Archive for January, 2011
January 30th, 2011
When your guests enter your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration, one of the very first things they will do is to check on their table assignment. They want to know who will be sitting at their table and where their table is located.
We recently stumbled upon such clever solutions to table cards and just had to share.
Please enjoy these examples below and get inspired…
Every few months we come across some very creative ideas for seating cards, some are even DIY ideas. Take a look at what we recently found below:
We found pictures of guests in lollipop form coming out of mini cupcakes on Ana Dolan’s Website Invitations by Ana. The photo is by Jen Huang, cupcakes by Nine Cakes and it was styled by Tammy Golson Events
Another Ana Dolan creation…her checker board seating cards appeared in The Knot magazine!
This chart was Melangerie’s answer to the escort card table. Why not have your family in purple, Mitzvah child’s friend’s in brown, your college friends in green, etc. Customize the chart with colors your child likes and you have a keepsake!
These adorable place card bags with the table number card and candy inside from Paper Crew on Etsy
We wanted to show you the bag close up!
Rustic DIY escort “cards” stones/rocks from WeddingBee.com
Events by Allyne created a very US Open feel with this seating chart
Did you do something unique for your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah place cards? Let us know at Sheri@MitzvahMarket.com.
January 30th, 2011
By Cindy Silvert, www.easybreezygourmet.com
I’m thinking of putting up a tent in the backyard for a classy garden brunch after shul. Two gentlemen arrived to give estimates for said tent. Their demeanors, suggestions and quotes couldn’t have been more different.
Gentleman A was a middle aged professional type who’s been in the business for years. He was most pleasant and even had a measuring tape! He emailed me a detailed layout an hour after he dropped in and an official estimate arrived the next day. So why can’t I get past the fact that he was wearing dress shoes with a casual get up? I’m talking dark loafers and Italian socks, with khakis!
I know what you’re thinking: How long has this girl been married? By which you mean one of two things: a) who’s the lucky fella? or b) you’re telling me her husband dresses any better?!
Anyhoo, it’s not that I think he’s evil or anything… but if it were an after school special, the kind where you’re supposed to watch out for incongruities that tip you off as to who’s responsible for the heinous crime in Black Bottom Creek… Oh, never mind.
Gentlman B was at least a decade my junior (oh, who am I kidding, I could have been his grandmother). He drove for two hours to look at my backyard for approximately five minutes to tell me I needed half the tent Gentlman A had recommended. Thankfully, his socks & shoes were a lovely match and even complimented his compliment of piercings, which incidentally, matched my son’s new eraser collection. But I digress. (Moi?) It’s not that I have an age or experience or even a piercing bias, it’s just this: He drove four hours total, spent five minutes scoping the joint and gave me one, teeny weeny (highly informative) single page brochure. So why the ninety pound supersized briefcase? For what purpose, pray tell? The dead body? (Yes, from Black Bottom Creek) Piercing apparatus? Lots and lots of low fat muffins? (Young man, you’re hired!)
If I were a betting man, which of course I’m not, I’d go for door number one. Why? (Not why am I not a betting man, silly, why would I assume that an older guy who can send an email is more reliable than someone who walks around with a body bag?) Cause! Am I right? Isn’t that who you would choose?
But here’s the thing: Gentleman B is probably right. And even if he’s not, I’d rather have a squishy-rockin’-good-time-fits-like-spandex-party-of-a-tent than a when-are-all-the-guests-going-to-get-here-and-fill-up-this-graveyard sort of tent. Also, (and I use the term loosely) name one Italian designer that doesn’t believe in the oversized valise.
Do I share any of this with my husband? Do I cap the number of tent estimates just when it’s getting good? Why do I even want a tent? Speaking of which, are Victor and Nicky still in love? This and much more, next time…
About Cindy Silvert
Cindy Lynn Silvert took the long route to the States from Canada via Israel, where she studied, worked and had her first two children. A lover of the Arts, Cindy is a professionally trained actor, prolific artist and writer. She has designed educational software, curricula and museums exhibits in addition to editing two books. She writes for a number of sites including easybreezygourmet.com where she shares culinary secrets, shortcuts and tips. She is also a featured chef and lead contributor of metroimma.com.
