Saturday, September 6, 2014

CHARLIE SCOLA…AKA PARTY CHARLE™

(Originally appeared in the July 1, 2004 edition of the Century City News)

There is one thing in this country that we all have in common; we love a great party! We all love to go to them, and a lot of us really enjoy giving them. My name is Charlie Scola, AKA PartyCharlie ™ and I’m here to help you plan every aspect of your party with timely articles and helpful hints. And if you don’t have the time to do it yourself, then I’ll plan and produce your entire party, large or small, from the food, beverages and service, to the entertainment, art direction, invitations, flowers, security, rentals and valets. I can provide you with anything you can think of, any theme you can think of, and if you need it, I’ll even help you think.

I know what you’re saying, “This sounds great, but who is this guy, and how can he do that? ” Well, I’ve been in the catering business, planning perfect parties for over thirty years. I have catered over five hundred weddings, hundreds of special events as well as countless parties and other functions. The key to my success is greatly due to my personal style and business approach of catering to the different needs of my many clients. In this business, it's important to keep in mind that there are two categories of clients for every function or party: 'the host' and 'the guest'. By remaining sensitive to the expectations of both, my client is relieved from the usual pre-party jitters and as a result, they end up enjoying the planning process, not to mention the party itself. It's the combination of extra special touches that create the perfect atmosphere and assure that the lasting impression is a positive impression.

Now that you know a little about me, lets get to what this column is all about, creating a stress free perfect party for you and your guests. In order for the party planning process to run smoothly, you have to be organized. The following party planning worksheet and checklist will help to insure a successful party for you and everyone else involved:
THE PARTY CHECKLIST
6-8 WEEKS BEFORE
Budget, theme, type of party (formal, casual), location, number of guests (create list), type of menu (buffet, potluck, family style), start time, finish time, buy/design invitations.

3-4 WEEKS BEFORE
Mail invitations, plan menu, shopping list, decide what your putting the food in, where you are placing the platters, plan buffets, plan utensils (eating and serving), start looking for disposable ware sales, plan on china, silver, glassware rentals, plan on table/chair rentals, extra chairs to accommodate guests, linens (buy, borrow or rent), seating arrangements, plan on decorations, hire valet service, hire coat check, hire photographer, entertainment (DJ, band, games, speeches), plan food schedule (what time to start/finish serving appetizers, entrée, dessert) coffee, tea, dessert, appetizers/hors d’oeuvres, entrée, plan on scullery (clean-up and trash) area, plan bar (self service, full service), plan beverages, arrange for bartender, servers, hire caterer, decide on what time staff arrive/leave, choose staff attire, ensure adequate power supply/water, make list of areas where you could use volunteers, accept help.

1-2 WEEKS BEFORE
Buy disposable ware/order rentals, purchase beverages, buy non-perishable foods, confirm number of guests, designate smoking area, buy decorations, buy party favors, outline the flow of the party


2-3 DAYS BEFORE
Confirm rental arrivals/pick-up, clean house/yard, arrange supplies for party, put away breakable items, set a time chart for day of party – what needs to be done and how long it will take, designate place to put guest coats and bags, make a polite call to potential guests who have not RSVP’d, have lighting equipment set up and tested.

1 DAY BEFORE
Prearrange any foods that can be stored in refrigerator/freezer, complete food preparation and pick-up of pre-ordered food items, do indoor decorating for the party. Set tables / serving tables (layout all disposable and glassware) place post-it notes on bowls, buffet tables, counter spaces indicating what will go there.

DAY OF PARTY
Staff arrives, set table/buffet, decorate/floral, prepare any foods that couldn’t be prepared in advance, set up scullery/trash areas, do outdoor decorating/table setup, have ice delivered, check lighting equipment, ensure entertainment area is setup, HAVE FUN!!
Well that’s all for this month. I’ll be here next month with more exciting party tips, and tricks. I hope you’ll be here too. You can always email me at: charliescola@earthlink.net with any party related question that’s on your mind. Please visit my website: www.charliescola.com for more information. And if you need help with your party right away, you can contact me by phone at: 310-214-9158. See ya’ next month, Charlie…

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