Event planning can be easy if you follow the correct steps and have the correct frame of mind. Follow these tips from to get started planning an event that will be a raging success!
1. Find the venue
It’s not difficult to find a venue these days. Establishment owners of today realize the benefit to having guaranteed clientele without spending a dime on advertising. Sometimes it can take a couple of tries to find the right venue for your event, but once you do, you’ll know it. The owners or manager will be happy to help you with most aspects, and may even offer extra perks for your attendees. These are places that appreciate events and new clientele, and make the job of planning an event easy and enjoyable. If you are getting bad vibes from a place, move on. Don’t waste your time trying to convince a venue to accommodate you. If it takes too much persuasion, it’s not worth your time or energy – especially when the dessert bar next door would jump at the chance to be involved.
2. Determine your demographic
This can either be the first or the second part of your planning process, depending on the type of event you’re throwing. For example, if you are hosting a fundraising event, you will have identified the demographic ahead of time. When hosting a speed dating event however, you will use the venue you’ve selected to help determine the demographic. In the case of a speed dating event, your demographic will also be the age range of your daters for that particular evening.
3. Set the start time
Based on your venue and your demographic, it’s now time to figure out what time your event will begin. Using the previous two steps, examine the facts. If you’re hosting an event aimed at 60 to 70-year-olds at a curling hall, you will set your start time earlier than if you were organizing a fundraiser held at a local pub, aimed at a 25 to 30-year-old demographic. Also, take into account the trends of your venue; the intimate pub turns into a rowdy dance club after 9pm, when they move the middle tables aside so people can dance. Naturally, in this case, you won’t want your event to go past 9pm!
4. Get the word out
The fourth and quite possibly the most important part of the event planning process is getting the word out, but this can not happen until you’ve nailed down your venue, demographic and event start time. Once all of these details are sorted, you’re ready to promote the heck out of your event! Use free resources online like clubzone.com to list your event if it’s appropriate. Pin up posters on the community board at your local grocery store or Starbucks. Send press releases to the lifestyle section of your local paper, and suggest they write an article about your event. And, of course, ensure you post your event on Craigslist.
Leigh Clements, the Shot In The Dark Mysteries / Your Date With Death Mystery Maiden, writes murder mysteries, non-murder mysteries and custom mysteries for Shot In The Dark Mysteries, and coordinates, hosts and facilitates local events both for Shot In The Dark Mysteries and Your Date With Death Murder Mystery Speed Dating. She can be contacted at mysterymaiden@shotinthedarkmysteries.com or mysterymaiden@yourdatewithdeath.com. Aside from plotting murder, she enjoys yoga, reading and hanging with her golden lab.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
The Art of the Introduction
Most of us think nothing of introducing two people who don't know one another. "Ringo, this is Cookie. Cookie - Ringo." That's it, right? Actually, there is an entire art to the making a proper introduction that only the savviest of hosts know.
A proper introduction can have a great effect on those you are introducing - it can spark conversation and make both of them feel comfortable, ensuring they have a better time and you, the host, receive the party fame you deserve! Your guests probably won't notice your technique, but they will notice how great they feel, and look upon you as the perfect host!
When your guest arrives, ensure that you introduce them to one other person, or to a group of two or three people before you leave them to greet other guests. Avoid walking your newly-arrived guest to a large group and saying "Cookie, this is everyone!" Chances are this will make your new guest feel uncomfortable, and will leave the introductions up to them. If your guests are all gathered in a big group, pick one person to pull aside to introduce to your new arrival. Choose someone who either has something in common with your recently-arrived guest or a co-conspirator, who you've asked ahead of time to help you with the introductions.
Now you have two people you are about to introduce. Did you know there is a proper order in which you should make your introduction? Yes indeed! The rules are as follows:
Most of us think nothing of introducing two people who don't know one another. "Ringo, this is Cookie. Cookie - Ringo." That's it, right? Actually, there is an entire art to the making a proper introduction that only the savviest of hosts know.
A proper introduction can have a great effect on those you are introducing - it can spark conversation and make both of them feel comfortable, ensuring they have a better time and you, the host, receive the party fame you deserve! Your guests probably won't notice your technique, but they will notice how great they feel, and look upon you as the perfect host!
When your guest arrives, ensure that you introduce them to one other person, or to a group of two or three people before you leave them to greet other guests. Avoid walking your newly-arrived guest to a large group and saying "Cookie, this is everyone!" Chances are this will make your new guest feel uncomfortable, and will leave the introductions up to them. If your guests are all gathered in a big group, pick one person to pull aside to introduce to your new arrival. Choose someone who either has something in common with your recently-arrived guest or a co-conspirator, who you've asked ahead of time to help you with the introductions.
Now you have two people you are about to introduce. Did you know there is a proper order in which you should make your introduction? Yes indeed! The rules are as follows:
Men Meet The Women
Introduce the man to the woman. For example, "Cookie Masterson, I would like you to meet Ringo Clown." Leave it at that - don't continue with "Ringo, this is Cookie". Add a thoughtful detail, such as "Cookie is an avid dessert chef. Ringo eats a lot of pastry".