Follow Cindy’s new blog Eat Pray Save, right here on MitzvahMarket.com as she challenges the status quo all the way to the Bimah, while planning her son’s upcoming Bar Mitzvah. Eat Pray Save will be the place to get a fresh perspective and a classy, yet fun and affordable solution to the out of control phenomenon of the American Bar Mitzvah.
It’s funny stuff we know you will enjoy!
Share your thoughts by writing to us at Sheri@MitzvahMarket.com.
Catch up on what you missed!
Read Part 1
January 27th, 2011
The Silverman family decided to celebrate their daughter Jillian’s Bat Mitzvah at Camp Pontiac in Copake, New York on a beautiful fall weekend. They told their guests to pack for a “dark denim chic” party. Since the camp colors are red and white, this was carried out throughout all their details. We thank them for sharing their weekend celebration with Mitzvah Market!
All party photography and videography was done by Salzman & Ashley.
Pictured L-R: Sisters Amanda, Tess, Mitzvah Mom Fran, Bat Mitzvah girl Jillian, Mitzvah Dad Scott and sister Rebecca.
Camp Pontiac was the perfect setting for their fun-filled action packed 2 days! It also happens to be where the Silverman girls spend their summers. Bat Mitzvah girl Jillian at the camp entrance
The Silvermans used red and white on their pocket pull-out invitation that was created by Susan Lehrhoff of Ethan Niles. They also had Amy Wohl design a Website providing additional information for their guests about the weekend
Custom Bat Mitzvah Website
As guests arrived, they were given their bunk assignments. On each bed there was a logo’d sheet and pillowcase along with a towel.J illian’s friends arrive by bus
Beds are made and ready for Jillian’s guests
Jillian’s bed was decorated by friends
A BBQ lunch was served and then color war broke out!
Guests were divided into two teams with red and white shirts. There were color war captains and generals
Everyone moved to the soccer fields where there were organized games and races including tug of war
Guests could be found playing football, basketball, soccer, tennis, and even Mah Jong!
After shower hour, guests were asked to meet at The Paramount Theatre where guests enjoyed a few different videos including Jillian’s montage. Jillian and her friends helped make this American Idol spoof. Carolyn Schwartz (Poems By Carolyn) wrote the script. Camp Pontiac surprised the Silvermans with another video that Jillian had done while she was in camp last summer
Pat James from Parties By James transformed The Playhouse into their beautiful party space complete with farm tables, matching plates, beautiful flowers and lanterns
The young guests enjoyed their cocktail hour food “take-out” style!
Guests also surprised Jillian by singing “Sweet Jillian,” a take-off of “Sweet Caroline” written by Carolyn Schwartz
The talented Bat Mitzvah girl Jillian made her entrance and then sang a song for her guests. For Jillian’s party, dress designer Marianna created her beautiful red gown. Guests soon learned that with one zip, the full gown came off to reveal white denim jeans underneath for her “dark denim chic” party
Jillian’s red and white cake kept with the theme and was created by Morrell Caterers
And That created the sweatshirts with a big number 13 on the front and “Off The Cuff” created customized red silicone bracelets
After the party ended, flip flops were given to the women along with blankets and everyone headed to the lake for a bonfire, s’mores and more desserts. Jillian models the flip flops and sweatshirts
They lit up Jillian’s name in flames. WOW!!!
Some Mom advice from Fran:
“The most important thing (I think) is pick people for your team that you connect with. Even if they are a little extra it is important to LIKE the people that you work with. Get recommendations from people. Ask a lot of questions. What is included in that price and what is not included. PLAN PLAN PLAN. I am a huge planner. I do NOT work well at the last minute. I planned Jillian’s Mitzvah 2 years in advance with the last 6 months working very hard on all of the details. Some people like to have their team do most of the work. I had my hand and nose in every single detail and made them come to life. It was a labor of love!!! Do not procrastinate. It only makes for a stressful situation in the end.”
