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| party possibilities |
Back-to-School Bright Ideas September 2008 |
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 Around my house, September is 'back-to-school' month. For the first few weeks, we move at a frantic pace getting ready for school, going to gymnastics, ballet and music class, and participating in PTA meetings and other school events, not to mention taking care of normal family and work responsibilities. Time flies and before I know it, I'm handing out candy to trick-or-treaters when it dawns on me that winter break starts in about 45 days.
I'm not alone; many of my mom friends share the same experience. And it's no wonder that I receive panic calls in early November from potential clients who suddenly realize that they need help with upcoming holiday dinners, family gatherings and cocktail parties.
This "back-to-school" issue of party possibilities features tips for hiring an event pro, which is an affordable resource for remaining sane while having fun at your own party, and showcases my first PTA event, a Back-to-School Celebration, in hopes of inspiring other PTA members to produce great events for their child(ren)'s school. Plus, I couldn't wait to share my latest party find - photo M&Ms.
Enjoy! |
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Hiring an Event Pro
They do the work, you take the credit
Hosting parties is tremendous fun; stressing out beforehand is not. There's a myriad of decisions to be made, each an investment, plus researching, negotiating, shopping and for some, cooking and cleaning (not to mention nails, hair, dry cleaners ...).
By hiring a special event professional, you gain:
- Creative Ideas (that you can take credit for)
- Access to their Network of Local Vendors (and often, discount pricing is passed along to the client)
- Proven Experience and Knowledge of Events
- and ... someone else to do the shopping, manage the vendors, set up the party and troubleshoot any party problems while you and your guests have fun!
Where can you find a special event professional? You can either contact me or visit the local International Special Events Society (ISES) web site - www.dcises.org. | |
| About posh parties, LLC
Created for people who enjoy entertaining and celebrating life's special occasions, posh parties, LLC is a full service professional party planning firm.
Services include:
- Event Design
- Party Planning & Coordination
- On-site/Day-of Event Management
for all types of celebrations, such as:
- Milestone Birthdays
- Children's Birthdays
- Anniversaries
- Retirement
- Baby Showers & Welcome Parties
- Bridal Showers & Rehearsal Dinners
- Holiday Gatherings
- Just-because Cocktail Parties ... and more!
If you are entertaining in the near future, I invite you to contact me to assist in the planning of your special occasion. With over 10 years of professional party planning experience, I make entertaining effortless and enjoyable! | |
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Event Showcase: PTA Back-to-School Celebration
This past weekend, I produced my first 'official' PTA event at Sunset Hills Montessori School in Reston. I say "first official" only because I'm now VP of Events. But don't get me wrong; this great celebration has been produced for many years; I only had to tweak what my predecessors had previously done. For example, I hired inexpensive event staff to work the event so that parents and faculty could enjoy the celebration with the children. Many of the event staff are students at local universities that offer undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs in event management, like my alma maters George Mason University and George Washington University. If you'd like more information about hiring inexpensive staff for your event, please contact me.
Our PTA celebration included moon bounces, as well as an inflatable obstacle cource and large slide, plus a face painter, a balloon artist, a strolling banjo player, ice cream cart and popcorn machine. It was a super hot day but I think everyone enjoyed themselves.
Click here to see the Back-to-School Celebration photos
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 Party Idea: Photo M&Ms
A+ to my favorite candy maker for producing a clever party item - photo M&M's! I purchased red, yellow and blue custom M&M's for my daughter's 2nd birthday party yesterday. Imprinted with her little face and 3 messages, the candies complemented her 'Elmo and Sesame Street friends' theme and were a huge hit with my guests. |
Next Month's Issue
The next issue of party possibilities will focus on Oktoberfest. |
| Ashleigh Dorfman, CSEP
professional party planner
posh parties, LLC
703.476.6530
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