The Perfect Event

Whether you are hosting a dozen guests at home or hundreds at a major fundraiser, you want to create the Perfect Event!  And according to Dana Devine of Devine Event Design, the first step towards success is to know your objective!

Your Objective

Are you looking for large numbers of attendees?  Are you hosting an educational event?  Is your goal to raise money by hosting a fundraiser?  Perhaps you are entertaining friends at your home.  Whichever the case, you need to make sure you are in a position to achieve these goals.

Play to your Strengths

Sitting down with Dana was very insightful!  She reminded me that it's OK to serve Chicken Parm if you make an awesome Chicken Parm!  Don't experiment with a fancy new recipe, which you may not pull off!  We are seeing a resurgence in comfort food and folks are "loving their meatloaf and Mac-n-Cheese again"!

In addition, you may not be an expert at table scapes or floral arrangement.  But you can always get great ideas online at sites like Pinterest, etc.  Sometimes just using colorful linens and warm lighting works well. And also know that large centerpieces can block your view of the person across from you.

Larger Events

I have hosted hundreds of special events, but when I needed advice, I always turned to Dana! Her secret to success is - again - a clearly stated objective.  Next, it is knowing the client and their initiatives.  Very importantly, you must know the guests!  Know their religion so you can avoid serving something they can not eat.  Know if the event falls on a Holiday so you can plan for lighter attendance, special holiday menu items and consideration if they have to leave before sundown.  And speaking of sundown, be aware of when the sun sets so you can coordinate photo shoot opportunities with a photographer if applicable.

Dana reminds us that food trends are constantly changing and a little research online goes a long way.  Be cognizant of dietary issues.  Ask about food allergies and gluten sensitivity.  Make sure to avoid cross contamination of these items in the kitchen if you need to prepare them for select guests.

If you have guests who are on a health kick, you can put out items such as Nutritional bars or fruit.  That being said, if there is a break during your event, you better have cookies and soft pretzels available!

Choosing a Theme

Choosing a theme is critical to a successful event.  If it's educational, you want to make sure you have qualified and engaging speakers.  A great speaker can double your attendance.  If it's a celebration or fundraiser, an effective theme comes at the hand of knowing your guests and the host's needs.

No matter what your theme, the food must be hot and delicious!  Service needs to be flawless and invisible.  Guests need to be comfortable and satisfied.  And above all, the hosts need to be a part of the event, so make sure you handle everything so they can interact with their guests.

Choosing a Theme can be extravagant or subdued.  It can be a well decorated space or the space itself can be the decor if it's unique enough.  You can play off the seasons and have a Springtime feel with pastels and flowers.  Summer events can have a beach party theme or clam bake.  (Just make sure you have a plan for all the smelly seafood garbage after!).

Listen to your clients, know your guests and appreciate your friends.  Do this and you will pull off an awesome event!