March 12th, 2011
By Cindy Silvert, www.easybreezygourmet.com
A friend who just planned a Bar Mitzvah suggested I go over my numbers. OK, so I was off by 50%, which means I need 50% of my neighbor’s backyard if I’m going to host a reception at home. (And do I really want to stock the downstairs bathroom with that much toilet paper?) I would have thought being a writer/chef/artist/recluse would have kept the riff-raff out. Apparently not.
Do you have any idea how much money and time I just saved? So what if an impersonal five star hall costs five times the tent? I no longer have to slip the gardener an extra fifty to trim the bushes, hide the recycling bin, stain the deck, refinish the floors or put up certain family photos. (His side of the family is perfectly happy in the linen closet.) So I’m back to square one (which incidentally, I never left). All I have to figure out is where to have the reception, what to serve and when to start my diet-binge-diet-binge-diet-binge-diet.
But I’ve got an angle. See, I’m going to inform all vendors that I have a blog! Yes, on the World Wide Web! Who in their right mind would give up the chance to be skewered in front of millions of readers? Didn’t a certain reality housewife suggest that NYC’s snazziest vendors throw her the wedding of the century for free for no particular reason? Me too! But seriously folks, even if I could have the Bar Mitzvah of the century, that is, the kind you read about in the New York Times, I really hope I wouldn’t.
My dream Bar Mitzvah Party would be good clean fun, relaxed not stuffy, not same old same old and have great food. I don’t want to break the bank, nor appear cheap. The problem is, if you want to fit and feed the masses, and if the masses happen to be strictly kosher, your options are limited. If your numbers are smallish, you can afford to think out of the box: maybe hire waiters to serve frozen hors d’ouerves from Costco (its best to defrost & heat prior to serving), hire a few musicians… But since we seem to have outgrown the cozy tent option, back in the trenches we go.
This week I intend to call around to see what the catering damage will be. Call me picky, but I’m not looking forward to being overcharged for parve tasting, pasty looking, been-there-done-that food. A dear friend has been begging me to cater the whole thing. I have no doubt he would do a stellar job, I just dread losing (another) dear friend when my week of the event fangs emerge. Isn’t that what husbands are for?
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
Read Part 2
Read Part 3
March 12th, 2011
Have you noticed that banquet tables are coming in all shapes and sizes?
Of course there are still round tables at Bar/Bat Mitzvah venues for 8-10 guests. But nowadays tables come in all shapes and sizes and many Mitzvah celebrations are mixing it up.
So what is the new “it” table? Linzi Etzion of Linzi Events in Boca Raton, Florida is our guest columnist today and she has put it all in perspective for us.
Check out her descriptions below:
Standard Round Table and Banquet Chair
Reception halls normally will offer you a standard round table with ballroom chairs.
The table can be dressed with a fun linen and the chair covered with a chair cover and sash to work with the table linen
Bamboo chiavari chairs can be used instead of the ballroom chair
Square Tables
For a more modern cutting edge feel Chiavari chairs are best used with square tables.
Chiavari chairs can be rented in gold, silver , white, mahogany as well as fun primary colors
Royal Table
The Royal table is a 8′ by 4′ banquet table which seats up to 12 guests. Floral decorations are set across the length of the tables creating a beautiful look. Royal tables are often joined together to create long lines of table seating.
In this picture above, white leather Valencia chairs from Classic Party Rental were used
When designing your space you can also combine tables. We have done Royals with Square tables and Squares with Round tables to create a fun eclectic look for the reception.
We want to thank Linzi from Linzi Events for her valuable insights and tips. Be sure to check out more of her fabulous events on her Website.
March 12th, 2011
With so many of our readers planning B’nai (used for two boys or a boy and a girl) or B’not Mitzvahs (used for two girls) we thought we would do a round-up of cool invitation options.
Trying to plan a celebration for two unique personalities can be challenging. Serving these multiple desires takes great planning and attention to detail to keep everyone in the spotlight.
Finding the perfect invite is challenging enough when there is one child, we can only imagine how much more difficult it becomes when there are more decision makers!
The invitation above is from Brighten My Day Studios. This modern invite with pops of color is ala Lichtenstein.
Check out these additional samples below:
The clever invitation by Dear Friends was an authentic Teen Vogue magazine with a customized front and back cover.
Elegant and appropriate for a boy and a girl from Proper Notice
This colorful invitation for twin girls is from MyPaperCapers.com
We loved this idea from Dear Friends 516-367-7877. This invite is two-sided, so each child got their own creation
Also from Proper Notice, invitations using photos
Two Paper Dolls designed a very masculine invitation and used a different font for each child’s name
Custom made by award-winning artist Michelle Rummel of Mitzvah Artistree
Nota bene created a custom die-cut and beautiful floral pattern for twin girls
Outoftheboxny.com created a light blue and yellow modern card for this B’nai Mitzvah
If you had a creative invitation for your Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration, please let us know at info@MitzvahMarket.com.
