July 29th, 2011
Are there Gleeks living in your house?
Glee on Fox-TV is a biting musical comedy that has quickly become a pop culture phenomenon! This season’s shows are over, but you can still get your “Glee” fix by watching The Glee Project: A Competition Series on Oxygen.
Even if your child’s homework doesn’t get miraculously done on time for Tuesday night episodes of Glee, you will still love seeing these creative ideas on how to incorporate your child’s favorite TV show into their Bar/Bat Mitzvah theme!
We found two different Bat Mitzvahs that both incorporated the Glee theme brilliantly!
The first set of pictures are courtesy of photographer Ginny B from Austin, Texas. The event took place at the AT&T Conference Center with Amanda Barrone as the event planner. Other vendors who helped make this party special include: Korey Howell and her magical green screen, Music & Entertainment by Timo’s DJsimcha, flowers by Central Market and lighting by FILO Productions.
This above invitation was created by Beverly Designs and is beautiful and colorful! Not only does it incorporate the Bat Mitzvah girl’s picture, but can you read the invitation wording?
It says, “Hava…na…Glee…la, Come Celebrate with Rachel.” So clever!
Rachel and her friends are making the Glee “L” sign on the bus as they go from the service to the party
Colorful circles of paper serve as the place cards
A delicious and colorful cupcake display
Rachel and her friends pose as their photo is projected behind them
Rachel’s candle lighting display
The Dads are giving their girls a lift!
The second set of party photos are from Always RSVP Event Design and Coordination in Menlo Park, California. Photography by Cantrell Portrait Design.
Lockers for the young guests and McKinley H.S. signage
The greeters are dressed for Glee!
The menu card was created to look like a copy of TV Guide
The stage is set for Bat Mitzvah girl Sara!
The beautiful table decor coordinated with a Glee inspired poster of the Bat Mitzvah girl
A chocolate remote control awaiting guests are the place setting
Glee-ful dessert cake pops from Sweet Lauren Cakes
If you had a television show inspired Mitzvah, please share it with our readers at info@MitzvahMarket.com.
July 28th, 2011
On April 17, 2010 the Leinwand family from North Miami Beach, Florida celebrated their daughter Sarah’s Bat Mitzvah at Temple Solel in Hollywood, Florida.
Their reception took on a chic nightclub feel even though it was an afternoon reception.
Pictured L-F: Mom Holly, brother Jack, Bat Mitzvah girl Sarah and Dad Jonathan.
All party photography was by Michael Anthony Elite Photography.
The rest of the Mitzvah vendors are listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
Sarah stands proudly on the Bimah.
The family selected white, lime green and teal as the colors. This combination was used for the save-the-dates, invitations and weekend itinerary. All were designed by creative South Florida party planner Andrea Ganes.
The save-the-date cards
Sarah’s Bat Mitzvah invitation
Weekend itinerary
Party planner Andrea Ganes, Life of the Party Productions created their decor using Sarah’s favorite colors from the invitation as a guide. She explains, “We wanted to create the feeling of a nighttime celebration done in the middle of the day. The look and vibe needed to mimic Sarah’s personality and love of simplicity with a young contemporary feel.” Mom Holly adds, “The way Sarah is, event planner Andrea made all the right decisions without over doing it for a daytime reception.”
A large place card table with a beautiful floral arrangement was first visible when guests walked into the cocktail reception
Square place cards with fun button accents looked great lined up
The kids lounge area featured personalized name gobo and different size and shaped white paper lanterns which hung from the ceiling
Illuminated cocktail tables along with white and teal lounge furniture mimic the contemporary decor
The adult tables had apple green taffeta linens with embroidered green circle overlay and teal satin napkins
Pure Energy, with David as the MC provided the music entertainment and had the guests on their feet.
The Pure Energy dancers strike a pose in the custom t-shirts made for the party in lime green of course!
The kids had a great time making their own dog tags, air-brushed hoodies and T-shirts.
Art Spot airbrush artist Freddie creating a shirt
A great family moment.
Guests were treated to a colorful candy buffet.
Of course custom M&Ms in Sarah’s favorite colors!
Mitzvah Mom Holly has this advice, “Plan your party within your budget and if you can, hire a party planner/designer to help coordinate everything.”
Here is a list of the Mitzvah vendors who helped make Sarah’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you call any of them, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com. Thanks!
Venue/Caterer: Temple Solel 954-989-0205
Party Planner Andrea Ganes, Life of the Party Productions 305-454-7313
Florist: Life of the Party Productions
Music Entertainment: MC David, Pure Energy 954-782-6989
Photographer/Videographer: Michael Anthony, Elite Photography 954-680-5606
Photo Favors: South Beach Photo Booth Company 954-253-6015
Party Entertainment: Freddie, Art Spot Airbrush 772-335-4323
Invitation: Life of the Party Productions
Outfits for Family: Neiman Marcus
Men’s Suits: Brooks Brothers
Hair: Rachel, Rachel and Jovan Hair Studio 305-932-8251
July 21st, 2011
We all wanted summer to be here and now that it’s here, we all want to cool down!
