Archive for October, 2010
October 29th, 2010
The look and feel of your Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration is what leaves a lasting impression on your guests.
Party Harty Entertainment is a full service entertainment company offering MC/DJ’s, extra entertainment (such as photo favors, photo booths, video stations, multi-talent performers, personalized gifts, favors and more), as well as video production and photography.
They can also provide you with the right furniture, fabrics, specialty linens and an array of different décor elements that help create a spectacular, one-of-a-kind venue design.
Whether it’s a small portion of the room or a complete transformation, the possibilities are endless. The Party Harty design team will customize your project to fit your taste and needs.
Check out some of the looks they created below:
To learn more, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
October 29th, 2010
If your child plays tennis and wants to incorporate this sport into his or her reception wait till you check out these pictures.
Event Planners FOS Decor from Toronto, Canada designed & produced this party in September 2010. The photographer was Henry Lin.
In order to come up with a design concept for this event, the design team thought about various elements including desired mood, lighting, texture and overall theme. For the venue, the client picked Tennis Canada at the Rexall Center, one of the biggest venues in Canada used to hold international Tennis Championships. The goal was to transform an empty 30,000 square foot tennis dome into a venue that would accommodate 300 guests and make everyone feel like VIP’s. The raw open space gave them the freedom to create without limits as it had no focal point or flow.
A custom dance floor was made specifically for this event resembling a tennis court and it was positioned in front of the stage. The dance floor split the room into two sections making the space more open and yet unified
There was a lot of draping used at this event. The cocktail reception was draped in white sheers and up lit in several different colors to create a warm and inviting ambiance. There was a contemporary feel using a white plexiglass bar, communal and cruiser tables
The centerpieces consisted of an acrylic structure containing cat grass at the base (to simulate the court), floating tennis balls throughout the middle (strategically positioned on different levels to create an illusion of flow) with a crystal globe set at the top surrounded by a wreath of fresh white hydrangeas and vandella roses
The place card table was decorated by fresh grass with seat cards placed on top
The entrance to the dining room was swagged open and detailed by giant tennis rackets
For the traditional candle lighting ceremony, they created a custom built acrylic table displaying hundreds of tennis balls
We want to thank FOS Decor and Henry Lin for sharing this unique Mitzvah with us!
October 27th, 2010
We are reading more and more about Bat Mitzvah Clubs that are starting around the country.
Through Chabad these groups are forming to develop leadership training, a better understanding of the Bat Mitzvah, work on community service opportunities and the opportunity to meet other Jewish girls.
The idea behind the club is that through interesting and fun activities you will make new discoveries about yourself and the meaning of Bat Mitzvah.
The Bat Mitzvah Club is an organization for girls, by girls, starring girls. Most club members meet monthly.
Join one in your community or start your own! Some of the clubs meeting around the tri-state are:
Long Island
The Bat Mitzvah Club of Great Neck
The Bat Mitzvah Club of Port Washington
The Bat Mitzvah Club of the Five Towns
New Jersey
The Bat Mitzvah Club of Livingston
The Bat Mitzvah Club in Montville, NJ
The Bat Mitzvah Club of South Brunswick
Westchester
The Bat Mitzvah Club of Westchester
October 27th, 2010
We love when we find ideas that serve a dual purpose.
Coming up with centerpiece ideas for your kiddush or party can be a challenge. You want them to look great but what happens when the party is over? How many years can you store them in your basement or garage?
Book Centerpieces for Tzedaka is a program of the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey and they offer a great solution. The idea began eleven years ago when a volunteer for Bergen Records decided to create her son’s Bar Mitzvah centerpieces out of books. They took the idea to a party planner who made a prototype.
These handsome book themed centerpieces can be rented for all types of special occasions including Bar and Bat Mitzvahs.
Each centerpiece contains a stack of children’s books, that sits on a round mirror base. It is wrapped in cellophane and can be customized to match your decor by adding balloons and/or ribbons. They can be delivered and picked up from your party depending on where you live.
As an added bonus, a bookmark is attached to each centerpiece, acknowledging the donation that has been made on the Bar/Bat Mitzvah child’s behalf.
All proceeds from the centerpiece rentals go to support the Bergen Reads Literacy Program, sponsored by the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey.
Bergen Reads combats illiteracy by providing volunteer reading buddies to public school students ages 5-8 who need extra help with their reading skills. Contact Beth Figman at 201-820-3947 or email her at bethf@jfnnj.org.
For another great centerpiece idea, read our story about centerpieces made from school supplies. Click here.
