One of the private dining spaces at Water Works Restaurant and Lounge in Philadelphia, PA
others are not always as fortunate. In the past, guests were asked to bring canned and non-perishable goods to be donated to food banks or other non- profits. Today, many corporations pur- chase seasonable products from chari- table-minded vendors. Or, they may assemble bikes for needy kids. Philanthropy is built into the party.”
According to Jablonowski, a third avenue holiday events are following is one of interactivity. Parties, which are more relaxed, invite networking. There are no formal assigned-seat dinners to hamper free movement. Walk-around entertainers rather than one headliner add to an overall aura of fun.
“Customized events are on the rise,”she notes. “Build your own food station. Create menus as you go. My favorite component of any event is to paintwith a big brush to make an impact upfront. Lighting,linens and decor are huge, but oversized view blocking floral arrange- ments may not be the best idea."
“When holiday party guests walk into a room,” explains Jablonowski, “they should be met with something power- ful. Icy candles coming out of shim- mering blue linen. Lighted ice sculp- tures. Go-go girls in white boots danc- ing atop ice pedestals. White feather trees adorned with orange ornaments. A Willy Wonka greeter. Engage people from the beginning and the party will never be boring.”
30 September October 2014
Jablonowski offers a checklist for any- one planning holiday events this year. “Start early,”
she cautions. “More
options will be available. Be a clear communicator and detail expectations and dreams. Decide if transportation should be rotated. Be aware that any- thing with a human connection is sub- ject to change at the last minute. Plan budgets carefully and conduct research to ascertain the best values. Perhaps one venue offers a dramatical- ly lower price,but youmay not be deal- ing with apples-to-apples. Be sure.”
Jablonowski counsels companies to assign a staff member to oversee plan- ning.“It helps if the planner has support from someone in the business. We’re happy toworkwith themtomeet objec- tives and make the most of their budg- et. Most of all, be sure there is never dead air at the party.Welcome guests at the door. Let them know it is okay to celebrate,”she concludes.
Celebrations are second nature to Danielle Pinto, Roberts Event Group's director of business development. The company is a source of boundless imagination and magical moments. Its holiday parties explode with excite- ment.
Pinto prefers people to be surprised and delighted. “A cast of characters can transform a simple employee gathering into a holiday festival. Roving enter- tainers interacting with guests means
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