I just wanted to share these fun Party411 cookies that we just recieved here at the office! Ivan Schwarz sent them to us as a "thank you" for the work we did on the Road the Red Carpet benefit. They were made by one of the lovely sponsors of the event, Luna Bakery.
We are so blessed to work with the "sweetest" people!
Party411.com had a wonderful time creating a custom scoreboard for an Olympic theme fundraiser!
The Mercer Olympics is a fundraiser held to benefit a local elementary school. The custom board tracks the donations that are made to each teacher. Hopefully they all cross the finish line!
All proceeds benefit the school and the event builds school spirit while promoting teamwork, exercise and wellness. The kids have a fun week with opening and closing ceremonies and Olympic competitions in their gym classes all week!
It looks like the kids had a great time! Thanks for letting Party411 be part of the fun!
The event was hosted at Grey's Armory, an old building in downtown Cleveland that has the look of a haunted castle.
When guests entered, the lobby was decorated like a haunted graveyard, complete with spooky houses, trees and a graveyard with cutouts of the ghosts of famous celebrities.
In the main ballroom, guests were given Halloween masks as nametags. Sharpie pens were out for people to write their names.
So you’re throwing a Halloween party that will have adults and children? Are you having difficulty coming up with activities for both sets of guests? Well, since you have a diverse crowd (kids and adults) you should have activities that work for everyone.
Two things always work for the adults and children; costume contests and karaoke. You can’t go wrong with either of them.
Make sure your guests know you plan on handing out several different prizes for the costume contest; ranging from most realistic, made everyone laugh, best overall, most creative...
You should also give gifts to the children too! Give everyone a little trophy! You can even have a category for best family costume. Incredibles family costume anyone?
For karaoke you should keep all the songs "Halloween" themed. Here are a few to get you started -
The kids might not be as interested in karaoke as the adults so if you need one more activity, why not have a scavenger hunt? We happen to have a great Halloween Scavenger Hunt on our site.
Here is an example of the clues -
First Clue
There's a special place that you must go to.
To discover a cauldron of witch's brew.
Dunk one team member's face to find
the apple of your team's design.
What you do: Set up a cauldron of "Witch's Brew" where everyone can bob for apples. Tie a different color of string around the stem of each apple, and make sure the teams know which color they are and that they must bob for the apple with their team's color on the stem.
Second Clue
For your next task you must retrieve
a set of tootsies among the leaves.
Look up, look down and you may see
a pair of feet in a great big tree.
What you do: Cut a pair of feet in each team's color out of construction paper. Hang the feet in the trees- if you want you can color red on the feet to make them look dismembered. Each team must somehow get their pair of "dismembered feet" from the trees.
And so on. There are 11 clues in all. Or use this as a template and do your own, the kids will love it!
If there is another great Halloween song for karaoke please share it in the comments below. Have a great time, and Happy Halloween!
Party411Events Coordinates Induction Reception Parties for Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2011on August 6, 2011
Sherri Foxman’s Party411 Events announced today that the company was chosen by each of the inductees to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2011 to coordinate their induction reception parties. These events follow the Enshrinement Ceremonies at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton on Saturday, August 6, 2011
“Beginning in early spring, Party411 begins sending proposals to each team and/or player to coordinate and plan their induction reception. Some players are easy to pitch. This year, for instance, we knew Deion Sanders had a wild and crazy personality so we had a good feel for him,” said Sherri Foxman, CEO and ultimate party girl. “Whereas, others of the players are very low key. It’s all part of the process.”
This year, Party411 Events is working on the receptions for Deion Sanders (Atlanta Falcons), running back Marshall Faulk (St. Louis Rams), defensive end Richard Dent (Chicago Bears), linebacker Chris Hanburger (Washington Redskins), linebacker Les Richter (Los Angeles Rams), tight end Shannon Sharpe (Denver Broncos) and NFL Films founder Ed Sabol—making it over 25 induction receptions Party411 has coordinated and creatively themed since 2007 at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Each party has its own personality; some tents are decorated with team colors while others are decorated and/or themed based on the inductee’s interests or personality. While this year one tent boasts a country western BBQ and music to match, another is decked out with club lighting, increasingly high-tech video screens and celebrity performers to match. Each year is remarkably different from the prior year and the energy in each tent (reception) is higher than high.
