October 22nd, 2011
Balloon Artistry was established in 1987 and is a full service party design company famous for transforming parties into magical unforgettable memories.
They are known for their attention to detail, being low key and providing Bar/Bat Mitzvah families what they ask for. The quality of their ballooning is outstanding and they can light and illuminate any decor element.
Not only do they provide balloon decor/centerpieces, they can also coordinate the place cards/seating card display, back drops, candle lighting displays, sign-in boards and books to match your theme and/or colors.
We wanted to call your attention to their exploding balloons. These look like part of the decor for the beginning of your party and can bring energy back into the room towards the end of the celebration. After the “exploding” surprise, guests want to stay on the dance floor.
Here’s how it works:
Four large (3 foot) balloons are filled with 75 smaller (5 inch) balloons and confetti. These large balloons are set up on the corners of the dance floor and someone (such as the DJ) holds the button that controls the popping of the balloons.
Balloon Artistry will coordinate the popping of the large balloons with your entertainment company. The “exploding” is usually done in the last hour of the party.
Inside the large clear balloons, you can also use ping pong balls, feathers and confetti that floats called “Flutter Fetti,” which comes in many colors.
To learn more, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
October 22nd, 2011
From Occasions Magazine, we share with you a B’nai Mitzvah for twin brothers in the Atlanta area who love sports. They used each of their favorites as their theme: baseball and golf.
Bring in Your Party by Karen, an Atlanta event planner and Event Savvy Atlanta and you hit a home run and come in under par for this party!
The pictures were all taken by Chuck Robertson Photography and all the vendors used are in the Atlanta area.
The “SportsCenter” themed event took place on a Saturday night in October 2010, at The Foundry at Puritan Mill and was branded “Kwatnez Sportz,” for the boys last name. The boys logo incorporated their last name
Guests were greeted by two lockers, a baseball and golf ball with pictures of the boys
The walk from the cocktail hour to reception had a step and repeat complete with an appropriate “green” carpet with the boys logo on one side and draping with pictures of the boys in action on the other side
The step and repeat featured their logo
Hanging from the ceiling the family used the boys own sports jerseys – what a great idea!
Adult guests enjoyed their meal with a chef-attended “snack bar” featuring specials written up on a chalkboard
Golf and baseball themed wire sculptures decorated some of the tables along with some wheat grass and votive candles
A simple and fun golf ball centerpiece
Custom fabric photo panels of the boys displayed on the front and backsides of the structural columns
Various sports team pennants were on display
The guests munched on snacks from a custom hot-dog bar
Lockers were used for friends to leave messages for the boys
Of course, no sporting event is complete without the game, so a satellite dish was set up to enable live feed of the Florida vs. Alabama football game throughout the party
We thank Occasions Magazine for sharing this B’nai Mitzvah with our readers.
October 22nd, 2011
thecoolestgiveaways.com has worked with over 1,000 Bar/Bat Mitzvah families to come up with creative ideas for their child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah giveaways.
Owner Sue Smith is sharing her list of items she thinks is hot now in the Bar/Bat Mitzvah favor category:
1. Drawstring bags – This is a great favor for anyone who doesn’t want to give their young guests apparel, but still would like to give something that’s useful and cool. Drawstring bags will keep you on a budget and not break the bank. Most are priced between $3.00-$7.00. Many of the bags have free 24 hour rush service and this is a great choice for someone who just decided to do favors and has run out of time.
To see more drawstring bags, click here.
2. Collegiate designs – A great idea for anyone who wants to play up their child’s initials with a design that can be unisex and universal. You can find these vibrant college logos in all the stores right now.
To see all the letters, click here.
3. Blended colors – These are influenced and inspired by Butter and Free City. For the price of a 2 color imprint you are going to get the look of more colors.
For more on the blended color look, click here.
4. Flannel pants – Cozy and inspired by Pink and American Eagle, these flannel pants come at every price point and some are under $15.00.
To see more flannel choices, click here.