March 11th, 2011
On December 4, 2010 the Grossman Family from Woodbury, New York held their daughter Lindsay’s Bat Mitzvah service and reception at Woodbury Jewish Center. Since the Bat Mitzvah was during Hanukkah, they were able to light the Menorah candles.
All party photography was done by Neil Bloom.
Pictured L-F: Brother Alex, Mom Nancy, Bat Mitzvah girl Lindsay, Dad David and younger sister Chelsea.
The rest of the Mitzvah vendors are listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
Since Lindsay’s Bat Mitzvah was during Hanukkah, they lit Menorah candles as part of the service which made it extra special.
The beautiful lavender and silver custom invitation is from Robin’s Writes and Invites.
As you can see below, it was “Lindsay’s Snow Ball” for her celebration! Mitzvah Mom Nancy wanted a surprise for the young guests and together with Danae from Stefan’s Florist, they came up with the idea for a small skating rink! Interactive Entertainment Concepts made it happen and although it took two hours to assemble while guests were enjoying the service and cocktail hour, the kids loved it!
Lindsay checking out the ice
IEC provided the ice skates for the young guests
Stefan’s Florist created a beautiful shadowbox containing a picture of Lindsay as a child and her Bat Mitzvah invitation and it was used as her sign-in board!
Her guests signed in with a sharpie
Many other elements of a winter wonderland were incorporated into the theme.
Sparkly silver linens with white feathers
A large glittered “L”
Signage at the entrance…
And above the bar
Comfy fuzzy white couches
Table Wraps provided beautiful ice blue linens for the elegant centerpieces
Party Harty Entertainment provided the music with MC Joey making sure everyone had a great time.
Lindsay “makes her entrance”
Bat Mitzvah girl Lindsay having fun!
The favors for the young guests were coordinated with the theme and created by And That.
Lindsay holding up her hooded sweatshirt favor with the date of her party done in silver, ice blue and snowflakes
Here’s the back
The bags with matching stickers
The family together in front of Lindsay’s beautiful cake from Morrell Caterers.
A candy set-up was provided for all the guests!
Candy anyone?
Mitzvah Mom Nancy has some advice: “Make sure you enjoy spending this special planning time with your child. It is a good opportunity to spend quality 1:1 time so you don’t want to waste it by stressing out. Don’t lose perspective and remember that you want it to me a memorable night for your family, not a circus.”
For Lindsay’s Mitzvah project, she and her friend sold gourmet lollipops to raise money for the Jewish National Fund. They raised over $500 to plant trees, improve the water supply, and provide items to the Israeli army.
Here is a list of the Mitzvah vendors who helped make Lindsay’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you call any of them, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com. Thanks!
Venue: Woodbury Jewish Center 516-496-9100
Caterer: Morrell Caterers 516 496-9100
Party Planner/Florist: Danae, Stefan’s Florist 516-569-0300
DJ/MC: Joey, Party Harty Entertainment 516- 845-8585
Photographer/Videographer: Photography by Neal Bloom, 516 -364-9222
Favors: And That 516-364-9222
Party Entertainment: Glice Ice Skating Rink Interactive Entertainment Concepts 631-694-5988
Photo Favors: The Main Event: 800-839-0918
Invitations: Robin’s Writes and Invites 516-822-5108
Linens: Table Wraps 516-334-8833
Shadow Box: Danae at Stefan’s Florist
Cake: Morrell Caterers
Dresses For Girls Lindsay/Chelsea: Outrageous Boutique 516-931-3331
Dress for Mom Nancy: Mieka 516-367-8755
Suit for brother Alex: Kenny’s 516-921-2660
Suit for Dad David: Marsh’s 631-423-1660
Hair: NV Salon 631-271-2111
Make-Up: Natural Style Cosmetics Marianne Naturalstyle@aol.com 631-944-6184
March 9th, 2011
The Rofe Family celebrated the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter Kara on December 4, 2010. They belong to Temple Beth Torah in Dix Hills, New York and the ceremony was performed by Rabbi Gellman, one half of the God Squad.
The reception was held during the day at the nightclub Glo in Westbury, New York. They decided to go for a fun, festive atmosphere.
All party photography was done by Double G. All vendor information is at the bottom of this spotlight.
Pictured above (L-R): Mom Diane, Bat Mitzvah girl Kara, brother Aaron and Dad Roger.
The day began with the service at Temple Beth Torah.
Kara and her family standing proudly on the Bimah
As usual, we girls spent the day getting ready and the guys just throw on a suit!
