of guests, it's time to set a budget! Decide what is most important to you - is it crystal serving glasses? blossoms to die for? or insane invites? Be prepared for overage by reserving 10-15 percent of your budget for anything you might forget and/or those last-minute ideas that drive up the cost.

Where It's At Pick a fabulous location that people will love and rent tents.

Timing is Everything We always like to give both a start and an end time to our parties; if you keep the night open-ended, people will trickle in all night long, whereas if the invite specifies 7-9:00pm, guests are more likely to arrive earlier and stay longer because everyone will be there around the same time. Avoid having a long time frame or you will offset the flow of guests. For example, with a four-hour party, you'll have a fantastically crowded three-plus hours, but if the party stretches from 8:00 pm - 2:00 am, people will come and go all night long, leaving you with loads of downtime.

Thirst Quenchers Be sure to have plenty of nonalcoholic beverages for the designated drivers, mamas-to-be, and others who aren't in the imbibing frame of mind. At the end of the evening, we like to serve flavored coffees, cappuccino, and espresso as our guests head out the door or wait at the valet. And don't forget to have ample amounts of bottled water on hand.

Greet Guests with a Cocktail Always Station a number of servers at the entrance with a tray of drinks both alcoholic and non alcoholic. Better yet, create a signature cocktail for the evening.

Go Mint! Forget the buffet tables - there's nothing worse than balancing a plate of food, silverware, and a drink. Maximize comfort by passing bite-sized horsd'oeuveres like mini-hamburgers, sushi, and tiny sandwiches.

Salty 'n' Sweet A party is not the place to be diet conscious, so give your guests the chance to splurge. Offer a decadent balance of savory treats like coconut shrimp and French fries and sugar delicacies like cupcakes and candy. Now that's finger-lickin' good!

Dress Rehearsal Okay, you don't have to actually put on your party dress but a week before the party, do a run-through so you have plenty of time to solve any unexpected problems. Do another run-through the day befre and the day of the party to be absolutely certain you didn't forget a sinfle thing. Practice will make it perfect.