Endless Decor Possibilities

Posted on 05 03, 2012

Now here’s something that’s just tailor made for me…a gumball party! An event like this offers endless decor possibilities and so much inspiration.

This particular version from karaspartyideas.com happens to use gumballs of every different color but you can choose whatever colors you please.

Just imagine what a total breeze the dessert table will be.

I happen to love the idea of the simple sundae  cupcakes with the gumball “cherry” on top.

Vintage lunchboxes and Coca Cola crates used as risers are pure genius! Those props can be applied to so many themes and ideas.

I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to throw a gumball party!

 

 

The Journey of Business Self-Discovery

Posted on 05 02, 2012

Defining your brand is like a journey of business self-discovery. It can be difficult, time-consuming and uncomfortable. It requires, at the very least, that you answer the questions below:

  • What is your company’s mission?
  • What are the benefits and features of your products or services?
  • What do your customers and prospects already think of your company?
  • What qualities do you want them to associate with your company?

Do your research. Learn the needs, habits and desires of your current and prospective customers. And don’t rely on what you think they think. Know what they think.

Once you’ve defined your brand, how do you get the word out? Here are a few simple, time-tested tips:

  • Get a great logo. Place it everywhere.
  • Write down your brand messaging. What are the key messages you want to communicate about your brand? Every employee should be aware of your brand attributes.
  • Integrate your brand. Branding extends to every aspect of your business–how you answer your phones, what you or your salespeople wear on sales calls, your e-mail signature, everything.
  • Create a “voice” for your company that reflects your brand. This voice should be applied to all written communication and incorporated in the visual imagery of all materials, online and off. Is your brand friendly? Be conversational. Is it ritzy? Be more formal. You get the gist.
  • Develop a tagline. Write a memorable, meaningful and concise statement that captures the essence of your brand.
  • Design templates and create brand standards for your marketing materials. Use the same color scheme, logo placement, look and feel throughout. You don’t need to be fancy, just consistent.
  • Be true to your brand. Customers won’t return to you–or refer you to someone else–if you don’t deliver on your brand promise.
  • Be consistent. I placed this point last only because it involves all of the above and is the most important tip I can give you. If you can’t do this, your attempts at establishing a brand will fail.

Get Hitched Like “Brangelina”!

Posted on 05 01, 2012

Brad and Angelina are finally tying the knot!  Let The Party Goddess! show you how to get hitched like superstars!  From the latest celebrity trends to incorporating your kids, to blending different backgrounds, The Party Goddess! tips will help you get the standing ovation you deserve. Photo by Simply Bloom Photography

TIPS: 

* Color Me Pink! Want to include your kids in the wedding festivities? Put their creativity to use and have them draw pictures of what they think love is.  Take their designs and create customized invitations for your big day.  The kids will love being involved in the planning and this will be one doodle you will be sure to frame!

 

* Gifts That Keep Giving! Follow in “Brangelina’s” footsteps and become humanitarians!  Instead of accepting gifts, have your guests donate to a charity of your choice.  It might be your big day, but you can make someone else’s dreams come true!  Another option is to donate money on your guests’ behalf instead of giving out favors!

 

* Best of Both Worlds! Do you and your future spouse come from different backgrounds?  Have your reception reflect both of your worlds!  Maybe décor is LA chic, but serve up your guests some Southern, home style cooking! It is a fabulous and easy way to customize and personalize your swanky soiree.

 

* Lets Play Dress Up! Get your kids excited about the love-filled day!  Let them be their own stylist!  Encourage their fashionista side and let them choose their attire for the wedding.  Want it to fit in with your color scheme? Give them colors to work with and see what they create! If they are comfortable and excited about what they are wearing, they will strut down the aisle like a catwalk!  The photographer will also have a ball capturing these special moments.

 

* Location! Location! Location! Have a truly magical day by hosting the ceremony and reception at your family home.  This is such an easy way to make guests feel like they are a part of something special and intimate.  Your kids will have the best time watching the house and backyard get transformed into the wedding you always imagined.  Years later, you will still be able to look into your backyard and remember where you said, “I do.”

 

* Cocktails and Mocktails! The big toast at the reception is always a highlight of the night! Get everyone involved, 21 or not!  Kids can have “mocktails” to cheers with, a non-alcoholic version of what the “big kids” are drinking.  They will feel important and included when the big moment arrives!   As for the adults, their specialty cocktails can be special and specific to the couple.  Perhaps the location of where they met or got engaged! If they met at a baseball game serve up a cotton candy martini and call it a “double play martini!”

FACTS & FIGURES:  

*Angelina has the geographical coordinates of the places of birth for each of her children.

* Brad Pitt was raised in Springfield, Missouri and is one of three kids. Angelina was raised under the spotlight in Los Angeles and has one brother.

* Angelina is a Goodwill Ambassador and has visited over 20 countries.

* Brad Pitt is also a humanitarian, donating over 5 million dollars after Katrina struck New Orleans. He has also visited multiple countries with Angelina to fight for human rights.

* Angelina has been married twice including one marriage to Bill Bob Thornton

* Brad was married once before to Jennifer Aniston

2 Day Intensive Testimonial

Posted on 05 01, 2012

Click here to watch testimonial!

Last week, I lead my fearless coaching students through another one of my 2 Day Intensives here at the LA office. Michelle, one of my fabulous students, wanted to share how much she learned from the course.

Though the entire 2 days are filled with content, we always manage to keep things light, fun, and interesting. Stay tuned for another set of dates coming up in the near future. I don’t do these often, but when I do, they are worth whatever you have to do in order to get here.

 

Hottest New Event Trends

Posted on 04 30, 2012

Event trends are constantly evolving and growing into different ideas. Here’s a list of my favorites, along with some pictures of our most recent luncheon last week. It was such a fun and fancy-free day!

* Good Ol’ Comfort Food! Be on the lookout for sliders and tricked out versions of mac ‘n cheese, etc. This will also be a plus at events where the alcohol is-a-flowin’.

* Single Serving! Let your guests mingle while you eat. Serve up some comfort food in portable dishes. French fries in paper cones and mac n’ cheese in mini soufflé cups!

* Dipped and Decorated! Mini cupcakes and candy bars are still as popular as ever! Add some dipped and decorated Oreos and cake pops to change up the dessert table.

* Signature Drinks! Add a fun look to your bar with homemade fruit infused spirits. People still love vodka but you can try something different. It is easy to buy fruit-flavored spirits, but it’s just as easy to concoct your own!

* Details, Details, Details! Bye bye solid colors! Gorgeous linens with a lot of detail are stepping in along with interesting chargers, chairs and glasses. Vintage never goes out of style so you may want to head up to your attic. Try adding vintage photos on napkin rings to add a personal flair.

* Put it On Paper! Paper products such as invitations, printed menus, place cards, etc. are a creative component for any event. There are tons of fabulous options for paper products and they provide plenty of opportunities for personalization by using various monograms and designs.

* One Size Doesn’t Fit All! People will be mixing it up by having different table sizes and shapes. This allows for a variety of different looks and may help the flow of people in a space.

* Mix It Up! Using an unexpected mix of darks, brights and neutrals transports guests to a fun environment, free from stress! The use of versatile neutrals and bold spirited hues are sure to carry into the Fall season.

* Kiddie Corner! Embrace the idea of partying together with friends and family who also have kids. Bringing kid-friendly signature drinks and desserts to the table is a huge hit!

* Say Cheese! Taking photographs is social and interactive experience that anyone can enjoy. Take the classic photo booth and add a fun twist. Project the photos in real time so everyone can watch the fun! A photo strip is the perfect take away for your guests.