5. Off The Shoulder Sweatshirts – This is what all the fashionista Mitzvah girls are looking for. They are cozy, supersoft and fuzzy. They sell for $29.00 in the store and are now $14.50 with a two color imprint.
To see more, click here.
6. Snuggies – They are back and one size fits all. The kids are loving this cozy option!
See more snuggies here.
7. Graffiti designs – The ” gangsta look ” is very hot for boys and girls who want something edgy and cool.
To see more graffiti designs, click here.
8. Mittens and beanies – These are great for a winter Bar/Bat Mitzvah and come in one size only. They look just like the ones from American Eagle and Abercombie!
To learn more, click here.
9. Applique screen printing – For a vintage and distressed look, applique screen printing makes your garment look like clothing seen in Abercrombie and American Eagle.
For more looks, click here.
For more information about thecoolestgiveaways.com, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
October 22nd, 2011
When Tara Silberg was 10 years old, we wrote a Mitzvah Project profile story about her MS bike ride.
Last year she did her first annual Race To The Top Of The Rock for MS (Multiple Sclerosis). She has also donated her hair to Pantene Beautiful Lengths in memory of her late grandmother, Carol (pictured left). Her ponytail and 6 others were put together to make a wig for a woman with cancer.
But after doing all that, she still felt it wasn’t enough. So now, only weeks before her Bat Mitzvah, she has built a Website, Photos4aKure, a non-profitable organization that will donate 100% of the profits to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
On her Website, you can find dozens of beautiful photos taken by a variety of people, including Tara.
Photo by Tara
All photos cost $20 to $30. When you purchase a picture, it will be matted or framed, 5 x 7; 8 x 10 or 11 x 14. Her goal is to raise at least $1,000.00.
Photo by Leah Seldin
Photo by Stefano Fassone
If you are interested in purchasing one of the photos on Tara’s Website, please click here.
Update: Tara Silberg, our MitzvahMarket.com blogger is a finalist in L’Oreal’s “Why STEM Is Cool” contest. This is a national contest that only 32 kids (ages 13-18) made it to the public voting phase. STEM is an acronym for Science Technology Engineering and Math.
The voting which determines the winner starts today March 18, 2013 and runs for 1 week. If she wins, Tara has pledged to donate the $2,500 cash prize to cancer research in memory of her grandmother who passed away of breast cancer back in 2006. If you have a minute, would be great if you could help by voting for her. To vote, you just need to go to the website http://forgirlsinscience.org/compete-achieve and click on Voting. The video is called A Technologic Hope by Tara Silberg. People are allowed to vote once a day so any votes can help.
October 19th, 2011
By Stephanie Kepke Kaplan, Boys, Dogs And Chaos
Usually it takes me several hours over the course of a few days to write and edit a blog post. I go over it with a fine tooth comb, but not before I’ve spent way too long thinking of the perfect word or phrase. Well, not this blog post. You see, I’m in the eleventh hour of planning my son’s Bar Mitzvah and I don’t have several hours to write a blog post, in fact I don’t have several hours to do anything, including sleep. Right about the time I should be taking care of myself – eating right and getting enough rest – I am running around like a mad woman, living on fumes. I’m staying up well past midnight stuffing favor bags, filling out honors sheets for the service and figuring out the perfect candle lighting songs. I’m eating a protein bar on the way to a dress fitting, instead of sitting down to a healthy lunch.
Speaking of dress fittings, my recent lifestyle has necessitated extra visits to the seamstress, because every time I go, it seems like I’ve lost weight and she needs to take the dress in more. Being that I only bought it two weeks ago, I will probably be picking it up the day before I need it. That’s not the only thing that’s last minute – I just got in my honors sheet to the rabbi a moment before sundown, because I didn’t have all the Hebrew names I needed and after I typed it in, I lost all the changes. I changed some of my decorations last week, completely redoing the kids’ tables. Luckily, my party decorator was very understanding. Yesterday I added a second dancer to my entertainment package – an ongoing battle that I’ve had with my husband, who at first wanted no dancers, then compromised on one. He vehemently opposed having two dancers, despite the fact that my son and I thought we needed two. I don’t know exactly how I cajoled him into it, but just days before the party I did.