“Because of the lockout and the Hall of Fame game being cancelled, we were very worried the receptions would be affected. That isn’t the case; each player’s party is packed, and we’re sure this will be one of their most memorable evenings,” Foxman said.
About Sherri Foxman’s Party411 Events:
Party411 is located in Cleveland and was founded in 1996. The company offers event coordination and planning throughout the U.S. for corporate, private and non-profit organizations. For more information, go to http://www.party411events.com.
I was so privileged to plan a 95th birthday party/benefit for a woman who is a local journalist, a friend and a fan. Violet Spevack, entertainment columnist for a Cleveland newspaper since 1965, has missed only one of my "personal" special events since 1985. Whether I was doing a lip sync party to benefit the pre-opening of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame or a "revival" to poke fun at the slew of televangelists that were in trouble in the early 90's to events much more off the beaten path than that--Vi was always there and always gave me rave reviews. She also participated--singing, dancing, whatever--and she was 65. Thirty years ago, I thought that was old!
Naming and theming this event was the easiest job I've ever had. The name came to me as I perused words that started with the letters v and i. And there it was...vivacious. Perfect... that word alone describes Vi in a nutshell--outgoing, creative, funny and over the top. Thus I titled the event Vi-Vi-Vi-vacious and still can't get over how well that worked out for the party and the theme. Throughout the program book and throughout the evening, we introduced her every which way that started with those two little letters--vi-brant, vi-tal, vi-able and more while we watched and enjoyed her reaction vi-cariously (I had to say that, sorry).
The theme had to be violets, of course. Violets were used on all printed pieces and signs and even on the name badges. Using different shades of violets for linens and napkins plus African violets on the stage and buffets, we screamed Violet wherever we could to our over 700 guests and they all got it. And since this was a benefit for her newly-named foundation, we used birthday cakes as centerpieces to save on budget but to promote the fact that this was a birthday party indeed. And Vi not?
Here are some of my pictures of the event, before all of the party guest arrived:
Guests were greeted by custom signs with a violet theme and then picked up their seating cards at a purple linen draped table.
An enormous custom 3 part sign thanked the sponsors that made this birthday celebration happen!
A bar with a beautiful view was flanked by a large collage of the guest of honor.
A slideshow rotated on a large screen in the partyroom, showcasing special moments in the fun and full life of Violet Spevack.
Each table had a birthday cake as a centerpiece and fun purple linens! Table numbers had a violet theme (of course).
Check out these wonderful violet table decorations!
Throwing this violet theme birthday was great fun, and a great honor!
Are you looking for a unique birthday party theme perfect for summer? Have a camp theme party!
The color scheme is simple and easy - green and brown for the woods. There are some new camping theme paper goods available as well that are just perfect.
Camp Menu
This is easy and straight forward part of your party. For your menu serve "camp food" such as hot dogs, kool aid, granola/trail mix, smores (yum!) and popcorn.
Camp Decorations:
Lanterns and small branches from trees in vases are fun decorations. Wildflowers are great too. Set out any forest themed stuffed animal you have...bears, owls, foxes. Throw a few pinecones around for good measure. Set up one of those fake flame torches (sold usually for Halloween) on the buffet and surround it with wood for a fake fire!
If you can arrange for it have an open fire (September should be perfect weather for it). Your guests will love sitting around the fire telling their favorite camp stories or horror stories.
Camp music is a must. If you have a guitarist in the family ask them if they want to play for a bit. If not anything by Bob Denver is great. Or get an audio recording of ghost stories!
Have camping theme movies playing on the tv - Ernest Goes to Camp, Daddy Day Camp, The Great Outdoors, Meatballs are a few to choose from. (If you’re afraid people will just sit and only watch the movie, play the movies on mute.)
Camp Favors:
Have everyone leave messages for the guest of honor by signing something with a camp theme... a canoe paddle, a camp t-shirt, a duffle bag.
