Party Invitations, Party Planning & Event Ideas

A Good Bye Party

I hope your New Year started festive and bright! 

I haven't talked much about what is going on in my current professional life on EventLucky, so forgive me if this a bit awkward. The board of the arts non profit that I run decided to close after nearly 20 years. I had a wonderful experience with this organization and am part of wrapping the organization up. Many of the teaching artist had taught with the organization for over 5 years, and the last time I saw many of them was when I made the announcement in June. It was hard on all of us.

So as I signed the final paperwork, I thought that we should have an opportunity to say good bye to the organization from a cheers rather than tears. So I found a restaurant that could host us in their cool space with a cocktail hour and a 3-course dinner. I chose Almond, in the flatiron district.

I invited current and recent staff and the board members. Since I wanted them to take RSVPs seriously, I sent out invitations via mail.

I found these great fill-in invitations at Kate's Paperie.

Can you see what it says here on the bottom?

I wanted to have a theme around the idea of this organization being the seed of many blooms-- whether that is kids we reached or the careers of these artists.

And of course, I closed the envelope with my washi tape.

Finally, it was time for the dinner! I put together little favors, using a blooming paper found on etsy in the organizations colors fromPulpArt. I tied them to a tulip, really working the theme. The restaurant took care of everything else.

Everyone had a really time--- and it was so nice to see my old team. Hopefully it won't be the last time!

Until Next Week!! xoxo EventLucky

DIY Recipe: Fortune Cookies

 

 

Am I the only one that likes to take packages and packages of fortune cookies away from my favorite Asian restaurant? I usually end up having to pay extra because they're just that delicious! Well, I found a pretty simple recipe that adds a gourmet spin to this cultural staple. Head on over to No Fuss Fabulous for more. 

More ideas at Sweet Cuddlecakes.  

Corporate Events

In most offices, there is at least one party or event a year. Whether it's to celebrate an employee's retirement, a successful year for the business, or a holiday party, most people in the office yawn or roll their eyes when they hear a corporate event is coming up. I've even heard people say things such as "Well, at least we can get out of work for a few hours."

But corporate events do not have to be boring. Here are some great tips to make your next corporate get-together memorable:

- Hire live entertainment. Just playing music from a CD is not enough to truly entertain your employees. A live band can get them dancing and enjoying themselves. To play it safe, choose a tribute act rather than an original band, because most likely a band that plays hits from the 80s would be enjoyed more than an original band playing music no one has ever heard before.

- Set up the room appropriately. If you're going to have speakers at the front of the room or behind a podium, make sure everyone in the room can clearly see the speaker, and make sure the sound system works properly so that even those in the back can hear what is being said.

- Try not to serve food during a presentation. As a general rule, it is very hard to compete with food. Try to avoid letting your audience have food while you are speaking, or while your entertainment is performing. If at all possible, serve dinner before or after the entertainment and/or presentation you are going to make.

- Anticipate technical problems. Make sure the entertainment has all their technical bases covered, and that whatever presentation you will make goes over smoothly. Without preparation you are almost guaranteed to have the microphones not working, or the band will need half an hour to sound check that you did not anticipate, or you will notice your overhead projections being out of focus. Plan ahead for these and make sure everything is working day before the event.

Above all, relax and try not to take on everything yourself! Most likely if you are planning a party for your business, you have employees that you can delegate certain tasks to. If you prepare properly and anticipate your guests' needs, your event is sure to be a hit rather than a typical corporate yawner.