October 27th, 2010
How do you incorporate your child’s love for history and the Constitution into their Bar or Bat Mitzvah?
The Berger family from the Philadelphia area had the answer to that question and they made sure their son Jacob’s Bar Mitzvah was the best in history….literally!
Jacob is a major history buff and was accepted into the Waterbound Program at Welsh Valley which is a lottery program that accepts a limited number of students. Through the program he was able to learn more about our nation’s history.
So when it came time to plan a reception there was only one place to have it – the National Constitutional Center.
Look at how the Bergers incorporated this fabulous theme into a great party. All photos taken by Ann Marie Casey Photography.
Here is the Bar Mitzvah Boy posing with one of his “friends,” Benjamin Franklin
As guests walked up the stairs you almost heard Paul Revere shout,”The guests are coming, the guests are coming!”
Walking into Constitution Hall there was no doubt whose party this was…check out the red, white and blue uplighting
Each centerpiece had something to do with the theme, this one was Ben Franklin’s kite and key
The cocktail table centerpieces were simple and patriotic
The room was decorated in very patriotic colors of red, white and blue. The U.S. flag which always hangs in the room adds just the right touch of WOW!!
Jacob’s Dad got into the action with patriotic themed giveaways
These special lamps were made by Mom Lynda. The family owns a printing company called, Color Reflections and was able to do some of these great touches themselves!
Here is a picture of Jacob as a patriot in a lamp that Mom made which glowed all night
The goody bags featured a label that read: “Thanks for sharing in Jacob’s special day”
The appropriate Mitzvah cake!
With the help of Campbell Studios, we think the Berger family did an amazing job!
October 24th, 2010
Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah invitations are an important part of your Bar/Bat Mitzvah planning. It is the first impression that your guests will receive and will set the tone for your Bar or Bat Mitzvah event.
This FREE Bar Mitzvah & Bat Mitzvah Invitation Guide will teach you how to select an invitation, what questions to ask before placing your invite order along with tips on RSVP’s, save-the-dates, thank you notes, stamps and more. Additionally, learn when invitations should be sent out in each season.
Here are some popular Bar & Bat Mitzvah invitation ideas with some unique examples and styles for each.
Sophisticated: For the serious and classy Bar or Bat Mitzvah party, sophisticated invitations are needed. Sophisticated invitations use traditional colors and minimal graphics or design elements. For an added touch of elegance you should layer your invitations using a different color background.
Basic Invite
Invitations4Less.com
A Touch Of Class Parties
Fun: If you want your Bar/Bat Mitzvah party to be laid-back and informal, start it off with fun invitations. Try to pick a design with many colors. You could go with an abstract design or pick out an invitation that is in line with your theme.
A Touch Of Class Parties
Out of the Box NY
Cutie Patootie Creations
Modern: For modern invitations try to incorporate trendy colors and design elements. Keep the graphics clean and simple. Modern invitations can convey your sense of style.
Sophie Taylor Ink
Melissa Trachtman Designs
A Touch Of Class Parties
Unique: Unique invitations are a great way to put your personality into your cards. Unique invitations come in all shapes and sizes, and can be classified as anything that doesn’t fit into any other categories.
Pretty In Paper
Invitations With Love
Classic: Classic designs are a safe bet when choosing your Bar or Bat Mitzvah invitations. Classic colors include blue and white and are usually more toned down as far as graphic elements go. The Star of David may be featured as well as other familiar images.
Informally Yours
Sophie Taylor Ink
Blend of Tradition and Modern: For some it may be important to incorporate classic ideas and traditions and blend them with a more modern outlook. A great example of this concept can be found in a tree of life invitation.
Picking the perfect Bar Mitzvah invitations can take time and patience. Just remember to consider your theme, the people attending, and the mood of the party when choosing your invitations. As long as you try to put your own style and personality into your Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah invitations, you can never go wrong.
Get the FREE Invitation Guide here.
October 22nd, 2010
If your child is a lover of horses, why not consider an Equestrian theme for their Bar or Bat Mitzvah!
If you don’t have a barn location near by then take a look at how these parties incorporated the “horse” feel without the smell!
Jersey Street Furniture turned a country club in New Jersey into an upscale equestrian oasis draped in brown fabrics and rich leathers in these first two photographs.
Mock-pony ottomans
Leather couches and a picture of the Bat Mitzvah girl add to the ambiance
A cowboy boot centerpiece with sunflowers from Party 411
Place cards from Esty! 100 for $100
Photographer Michael Leslie captured this beautiful cake for a Bat Mitzvah Equestrian theme
October 22nd, 2010
Let there be light!