Serve some of these great treats at your Bar/Bat Mitzvah reception and you are sure to please your crowd!
Here are some ideas:
Pop Bar in New York City’s Little Italy offers their gelato pops (plus they have pop sorbet and pop yogurt) in many different flavors
Add the spirit of Aloha to your Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration with fresh fruit smoothies from Maui Wowi in a dozen all-natural, non-fat flavors
The Mojito and Limoncello Granitas from Abagail Kirsch Catering are a big hit with adult guests with watermelon vodka lime granite
From Drinks Fantastic. Strawberry and regular Margaritas cools things off in Dallas
From Cake Central: Believe it or not the Bat Mitzvah girl’s last name was Hagen. The cake was made from Rice Krispie treats!
A Mr. Softee truck after your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah will hit the spot. This one was featured in the Barzilay Bar Mitzvah Family Spotlight
Do you have an “Icy” Mitzvah exit idea? Let us know at info@MitzvahMarket.com.
July 17th, 2011
Is your child a tennis player?
We know many families are looking for a meaningful Mitzvah Project and we thought this organization might be of interest to our readers.
Tennis Racquets for Kids is a non-profit organization founded in 2008 by twins Paige and Zachary Mintz who live on Long Island. They are dedicated to giving underprivileged children a chance to experience the game of tennis.
Used racquets are collected and donated to various programs, schools or individuals in need. The organization has also conducted free instructional clinics for the children.
They have a special Mitzvah Project and volunteer opportunities for children 11-13. Mitzvah students can collect used racquets or purchase new ones from their monetary gifts.
These racquets have generated smiles and hugs from children of all ages. Racquets can be collected by the individual thru a drive at his/her synagogue, school, camp, or tennis center. Collection receptacles can be set up.
Tennis Racquets for Kids can provide flyers to help you spread the word. Each Mitzvah child will receive a Tennis Racquets for Kids T-shirt to wear on the day of a sponsored event.
For more information, visit their Website.
July 10th, 2011
We love this movie theme Bat Mitzvah!
It took place at The Inn at Longshore in Westport, Connecticut, and it looked like it was lots of fun. Using basic items like movie tickets, candy and color this tried and true Bar/Bat Mitzvah theme seems fresh and new.
Photographer Peter Oberc took great photos and event planner Arlene Rosenthal of Party Ideas (arlene@partyideasct.com) did a great job in pulling together this movie theme Mitzvah!
The beautiful Inn At Longshore was the location
Balloons in lime green and bright blue flank the entryway
A Concession Stand greets guests with “crackerjack box” place cards
We love the sand art centerpiece on these cocktail tables and the balloons
The game room section
Looks just like an arcade great for kids of all ages
Cool seating and table set up for the kids
Colorful spandex for these high top tables and check out the popcorn lamp shades!
A Reeses candy centerpiece… yum!
The room looks great with this blue and green decor
We love how they used ticket stubs to form the table number
The flower centerpieces on the adult tables include beautiful floral arrangements
The Bat Mitzvah girl’s bedroom door was used as the sign-in board with movie tickets framing her initials
Thanks to Peter Oberc Photography for allowing us to share this fun celebration with our readers.
July 6th, 2011
Do you have a budding Scientist in your house? We found a very clever Mitzvah Inspire where they were able to incorporate one child’s love of science and experiments into his Bar Mitzvah reception.
Check out these great ideas from 2 Sweet LLC who put together a party with all the right elements. The results were a great success!
The clever “Save the Date”
The invitation set
The sign on the place card table
Each guest received a lab badge place card
The tables were were named for the periodic tables of course!
The room was colorful with orange and lime green linens and balloons
The centerpiece was fantastic with test tubes
A closer look at the Titanium table, how clever!
Of course there was lots of H2O for each guest!
The sign in board was a lab coat
The cupcakes were the Periodic Table of Elements!
Chocolate bars spelled out the element symbols
So clever! Thanks to 2 Sweet LLC for sharing this Bar Mitzvah with our readers.
July 6th, 2011
Adding drapery at your reception venue can add a touch of elegance, fun or drama to your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah decor.
If you want to make a statement, create an environment or simply wow your guests, think about adding draping on the ceiling, walls or something that is free standing.
It can be a great use of your decorating budget and can also serve to highlight special areas such as entrances, the kids lounge area or as a backdrop for photographing your event. It can also hide unsightly elements in or beyond a space.
Here are some creative uses of draping we came across.
Go from blah to beautiful from One Source Weddings in this before and after
A red carpet entrance using draping from A Touch of Paradise Events
From Karl’s Event Services, draping adds a touch of elegance to this tent!
