Hosting an Upscale Cookout

Tags

baby shower, bars & buffets, Birthday Parties, Bridal Showers, Couple Showers, food and drink, Food Display, Holidays, Home Entertaining, outdoor events

The weather is warmer, spring is officially here and it is time for cookouts! Cookouts  are always a great way to catch up with friends and family in a relaxing and casual setting. As a host, of course the great part of a cookout is the low maintenance in the planning and execution of it all. However, while it is a low maintenance event, there’s always room to scale it up, make it a cookout that stands out among the many we will all be attending this season.

No matter the occasion, graduations, Father’s day, birthday or just a get together with friends and family you can turn your cookout into a upscale yet casual event!

When planning your next cookout, keep these simple enhancement techniques in mind:

Presentation, Presentation, Presentation

Keep food cold and decorative using planters.

The easiest way to enhance your event, is with the food display and presentation. Most of us tend to just grab a mix and match collection of bowls and platters for our salads and burgers. For your upscale cookout, try using color coordinated serving platters and bowls. If at all possible, choose serving ware with covers, keeps the food fresh and insect free. (Photo: http://www.southernliving.com)

Great example of covered serving ware and great signage.

Also, you want to make sure you have clear signage for each food dish. With the increase in food allergies it’s even more important to identify the dishes you are serving. (Photo: http://www.4men1lady.com)

Keep Everyone Comfortable

Cicadas, mosquitoes and brisk evenings can cause your party to end quicker than you wanted to. Plan ahead and have a hospitality basket available with bug repellent, sunscreen and hand sanitizer. Having the basket in a central location (and an extra one in the bathroom) prevents everyone from asking if you have any of these items and where they can find them. (Photo: http://www.hisugarplum.blogspot.com)

As the day moves into the evening make sure you have your citronella candles and stakes set out for easy lighting. These will provide some extra lighting and keep away the insects. (Photo: http://www.thingsfestive.weddingstar.com)

If you have the budget for it, you can buy a few pashmina scarves to have on hand for any ladies who may get cold in the evening.

Keep them hydrated! 

Signature drinks are the perfect addition to any event. It keeps your budget down, makes event set up easy for you, and guests love it! Get creative with one or a few non-alcoholic/alcoholic drink and serve them with infused waters and let your guests enjoy. Creative signature drinks + classy glassware = perfection! (Photo: http://www.blueplatechicago.com)

Invite your friends, start up the grill and have a great upscale cookout!

Let Them Not Eat Cake

Tags

bars & buffets, food and drink, Food Display, weddings

We can’t deny that wedding cake is a long standing tradition that isn’t going anywhere. Don’t get me wrong everyone loves a great piece of cake. But, that doesn’t mean we can’t alter the tradition a little bit. Some couples choose to follow tradition with the wedding cake but also offer guests other treat options. Some couples opt for fake cakes with one real layer to cut for symbolic measure.

If you’re willing to alter tradition just a little bit, here are a few ideas:

Marble Slab Ice Cream Station

In our wedding venue search, we considered a venue that offered Marble Slab Ice Cream. Such a cool idea! Anything that allows guests to customize and create their own treat, I’m a fan of. Choose a few delicious ice cream flavors, some cool toppings and create your personalized wedding dessert.

Cookies, Pie, Brownies, Oh My! – Dessert Bar

I once attended a wedding that had a rolling cart of desserts stroll through the reception. It was filled cakes, pies, tarts, tons of dessert varieties for us to enjoy. I’ve loved the idea ever since! While cake is delicious, your cake flavor isn’t sure to please everyone, so why not let them decide what they want?

Pie

Not really a cake person? Like pie better? Well, it’s your party, and you can have pie if you want to! A great common theme of weddings these days is ” do what you want “. So, if you’re more of a pie person, serve pie as a dessert instead of cake. The key is to have a wide variety to suit everyone’s likes and dislikes and choose pies that can be served at room temperature if you plan to have them on display.

Old Fashion Milkshakes

C’mon, who doesn’t love a delicious milkshake? Instead of sitting down to a piece of cake, treat you and your guests to a nostalgic dessert. Serve them in classic milkshake glasses with fun straws and don’t forget the whipped cream and cherry on top!

Bonus: If you’re having an adult reception, don’t be afraid to make them adult milkshakes. With so many flavored liquors out now, the flavor possibilities are endless! 