No stress here, Kara’s just relaxing by reading a book while she gets her hair done before the service
Kara striking a pretty pose – her beautiful navy dress from Nikki’s Dressing Room where Mom Diane loved the selection and service
An important day for little brother Aaron too…his first suit which was purchased at Nordstrom
Bat Mitzvah girl Kara loves art and her parents say she is a wonderful artist. They decided the perfect theme would be to have an “Art Mitzvah.” Kara wanted to concentrate on Pop Art so they infused this “Andy Warhol” style in the invitations and decorations.
The front of the invitation by Darlene Barzilay
Great personalized RSVP card featured a new trend, using your name within the RSVP selection
Color coordinated yarmulkes await guests at the service
The Rofes felt that their venue, Glo didn’t need much in the way of decor and kept it simple by placing some pop art posters throughout the club. Rick from Image Graphics created a large six foot poster and the hearts sign-in board, which greeted guests when they arrived.
Check out some of the posters in the background of this photo above
Rick from Image Graphics created this sign that greeted all of the Rofes guests
Image Graphics also created Kara’s colorful sign-in poster
Howard from Gotham T-shirts created the artwork below that was used on the favors for Kara’s young guests.
Kara’s artwork for her t-shirt favors
Carl Hartman of Green Cheese Media created an amazing celebrity “shout out” entrance video for Kara.
The video included some of Kara’s favorite celebrities like Tom Cruise, The Simpsons, The Griffiths from Family Guy, Justin Bieber and Julia Roberts. All their guests were impressed!
Check it out here.
The family used Double G with Ricky as their MC for their music entertainment.
Kara making her entrance with MC Ricky G from Double G
Some family fun
Girls just wanna have fun!
Kara’s Mitzvah cake was made up of all her favorite candy!
This cake from Sweet Candy Cakes is always a hit
Anya Taylor Favors created personalized water bottles with Kara’s picture.
Water bottle label
Custom “Kara” water bottles were given to guests
Mitzvah Mom Diane has this advice for our readers: “Organization is key. I kept very neat files. I also got a lot of great sit down information, advice and ideas from Mitzvah Market! If you think you need one more thing to make it special, you don’t. The kids will always have a nice time. I recommend not to overdo it with the candy giveaways. The kids go crazy. It is like demons take over their bodies. I spent so much time at the party worrying that the lines were too long, or if people liked the food, or the music, that I did not enjoy it nearly as much as I should have. I stressed out about stupid stuff and I could have had a nicer time, especially when I put so much effort to make this special.”
More advice from Mitzvah Mom Diane, “I would avoid the disposable cameras. I thought I would get some cute, spontaneous shots, but instead, I got pictures of some boys butts. They took the camera into the boys room and dropped their pants and someone snapped away. I cannot make this stuff up!”
Several of the Rofe’s family members have been afflicted by Alzheimer’s Disease. So Kara donated a portion of her gifts to research through alz.org.
Here is a list of vendors who made Kara’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you call any, please let them know that you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Glo 516-704-8022
Music Entertainement/PartyPlanner: Double G Productions of NY Starlight Express MC: Ricky G
Favors: Howard, Gotham Tshirts 516-676-0900
Invitations: Darlene Barzilay notesetc1@verizon.net
Calligraphy: Sheryl, Alltype
Cake: Tiffany, Sweet Candy Cakes
Photographer: Double G Productions
Décor/florist/Sign-In board: Rick at Image Graphics
Entrance Video: Carl Hartman, Green Cheese Media
Water Bottles: Anya Taylor Favors sales@anyatylerfavors.com
Disposable cameras: Custom Camera Collection
Bat Mitzvah Girl Dress: Nikki’s Dressing Room
Mom’s Service & Party Dress/Aaron’s suit: Nordstrom
Hair: Cherry from Ideal Haircutters 631-266-9705
Transportation: First Student Transportation
Yarmulkes: Yarmulkes.com
March 9th, 2011
We love everything event planner Mindy Weiss does and have featured her fabulous Bar/Bat Mitzvahs in past Mitzvah Inspire stories: Formula 1 Racing, Around The World Mitzvah, and Watch Out World.
We bumped into Mindy at last year’s Stationery Show and she told us about her son’s upcoming Bar Mitzvah. We couldn’t wait to see what she would do. Please see below for her fabulously creative ideas!
For her son Alex’s Bar Mitzvah, Mindy used Beatles’ music, lyrics and personalities to inspire everything from the entrance to the menus and centerpieces to the outrageous decor. With “A little help from her friends”(vendors)…this party really rocked!