Although this event from Dynamic Drape & Decor was for a Toronto Tourism event, we love the idea of hanging pictures from the draping
The Lustberg Mitzvah Family celebrated at Bridgeview Yacht Club with their beautiful draped ceilings. Dalsimer created a white picket fenced lounge area for the Bat Mitzvah girl’s friends
Pretty pink cocktail reception from Seattle’s Prop Gallery West
Jersey Street Furniture transformed a temple’s reception space into a circus with red and white draping
The beautifully draped ballroom at Kombert Caterers
Eventful Productions take on a Moroccan themed Bat Mitzvah
The Goldenberg Family used draping to hang some posters and make a cozy lounge area for their son’s friends
It Events by Julie used white draping to add simple elegance to great decor
The draping here defines the kids space from Extraordinary Productions
NY Lounge Decor provided a back wall of draping in a long room
Draping and lighting add to this Winter Wonderland theme from VIP Caterers
Did you use draping for your Bar/Bat Mitzvah decor? Let us know at info@MitzvahMarket.com.
June 29th, 2011
Danielle Klaskin from Madison, Connecticut celebrated her Bat Mitzvah in May, 2011 and had a delicious way to help raise money for her Mitzvah Project.
We spoke with her to learn more about her project and how you can help:
MM: Can you give us details of your Mitzvah Project?
DK: For my Mitzvah Project, I made Matzah Crunch, a delicious chocolate and caramel treat that tastes like toffee.
MM: Which charity is benefitting from your project?
DK: My Mitzvah Project is to raise money for the Coordinating Council for Children in Crisis, or the C.C.C.C., which is located in New Haven, Connecticut.
MM: Why did you decide to take on this particular project?
DK: For my Mitzvah Project, I wanted to help kids who live near me who are less fortunate than me. Also this organization not only helps people in crisis but also helps families learn how to avoid getting into trouble.
Danielle Klaskin and her Matzah Crunch
MM: In your own words, what does it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bat Mitzvah?
DK: Doing a Mitzvah Project for my Bat Mitzvah means that I’m honoring the Jewish commandment of Tikkun Olam, “to repair the world.”
MM: If it involved a donation, how did you get the word out?
DK: We got the word out by putting up and handing out posters, used the temple list serve, local newspapers, local online newspaper, email blasts and on Facebook.
Here is the flyer created to help drum up business
MM: Anything else we need to know about your Mitzvah Project?
DK: In addition to the Matzah Crunch sales, I also convinced a local restaurant to donate sales from their carousel ticket sales from one day to my charity. In total I raised $1,250.00 for the C.C.C.C.
MM: If readers would like to still donate, can they?
DK: Yes they can donate directly to Coordinating Council for Children in Crisis or call for volunteer information at 203-624-2600.
Thanks Danielle for sharing your project with our readers!
June 26th, 2011
Do you have a budding DJ or just a music loving child?
Well check out this inspire story with a Hollywood theme that was decorated in black and purple. It took place at Maggiano’s Buckhead in Atlanta. With a look similar to Justin Bieber this Bar Mitzvah boy loves to sing and his party rocked with 100 of his friends!
All photography was by Graceology Photography. Other vendors that took part in this rockin’ bash include DJ Joel Rabe of Lethal Rhythms , Flipbooks: FlippityDooDa and a great dessert bar by Tasty Pastry.
The Bar Mitzvah boy’s monogram was presented in a cool modern centerpiece with fiber optic lights
The room at Maggiano’s looks great with black and purple linens and custom centerpieces
The Bar Mitzvah boy’s playlist
The Bar Mitzvah boy takes control and gets jiggy with it
The guest of honor is spinning some tunes for his friends
Could “American Idol” be next?
Now everyone is in on the action, dancing the horah
Simple kid fun – so great to see
A drink in honor of the Mitzvah boy (non-alcoholic of course)
A good looking dessert bar from Tasty Pastry
I think we know “whose the man” now!
Thank you Graceology Photography for sharing this fun Mitzvah with us!
June 12th, 2011
Not all Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrations have menu cards, but many caterers and venues are now offering this service. It’s a nice way to compliment your table setting and can be coordinated with your colors and/or theme.
The custom menu card above is from Balloon Artistry.
Some of our favorites are below:
Stephanie Feldman of Cutie Patootie Creations created this custom menu card for Ella’s pERFect celebration
Creative Concepts designed this beautiful menu card holder for Emily’s celebration. You can see more of their ideas in the Mitzvah Family Spotlight
Celebrity event planner Mindy Weiss did this Beatles theme for her son’s Bar Mitzvah. See more of this party in our Mitzvah Inspire story
Kombert Caterers designed this menu card for Mitzvah Market Founder Sheri Lapidus’ daughter Carly’s Bat Mitzvah. See the rest of their ideas in the Mitzvah Family Spotlight story
Not From A Box created this menu card for a Bat Mitzvah. The rest of their ideas are in this Mitzvah Inspire story
From Invitation Consultants this navy card is both traditional and modern
Martha Stewart created the above menu card for a Wedding, but we LOVE it for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration too!
A chocolate menu that is 100% edible from Party Favorites!
Did you have a unique menu card? Let us know at info@MitzvahMarket.com.