Lamp shades are becoming a popular trend as centerpieces at many Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. Along with other design elements, table lamps are a fun, unique way to add character and whimsy to your decor.
The centerpiece to the left was created by Stefan’s for the Brett family who were recently spotlighted.
Incorporate your theme, add some flowers and candles or customize lamp shades that match your Mitzvah colors to illuminate the center of the table.
There are an endless variety of shades to choose from – even some that can be hung from the ceiling to create a warm glow to lounges and seating areas.
Keep things interesting by using a different shade for each table….glow for it!
Ping-Pong centerpiece included a glass lamp filled with balls from Boston’s Cornithian Events
To the 9’s Floral and Event Design from the D.C area used different color roses make a simple but elegant statement
Illuminaria created an Ocscar theme lamp shade centerpiece for a Bar Mitzvah featuring the guest of honor’s picture. Smaller wine glass shades were also used on the tables
This cool look is from Linda Smith Weddings
Pretty vase with orchids and crystals from Sangmaestro.com
From NYC floral events designer Ed Libby
October 20th, 2010
Ready to be inspired? We follow LA Party planner Mindy Weiss’ blog and she never disappoints! We couldn’t wait to share her latest entry, a colorful “Watch Out World” Bat Mitzvah celebration.
She wrote that it was mostly a kids party full of color, energy and great food! The venue was The Mark in Los Angeles, California and it started off as a blank space before Mindy and her team got their hands on it! Leave it to her, and her team to think of such a simple and unique “bar” for this Mitzvah. See more below:
The Bat Mitzvah girl’s favorite colors are hot pink and turquoise so they transformed the room into a funky club using those colors
Notice the turquoise chandeliers
The adults only white lounge
The Bat Mitzvah girl loves potato chips…so they did a first time ever Chip Bar by framing the bags instead of name labels
The chip table was repurposed for this candy table
Shan the Candyman performed!
We are sure the kids enjoyed the pucker powder!
Check out Mindy’s other Mitzvah Inspire stories:
Formula 1 Racing
Around The World Mitzvah
Visit Mindy’s Blog here.
October 15th, 2010
We all have so many choices when it comes to the details regarding our children’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah parties.
Although we can all get caught up in the planning of the celebration, it’s important not to lose site of the meaning of becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah.
We have found a few interesting options that we would like to share with all of you. Below you will find a list of vendors that you might want to consider working with. In all cases, a donation is involved! Check these out:
The Park Avenue Club in Florham Park, New Jersey is a top dining club. They have ten private dining rooms on three floors each with a distinct décor and they can accommodate from 2 to 400 people, one party at a time.
What also makes this venue special is that it makes a significant contribution to one of the following ten local charities: Boys and Girls Clubs of Newark, Community FoodBank of New Jersey, Burgdorff Foundation, Jersey Battered Women’s Service, Morris Habitat for Humanity, the Morris Museum, New Jersey Youth Symphony, Patriots’ Path Council (Boy Scouts of America), P.G. Chambers School and Share Our Strength. To learn more call 973-301-8233.
The Jewish National Fund and Encore Studios have teamed up to offer an outstanding variety of Bar/Bat Mitzvah invitations. JNF unique invitations let you plant a tree or make a contribution toward JNF’s water development projects in Israel in honor of each guest.
Check out our full story here.
Lemon Pound Cake – No, we are not talking about a recipe! This is a company from Long Island that offers great favors for Bar/Bat Mitzvahs. The special thing about this company is that one percent of all sales will be donated to rockCANroll.org which works with teens, parents and communities to collect food at rock concerts, school and community events – which help stock the shelves of local food pantries nationwide.
Lemon Pound Cake offers great imprinted items such as sweatshirts, t-shirts, hats, sweatpants, pj pants, boxers, mesh shorts, and designer clothing to promotional items.
We bet you never realized that by buying a kippot you can help people less fortunate. A true Mitzvah! MayaWorks Kippots are crocheted by Mayan women who live in San Marcos, Guatemala. Read our full story here.
If you have food left over after your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah, how about making a donation? Ample Harvest.org will help you find a neighborhood food pantry in your area. Read all about it here.
After your Mitzvah celebration ends, what is going to happen to all the beautiful flowers and centerpieces you bought? Are they going to get thrown away? Flower-Power Foundation in NYC to the rescue! This organization was founded in 2003 and has collected an amazing amount of flowers donated from people like you after an event. Learn more here.