Age Before Beauty
Let's say you want Cookie to meet your older friend, Stacie. Because Stacie is older than Cookie, you should introduce Cookie to Stacie. For example, "Stacie Chalmers, may I introduce my roommate from college, Cookie Masterson." Your thoughtful detail could be "Cookie majored in Horse Whispering in college. Stacie is an animal intuit."
Prominence Leads
In our politically-correct day in age, the following introductory rule may be a bit of a touchy subject, but in situations where tact is paramount, make sure you abide by this guideline. Introduce the less-prominent person to the more-prominent person. For example, "Judge Steward, meet Cookie Masterson".
A Family Affair
You should always introduce family members to other guests, regardless of their age, status or gender. For example; "Cookie, I would like you to meet my Aunt Gertrude."
This may seem like a lot to remember, but to keep it easy, simply remember this: The person receiving the introduction will most likely be better known. It would go without saying that Cookie would already know The Queen of England. You would not need to say "Cookie, this is The Queen of England", but would say, "Your Majesty, this is Cookie Masterson. Use the same idea when introducing those in your circle.
A final closing note: Always use last names as well as first names when you can. Follow these guidelines for introductions and you'll be sure to create the comforting environment that will keep your guests at your party and get you the rave reviews you crave!
Leigh Clements, the Shot In The Dark Mysteries / Your Date With Death Mystery Maiden, writes murder mysteries, non-murder mysteries and custom mysteries for Shot In The Dark Mysteries, and coordinates, hosts and facilitates local events both for Shot In The Dark Mysteries and Your Date With Death Murder Mystery Speed Dating. She can be contacted at mysterymaiden@shotinthedarkmysteries.com or mysterymaiden@yourdatewithdeath.com. Aside from plotting murder, she enjoys yoga, reading and hanging with her golden lab.
A proper introduction can have a great effect on those you are introducing - it can spark conversation and make both of them feel comfortable, ensuring they have a better time and you, the host, receive the party fame you deserve! Your guests probably won't notice your technique, but they will notice how great they feel, and look upon you as the perfect host!
When your guest arrives, ensure that you introduce them to one other person, or to a group of two or three people before you leave them to greet other guests. Avoid walking your newly-arrived guest to a large group and saying "Cookie, this is everyone!" Chances are this will make your new guest feel uncomfortable, and will leave the introductions up to them. If your guests are all gathered in a big group, pick one person to pull aside to introduce to your new arrival. Choose someone who either has something in common with your recently-arrived guest or a co-conspirator, who you've asked ahead of time to help you with the introductions.
Now you have two people you are about to introduce. Did you know there is a proper order in which you should make your introduction? Yes indeed! The rules are as follows:
Most of us think nothing of introducing two people who don't know one another. "Ringo, this is Cookie. Cookie - Ringo." That's it, right? Actually, there is an entire art to the making a proper introduction that only the savviest of hosts know.
A proper introduction can have a great effect on those you are introducing - it can spark conversation and make both of them feel comfortable, ensuring they have a better time and you, the host, receive the party fame you deserve! Your guests probably won't notice your technique, but they will notice how great they feel, and look upon you as the perfect host!
When your guest arrives, ensure that you introduce them to one other person, or to a group of two or three people before you leave them to greet other guests. Avoid walking your newly-arrived guest to a large group and saying "Cookie, this is everyone!" Chances are this will make your new guest feel uncomfortable, and will leave the introductions up to them. If your guests are all gathered in a big group, pick one person to pull aside to introduce to your new arrival. Choose someone who either has something in common with your recently-arrived guest or a co-conspirator, who you've asked ahead of time to help you with the introductions.
Now you have two people you are about to introduce. Did you know there is a proper order in which you should make your introduction? Yes indeed! The rules are as follows:
Men Meet The Women
Introduce the man to the woman. For example, "Cookie Masterson, I would like you to meet Ringo Clown." Leave it at that - don't continue with "Ringo, this is Cookie". Add a thoughtful detail, such as "Cookie is an avid dessert chef. Ringo eats a lot of pastry".
Age Before Beauty
Let's say you want Cookie to meet your older friend, Stacie. Because Stacie is older than Cookie, you should introduce Cookie to Stacie. For example, "Stacie Chalmers, may I introduce my roommate from college, Cookie Masterson." Your thoughtful detail could be "Cookie majored in Horse Whispering in college. Stacie is an animal intuit."
Prominence Leads
In our politically-correct day in age, the following introductory rule may be a bit of a touchy subject, but in situations where tact is paramount, make sure you abide by this guideline. Introduce the less-prominent person to the more-prominent person. For example, "Judge Steward, meet Cookie Masterson".
A Family Affair
You should always introduce family members to other guests, regardless of their age, status or gender. For example; "Cookie, I would like you to meet my Aunt Gertrude."