The ideas don’t stop there, don’t forget the candy buffet, cookie, donuts, macaroons and more.

What’s your ” other ” favorite dessert? Leave a comment and share! 

Inspiration Thursdays – Wine Theme Edition

Tags

Birthday Parties, Bridal Showers, cocktails, Couple Showers, favors, food and drink, Home Entertaining, Inspiration, invitations

I’ve been brainstorming ideas for a wine themed event that I think would be perfect for a girl’s night in, birthday party or a romantic dinner party for couples. For this Inspiration Thursday post, I’ve decided to share a few of my ideas.

I hope to fully implement these ideas into a great event, but until then…be inspired!

Two perfect invites! I can’t decide which one I like best. 

A subtle yet adorable touch. 

Place card and escort card holder

Why not start the night off with a few jello wine shots! 

 

And send your guests home with a delicious favor..wine lollipops! 

(Photos: threelittlewordspaper.com, palmpapers.com,ladylullabuy.wordpress.com, stylemepretty.com, marthastewart.com, sprinklebakes.com)

 

 

February 14

Happy Valentines Day Everyone! 

I hope you all show love and are shown love every day, but may today be extra special for you.

Wedding Wednesdays – Wedding Favor Alternatives

There are two main opinions on wedding favors. Some people find them to be essential, others find them pointless. My opinion lies somewhere in between the two. They are a traditional wedding must have, but they become pointless when they are just Jordan Almonds in a tulle sack.

I began to brainstorm great favors that weren’t your traditional take away souvenirs. Normally, a requirement of my brainstorming would be: must be budget friendly, but this time it is not. These are the top three ideas I thought of:

A Show! 

Whether it’s fireworks or a very popular local band performing during your reception. The memory of ” wow ” will be the long lasting and by far greater favor you could give to your guests.

Photo Booth Fun! 

I’ve expressed my love for photo booths before, so let me reiterate my love for photo booths! Not only are they a great time and fun experience for everyone you can make them your favor too! Many photo booth vendors provide you with the option to customize your photo strip with your own text such as ” Sarah and James Wedding February 16, 2013 “. Add in a nice photo holder or frame and you have the perfect wedding favor. A picture is worth a thousand words, think of all of the words people will say as they leave your reception. (Photo: etsy.com)

Food Truck Fare 

Living in Philadelphia, I have grown very fond of food trucks. They often have better food and dessert than you would find in your local restaurants  Imagine your guests surprise when they find out after a wonderful evening of fun and dancing, they can score a really great cheesesteak or macaroon! You can hire your favorite food truck, or a food truck that is known for their native fare and allow your guests to enjoy one last delicious snack before heading out. (Photo: northcountrypublicradio.org)

If these three ideas don’t get your imagination going, you can always explore the options of donating money to a charity in the guests names or a candy buffet.

Either way, wedding favors are certainly essential, but if you think they’re pointless, just think outside of the Jordan Almond tulle sack.

Do you have any out of the box favor ideas? Leave a comment and share! 

Introducing Wedding Wednesdays…Welcome Bags Edition

Tags

diy, Wedding Wednesday, weddings

I started Beyond the Essentials Event Consulting Blog with the purpose to provide event ideas, information and tips for all events. Birthdays, Baby Showers, Housewarmings, Holiday Parties and last on the list was Weddings. Everyone wants and deserves a celebration and my goal is to provide everything the celebration planner needs. And this includes more than just the wedding planners.

I have every intention to keep this blog focused on every event and celebration, not just weddings. However, there is no denying that I am engaged! Wedding planning will play a large part of my life for the next 18 months and it only seems fitting to share my ideas and plans on my blog.

I’ve decided that in addition to Inspiration Thursdays, I will now be presenting Wedding Wednesdays!

For the first edition of Wedding Wednesdays, we’re talking about Welcome Bags!

Typically Welcome Bags are presented as a surprise gift to out-of-town guests (or those who simply want to stay over at the booked hotel). You can coordinate with your hotel to have the bags given to your guests at check in, or if you have a small boutique hotel, you may be able to have the bags already waiting for your guests in their rooms.

Welcome Bags can be either themed, practical or a combination of both. We will be getting married in Philadelphia and not being a native Philadelphian, all of my family will be coming from out-of-state. Welcome Bags will be our way of showing them the Philadelphia I have grown to love for the last 13 years of my life and the Philadelphia he grew up in.

