by Kristin Healy | Mar 4, 2018 | blog
Gathering friends and family together for a night of fun can be a simple affair, but the Oscars are this weekend so why not throw a themed party to make the evening one to remember (even if you haven’t seen half the films nominated!)?
There are lots of ways to make your party stand out:
- Attire: Encourage guests to dress up as their favorite character in a movie or drag out that old bridesmaid dress to walk down the red carpet with!
- Décor: The Red carpet is important – why not use a table runner as a quick stand-in for the night? Golden balloons and other “gold” accents will help set the tone of the evening!
- Food: Movie themed food is an easy one to Google, but you can also have a popcorn bar with different flavors and toppings for guests to try. Candy bars are also fun with movie theatre candy options in bulk for guests to fill containers with.
- Drinks: signature cocktail & champagne
We all know that the awards can also take a while, so give your guests things to do during the evening with games and more!
- Games: Download a free Oscar bingo card and give out mini gold statues to winners!
- Picture fun:
- Have a “photographer” to serve as paparazzi taking photos as guests arrive and walk down the red carpet. Best pose gets a prize!
- Setup a fun DIY photo booth – themed props – directors mic, old movie reel, big sunglasses, diamond necklaces!
- “Goody bags”/gifts for guests – You can make your own “swag” items for guests to leave with so they will always remember the fun!
Having a fun evening and making memories is what a party is all about! Swank Events strives make our clients events one where guests have unique, creative experiences that turns the ordinary into the extraordinary! Be sure to contact us about your next event!
by Kristin Healy | Dec 9, 2017 | blog
We’ve all heard the phrase “It’s not what you say, but how you say it” before and how it can apply in delivering important information at the workplace, but what might also be as important is where.
Maybe it’s the year-end meeting to review the outstanding job your team has done for the company or the holiday celebration where special recognitions are going to be highlighted. Maybe it’s the kick off to a new company initiative and it’s your job to get your staff energized with your messaging. That can be difficult to do in the same board room, lunch area or meeting space you always use. Time to elevate your message with location!
Off-site Venues to Mix it Up!
Yes, there are the traditional options of a hotel meeting room, conference or convention center – but how about going for something memorable? Places like:
- Theaters (Universities, High Schools or public venues)
- Private clubs (no, not just country clubs!) or historical homes
- Boat cruises
- Distilleries, wineries or breweries
- Museums
- Sports arenas
- Zoos
Integrate lunch or dinner, and make it for employees and their families! Each of these locations will fit different agendas for different sized groups, but all will be more memorable than your company’s conference room.
Sound daunting? Remember an Event Planning Professional can help arrange the right place and help with all the details associated with the day!
by Kristin Healy | Oct 30, 2017 | blog
Now that the cooler weather is starting to creep in, it’s impossible not to start thinking of all things apples and pumpkins and spices. Each new season brings new feelings and new flavors… and of course, new cocktail menus! Here are some fun fall flavors incorporated into great party drinks.
Apple Cranberry Moscow Mule
The traditional Moscow Mule gets quite a makeover here, adding both cranberry and sparkling apple juice to the typical vodka and ginger beer, with a sprinkle of fresh cranberries for garnish.
Apple Hard Cider Sangria
Sliced apples, oranges, and peaches meet fresh raspberries, apple juice, orange juice, brandy, AND hard apple cider in this complex and delicious fall take on the popular summer wine cocktail.
Cranberry Margaritas
Simple and uncomplicated, this drink combines cranberry juice, lime juice, tequila, and orange liqueur for a delicious and fall-inspired margarita!
Pear Mimosas
As simple as it gets – and just as delicious! A great pick for brunch, pear nectar takes the places of orange juice, with fresh pear slices for garnish. If you’re looking for something a bit lighter, this is a good pick!
Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned
For those extra chilly nights, a maple bourbon old fashioned is just the thing. The usual sugar gets replaced with maple syrup, then follows the traditional recipe with water, bitters, orange peel, and bourbon. Add a maraschino cherry for garnish!
Pumpkin Keg
If you’re looking for a fun fall DIY, this is a great crowd pleaser, and a super fun way to serve your favorite beer, cider, or other party drinks.
What’s your favorite fall libation?
by Kristin Healy | Jul 27, 2017 | blog
Summer is the best time for entertaining, because the decor options are endless, and dining al fresco is often an option! Here, we’re sharing some beautiful ideas and inspiration for your next warm-weather gathering.