This may seem like a lot to remember, but to keep it easy, simply remember this: The person receiving the introduction will most likely be better known. It would go without saying that Cookie would already know The Queen of England. You would not need to say "Cookie, this is The Queen of England", but would say, "Your Majesty, this is Cookie Masterson. Use the same idea when introducing those in your circle.
A final closing note: Always use last names as well as first names when you can. Follow these guidelines for introductions and you'll be sure to create the comforting environment that will keep your guests at your party and get you the rave reviews you crave!
Leigh Clements, the Shot In The Dark Mysteries / Your Date With Death Mystery Maiden, writes murder mysteries, non-murder mysteries and custom mysteries for Shot In The Dark Mysteries, and coordinates, hosts and facilitates local events both for Shot In The Dark Mysteries and Your Date With Death Murder Mystery Speed Dating. She can be contacted at mysterymaiden@shotinthedarkmysteries.com or mysterymaiden@yourdatewithdeath.com. Aside from plotting murder, she enjoys yoga, reading and hanging with her golden lab.
Monday, July 7, 2008
When Good Guests Go Bad Part 6: The Destructo-Guest
This is the final article in our six-part series entitled, "When Good Guests Go Bad". Today we look at the "Destructo-Guest".
If you've never had to deal with a destructo-guest, you're lucky! The destructo-guest is careless in their everyday life, and brings that carelessness into your home when you entertain. This guest moves around a bit like a hurricane, leaving a path of destruction in their wake. When one first looks at the destructo-guest, it's hard to determine exactly what they do to cause wine spills and heirloom breakages - some people would define the destructo-guest as "clutzy" or "unlucky", but it all comes down to slight to severe carelessness. So, what can we, as polite hosts on the run, do about the destructo-guest while keeping our grace and poise (not to mention our tempers!)?
Here are a few ideas to keep your valuables safe when the destructo-guest sweeps through your party.
1) Don't Invite Them
As with most of our Good Guests Gone Bad, one way to avoid the issue is by simply not inviting the destructo-guest. In many cases, especially family settings, this is not possible. If you can't get out of having them there, though, read on!
2) Don't waste your breath
Unlike the rest of our Good Guests Gone Bad, a simple word usually won't straighten out the destructo-guest. This is because their problem stems from carelessness to begin with, and although they may seem to heed your words, their habit is so engrained it can not be changed overnight. Talking to the destructo-guest will only hurt their feelings, and probably won't solve the problem anyhow. Instead, you need to prepare!
3) Hide the valuables
Yes, it is one of the best ways that you can protect the things you really love from your hurricane guest. Put them in an off-limits room or high up on a shelf where they can not be touched.
4) Insist on taking the destructo-guest's jacket or sweater
A jacket or large sweater is the destructo-guest's worst accomplice! An off-balance turn with baggy clothes mean your baby orchids are flying off the edge of the table. Insist if they at first decline, and if that doesn't work, turn the heat up until they get warm enough to have to take their sweater off! (Then turn it back down for the comfort of your other guests).
5) Employ your Crisis Companion
We talk a lot about using your crisis companion, and this is a perfect moment to put them to good use. Your crisis companion knows the score, and is with you on every page of your party. This could be a spouse or a good friend you trust not to divulge your secret hosting tips to anyone else. Inform your CC that the destructo-guest will be attending, and to keep an eye on them. If they are reaching out for something expensive or about to step on your dog, they can intervene.
6) Get them seated immediately
Once you greet the destructo-guest at the door, try to get them seated as soon as you can. The less the destructo-guest moves around, the better chance your china has of making it through the evening! Invite another guest who shares their interests to come and sit with the two of you. Once their conversation is running, politely excuse yourself. If the destructo-guest gets up, repeat the procedure until they are so engrossed in conversation that they have no desire to get up and move around. You can only do this for so long, but with the destructo-guest, the less they move around, the better.
7) Keep your cool
If the destructo-guest does happen to back into your centuries old china cabinet, bumping your great, great, great grandmother's tea kettle, the tea set and your antique crystal onto the hardwood floor, try to keep your cool. The personality of the destructo-guest makes it easy to get angry with them, and they will probably be too mortified to defend themselves. If you are ready to blow, take a minute and let your CC handle damage control.
This brings our 6-part series, "When Good Guests Go Bad" to an end. If you have missed any of the series, simply send an email to mysterymaiden@shotinthedarkmysteries.com to receive the entire series in PDF format for free!
Leigh Clements, the Shot In The Dark Mysteries / Your Date With Death Mystery Maiden, writes murder mysteries, non-murder mysteries and custom mysteries for Shot In The Dark Mysteries, and coordinates, hosts and facilitates local events both for Shot In The Dark Mysteries and Your Date With Death Murder Mystery Speed Dating. She can be contacted at mysterymaiden@shotinthedarkmysteries.com or mysterymaiden@yourdatewithdeath.com. Aside from plotting murder, she enjoys yoga, reading and hanging with her golden lab.
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