July 22nd, 2012
We found this great Earth Day themed Bar Mitzvah breakfast on The Jewish Hostess and knew we had to share the inspiring DIY ideas with our readers.
With her son’s Bar Mitzvah party falling on Earth Day, Claudia Bildiricci embraced the botanical spirit and grew some elegant decor for the occasion. All the decor was created with DIY projects that Claudia created on her own (with some help from her friends and family), but The Jewish Hostess, a guest at the simcha, insisted that Claudia looked cool as a cucumber at the party. How did she do it?
Read on to find out:
Claudia obtained herbs for the tables from The Growers Exchange, who shipped her samples. She found white pots at Ikea and potted the herbs, topping the dirt with rocks also found at Ikea. She asked her tablecloth company for burlap so she could achieve a natural look, but he was only able to give her squares of sashes of fake burlap. Not one to give up, Claudia looked at the bright side, noting that real burlap is a huge mess, and her equally optimistic friend suggested she use the swatches of fabric strategically and weave them on top of a plain white tablecloth. The final product looks deliberate and elegant.
Claudia asked Adelaide Khezerie, who arranged the floral centerpieces for her older son’s Bar Mitzvah, for help with the flowers on the other tables. Claudia, with great attention to detail, was looking to add height in the room. She and Adelaide went to the flower market the Wednesday before the party and decided on lilacs to arrange in the vases. Claudia had also picked up 24 white frames at Ikea that she found for under a dollar. She printed photos of the Bar Mitzvah boy off Snapfish and placed a framed photo on every table.
Claudia found wood letters online and ordered 180 H’s. Her son spray painted each one silver, and then glued each to a strip of leather (bought at M&J Trimming) that would form a napkin ring. The Thursday night before the party they put each napkin in the hand-crafted H napkin holder.
“After all the vases were done and the herbs were in the pots I just prayed that it would all last for Sunday,” Claudia said. “The temperature in the shul was kept nice and cold…all went well!”
Thank you to Claudia Bildiricci for sharing her inspired and inspiring DIY ideas, and thanks to The Jewish Hostess for posting about them!
If you have an idea to share with Mitzvah Market, please send it to info@MitzvahMarket.com.
July 21st, 2012
Jake Zorfas celebrated his Bar Mitzvah in January 2009 with a morning service at Temple Beth Torah in Westbury, New York followed by a black tie Saturday night celebration at Jericho Jewish Center in Jericho, New York.
For three years, this family planned on a Superbowl theme, but just one month before Jake’s celebration, he attended a friend’s Bar Mitzvah with the same theme. So with only weeks to make some quick changes, they decided to use their son’s initials JZ and created a celebration inspired by rap artist Jay Z.
We thank them for sharing their ideas with our readers.
All photography was provided by Ira Rosen and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom.
Pictured above L-R: Bar Mitzvah boy Jake, Dad Brad, Brother Sam and Mom Lisa
Jake’s invitation was created by Ellen Futterman at Proper Notice.
The invitation was a 3 layer custom invite with gold metallic paper, star dream paper and brown lizard paper with brown thermography
Spitz & Peck provided the decor and created Jake’s logo, which was used on elements throughout his celebration.
Jake welcomes his friends to JZ’s 13/13 Club – a play on the real Jay Z’s 40/40 club in NYC
A logo decal on the dance floor by Barmitzvahbackdrops.com
Spitz & Peck also created this light up sign
Spitz & Peck provided the decor and centerpieces for the ballroom at Jericho Jewish Center.
The ballroom is ready for guests
Silver table linens with royal blue napkins create a striking look
The kids lounge area
Entertainment Tonite provided the music entertainment with Carl as the MC.
Jake makes his entrance
Jake with the Entertainment Tonite crew
Guests having fun
The dance floor is full!
The Main Event provided casino tables, a fun karaoke booth, an X-box set up, photo favors and cubbies. The kids went home with a JZ logo disc.
Guests enjoying karaoke
Casino tables
Spitz & Peck created Jake’s sign-in poster.
Jake on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine!
Jake’s friends received a charcoal gray sweatshirt from GMG Custom Screen printing.