I wish everything else was falling into place as easily. My living room looks like a party supply company exploded in it, with cartons of t-shirts and dj giveaways sharing space with half made hospitality bags, boxes of biscotti and a basket of toiletries for the bathroom. I still have so much to do that I don’t think I will sleep for the next three days. The title of this blog couldn’t be any more appropriate – in my first post, I explained that the phrase “On a Wing and a Prayer” means “In poor condition, but just managing to get the job done.” I think I knew that everything would be last minute, because unfortunately that is my personality (and my weakness) – I will never be the person to have everything done in advance, so I can relax. I realize that – what I didn’t realize were how many last minute things there really are – from the honors sheet to the candle lighting songs to the floor plan.
There are so many things that need to be done in the last week that I hope – poor condition or not – I do manage to get the job done. I suppose even if I don’t get every single thing perfect (my perfectionist tendencies are a large part of the reason that I end up finishing things at the last minute) – there’s nothing I can do to stop this party from arriving in a few short days. I need to just take a deep breath, finish what I can and just enjoy. I’ll let you all know how it all turns in my next post, so stay tuned.
About Stephanie Kepke Kaplan
Stephanie Kepke Kaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. Before kids she was an arts reporter, covering the Boston music and cultural scene (even though she is a born and bred Long Islander, she lived in Boston for nine years and her first son was born there). Now, she blogs at Boys, Dogs and Chaos (about life with – you guessed it – three boys and two dogs) and Mitzvah Mom. She is also working on a novel about a PTA mom. She has also written for Long Island Parent magazine.
Catch up on Stephanie’s previous posts:
Post 1
Post 2
Post 3
Post 4
Post 5
October 18th, 2011
The Cohen family celebrated their son Drew’s Bar Mitzvah on his actual thirteenth birthday, May 21, 2011.
They belong to the Jewish Congregation of Brookville and had their service at Tam O’Shanter Country Club followed by a celebration at Temple Or Elohim in Jericho, New York.
Drew loves visiting Florida, specifically Miami. They used elements of that location in his theme to achieve a “beachy Miami” feel for their celebration.
All photography was done by Simon Elliot Events and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom.
Pictured L-R: Dad Adam, Bar Mitzvah boy Drew, sister Danielle and Mom Tammy
As reported in an earlier story, a Mitzvah Tradition: A Friday Night Oneg Dinner was thrown for Drew and his family by close friends which kicked off his special weekend celebration.
Drew is being presented with a special Bar Mitzvah gift
Drew’s service took place at Tam O’Shanter Country Club in Brookville, New York.
Rabbi Steven Moskowitz and Cantor Talya Smilowitz with the Cohens
Mom Tammy and sister Dani both wore silver. Tammy’s dress was custom designed by Kimberly at Runway Couture. Dani got her dress at Nordstom and it was altered by Kimberly.
Drew’s blue and grey sleek invitation was created by Darlene Barzilay.
Their invitation set the tone for their “Miami” styled party
The Cohens worked with Denea from Stefan’s to create a specific feel for the ballroom at Or Elohim.
The ballroom at Temple Or Elohim is transformed
Silver linens and large palm leaves were the centerpieces on some tables…
And candles, crystals and low florals were used on others
Draping and initial signage was used for the decor
A floor decal of Drew’s logo was created by Simon Elliot Events
Photos from a special Bar Mitzvah photo shoot with Simon Elliot Events lined the walls
Carl from ET was the musical entertainment and got the crowd going.
Carl with Drew and his friends
The young guests help the percussionist
The Cohens had many extra activities to entertain their guests.
Magician David Levitan wowed adults and young guests with his mind reading and magic act
The games for the kids were being played by the adults!
Additional fun provided by Great Neck Games
Airbrushing was also by Great Neck Games
Surfboard Beach Art created this sign-in board for Drew.