Jillian’s Bat Mitzvah Project
Jillian’s Mitzvah Project is very special to her and her family. She explains, “The Steven and Alexandra Cohen Children’s Medical Center” (formerly Schneider Children’s Hospital) will hold a very special place in my heart forever. What was thought to be a common cold virus turned emergent very quickly for my baby sister Tess. She ended up with RSV and double pneumonia and was put in Pediatric ICU for 2 weeks. Tess was in a drug induced coma for almost 2 weeks and my family was very scared. The doctors and nurses took great care of her and saved her life. She is an inspiration to me because she really had to fight for life. Something that I will never forget.
Jillian with her sister Tess
To this date I helped to raise $14,000. Thanks to all who participated and donated money to help me to reach this unbelievable goal. I was very proud and will remember this special day forever.
Vendor Directory
Here is a list of vendors who helped to make Jillian’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you call any of them, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Photographer/Videographer: Salzman & Ashley 516-349-9500
Caterer: Morrell Caterers 516-364-2000
Party Planner: Pat James, 212-377-1911
Venue: Camp Pontiac, Ricky Etra 516-626-7668
Invitation: Susan Lehrhoff, Ethan Niles, 516-626-3666
Dress Designer: Marianna, 516-496-4615
Website design: Amy Wohl, FabuDesigns.com, 312-513-1698
Sweatshirt Favors: And That 516-364-9222
Silicone Bracelets: Michelle Collins 516-459-6495, 516-312-0727
Script writer/Cheer: Carolyn Schwartz, Poems by Carolyn,
January 26th, 2011
Once upon a time, in the land of Chicago, a 13-year old girl named Gabby got her fairy tale Bat Mitzvah.
The service took place at Congregation Solel in Highland Park with a reception at the Chateau Ritz in Niles, Illinois.
Her dream was to be a princess and her fairy godmother, (we mean her event planner Larissa Goldenberg) made sure every wish was granted!
The photos are by Slav Zinger of Leuxo Photography. The custom gobo by Frost Lighting was projected onto the dance floor.
Designed by Joseph Twardozs of Decor Galore, this was the entrance into the kids ballroom
A close up of the guest list and table assignment
This beautiful seating card table was done by Yanni Design Studio
For the adults horse drawn place cards!
The ballroom had a castle, carriage and crystal embellished horses by Decor Galore
Linens for the kids room by Covered Affairs
Crowned centerpieces on Swarovski stands by Yanni Designs with lighting by Frost Lighting
Children’s table with sweet ending dessert table in background
This looks like a magical celebration. Thanks to all the vendors involved who allowed us to share this with our Mitzvah Market readers.
January 23rd, 2011
With the Super Bowl here, we are in football heaven here at Mitzvah Market.
So if your son or daughter are football fans and you are planning a football themed party, we have your game plan.
Additionally, if you are planning any type of sports party, here are some great ideas you can incorporate:
Luscious Verde scores with this great invite
This custom invitation from Simply Invitations and Party Planning used a boxed invitation set with lines and the look of turf
For those on a tighter budget, PaperLessPost.com now features sports Bar/Bat Mitzvah motifs
Used as a favor and place card from A Dozen Eggs Bake Shoppe in Vermont
These adorable football place cards holders can also be used as a balloon weights and are from Awesome Event
Linzi Events did a Miami Dolphins Mitzvah and created these posters of the Bar Mitzvah boy posing as his favorite players
One of our favorites! Bleachers for the young adults set up by Linzi Events
We profiled the Kratz Family’s football themed B’nai Mitzvah last year which included these sign-in lockers from Global Industrial
Check out this “football field” table from Eventful Productions
Also from Eventful Productions, this locker room set-up with cutout football players!
Have your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah service and/or celebration where the Jets practice! Click here to read all about the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center in Florham Park, New Jersey
A-BnC Parties created this centerpiece for a Chicago Bears fan
Party Perfect created these pennants that were displayed on a tiered stand. Tags with guests names and table assignments were attached with ribbon and waved as the Bar Mitzvah boy made his entrance
A football theme sweatshirt favor from A Promos USA dba The Imagemaker
Customized mini football favors from MiniSportsBalls.com
Atop the first tier sits a football and football player holding a Heisman trophy from Pink Cake Box
Here’s another option, a four tier football theme Mitzvah cake that’s from Van Earl’s Cakes!