The front of the sweatshirt with Jake’s logo…
…and the back
JZ’s Crib was used in the kids cocktail area and then moved to a hallway when guests were leaving.
Lots of treats for their guests ride home
A coming attraction poster for young brother Sam’s upcoming Bar Mitzvah
The following vendors helped to make Jake’s celebration special. When you call, please tell them you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Jericho Jewish Center
Photographer/Videographer: Ira Rosen Studio, 516-679-1585
Invitations: Ellen Futterman, Proper Notice, 516-621-9523
Music Entertainment: MC Carl, Entertainment Tonite, 516-826-6900 x:115
Party Entertainment: The Main Event, 800-839-0918
Favors: GMG Custom Screen Printing, 516-358-9224
Decor/Florist/Sign-in: Spitz & Peck, 516-371-0600
Floor Decal: BarMitzvahbackdrops.com, 877-544-1054
Mom’s Dress: Filly’s, Williston Park, 516-739-9090
Hair: Yvonne, Salon Entourage, 516-496-1700
Makeup: Lori Berrin, 516-626-8358
July 21st, 2012
Bar Mitzvah boy Josh is very musical and loves to sing, so a Rock ‘n’ Roll theme was the perfect choice!
His celebration at Temple Chaverim in Plainview, New York was filled with great ideas and special touches by his mom Stephanie, an in house party planner at That’s Entertainment Concepts, a division of Party Harty Entertainment.
Party Harty Entertainment provided the music entertainment and That’s Entertainment Concepts provided all the additional special touches and extras for their guests to bring this Rock ‘n’ Roll theme to life!
Check it all out below:
Mom Stephanie sent out “save the date” CD’s filled with Josh’s favorite songs to all the adult guests. She sent artwork to Mimeo.com who sent her back blank CD’s with Josh’s photo on them
Their themed invitation was in the shape of a record. The envelope liner had guitars and different music groups
Centerpieces reflected the rock ‘n’ roll vibe of the room
The Party Harty Entertainment crew with Josh
Josh gets high fives from friends and family
Guests enjoying the Party Harty Entertainment
MC Howie having fun with Josh’s older brother Zach
Josh is a musician and to go along with his rock ‘n’ roll party, he sang two songs from the Beatles with Mike’s band. Mike is an MC/dancer from Party Harty Entertainment
Their candle lighting ceremony was a big hit at their party! Just as it started, the Party Harty Entertainment dancers handed all the guests a Safe Flame candle. As guests were called up, they first lit their candle (battery operated) and then came up to the cake for a picture. Everyone in the room was asked to come up at some point so the whole room was lit up by the end of the candle lighting
Josh and his friends in front of his logo’d step ‘n’ repeat
Foosball fun for the young guests
Pop A Shot was on hand too
There were fun custom green screen photo favors to match the theme
Mom Stephanie and Dad David
We thank Party Harty Entertainment for sharing this fun celebration with our readers. To learn more, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
July 19th, 2012
WANTED: Mitzvah Moms To Help Spread The Word About Celebrate! Party Showcase Presented By Mitzvah Market
PRIZE: Two Broadway Show Tickets, Jewelry, Spa Treatments, Date Nights and More!
Are you plugged in to the world of planning a Bar/Bat Mitzvah in your community? Do you know families who are also in the midst of planning? Tell your friends about Celebrate! Party Showcase and you can win. Keep reading for more information.
Celebrate! Party Showcase has been around for over 20 years with yearly events in New Jersey, Westchester, Connecticut and now Long Island. Mitzvah Market is now part of the company that owns Celebrate!
Celebrate! Party Showcase Presented By Mitzvah Market is coming to a Marriott near you. Here are our upcoming show dates:
New Jersey, Sunday, January 13, 2013 at the Park Ridge Marriott
Connecticut, Sunday, March 17, 2013 at the Stamford Marriott Hotel & Spa
We know our readers love the unique and creative ideas we bring them through our Mitzvah Market Mail newsletters and our Website, now you can meet these vendors and see these ideas brought to life.
At our upcoming showcases, visit with all the necessary vendors you need to hire in order to create a special celebration for your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah.
DJs, invitation makers, photographers, favors, caterers, Judaica and much more. Additionally, we are working hard to bring you the newest products and services available so your party can be different from the rest!