As the guests entered the reception they walked on “Penny Lane” next to “Strawberry Fields”
The black and white cocktail hour was designed as the “Octopuses’ Garden”
Hand painted signs directed guests to the main reception
Guests place cards
Albums as charger plates, bracelets as napkin rings along with customized menus
Tables are ready for guests! We love the colorful flowers in the center
The amazing centerpiece flowers were made from 45 records – remember those!
The backdrop at the reception with one extra Beatle!
The overall look of Alex’s Bar Mitzvah ballroom
Close-up of the amazing dance floor
Some centerpieces featured custom lamp shades
Mindy and her son Alex share a special moment
Mindy has more pictures posted on her blog and personally thanks all the Vendors who made this celebration special. Check it all out here.
Congratulations Mindy and thanks for allowing us to share your terrific ideas with our Mitzvah Market readers.
March 5th, 2011
Twin brothers Jake and Jesse Weiner of East Meadow, New York selected a Mitzvah Project because of their younger brother Shane’s condition.
Shane suffers from Psoriatic Arthritis, a form of inflammatory arthritis that can affect millions of Americans. Psoriasis, a skin disease that causes a red rash most commonly over the elbows, knees, ankles, feet, hands, and other areas.
We spoke with the Weiner brothers to learn more.
MM: What are you calling your Mitzvah Project?
JJW: Our project is called, “Reaching Out to Help Out.”
MM: Please give us details of exactly what your project is about?
JJW: We are collecting toys and books for children who are sick or in the hospital especially the rheumatology department because our little brother Shane gets treated at LIJ/Cohen Children’s Medical Center in New Hyde Park, NY for his Psoriatic Arthritis.
MM: Does your project have a start and end date?
JJW: January, 2011 to March 18, 2011
MM: Please tell us why you decided to take on this Mitzvah Project.
JJW: We want to help out LIJ/Cohen Children’s Medical Center Rheumatology Division. We want to help the children in the hospital where our brother is being treated.
MM: Please tell us what it means to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bar Mitzvah?
JJW: We feel it is important to do nice things for other people without expecting something in return.
MM: Please give us details of exactly what you did?
JJW: We are collecting toys and books for children who are sick or in the hospital especially the rheumatology department.
MM: If it involves a donation what are you doing to spread the word?
JJW: We have created a Facebook Page “Jake and Jesse’s Bar Mitzvah Project.” Letters were sent home to all the Hebrew school students. Notices were put up at schools including the school our mom works in. We are also sending letters to all the guests asking them to bring a new toy or book to our service.
We thank Jake and Jesse Weiner for sharing their generous project with Mitzvah Market and we hope it inspires other children to do something similar! If you are interested in making a contribution, please visit their facebook page.
March 5th, 2011
If your child is struggling to find a theme/logo or idea for their Bar/Bat Mitzvah favors, you might want to visit www.thecoolestgiveways.com.
With their “design lab,” you can get quality design help and suggestions so that you can create the perfect design for your event. Their staff has created a wide selection of fun and innovative samples for you to browse through.
Creating your own custom design t-shirts, sweatshirts or other products is easy and fun! There are 24 categories to choose from. Check out some of their designs here:
Check out more candy ideas here
For more crests, click here
For more monogram designs, click here
For more sports design, click here
Check out all their designs here. Call thecoolestgiveaways.com at 516-466-5728 and talk to their professional staff.
If you think your Mitzvah planning friends might need help with logos too, please look below and use the “share this” button. Thank you for helping us spread the word about MitzvahMarket.com!
March 2nd, 2011
New From Interactive Entertainment Concepts!
Party Chat is the newest and hottest activity at events. Where guests can text a message to the guest of honor right at the event. Guest of honor also would get a master cd of all the messages after the event. They can customize the picture behind all the texts.
I-Skins is a big trend. They take guests photos at the event and add text and backgrounds. Guests get to go home with their customized vinyl skin to apply to the device they chose with a non residue cling.
For more information, visit their extended profile page on MitzvahMarket.com.
February 27th, 2011
Let’s admit it, we all watch the award shows (ie: Golden Globes, SAG Awards, Academy Awards) for the fashion and to see who wore what on the red carpet.
For most of us, our red carpet walk is the entrance to our children’s Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations!
It’s time to listen to what an expert has to say about those must-have fashion fixes that we all need to have on hand for our child’s big day.
The stylist to Demi Moore, Cameron Diaz, Kate Hudson and Ann Hathaway is expert Rachel Zoe and she has come up 4 “must-haves” that every fashionista must keep close before a walk down the red carpet – which in our case is a Bar or Bat Mitzvah!
Check out the list below:
Hollywood Fashion Tape – Double Stick Strips
Miss Oops Rescue Sponges
Foot Petals Killer Kushionz
Kate Sommerville Tanning Towelettes
For more fashion advice, check out Rachel Zoe here.