Drew’s friends loved writing messages on his “surfboard” which now hangs in his room
Jake Mandel created Drew’s PJ pants for his friends.
Drew’s initials and date
Drew’s cake was designed and created by Hasson Caterers
In keeping with the cool Miami theme, a Good Humor ice cream cart was available as guests left the party.
The following vendors helped make Drew’s party special. If you give any of them a call, please tell them you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Or Elohim
Temple: Jewish Congregation of Brookville
Caterer: Hasson Caterers
Service Venue: Tam O’Shanter
Photographer/Video: Simon Elliot Events
Florist: Danea, Stefan’s
Tammy’s Dress: Runway Couture 516-308-4639
Dani’s Dress: Nordstom
Music Entertainment: MC Carl, Entertainment Tonite
Games: Great Neck Games
Favors: Jake Mandel 516-984-8862
Sign-In Board: Surfboard Beach Art
Invitations: Darlene Barzilay 516-681-4602
October 16th, 2011
This Bat Mitzvah celebration, designed by M. Studio Events took place at Fred’s at Barneys New York.
With the help of Dazzling Parties and Tom Kaufman Productions, the fabulous restaurant was converted into “Hannah’s Hot Spot.” Hugs and kisses in the form of “xoxo’s” were hanging from the ceiling with a color palette of fuchsia and silver.
As you walked off the elevator on the 9th floor of Barneys New York, you were transported to Hannahs New York.
The font used was similar to Barneys New York
A step and repeat for photo ops
Hannahs New York Hot Spot covered the real Fred’s signage
Although there wasn’t any assigned seating for the kids, the 30 adults were seated in this gorgeous back area of the restaurant. Three long tables were set and they had their own plasma screen to watch the live simulcasts of the night as well as the montage
Delicious cupcake push pops were ordered in a variety of flavors and frostings. They were customized with a Hannahs New York Yum! label
Grey sweatshirts were the favors for both the boys and girls. Each one was personalized with the guests’ name. The boys received a sport pullover hoodie with their name, “New York,” and date making up a custom graphic in charcoal grey. The girls received a charcoal grey, off the shoulder, reverse fleece. Pink “xoxo” was on the front of each shirt with a big kiss and the date on the back. Barneys inspired font listed each girl’s last name down the arm
A Barney’s bag was recreated as a “Hannahs New York” bag for the favors, complete with a personalized receipt
M. Studio Events created this sign-in book for Hannah’s friends to write special messages
Dazzling Events created this wonderful faux dressing room table complete with mirror and seat where all of Hannah’s friends signed in
Hannah New York was also on the napkins and soap in the bathrooms!
Customized pillows added to the decor
Light up stage and plasma screen from Tom Kaufman Productions. The Bat Mitzvah girl loves “hugs and kisses.” She specifically requested “xoxo” to glitter and hang from the ceiling as shown above
Guests enjoyed a CD recording booth. Kids were able to make their own CD’s with branded logos
For more information about M. Studio Events, visit their Website.
October 16th, 2011
We already know our readers have great ideas from the hundreds of emails they send in, but we just got a place card idea we had to show you.
Recently we featured Fun & Fabulous Place Cards and asked readers if they had anything different to share.
We heard from a reader in Georgia and wanted to show you what she did for her daughter’s Bat Mitzvah.
Bat Mitzvah girl Amanda had an Asian themed Bat Mitzvah party using origami fortune cookies for place cards. The bottom of the place card said, “Open to reveal your lucky table number.” Once the cookie was opened, it said, “Amanda says you sit at Table 3”
They were displayed on a big tray of rice
Thank you to our reader Julie in Georgia for sending in this great idea!
October 16th, 2011
Jane Fried Sheinfeld from The Pieced Palette came up with this new sign-in floor pillow after realizing that most sign-in boards were ending up in the basement, garage or at the curb!
She can take your logo or invitation and print it on heavyweight cotton twill. The fabric is mounted taut so that it can stand on an easel at your party for your guests to sign with permanent marker.
The fabric is ready for signatures!