Watch this short video from a past showcase event here!
We are currently looking for Moms from Long Island, Northern New Jersey, New York City, Westchester, Rockland and Connecticut to tell their friends about our showcase.
If you can get 18 friends or more to register here and check-in on the day of the showcase, you can win two tickets to a Broadway Show, jewelry, spa treatments, date nights and much more. Just send us the list of friends you told and we will check if they attended.
To learn more, email us at info@MitzvahMarket.com and let us know your name and town.
July 16th, 2012
We don’t do this often, but we know there are families out there who might not be able to buy new centerpieces for their child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration.
We hope to help “do a Mitzvah” and connect families who can help each other.
There are 9 centerpieces from this “Movie Matinee” themed celebration and two additional large centerpieces that were used for decorations.
One of nine movie themed centerpieces
This one is Hunger Games themed
A large popcorn container can be filled with colored balloons as decor
If you are interested, please contact Leslie at 516-817-4291 or adoptionsocialwork@msn.com for more information.
July 8th, 2012
According to Hilary Feldman of RSVParties Inc, sometimes the hardest part about planning a client’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah is coming up with the theme.
Bat Mitzvah girl Saige always loved science and space and once they decided on the kaleidoscope invitation, the rest fell into place.
This celebration took place at the Ritz Carlton Golf resort in Naples, Florida.
The kaleidoscope invitations were designed by DM Designs and created by kaleidoscopestoyou.com
A custom kaliedscope is a very creative invitation
Saige is ready to party in her pretty pink dress
Check out the rest of the photos below:
Here’s a list of vendors who made Saige’s party special.
Party Planner: Rsvparties Inc
Photographer: Aimee Rossi Photography, LLC
Lounge Furniture: Galaxy Productions
Kaleidoscopes: kaleidoscopestoyou.com
Invitation: DM designs
July 7th, 2012
Evan Fleisig celebrated his Bar Mitzvah on May 12, 2012 at The Racquets Club of Short Hills in New Jersey.
Evan’s Mom, Sharon Klesse, is an interior designer, so she did not hire a party planner to help with his tropical theme.
Instead, she served as the party planner and put herself in charge of decorations, and together with her family created an island party to remember, complete with a luau, hammocks, and leis.
All photography was done by John Marelli Photography and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
Pictured above L-R: Step Dad Tim, Bar Mitzvah boy Evan, Mom Sharon, Brother Harrison and big step Brother Timmy
The custom designed letter press invitation was created by Olive Branch Papery and utilized tropical colors: blue, aqua, orange, and yellow.
The invitation had an embossed palm tree next to the text and specified “Island Attire”
The stamps, from Zazzle, featured tropical parrots to go with the island theme, and the stamps Evan used for his thank you cards featured a monkey’s face and the words “thank you”
Evan’s Bar Mitzvah service was at Temple B’Nai Jeshurun in Short Hills, New Jersey.
Brother Harrison, Mom Sharon, and Bar Mitzvah boy Evan wearing a tallis from CBL Fine Art in West Orange, New Jersey
The Racquets Club of Short Hills was transformed for their tropical theme. The club was decorated with palm trees, and the centerpieces were palm fronds and other tropical leaves in vases filled with sea shells. For their cocktail hour, held downstairs in “the pub,” Sharon opted for hammocks with tropical colored throw pillows.
One hammock was placed near the tiki bar during the cocktail hour, and the other was placed near the dance floor
Even the tables were covered in island-inspired table skirts
A large stretched canvas displayed a painting of tropical flowers over the fireplace near the adult seating (and framed photographs depicting other island scenes were displayed on one wall)
Evan’s friends were greeted with LED leis and real coconut cups for their “cocktails,” distributed from the tiki bar Evan’s Mom and step Dad built and decorated.
Coconut cups with festive flowers
Colorful leis
The drinks menu
Evan chose a variety of kids entertainment including skee ball, domed hockey, and ping pong, as well as a magician and a green screen photo station
Pictures of Evan on different island vacations decorated tables and bars throughout the club.
Bijan from Unique Musique provided the musical entertainment for Evan’s tropical bash.
