OSCAR PARTY, anyone?

Tonight is the big show that many film fans look forward to each year. The red carpet, the stars, the journalists, the fashion, the jewelry, and of course, THE PARTIES!!! I live and work for a fabulous party. So if the Oscars are your thing, invite your friends and family over for a cool, calm, and collected gathering. Here are a few ideas for decorating and foods to serve for next year's Academy Awards:

1. The real thing is black tie so decorate with black and white. Serve upscale hors d'oeuvres and beverages. There are plenty of wonderful restaurants to cater your small guest count event. For those who choose to put your chef skills to work, there are many recipes and even gourmet frozen foods (so that you can cheat a little) which can be heated and served.

2. The real thing is very glamorous so decorate in the exact opposite. Whatever color you choose be casual and serve casual food like burgers and pizza. Make it a potluck gathering and ask each guest to bring something to eat or drink.

3. The real thing is memorable so decorate such that your guests will remember your party for years to come. Place replicas of the gold Academy Award all about your event area. Create or purchase sealed envelopes that mimic "...and the winner is...". You may, really, take it there by rolling out a red carpet that leads to your front door. Serve whatever toots your fancy in this case as long as your guests will enjoy what you choose and it's on the same grand scale as your replicas (in other words don't serve hot dogs). Still, the focus here are the decorations.

With that, enjoy the awards show!

-KW

Why Hire an Event Planner

This question is completely appropriate. In a time where time, money, and satisfaction are key, often purchases of both products and services are thoroughly assessed. Do I "need" a new pair of shoes? Does my hair "have" to be professionally styled weekly? And of course, Why should I hire an event planner? Allow me to share the reasons why doing so could be a complete stress reliever in the areas of time, money, and satisfaction.

TIME. One of our most precious and invaluable commodities is time. We work at the office, we do housework, we care for our children, we spend time at the car dealership for maintenance, we spend time at the salon or barbershop, we go to market for groceries, we volunteer, and if there's any time left we eat, sleep, and exercise. An event planner can step in and help make the planning of your event less time consuming. A planner can locate and book a venue, hire the caterer, the band, the photographer, and many other vendors. What this means for you is not having to interview, meet and greet vendors, cost compare, and tour various venues.

MONEY. Many, understandably so, do not know the discounts that event planners often get from vendors. Event planners often have the ability to bring repeat business to a vendor, so it makes perfect sense that planners may get a discount. Event planners also have the ability to negotiate on your behalf. What this means for you is simply spending less money. You, also, will not need be well-versed with competitive prices and how to negotiate to get a better deal.

SATISFACTION. Your special event should be just that -- special. Although a small amount of worry may be expected, an event planning road map filled with constant worry, stress, and anxiety should not be expected. Yet, often, that is the route that many party hosts, brides, and non-professional event planners take. An event planner makes a living planning events. What this means for you is that hiring a good planner will calm your worries, he or she will make thoughtful suggestions, and bring about a more satisfying, less stressful planning experience.

Having more time to focus on your everyday life, saving money on your special event, and truly feeling satisfied with the planning process and the outcome of your event make for smart reasons to hire an event planner. Every planner will not be right for you. Interview different event planners to decide who is easy to work with, listens to your ideas, and isn't afraid to make suggestions. Keep in mind that time, money, and satisfaction are key.

-KW