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| party possibilities |
Let's Get Cooking!
April 2010 |
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Have you ever been in a situation where time was limited and you needed to plan a party quick? That was the case of my client, Gina. She was swamped at work and barely had a moment to think about a 50th birthday party for her husband, Mark. Two weeks before the event date, she called me for help. Within minutes, we had a tentative 'Let's Get Cooking' game plan, which is elaborated in the article below.
Hosting a couple's bridal shower or graduation party this season? Consider an interactive cooking party. The Bride and Groom could learn how to use their registry gifts and establish a recipe collection while the new Graduate could learn how to prepare healthy, inexpensive microwave recipes. A little out of the box fun ..
As always, thanks for reading party possibilities, referring business and sending feedback! It is greatly appreciated.
Ashleigh |
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Let's Get Cooking!
On Saturday night, March 13, Gina hosted a 50th birthday party for her husband, Mark, in their home for about 35 guests. Mark enjoys cooking and experimenting with new recipes so as a special treat, I suggested that she hire a personal chef to prepare hors d'oeuvres in their kitchen during the party allowing Mark and other guests an opportunity to lend a hand and learn new recipes and techniques. The result was fantastic! Not only did everyone have fun but this interactive cooking concept satisfied both catering and entertainment. Read on for more inspiration.
Menu
Asparagus wrapped with proscuitto and puff pastry
Stuffed mini peppers with Goat Cheese and Pecans
Phyllo purses stuffed with Moroccan filling
Shrimp wrapped with basil and proscuitto
Dates stuffed with mascarpone and roasted with fleur de sel and honey
Crab stuffed mushroom caps
Gruyere cheese puffs with cayenne
Personal Chef Coleen Patton of Leen's Cuisine prepared this delicious menu. Some items were prepared before the guests arrived, which made the house smell really yummy, and others were made throughout the night.
To complement the menu, Gina and Mark offered an assortment of red and white wine, plus beer, cocktails, soda and juice. To make it easy for everyone to enjoy themselves, we hired a bartender who prepared drinks, restocked the wine and beer, and refilled the ice bucket, as well as picked up empty plates, glasses and napkins.
Interactive Entertainment
The kitchen was busy! Fortunately, Gina and Mark have a large island with a 6-burner stove. Guests could watch Chef Colleen prepare the hors d'oeurves and prep the trays; sometimes they asked questions and other times they lended a hand, like their neighbor, Bonnie, did in the photo above. Chef Colleen demonstrated to Bonnie and Mark how to assemble strips of proscuitto and puff pastry around asparagus.
Decor
Once we decided on a personal chef and menu, Gina and I explored decor options. I suggested that she play off the blue and green color scheme in her evite. These colors could easily be incorporated into balloon bouquets, napkins ... and ribbon for the photo display. The photo display was a hit with guests, who enjoyed reminiscing about the old days!
To complement this interactive cooking party, I suggested (and made) a veggie centerpiece for the food buffet. With skewers of cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, radish roses and purple cauliflower and sprigs of rosemary, the veggie centerpiece looked adorable and was super easy to assemble. Click here for instructions.
So, in a short timeframe, Gina and I produced a fabulous party with minimal fuss and maximum fun! Give it a try ... and please share your results with me, ashleigh@poshpartiesllc.com.
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| About posh parties, LLC
Created for people who like to celebrate without the stress of planning and set up, posh parties, LLC is a full service event management company specializing in social and corporate events.
Services include:
Venue Research & Site Survey
Event Design
Event 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
Interfaith Celebrations
Themed Cocktail Parties
Wedding Receptions
Executive Receptions, Sales Meetings, Product Launches, Partner Conferences ... and more
If you are entertaining in the near future, I invite you to contact me to produce your special celebration. With 15 years of professional event management experience, I make entertaining effortless while creating a memorable experience. |
Next Month's Issue
The next issue of party possibilities will feature a Sweet Sixteen Soiree! |
| Ashleigh Dorfman, CSEP
special events professional
posh parties, LLC
703.476.6530
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