Items I’m looking to include are:

Official Tourist Publications and Maps

You can pick these up at your local tourism organization and they are normally a free publication. They are the perfect way to provide your guests with information about the city and encourage them to do some sightseeing while they are in town.

Make this personal by including a list of your favorite places and must-sees for the city or tag (with a sticky preferably in your wedding color) the magazine with the places you suggest they visit.If you need help just visit your city’s official tourism website, they should have tons of ideas for you. (photo: philadelphiausa.travel)

Native Food

Almost every major city has something they are known for that everyone must try when they visit! For Philadelphia/PA that would be:

Peanut Chews, Soft Philly Pretzels, Yuengling Beer (although this would most likely not be included in ours) Wawa beverage products, Herrs Potato Chips and Hershey, PA.

Unfortunately, you can’t keep a cheesesteak or water ice sitting in a welcome bag for very long.

Souvenirs 

Yes, you will most likely be giving away favors, but why not give your guests something to remind them of their visit to the city and not just to your wedding. It can be a postcard, keychain, pen/pencil, magnet or other souvenir that represents the city.

Philadelphia has quite a few tourist recognized places and things to include on a souvenir such as: the LOVE statue, Sports Teams (Eagles, Sixers, Phillies), the Liberty Bell and much more.

Practical Items

This definitely doesn’t have to be specific to your wedding city. Your guests might appreciate a bottle of water or Gatorade/ Powerade and a packet of aspirin. Anything you believe will make their first moments in the hotel better.

You can add in anything else that speaks to you two as a couple or will get your guests excited for your wedding. My favorite ” extra ” item is Do Not Disturb signs personalized for your wedding. I think these are so fun! (Photo: gourmetinvitations.com)

What are your Welcome Bag must have ideas? Leave a comment and share! 

Inspiration Thursdays…Milestone Birthday/Anniversary Edition

Tags

Birthday Parties, Inspiration

It’s Inspiration Thursday!

While in the midst of assisting with a Surprise 60th Birthday, I’ve come across a few ideas to incorporate the milestone birthday age or anniversary year into a birthday/anniversary party.

Take a look: 

Showcase the life of the guest(s) of honor with this picture design.

Give the guests a peek into the lives of the guest(s) of honor with a display of facts with a corresponding number all the way up to the milestone year. (Photo: martawrites.com)

After a certain point, can someone really blow out 40+ candles? Don’t put the guest of honor up to the challenge, instead have an elegant or fun cake topper.

Looking for an interesting dessert display. Use a similar design as this one with the birthday/anniversary year. This is perfect for cupcakes, mini cakes, anything with frosting.

If you’re hosting an intimate gathering, have the guests sign a large card with 60 (or whatever year) reasons everyone loves the guest(s) of honor. (Photo: ahappyslappygreeting.com)

You don’t want to overdo the year decorations, especially if the guest of honor is a bit sensitive. However, with a few impacting decorations or ideas you can certainly make them feel extraordinarily special!

If you’re going to do…Hosting a Co-ed Event Edition

Tags

baby shower, Bridal Showers, Couple Showers, food and drink, weddings

More and more you’re finding co-ed baby showers and wedding showers being hosted for expecting and engaged couples. Typically, baby showers and bridal showers are geared towards women guests of honor but every now and then you come across the couple that wants to celebrate together, which a great thing! Beginning parenthood or a marriage together with friends is certainly a great way to share your life milestone.

Whether your hosting a co-ed event for yourself or for friends here are a few tips on making sure everyone has a good time.

If you’re going to host a co-ed event…

- Choose a fun and gender neutral theme (or no theme at all).

Let’s start with removing the idea of this event being a “ shower “. Men will respond better to attending a “ party “or joining in on a “ celebration “ than a shower.

BBQ Theme (for both baby and wedding parties)

(Photo: etsy.com)

Bun in the Oven Baby Party – I love this theme because it makes your menu so easy. Simply serve sandwiches and burgers in…buns!

(Photo: glitterweddings.com)

One last tip: Stay away from pink!

- Even out the guest list.

One key part, if not the most important part of having a co-ed event is that it has to have a fair amount of both men and women.

- Recruit a partner in crime.