We love the wild, lush feel to this table setting, which is overflowing with succulents and other seasonal flowers. The coordinating color scheme throughout brings a bunch of disparate decor ideas together to make a really cohesive setting.
This minimalist setting is perfect for those not wanting to create an elaborate tablescape, but instead just hoping to put together a simple, pretty setting to host their guests. Tall blooms are front and center, with a coordinating patterned table cloth and complimentary napkins and dinnerware.
This is another somewhat minimalist table, but the rustic burlap tablecloth provides a really neutral background for a vibrantly colorful tabletop display. The summer flowers are star of the show here, with dinnerware that has coordinating colors to match.
If you’re really looking to go all out with your table setting, this one could be for you. The oversized flowers and elaborate place settings with distinctive chargers and dinnerware in varying shades of blue makes for a really stunning picture, full of intrigue and texture.
For those that reside sea-side (or wish they did!), this nautical themed setting is perfect. While somewhat basic, it has a distinctive look and feel. Many of the accents are deliberately beachy, and the color scheme suggests you might have just come off a day at the ocean.
This bohemian setting is loads of fun, and definitely unique. The mixture of colors and textures, and the display of mismatched dinnerware, glassware, and accents really gives it a playful vibe. The overflowing flowers make it feel lush and just a touch untamed.
While this isn’t a traditional table setting, we implore you to consider this absolutely darling dessert bar. Perfect for any occasion with it’s customizable bunting flags and simple vases of in-season blooms, it’s beautiful, classy and timeless, and we’re so in love.
What’s your favorite way to dress up a summer table?
by Kristin Healy | Jun 23, 2017 | blog
In this most splendid of seasons, cocktails are one of the best ways to keep cool and pay homage to the summer. Craft cocktail making has really taken off in past years, which makes the art of creating them so much more interesting, and the range of options available much more diverse.
1. Peach Melba Mimosa
Peaches and Raspberries scream summer, as does this fruity and beautiful summer cocktail. The only alcohol involved is something bubbly (cava, prosecco, sparkling white wine – whatever you prefer!) so it’s a lighter alternative to some of the boozier summer favorites. A touch of lemon is the perfect zip to round out this refreshing drink!
2. Vanilla and Fresh Cherry Bourbon Cocktail
Cherries are one of our all time favorite fruits, and they go so nicely with bourbon and vanilla in this unique and intriguing summer mix. Accompanied by a touch of lemon, a dash of sugar, and some club soda for bubbles, this one is not to be missed!
3. Strawberry Frose
Rose is all the rage these days, but have you ever tried it frozen? With strawberries?! Rose lovers will go wild over this simple but flavorful mix of lemon, strawberries and vodka, paired with your favorite “pink wine.” Some ice adds the slush factor, and so much fun. Serve with a striped pink straw for extra flair.
4. Tabernacle Crush
This drink is for the more adventurous, featuring peaches, basil, lemon, lillet, and gin. Add a touch of simple syrup for the right balance of sweet, and a quick pour of club soda at the end for some pleasing bubbles. It’s a beautiful drink that tastes as wonderful as it looks!
5. Calavera Catrina
Tequila lovers unite! Instead of going the traditional margarita route (which is always a good idea, especially in the summer), this drink incorporates a surprising ingredient – cantaloupe! – along with the traditional orange liqueur and lime. A splash of orgeat and super smokey mezcal are added to the mix, for a complex fruity beverage that looks simple in a glass, yet tastes anything but.
6. Coconut Margarita
In case you were really hoping to see a margarita on the list, we’ve included one with a tropical flair. In addition to the requisite tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice, this cocktail features coconut milk, coconut cream, a touch of simple syrup, and an indulgent splash of half and half to really push it over the top. Elevate your game for Mexican night and you’ll never go back!
7. Cucumber Lemonade Mocktail
Alcohol doesn’t jive with everyone, especially on those extra hot days, so this mocktail is just the thing! Fresh lemon and lime juices meet cucumber juice, with a touch of agave for some sweetness, and club soda for carbonation. And for an unusual but awfully pleasing addition – fresh dill! It comes together to create the ultimate in refreshing summer bevvies, without the booze.
What’s your favorite drink to imbibe in the warm summer months?
