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Facilities Guide
Give 'em something to remember
by Pat Perry
People talk about the events they attend - they talk about the location, the decor, the theme. One of the first questions asked of a partygoer afer an event is, "How was the food?" People tend to judge an occasion by the food they were served - how tasty, creatively presented or out of the norm it was.
Because this seems to be the No. 1 item people remember about an event, let's look at ways in which you can make a memorable impression through food.
Variety
When choosing the menu, try to create a wide variety of options for the main course. This doesn't mean you have to offer a buffet but it's best to choose more than one item to accommodate those who do not eat red meat, like fish or simply are vegetarian. So how do you please so many dietary requirements?
Either have two entrees per plate selecting from beef, fish or chicken if your event is a sit-down affair, or provide grazing stations highlighting different foods and inviting guests to select their own entrees. Always have a vegetarian option available upon request. And don't forget dessert - the richer, the better. Chocolate is never forgotten!
Presentation
Presentation is everything. Ever notice when you eat at a high-end restaurant the plate looks much prettier than when eating in a family restaurant? Even the dish it's serve on is often nicer.
Why not become creative in your food presentation? Tie the dishes into the theme of the event. If you are focusing on art, use colorfully designed plates and all different colors of cups and saucers. You may also consider putting individual meals into themed containers. For a casual function in the summer serve each person a small picnic with their own meal inside or use a clever lunch box.
Looks are everything
After the food, "the look" is next on the memorable list. Create the atmosphere by carrying the theme throughout the event from invitations to dramatic entrances to ceiling and wall design to centerpieces and even table favors if appropriate.
Typically the tables take up a majority of the square footage of an event. Use them to your advantage as part of the decor. Base your centerpiece on the event's theme and keep in mind ease of conversing at the table. Either go
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The
Fairport Harbor Lighthouse
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low or go high but don't go in between so guests may enjoy the cneterpiece and still see each other. Use flowers, balloons planters, pails, vases and candles to create your cneterpiece. A sensational eyepopping centerpiece will do wonders for the decor.
Different is good
Don't be mainstream. Many events are fundraisers, typical dinner events or reverse raffles with a Chinese auction and maybe a silent auction. Come up with something new for your event - a unique place to hold it, a different time of day.
Instead of the traditional ways to raise money, why not be clever and think outside the box. Sell tickets to win a decorative wreath filled with gift cards, buy a key to open the grand-prize treasure chest, purchase a fancy box with an unknown gift certificate tucked inside. Create excitement and fun while raising money. Get the guests involved. Have an appointed person at each table challenge another table with a themed activity to raise money or run activities tied to your theme with a pay-to-play concept.
The goal is to become the talk of the town. Plan, coordinate and implement your special event so partygoers will talk about it long after the decorations are down. The more they remember, the sooner they will RSVP when next year's invitation arrives in their mailbox.
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Patricia A. Perry is president of ProMark Enterprises, Inc., a marketing, public relations and event-planning company in Mentor. |
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