January 13th, 2011
The Sollender family celebrated their daughter Paige’s Bat Mitzvah on September 25th, 2010 at the Brooklake Country Club in Florham Park, New Jersey.
They had a morning service, followed by a kiddish and then an evening party with a “skiing” theme. Her logo, which included her initials, was used throughout the party elements – “PS I (heart) love Skiing.”
All photography is courtesy of Brad Photography. Vendor information is at the bottom of this spotlight.
Featured L-R Brother Ethan, Bat Mitzvah girl Paige, Dad Marshall and Mom Shari
Mitzvah Mom Shari had her dress custom made by Lyn Kohls and Bat Mitzvah girl Paige found her dress at Party Girl in Tenafly, New Jersey
The invitation was lime green on the bottom and lavender on top with a ribbon of flowers on the bottom that were lime green, lavender and a hint of royal blue. The writing was purple and lime green and the invitation was created by Invitations Etc. in Livingston, New Jersey
Their place cards fit in perfectly with their theme. Each one had the adult name, table and which “ski mountain” they were sitting at
Skiing was the theme created by Debbie’s Design. Colors white and icy blue were used throughout the room to set the ski mood and all around the room there were pictures of Paige at different ages skiing
One area of the room included this large tree bark with pictures of Paige skiing at different ages
Each adult table had a different sign for a ski mountain
Paige standing below her large logo!
In the kids area, there was a large display of a ski mountain and a fireplace to set the ski mood
Adult guests sat at tables with beautiful floral centerpieces
Unique Musique provided the musical entertainment for Paige and her guests with Larry as the MC
Paige sharing a dance with her Dad
Wendy The Pipe Cleaner Lady kept the young guests entertained
Magic Marc provided spectacular tricks
Paige’s friends all received these blue sweatshirts with her logo, created by their party planner Carrie Gold. Here’s the front…
And the back
Mom Shari has a montage business called, Images4Ever and created her daughter’s fantastic montage. Watch here.
Mitzvah Mom Shari has this advice for our readers:
“My advice would be to take deep breath before the day begins. Try to take notice of everything in the event room because the party goes by very quickly. Relax, have fun and make sure you drink water to stay hydrated throughout the night. It truly is a wonderful and special day no matter what you do. Just enjoy.”
Mitzvah Project:
Paige decided on a Mitzvah Project that had a lot of meaning to her family. Her grandfather had a stroke about 12 years ago and for the last 8-9 yrs of his life he lived in a nursing home. Whenever they visited, they always brought along their golden retriever, Sonny.
Paige and Sonny
Everyone loved seeing Sonny. Unfortunately Paige’s grandfather passed away almost 2 years ago but they will never forget how much joy Sonny brought to all the residents of the home.
For her Mitzvah Project, Paige decided to visit local nursing homes with Sonny so other people can enjoy her. She visits about once a week and really enjoys seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces when they see Sonny.
Vendor Directory
The following vendors made Paige’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you give any a call, please tell them you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Brooklake Country Club. 973-377-2235
Party Planner/Favors: Carrie Gold
DJ/MC: Unique Musique, Larry Gold 732-431-4082
Photographer/Videographer: Brad Photography, 973-696-8763
Party Entertainment: Magician: Magic Marc 917-861-7963
Party Entertainment: Wendy The Pipe Cleaner Lady, 631-757-5342
Invitation: Invitations Etc., 973-992-3020
Video Montage: Mitzvah Mom Shari! Images4ever 973-945-0573
Décor/florist:Debbie’s Designs, 973-696-7930
Place cards: Mark, Pleased To Seat You
Mom’s Dress: Lyn Kohls-973-467-7800
Paige’s Dress: Party Girl
Suits for family members: Sam’s, Livingston, NJ
Hair/makeup: Subway Salon, Millburn, NJ
January 13th, 2011
We all want to capture the special moments at our child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebration.
We hire a photographer to take special pictures, a videographer to grab a moment in time and we have a sign-in board to keep our guests sentiments about our children.
Surf Board Beach Art specializes in hand painted 5 foot surfboard and snow board party sign-in boards and decorative wall signs. Each board is one-of-a-kind and signed by the artist and is a unique way to treasure the way your guests felt on your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah day.
