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

How it all happened!!

I am often asked how and why I became an event planner!It started way way way back in high school! I was on a couple of fundraising boards and I loved it! I got to organize, be a part of a team, have an opinion and throw event where people had fun and made new connections! I met so many wonderful people over that time that I fell in love with adults and networking! I didn't know that I had fallen head over heals until I went to college to become a teacher! I love teaching almost as much as I love meeting people and networking! I love adults more than kids (some days they are two of the same and I have no clue why I left teaching).  During that time I was the Child Care Coordinator for the Dare to Dream Conference! I loved that role because I got to work with kids and parents but I also got to lead and organize! I was working with a very talented woman named Mary Mortenson, She was the head coordinator for the conference! In 2008 she decided to take on a new position with The Prison Congregations of America, she had a new passion and we applauded her on her journey! I was at a crossroads in my full time career as a do everything and get paid nothing, with a company that shall remain nameless! Mary, gave me the confidence and boost I need to start Serendipitous! She recommended me to her current clients and helped me understand the crazy business world! She has been a friend, a colleague and like family to me ever since! Without Mary there would be no Serendipitous.  I owe Mary more than I can think of.  I am grateful to her for taking me under her wing and even more grateful for her giving me the push I need to get moving! She told me she could see talent in me and trust me I need to hear that at that time.Mary if you read this, Thank You! I appreciate everything you have done for me!  and we need a photo together so I can add it to the blog!XOJessica 

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

Invitations, RSVP's and all the drama in between!

A blog for the Host and the Guest...An invitation sets the tone for any event! It tells your guests what to wear, what behavior to bring and gives all of the details! An invitation tells your guests if your event will be formal, or wild or perhaps lets them know if gifts are OK to bring or not!Always be sure to double and triple check your invites for all the correct information! Call the phone numbers, Google the addresses and check the spelling!Sending a pre stamped RSVP card will help you to get more RSVP's back than without the stamp, but lets get real people are horrible at sending back response cards! PEOPLE please get better about sending back your cards...Hosts need to know if you will attend! While on the topic of response/RSVP cards I would like to add a few notes! My soap box perhaps! :)1.  If an envelope is addressed to you and your spouse or guest do NOT think it is OK to bring your children, cats, dogs and imaginary friends2. This is not your wedding...do not judge someone for not wanting kids at their wedding or for not inviting every single cousin, 2nd cousin, relative or friend.3. Weddings have taken on many different forms than in recent history! Weddings are becoming more popular on Fridays and Sundays...Be hip, be cool, do whatever you want to do!There are couples who have gone to online RSVP's and even online invitations...Great if you are sure that your Grandmother and Grandfather have the internet and will have a clue what is going!

Why should you hire a planner!!

Hey Ya’ll, I am Jessica, the Event Planner and owner of Serendipitous Events I work a little and have a ton of fun in the studio at the Creative Co-Op! I started event planning about 10 years ago and fell in love with the industry, the people and the creativity! When the time was right (in the middle of a major recession) I started my own event planning company, because lets face it, I didn’t want to work for anyone else! I work with Brides, Moms, Dads, CEO’s, Executive Directors and everyone in between! People are often unsure of why to hire an event planner so I thought I would help you understand a bit about what I do and LOVE!

The Perks of Hiring an Event Planner!

Perfect Timing:  Busy, Busy, Busy! I bet you a cocktail that I just described your life…no stalking required. You barely have time for a drink, let alone time to plan your son’s birthday party, your sister’s wedding, or your company’s dinner party.  Letting an event planner do the job will save you time & keep everything on schedule without missing Happy Hour!A Bigger Wallet (or Clutch!): Planners are pros at keeping to a budget, and every stellar event planner knows how & where to find all the deals!  Most event planners also get discounts with certain vendors, so you get VIP treatment minus the extra trips to the ATM!Have Your Cake…& Time to Eat It Too:  Hiring an event planner for your special occasion allows you to feel like a guest at your own party! Planners have all the behind-the-scenes chaos under control, so you can celebrate stress free!Best of the Best:  It’s every great planner’s job to know the best in the business!  Not only will they know all the caterers, photographers, florists, and entertainers, but they also have experience working with these vendors, so they can advise you on the best ones to fill your personal needs! A planner’s vendor relationships will make your celebration the perfect affair!Details!Details!Details!:  It’s the little things that will make or break your event . Planners have a knack for the small things, right down to the cherries on top of your ice cream or the glitter on your fairytale-wedding dance floor!Preppiness: An event planner prepares for everything. They’ve got safety, savvy, and style down to a science! Need band-aids for the flower girl’s skinned knee? They’ll locate the whole first aid kit! Guests reaching the limit? They've got cabs on speed dial! Planners make it their job to know the location of the fire extinguisher, mops, and the extra bottle of brandy…just in case;)