The men dancing the Horah
It looks like Evan enjoyed his party
Evan’s cake came from The Pink Cake Box and perfectly embodied his tropical island theme.
The cake was decorated to look like an island in the ocean, complete with waves and seashells
Wolf Head Athletic created the comfy hoodies that Evan gave his young guests as favors.
“It’s All Good”
The front of the hoodie included Evan’s name and the date of his celebration
Evan was all smiles for the evening, and no wonder. The party was filled with Kodak moments.
Evan and his friends pose around the cake
Evan and his Dad, Steven, share a big hug
Mom Sharon has some advice for all of us:
“I am an interior designer so the decorations were not only important to me, but fun for me to do! I did not use a party planner because being an interior designer and planning a Bar Mitzvah go hand in hand. My advice? Stay organized and create (and follow!) a project schedule. Specify what needs to be accomplished by what date and stick to it! You will avoid last minute headaches this way, and possible panic attacks!”
Mom Sharon, Evan, and Step Dad Tim
For Evan’s Mitzvah Project, he played his sax for the elderly in an assisted living facility nearby. He continues to do this now even though his Bar Mitzvah is over because it makes him happy to bring music and joy to people, some of whom don’t even leave the building any longer.
The following vendors helped to make Evan’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: The Racquets Club of Short Hills, 973-379-6080
Party Planner: Mom Sharon Klesse, Sharon Klesse Interiors, sharon@sharoninteriors.com
Music Entertainment: Larry Gold, Unique Musique, 732-431-4082
Favors: David Stern, Wolf Head Athletic, 973-376-1112
Games: The Main Event, 800-839-0918
Invitation: Christine Kosakowski, Olive Branch Papery, 973-722-2848
Cake: Anne Heap, The Pink Cake Box, 973-998-4445
Florist and Draped Fabric: Steve Novich, Jersey Street Furniture, 973-779-7444
Mom’s Dress: Roberto Cavalli gown from Neiman Marcus
Suits: Nordstrom, Express
Hair: Laura Sue Turano, 973-885-8767
Transportation: Pocono Progressive, 973-416-6800
Photography: John Marelli Photography, 862-204-9385
Video: Seth Elgart Professional Video, 973-292-6300
Bulk Candy: A Candy Store
Stamps: Zazzle
Kippot: Yarmulkes.com
Tallis: CBL Fine Art
Candles: CreativeCandles.com
Tropical Theme & Coconut Cups: Luau Express
LED Leis: CoolGlow.com
July 1st, 2012
Event planner Jeffrey Klein of East 7th Street Promotions impressed us with his candle lighting picture cubes and now he’s done it again.
We love this interpretation of a “fishing” themed Bar Mitzvah with another creative candle lighting display! There were many fishing details that related to the theme and the Bar Mitzvah boy’s passion.
All party photography was provided by Karen Farber of Karen Farber Photography.
Each child received a custom VIP fishing license pass they could wear throughout the event
Candles in illuminated mason jars holding live fish adorned each table
The adult area was elegant, but still had a feel for fishing; the centerpieces were wicker fishing creels filled with seasonal wildflowers and bamboo fishing poles with dangling votives
Sam, the Bar Mitzvah boy, performed his candle lighting at a “dock,” set up with logs and rope set up to give an authentic feel and the specially designed fishing logo on the front to make it personal
Mimicking the candles on the adult tables, the candle lighting display was made up of candles floating in illuminated vases
The whole party was bathed in blue, from the candles to the vaulted ceiling and walls, to enhance the ambiance
Each young guest went home with the above logo on a wearable favor so they could remember the “off the hook” fishing themed party
Thanks to East7thStreetPro for sharing this unique theme with our readers. It’s a great reminder that literally any interest or theme can be translated into a gorgeous party.
July 1st, 2012
As a Mitzvah Mom or Dad who has been through the planning process, I’m sure you have lots of wisdom to share with other families.
Mitzvah Market will be publishing a magazine this October and we would love to include your helpful advice. Please send us your thoughts to info@MitzvahMarket.com.
Here are some ideas to help you get started:
* What is the best thing you did during the planning process that helped the most?
* How did you make it a spiritual experience for your family?
* If there are younger siblings, what did you do to include them in the process?
* Is there something you did, ordered, bought that you could have lived without?