The best way to get men to the party is to have a man involved in the planning. If you’re hosting a baby shower recruit a close male friend to the couple, if it’s a wedding shower, get one of the groomsmen on board. Keep an open mind to ideas and your male co-host can prevent you from planning an overly feminine event and may just bring some fun ideas to the table. Your partner in crime will serve as the male voice of the party; allow him to get the men there, in his way.

- Ignite competition.

Who doesn’t love some good hearted competition? If you choose to do party games, you will definitely keep everyone engaged by having a few men vs. women games. You’ll want to stay away from any creative games that involve arts and crafts. Most men aren’t that crafty and tend not to enjoy those types of games. Stick with very action packed, funny and short games.

Plan a party menu, not a shower menu.

Throw out all those ideas you had of a salad bar and cute mini cupcakes. When men are involved your party menu has to be hearty. Think simple and delicious like a barbeque menu, nacho and taco bar, hoagie display (or build your own) or even as simple as a variety of common appetizers (mini quiche, wings, chicken tenders). If you think the menu is too simple or lacks the flare you’re looking for, remember you can always have remarkable food presentation. Women will be in awe of the presentation, the men will enjoy the food, it’s a win –win.

Don’t forget to include male friendly beverages as well. If there is alcohol on beverage menu you have to be sure to pick up beer for the men. If you’re doing a dry event just make sure to have soda included.

Personally, I believe co-ed showers parties are a great idea. Not only does it save money and allow the couple to share in their joy together, it gives all the single friends an opportunity to meet some new people!

Have you been to or hosted a co-ed event? What tips can you add to make sure everyone has a good time? Leave a comment and share.

Let’s Plan Together… A Cookie Exchange Party

Tags

bars & buffets, food and drink, Food Display, Holidays, Home Entertaining, seasonal events

This weekend was the big day! The 3rd annual Cookie Party!

The table was already getting full and everyone wasn’t even there yet! I had a few presentation platters available for those who didn’t have one and I made beautiful place cards using striped red and white card stock (which reminded me of candy canes) for everyone to write their cookie name and description.

I added to the fun of the photo taking with a few props. I made a santa hat, santa beard and Rudolph red nose (not shown). These were a hit!

The dips were also a great hit!!! I would definitely suggest having a Dip Bar at your next party or get together. The bar included Chorizo and Cheese, Bacon and Onion, BBQ Chicken and Red Pepper Dip. The BBQ Chicken and Chorizo and Cheese seemed to be the winners of the evening.

It was such and amazing time planning this year’s cookie party. Definitely consider hosting a small scaled one this season or a full planned one for next year! It’s become a tradition for my friends, so I hope it’s a tradition you can bring into your circle.

On a personal note, this week was a big week in more ways than one, my now fiance and I got engaged! I am so happy and feel truly thankful to have him in my life, for now, a lifetime!  While it won’t be in the very immediate future, please be on the lookout for great wedding planning posts.

Inspiration Thursdays…Holiday Decorating

Tags

Holidays, Home Entertaining, Inspiration, seasonal events

I received a request to do a post on holiday decorations. So I’m taking us on a brief detour from the cookie party planning to show you some of my favorite holiday decorating ideas. These ideas will be great to use for any holiday gathering or to just get your home into the holiday spirit!

I love great banister decorations! This design can easily be created to fit your own personal taste by choosing coordinating ornaments and ribbon. If you don’t want the nature feel, you can remove the branches all together, or spray paint them to match your color scheme. Not to mention these look very easy to assemble! (Photo: midwestliving.com)

These spray painted styrofoam balls are the perfect decoration for a large window or to front porch. (Photo: freshpoppydesign.blogspot.com)

I must admit, the refrigerator is always a decorating dilemma for me. I don’t want to take away the comforting feel of the home, but I also want the home to be presentable. These ornament magnets are a great way to keep your home looking like a home and festive at the same time. (Photo: younghouselove.com)

It never fails, there are always leftover ornaments. Grab a vase, drop in the ornaments, and that easily you have a festive and easy table centerpiece.

This decorating idea opened up so many ideas for personalizing the home with holiday decorating. Merry Christmas, the family last name, the possibilities are endless! You can also use individual ornaments to serve as identifying initials for hanging stockings. (Photo: hgtv.com)

Happy Holiday Decorating!