Employee Appreciation- Corporate Events

Corporate events are something that employees love and appreciate. They help show your employees how much you appreciate what they do for you. It is also a great tool for getting your employees together to bond and create memories. Corporate events do not have to be something super elaborate. They can be simple and a couple hours. Some ideas for your corporate events could be…

1. Dinner catered with a happy hour
2. Night out on the town
3. Wine & Canvas party
4. Brewery tour
5. Wine Tasting
6. BBQ with families in the park
7. Rent hotel rooms for a night at a waterpark for family fun
8. Keynote speaker & happy hour
9. Christmas party
10. Golf outing

There are so many different events you can have for your employees. Corporate events are great a few times a year.

- Loghin Welch

Serendipitous Events, Event Planner

Valentine's Day Breakfast

Every year, at least once we are honored to receive a call from the KSFY morning show asking if we will put together an event with their corresponding show.  In the past we have talked Oscars, 4th of July and Spread the word.  This morning I got to chat up the holiday of LOVE! Nancy of Shawn and Nancy's morning show called last week to see if I was available.  I always say YES! I have a blast every time I appear on the show, plus it gives me the opportunity to show all of the early risers what kind of creativity we are capable of! The trickiest part of the show is you have one awkward shaped table and very limited amount of time to whip out the creation.  Oh and you have to be super quiet...if you know me, you know this is a challenge! I wanted to create a t able that anyone at home can recreate for their girlfriends or their kiddo's.  Every day that we wake up is an incredible miracle so why not celebrate it! Please note that these photos were all from my iPhone and don't judge!

Take a look at a few of the items we whipped up!

        

Black Hills Wedding

On the other side of our gorgeously flat state is an area filled with rolling hills and country charm.  A place where people stick to their word.  A place where time is slow and people are friendly.  A pristine location for a tented reception and ceremony in a teeny tiny chapel with a small stream clear enough to drink from to separate the two.Beyond all of the gorgeous details of the location were an amazing couple whom I have had the pleasure of knowing for many years! Beth and Bobby or <B2> were engaged in the most gorgeous location in Ireland while on a trip with Beth's family.  How cool is that? Planning with Beth was a serious treat. She has a personality that would crack up even the crabbiest of people.  She is her own person with a plethora of unique ideas! Bobby just does what Beth tells him to do, I am kidding...sort of! Bobby was a life saver during the set up of this wedding! He wasn't afraid to climb to the high peaks of the tent with a string of lights or to put flowers in vases.The guests were constantly wondering whats next as the details were ever changing  .  Beth and Bobby went very non traditional from music (check out the stellar band) to the unity wine ceremony. I am so thrilled that they asked me to be a part of their amazing day.Event Planning and design: Serendipitous EventsPhotography: Winckler PhotographyVenue: Beslers Cadillac RanchTent: Dakota Equipment RentalDJ: Tiki Man Entertainment     

Wedding Wanderlust

Prague, Czech Republic is my absolute favorite city in the world. I love the culture of Prague; where East meets West, the beauty of cobblestone streets, European history lingers in the air, and having a glass of wine at noon is completely acceptable. There is something so special and beautifully unique about experiencing a world outside of our own…if you love traveling, why not bring the world to your wedding? Your guests can experience the world without jet-leg...well maybe...If you are filled with wanderlust like myself, add adventure to your wedding reception with cultural cuisines and traditions from your favorite places around the world.Your passport to a worldly wedding:

• Passport themed invitations. Create your own passport stamp with your name and wedding date.

•  Use a large map as a guest book. Have guests pin their name to the location they traveled from. Plus,  you can use it as wall decor!

• Exchange travel experiences by having guests write travel advice and tips from their favorite food, attractions, hotels, etc. on Popsicle sticks and drop them in a jar. Voila! Your next trip is already planned.

•  Use a large chalkboard to write "cheers" in different languages and place it near the bar. Guests will have a good laugh attempting to "cheers" in numerous languages. Prost! Kippis! Skål! Chok dee! Na zdravi! No roc! Cheers!

• Have a dinner buffet or appetizer bar with traditional cuisine from various countries. Place labels in front of each dish with the name and country.  On a safer side, try a dessert bar filled with kuchen from Germany, cannoli from Italy, strudel from Vienna, and macaroons from France. I’ll take one of each, please and thank you!

• Have fun with party favors. Start by browsing through World Market with your wedding planner and a notepad to gather creative ideas. Make a goodie bag filled with sweets from various countries, "____ & ____'s Love is So Sweet."

Guests will leave feeling like world travelers. Step aside Anthony Bourdain.

Eat Well, Travel Often.--Kaitlin Anne--

5 Ways to Wow Your Business Event

Follow these five tips of advice from Serendipitous Events for a business party that will leave employees with an unforgettable experience.1. Choose a unique location. Company picnics in the park are so-so. A company event held at a vineyard or other unique venues will WOW.