* Was there something you did special for out of town guests?
We will need your name, hometown and advice by August 1, 2012.
Thank you!
July 1st, 2012
Jordan Gladstone celebrated his Bar Mitzvah on September 24, 2011 with a reception at the Willow Ridge Country Club in Harrison, New York.
When your Mom is a graphic designer and your aunt is one of the premier event planners in Westchester, New York, you know your party is going to be creative and unique!
Jordan’s theme revolved around his last name “Gladstone” and included touches of green and navy.
Check it out – you will be GLAD you did!
Pictured left (L-R): Mom Paula, Brother Spencer, Bar Mitzvah boy Jordan and Dad Douglas
All party photography was provided by Deja VU Studios and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
Original graphics were created for Jordan by his mother, Paula Gladstone. These custom designs were used on his Bar Mitzvah invitation as well as various mediums throughout the party.
Victoria Dubin, Jordan’s Aunt and owner of Victoria Dubin Events, a full service event company located in Westchester County wanted to create something unique for her nephew. With a play on their last name, taglines were used throughout the party. “Glad to Eat” on the menu card, “Glad Guests” on cocktail napkins and guest towels, “Glad for Family” and “Glad for Friends.”
The tagline “Good to Be Glad” was introduced to guests as they arrived to find their custom printed table cards, stating “Glad you are here”
Event planner/Aunt Victoria gave the kids lounge a really cool vibe. It was a combination of personalized light up tables with graphics, stools, custom pillows and white leather furniture.
The room looked elegant with high votive candles and apple green menus
White lounge furniture with green and navy accents created a cool look
Custom pillows were created in navy and green apple green
How about this personalized light up table with Jordan’s logo!
Total Entertainment provided the music with Vinny as the MC.
We think Jordan was GLAD to be in this picture with his Total Entertainment dancers wearing “Good to be Glad” tanks
Total Entertainment provided some fun games and activities for the kids to enjoy like a foosball table, 4 Xbox screens, virtual horse racing, blackjack, pop a shot and Atom the worlds fastest painter.
Air hockey for three players
Jordan looks happy to be in the middle of this picture!
Jordan surrounded by his friends
Mom and Dad surprised Jordan with entertainer Atom, known as the “Fastest Performance Artist with Spray Paint.” Jordan is a huge fan!
Incorporating Jordan’s initials and color scheme, LuLu’s of Scarsdale created a yummy and classic cake.
“Glad for Friends” was shown on the plasma screens during candle lighting
Jordan with his Aunt Victoria and her family
Some advice from Mom Paula:
“Just have fun and enjoy the process! Don’t forget the real reason you are having the event. It is a meaningful milestone that provides each Bar/Bat Mitzvah child with a great opportunity to display so many abilities and talents as well as enjoy the true feelings of pride and love their family and friends will extend towards them.”
Young guests received “Glad in the Hood” personalized sweatshirts with coordinating bags and labels. Mom Paula designed the logo and Favor It, a full service event company created them.
Jordan and his Mom worked together on Sundays in the fall working along with County Harvest to pick up donated food from Trader Joe’s and deliver it directly to a home for people with needs, whether it was financial or other.
Tobo Foods provided a truck that was standing by as guests left the reception. Mom Paula let us know she got this idea from Mitzvah Market!
Tobo Foods offered the Gladstone’s guests delicious bakery products and candy and featured a sign that said “Glad you were here”
The following vendors made Jordan’s party special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue/Caterer: Willow Ridge Country Club Harrison, NY
Party Planner and Design: Victoria Dubin Events 914-682-8647
Invitation: Glad for Graphics, gladforgraphics@gmail.com
Photographer/Videography: DeJaVU Studios 914-725-7700
Music Entertainment: Total Entertainment MC Vinny 201-894-0055
Games/Graffiti Lockers: Total Entertainment
Sign In Board: Glad for Graphics
Cake: LuLu’s of Scarsdale 914-722-8300
Favors: Robin Abtutyn, Favor It, 914-629-0620, Rye Brook
Food Truck: Tobo Foods 516-623-4624
Suits for family members: Lubins of Westchester 914-713-0300
Hair/makeup: Neiman Marcus