Party favors are easy - inexpensive items like whistles, compasses, travel sized bug sprays or sunscreen, flashlights. They work for the theme and are useful too!
If you have any fantastic camping theme games or activities please feel free to share in the comments below.
One of our favorite Sweet 16 parties is our Car Crazy Party. Because 16 is the legal driving age in most states, having a Car themed Sweet 16 is almost too perfect.
With any party we're big believers in theme activities for the guests! Here are five of our favorite Car Crazy Sweet 16 party activities:
If you have any great car inspired games or activity please share in the comments below.
You’re about to plan your upcoming big event; whether it's a B’nai Mitzvah, graduation, retirement, and you’re not sure where to turn or what to do. Join the club. As many events as I’ve planned over the last, um, forever, I’m always doing something new or something different and end up sourcing vendors I’ve never used before for things I’ve never done before. First place I go? The internet, of course.
Wow, that internet is amazing…PartyPop, Gigmasters, ClevelandDJs.net, I’ll Take Your Pictures.com (just kidding)—you search, you find. But, buyer beware. Unless you have references, you are taking your chances.
Some years ago, a client of mine hired a caterer I had never used. I told her I was worried; I begged her to think again; I think I even got down on one knee. To no avail. As the set up progressed and the caterer didn’t come, the client assured me this caterer knew what they were doing and would be at the temple in plenty of time. That’s a no. They never showed. I called and called but the line was busy, and I soon suspected and confirmed the phone was off the hook. I had an hour (or was it 45 minutes?) during the service to find food for 150 guests. I finally found a bakery that would stay open and at least give me pastry. I sped there; I helped bag and box; I sped back. She kissed me, she hugged me, but never again (I hope).
So, the first piece of advice I have for you is to remember that word of mouth is the best way to find a vendor, a party room or venue, hotel rooms and, yes, even your event planner. If you decide to use an event planner, let them do the leg work (most of us have vendors who are tried and true); if you’re not, call your friends and find out who they have used or know about; ask the other vendors who they might suggest and who they have worked with in the past. And get a contract. And after you sign it, make sure the vendor executes the contract as well.
Why make sure you have a contract? Here’s an example. I can’t tell you how many times clients of mine reserved a room at one of the many facilities in town that have multiple event spaces and months or even days before the event, they are told the venue has another client for the room they thought they had reserved. Did that client have a bigger budget? Did that client have more guests? Who knows? But in the meantime, my clients were moved to different locations within the space and had no recourse because the space wasn’t confirmed in the contract, and oh, by the way, they signed the contract but never received back an executed contract. The moral of the story? You can never have too much detail. How many photos do you get for the price you are paying? How long will the DJ play? How many breaks will the band take? Will every kid get a wax hand to take home or will the vendor run out of time?
I don’t mean to scare you. Most mitzvahs, graduations and retirements come off without a hitch. Just make sure you reserve the most important vendors first (your space, your DJ, your photographer) since, as you know, there are multiple events each weekend. And then relax. It will all fall into place.
One last thing. When using any vendor, make sure you have the total price “out the door,” and there are no surprises. Little things like delivery, installation, after hours tear down can really add up. And those rented chafing dishes can really get expensive! That’s if the caterer shows up!
Party411.com is having a sweepstakes, from May11th through May 27th, and we are giving away everything you need to personalize your next theme party or special occasion. Have an 80's theme party, luau, retirement, graduation party, patriotic Fourth of July, kid's Sesame Street birthday party; the winner gets to choose from thousands of designs on our site for a truly custom prize!
The grand prize includes:
The prize includes ground shipping to the continental 48. (No P.O. Boxes)
The Approximate Value of the prize is $325
Official Rules available on entrance page.
Graduation Open House Invitations and Wording
Outdoor Graduation Party Ideas
Graduation Party Planning Checklist PDF
7 Tips to Decorate Your Graduation Cap
Graduation Activity - Scavenger Hunt
Graduation Gift Idea - Time Capsule
Graduation Gift Ideas: College Survival Kit
Patriotic Preschool Graduation