It will be personalized for free with a name, saying, date, color, theme, logo or even created to match bedding.
Tie dyed snow board
Can be done to match your theme
Party signs
This makes a great and unique way to remember any special occasion.
Contact: MARJY@SurfboardBeachArt.com
631-374-3399
Tell Marjy that Mitzvah Market sent you and get 10% off. She can also make centerpieces.
January 12th, 2011
The snow keeps falling! Winter is officially here, so embrace it and use some of these great ideas if you are going to have a winter wonderland theme for your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah.
(The snowflake place cards on the left are from here.)
Start the theme off with these name cards from Beaucoup.com
NYC Event Planner Harriette Rose Katz created white floral centerpieces, faux snow, ice sculptures, and lucite seating for this Mitzvah
Beautiful Backdrops provides a wonderful setting for your Mitzvah and no plane ticket needed!
Atlas Florists provided the beautiful centerpiece for the Reisman’s which we featured in our Mitzvah Family Spotlight
The draping, linens, chairs and centerpieces all add to the wonderland theme from L.A. celebrity event planner Mindy Weiss
Balloons can even add to the winter wonderland feel by Exquisite Balloons
Custom candle lighting piece by Parties by Deb
SessySweets created this snowflake cookie with a picture of the Bat Mitzvah girl
Courtesy of Todd Shapera Photography, this winter wonderland decor by X-Quisite Design was elegant and festive featuring snowflakes and twinkle lighting
Silver and blue cake from the Pink Cake Box
Amy Atlas puts a purple spin on her dessert design for this Winter Wonderland Mitzvah
January 12th, 2011
Recently we reported on the trend of Gourmet Food Trucks. Now we would like to share two kosher options!
Quick Stop Kosher, a food truck that bills itself as a “breakfast, lunch, and waffles” joint, opened this past summer. This truck travels around Manhattan offering kosher-certified sandwiches, omelets, sushi, blintzes, waffles and will come to your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah to provide an array of kosher fare.
Quick Stop Kosher will wow your guests with a Make-Your-Own–Sandwich or Waffle Station. Call them at 212-674-6666
Sub on Wheels is a kosher food truck catering located in Monsey, New York and is part of Brucha Caterers. They offer a wide selection of unique menus to accommodate all type of functions. Reach them at 845-839-2579.
January 12th, 2011
Jacqueline Maier of Tenafly, New Jersey celebrated her Bat Mitzvah on May 15, 2010 and her Mitzvah Project tied directly into her celebration. This young lady did something incredible! She put a special note in her Bat Mitzvah invitation asking for donations to two charities in lieu of gifts for herself.
As a result, more than $22,000 has been raised and given to Jewish Family Service of Bergen County and North Hudson, and Bergen Reads at the UJA Federation of Northern New Jersey.
We asked Jacqueline some questions about this very generous Mitzvah Project.
MM: What made you decide on this Mitzvah Project?
JM: My parents are both very generous people and we kind of came up with the idea together. We thought it should be something that’s Jewish. I decided that having a nice party and getting other things was enough and that the money could be used for a good deed.
MM: Why did you choose those two charities?
JM: I decided on these two charities because at JFS, I can help many different types of people in many different ways and be totally involved on how the money is used. I chose Bergen Reads because I personally love reading and wanted to give others that opportunity.
MM: How does making such a large donation make you feel?
JM:I feel like it is a very nice thing to help others and impact them in a positive way. I have been very fortunate and wanted to help those who have not been as fortunate as me. By donating all of my Bat Mitzvah money to these charities, I am able to help many different people in many different ways.
MM: Explain how you let your guests know.
JM: Guests received a short note from me that was inserted in the invitation. It invited guests to make a donation to either charity in lieu of typical gifts. There was an “in lieu of gifts” card printed and enclosed with the invite that gave all the information they would need to make the donations for this.
MM: Your Bat Mitzvah was many months ago, if someone wanted to still make a donation on your behalf, could they?
JM: Yes, you can donate for as long as you like. The more money that is raised, the more people we can help.
We thank Jacqueline for sharing her generous project with Mitzvah Market and we hope it inspires other children to do something similar!