When the party is over, she will take back the fabric and create a comfy floor pillow for lounging.
Pricing depends on the size chosen and whether or not you need it to be mounted and/or framed for presentation at the party (you might be able to get your florists or party planners to do it).
Here are a few more samples:
Cole’s pillow is 24 x 24 and on the larger side for their invitation pillows. They retypeset the front to match the invitation; and used the red “Cole” image on the bottom right of the invitation as a cool repeat for the back
This pillow for Abigail reflected her sense of style. Traditional, yet not formal and feminine without being very girlie. They used ribbon to match the invitation and added a tailored but fun pompom trim. The back had fabric filled with ice cream cones, sundaes and ice pops to match her theme!
This Bar Mitzvhah boy had a circle invitation so they added more concentric circles and then designed two complementary masculine fabric patterns. The front has a fine blue dot on grey, and the back is a blue and grey plaid
Without mounting or framing, and with standard backing fabrics, the range is $285 for 27″ square pillow to $350 for a 36″ square pillow. Mounting on foamcore is available. Shipping and taxes are not included.
For more information, visit their Website.
October 11th, 2011
Ethan Udell is into music and wanted a “Rock Tour” theme for his Bar Mitzvah celebration which was held January 22, 2011 at The Hamlet in Commack, New York.
We are excited to share their ideas with all of you!
All vendor information is listed at the bottom. Party photography was done by Classy Candids.
Pictured above L-R: Dad Stuart, Mom Stacey, Bar Mitzvah boy Ethan and sister Jillian
The Udell girls looked great!
Mom Stacey found her dress at Oo La La and sister Jillian’s is from Flair
United Floral did a great job transforming this ballroom using life-sized mannequins dressed as rock stars. They were placed on the tables as centerpieces and appear to be holding guitars, mikes and gear bags. They also used goth black lamps with red bulbs; black cylinders with faux red rose balls; vases with black florals.
There were also enlarged posters of Ethan rocking out, along with posters of his favorite bands on easels around the room
Guests knew they were in the right place when arriving and seeing Ethan’s name projected on the entryway floor!
Ethan’s own guitar case served as the sign-in board.
Guests also signed in on giant white guitar picks with a sharpie and got to “pick a wish” to send to Ethan
Friends and family “sign-in”
Ethan “makes his entrance” with the female dancers from Party Harty.
Party Harty provided the musical entertainment with Howard as the MC.
Ethan poses with the Party Harty crew
Ethan gives a dancer a dip!
The Hamlet created a spectacular cake to go with the theme.
Check out a few of the special moments below:
Ethan and his Mom share a special dance
Ethan, along with his friend Max, played guitar and sang during the party
Beth Silverman, The Vernon Company provided the favors for the young guests.
The Rock Tour theme on sweatshirts
The favors were in these bags from Hot Topic in Hicksville, and were part of a donation made on behalf of the Udell family to this organization
Guests got a delicious treat as they left Ethan’s celebration.
As guests left they were given to-go cups of Dunkin Munchkin Donuts along with coffee, tea, hot cocoa and assorted cookies
The following vendors made Ethan’s celebration great. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: The Hamlet in Commack, NY
Party Planner: Mitzvah Mom Stacey
Music Entertainment: MC Howard, Party Harty
Favors: Beth Silverman, The Vernon Company, 631-462-5851
Party entertainment (Photo booth, magician, stilt walker etc): Party Harty
Invitation: Lion in the Sun, Huntington. Sleek silver plaque
Cake: The Hamlet
Décor/Florist: United Florist
Sign-In board: Ethan’s own hard guitar case
Dress for Jillian: Flair, Hunington
Dress for Mom: Oo La La, Great Neck
Suits for family members: Kenny’s
Hair: Gizay Michaels, Huntington, Station. Joseph, Anna and Gerry
Make-up: Joann Passero, 631-422-2189
Party security: The Hamlet
Photographer: Classy Candids
Videographer: Party Harty
Favor Bags: Hot Topic Foundation