 2.  Make employees feel pampered by hiring a caterer instead of having everyone bring a dish. Choose a menu suitable for all taste buds. Chef Jeni did a fantastic job creating a menu with shrimp cocktail, caprese bites, chocolate truffles, and more yummy goodness to satisfy all palates.3. Step outside of your comfort zone. Challenge yourself to mingle with someone new and avoid talk of work. Get to know one another’s hobbies, favorite sports teams, and life outside of work. Steer clear of stress!4. Music is always a must! Hire a local musician or create a playlist filled with employees favorite songs to avoid those awkward moments of silence. Toby Kane entertained with his laid back music, which created a relaxing atmosphere.5. Incorporate a variety of activities to do throughout the day. From wine tasting with Will at Calico Skies to a guided painting session with Tali from Uncorked Creativity, Spader experienced a day full of fun and entertainment. Make sure to have a camera to capture the special moments. Brittany Elizabeth Images photographed the Spader smiles.Big thank you to Spader Business Management, Brittany Elizabeth Images, Calico Skies, Uncorked Creativity, Royal Limousine, and Chef Jeni Catering!Enjoy! - Kaitlin

A Reason to W(h)ine

A Reason to W(h)ine  “Wine makes every meal an occasion, every table more elegant, every day more civilized.” – Andre SimonFall is creeping up faster than we have a chance say goodbye sangria season, but whoever said the fun has to stop after summer?! Hosting a wine tasting party is the perfect way to say au revoir to summer and bonjour to fall. With 10 vino options for under $15 and lots of cheese, your friends will be begging you to throw a party every week. InvitationsSet a date for your party and create invitations that scream, "Party time!" Your guests will counting down the days. I recommend keeping the guest list under 10 people. This way it will be more intimate and not overcrowded. If you wish to have guests contribute or make a donation to the very important cause of drinking wine, include this information on the invitation.The invitations pictured can be purchased online at: http://www.etsy.com/listing/95367466/wine-tasting-invitations-postcard?ref=tre-2722932364-6WINE. WINE. WINE.  “Wine is one of the most civilized things in the world and one of the most natural things of the world that has been brought to the greatest perfection, and it offers a greater range for enjoyment and appreciation than, possibly, any other purely sensory thing.” – Ernest HemingwayHere is a list of red and white wines to get your shopping list started:Red Wines

1.  2009 Lindeman’s Bin 40 Merlot
2. 2009 Morse Code Shiraz
3. Robert Mondavi Private Selection Meritage 2010
4. 2009 Esser Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon
5. 2008 Brancott South Island Pinot Noir

White Wines

1.  2011 Ecco Domani Moscato 2011
2. 2009 Brooks Amycas
3. Frisk Prickly Riesling 2011
4. 2011 Bandana Chardonnay-Torrontés
5. d'Arenberg The Stump Jump White 2010

If these don’t strike your fancy, ask an expert at a local wine shop for more options of the best buys at affordable costs.AppetizersPick foods that are bite size and easy to eat. Less the mess! Try antipasti kabobs, a cheese bar filled various cheese and crackers, fruit kabobs, and dark chocolate.Additional pairings can be found at : http://www.savory.tv/food-wine-pairing/Taste Wine like a (semi) ProStart by tasting the lightest white wines first and continue to the darkest red wines.Hold the glass only by the stem, since the heat of your hand will quickly warm the wine. This is a really easy one to forget...we are not drinking hot-cocoa, friends!Pour about 1 inch into a glass and note the color. Give the glass a good swirl for about 10 to 20 seconds, this allows oxygen into the wine. Take a deep sniff, continuing to do so as the wine settles in the glass. What is your first impression? Is the aroma strong or weak, what fruit flavors can you smell?Next, take a sip of the wine and move it around your mouth as if you are chewing it.Now consider what impression the wine is making. Is the palate weak or concentrated, what flavors can you detect and finally, does the wine make a strong impression or is it instantly forgotten after you swallow the remainder? Voilà, you’re a (semi) pro wine taster! Tasting NotesBy keeping wine tasting notes, you’ll be sure to remember what wine you absolutely can’t live without and which wines that made you cringe. Include the name of the wine, the aroma, color, flavor, and your overall evaluation. You’ll be happy you wrote it down after your third or fourth glass…Pre-party RemindersPut white wines on ice about 45 minutes before guests arrive so they are nicely chilled, and have napkins, utensils, and small plates in numerous places to help avoid any messy situations. You will also want water glasses for rinsing the mouth and cups for spitting in if necessary.Music is a must! Set the ambiance by playing a mix of Miles Davis, Norah Jones, Frank Sinatra, and throw in your favorites.Most importantly, do not stress out! This is supposed to be a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Hey, if you need a glass before your guests arrive, go right ahead! There is no better place to w(h)ine than enjoying a night filled with drinks, food, and great friends. ‘Tis the season for wine, let the tasting begin!Cheers,Kaitlin Christenson, Serendipitous Events Intern