Off The Beaten Path

The trend these days is to be original, not booking the same old venue for an event.  So why not ditch the boring reception hall and go with something a little more hip?

Venues such as concert halls and local attractions (aquariums, theme parks, etc.) are the prefect place to host the perfect event.  A certain theme park will even host your fairy tale wedding in front of their castle, complete with a horse drawn carriage.

Concert halls are another trendy option for individuals who prefer a more casual, fun event that does not allow for stuffiness and up tightness.  You can dance, make noise and even live out your life long dream of being a rock star by performing karaoke on stage. 

Summer Picnic Time!

As summer is rapidly approaching, the thought of entertaining and cookouts fill your mind.  That is, until, you have unexpected family or friends arrive from out of town, demanding that you create fun summer memories.  What to do?  Most people cower at the idea of last minute event planning, but it is a lot more simple than it seems.  Especially when you have someone else do all the work.

Nothing pleases a diverse crowd more than a picnic.  There is something for everyone:  the jock, the nature enthusiast, the foodie, the zen, and most importantly: the kids.  Whether the picnic be for ten people or a hundred, there are fun filled activities that are sure to create a memorable summer.

If you are trying to keep the kids entertained while the parents catch up on old times, hire a clown.  Clowns can be off putting, but the right clown can give you the most bang for your buck.  Some clowns are all encompassing, meaning they can face paint, juggle, make balloon animals, and put on a show.  If the clowns are a little bit too scary for younger kids, then try a nanny service.  They come to you prepared with games and activities to create a fun day for the youngsters and will distract the older ones from being babysat.

While the kids are away, the adults will play.  Why not turn your picnic into a fiesta?  Companies can provide you with your very own margarita machine the will cool your body and mind.  Sit back, relax and imagine you are on a beach in Mexico!

Mentalist vs. Magician: They Are Not Created Equal

Every thought about hiring a magician or a mentalist for an event?  Couldn't decide which was better, or do not know the difference between the two?  Don't worry, this is a common concern in the world of entertainment.  While a lot of people think that all mentalists are magicians, they are very wrong.  So what IS the difference?

Mentalists do not use traditional "magic" in their routines (Although some do. David Copperfield and David Blaine are examples) They claim to possess psychic powers, usually telepathy and clairvoyance to gain the audience's attention, however, most mentalists nowadays read body language to create the act.  Hypnosis is the most common form of Mentalism. 

Magic, on the other hand, uses illusions and trickery to make the audience believe that the magician has special abilities.  Popular "tricks" that magicians use are levitation, vanishing, and penetration.  Most people who have ever seen a magic show has seen one or all of these tricks.

Not sure what act to book?  Mentalists are good for the over 21 crowd; most use adult humor in their acts.  Magicians are always a good standby for kid's birthday parties, bar/bat mitzvahs and various other family oriented events.

Have a Fantastic Father's Day!

Believe it or not, Father's Day is rapidly approaching.  Feels like yesterday was just Mother's Day and now, in a month, we will be honoring our proud papas.  Since it never falls during football season or if you just hate watching baseball, you're probably looking for ways to entertain your Dad without him needing to take a nap in the recliner mid-day.

First, start off with a big lunch.  No father can turn down a big piece of barbecued meat and many companies are delivering just that.  Mountains of fresh tri-tip, chicken and ribs will be sure to please any discriminating palate.  We can't promise, however, that Dad won't sit around with his pants undone for the rest of the day.

Does your dad love NASCAR?  Then why not bring the racing action into your home or backyard.  Slot car racing is the next trend in party activities and allows kids and adults of all ages grab a controller and see who will win the next backyard Indy 500.  Complete with a race director and race certificates, Dad will no doubt spend hours watching his car race around the track.

Have a wanna-be professional poker player for a father? Create a casino in your own home!  Black jack, poker, roulette and craps tables are available for hire, including the dealers. Host a poker tournament or just let Dad roll around in a pile of casino chips.

With these fun ideas, no one will be left disappointed!

Take Team Building to New Heights

Sitting around a stuffy conference room on a Saturday watching people do "trust falls" is not my idea of a fun afternoon.  Ever since the creation of corporate team building events, people have working tirelessly to improve the experience, using their imaginations to produce memorable events.

Need some new ideas that are sure to impress?  No one will be bored with these options:

1. Bridge building.  Teams work together to create a fully functioning bridge out of cardboard, sturdy enough to hold a golf cart with two individuals.
2. Chili Cook Off.  New to the world of team building, this activity is great for foodies and novices alike.  Employees team up to create the best chili, judged by a panel of undiscriminating judges.
3. Bike Building.  This activity not only promotes team work, but also benefits the community as a whole.  Teams get together and assemble working bikes, then donate the goods to local charities, children or adults who can benefit from their use.
4. CSI Re-enactments.  Employees don't need to be a fan of the show to have a great time!  Teams assemble and examine the evidence to solve "crimes" and find a murdered.  Like a live action game of CLUE!

Company Picnics

Bored with the same old company picnic?  Tired of sweating potato salad and sack races?  Then we have just the thing to turn the "ho-hum" into the "how fun!".

Never settle for the lame boxed lunch.  Catering companies all across Orange and Los Angeles counties have specially prepared menus for such events.  Gone are the days of turkey sandwiches and chips and in are Taco Carts (with a designated cook and all the toppings) and gourmet food trucks (such as Kogi and the Grilled Cheese Truck) which will bring the food to you, where ever you may be.

As talked about in earlier blogs, one event idea that is gaining popularity is hiring MC's to host games not commonly found at company picnics.  Scavenger hunts and Geocaching are quickly replacing water balloon tosses and egg races at many events.  So go ahead: get creative!

Time to Celebrate Mom!

One of my favorite parts of spring is Mother's Day.  It's a time to tell your mom just how much you love and appreciate her, all while making her feel like a Queen.  What better way to do that than creating a gourmet meal for her?

If you are like me, stressed for extra time between work and social life, then you are probably grimacing at the idea of cooking a meal.  Even worse, it has to be good?  If you can't handle the stress and want to keep all your hair, here are a few ideas:

1. Have it catered.  Small, up and coming catering companies are salivating at the opportunity of getting their name out, which can often mean big discounts.  Can't make French Toast?  They can do it for you, creating a meal she'll never forget.
2. Buy her favorites at a local bakery. If she is always-on-the go and a big meal isn't her style, surprise her with her favorite muffin or pastry.  She'll appreciate the effort and love that you know her likes and dislikes.
3. Take Her Out.  Many amazing restaurants and resorts offer special brunches just for Mom's.  The Montage in Laguna Beach has an excellent Mother's Day event each year.  It can be on the pricey side (about $100 a person) but showering your Mom with love and attention will make her feel like the Queen of the World.