Wedding Checklist: Summer Last Minute Tips

Image Via: One Fab Day

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The Wedding Cake

Of course you haven’t forgotten the cake! However you need to remember that it’s going to be hot, so your cake’s icing shouldn’t melt. You should take care and instruct beforehand exactly when the cake should be brought out. After all, so much effort must have gone in getting your gorgeous wedding cake ready!

Image Via: Silver land Jewelry

Stock Up Extra Water

Don’t forget to add extra water bottles in your last minute checklist! The heat is going to be intense and to top it there is going to be dancing, partying and running around. Sure some throats are going to get extra thirsty. Catering for extra water will just help.

Image Via: Wedding Star

Check With The Weather Guys

Believe me, unexpected weather pops up on days when you really don’t want it to. And your wedding day is just too important for it to be ignored. As a lot of summer weddings are set in the outdoors, check with the weather department for unexpected storms, rain etc. If they do give you a hint about unexpected changes, make alternate arrangements to avoid last minute shockers.

Be Bug Ready

Summers come with loads of bugs and insects. The chances of bug attacks increase if your wedding is set in the outdoors. Don’t be hassled. Just include bug sprays, bug deterrent candles and lamps in your last minute summer wedding checklist, to keep the nasty insects away.

Image Via: One Wed

Keep The Flowers Fresh

Chances are that you have already ordered the flowers and decided flower arrangements with your florist. However keep the heat in mind. Ask the flowers to be delivered just in time, so that they can be used before they wilt and dry away. Have a flower decoration plan ready.

Image Via: Charlton Park Florists

A wedding checklist is more of a personal thing as needs and requirements vary from wedding to wedding. For, instance some of you might want to include things like practicing to walk in your wedding shoes, creating a seating arrangement plan for your guests, assigning duties to close friends ,etc. So just build upon the list and create a personal one for yourself. Also do share with us, if you think of anymore points that need to be considered for a summer wedding.

Click here for more Wedding Ideas on Stagetecture!

Happy DIY Saturday! Thanksgiving is only a few short weeks away! Are you ready? If you are still trying to plan out the details… who will cook what, how much food you will need to buy, and what guest is bringing what dish, you need to get organized!

Stagetecture Radio – Helpful Tricks!

If you missed my Stagetecture Radio show – Episode3 – Saving Money & Time this Thanksgiving I encourage you to listen. I give you great tips for:

• Saving money – potluck dinner, catering, buying food from favorite restaurant
• Saving time – have guests help with meal, set a simple Thanksgiving table
• Make-ahead meals
• more!  – Listen in here on download from iTunes

Simple Thanksgiving Turkey Meal – Video

Link to Video –> Easy Thanksgiving cooking Turkey

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Turkey tricks for a beautiful bird

Thanks Southern Living for these helpful tips!

It can take two to three days to thaw a frozen turkey. So, buy it ahead of time while the selection is still good, and plan when and how you’ll thaw it. Find defrosting charts attached to the turkey online at Butterball.com

After the turkey thaws, stick your hand into the cavity and pull out the neck and giblets. They’re usually wrapped in paper. If you forget this step and find these after you’ve finished cooking, your turkey is still safe to eat; just pull ’em out, enjoy a laugh, and go on.

Once you remove the turkey from the oven, cover it loosely with foil to allow the bird to rest. The juices absorb back into the turkey, and it carves easily. This resting is prime oven time for additional casseroles or dessert.

The Roasting Pan

A turkey is best cooked on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. If your roasting pan is missing the rack, line the bottom with 1 1⁄2 inches of roughly chopped fruits and vegetables (onions, celery, carrots, apples). These elevate the bird off the pan and add wonderful flavor. Plus, the rich pan drippings make a delicious gravy. Here are some things to keep in mind when it comes to picking roasting pans.

• For ease of cleanup, choose a large aluminum foil disposable pan, available at the supermarket. You may need to place it on a baking sheet for support.
• Avoid deep Dutch ovens with high sides (more than 4 inches), and don’t use a lid; you’ll get a steamed turkey rather than a browned roasted one.
• A good roasting pan costs from $45 to $60. We like a stainless exterior with a dark nonstick interior and sturdy handle

Oven Alternatives

If your oven can’t accommodate everything on your menu, consider replacing some recipes with ones that rely on a slow cooker, microwave, or cooktop. Steam vegetables or cook potatoes in the microwave, or sauté fresh vegetables on the cooktop. You can also microwave hard squashes such as acorns and butternut. Make casseroles ahead of time in microwave-safe dishes (make sure they fit your microwave), and reheat them just prior to serving.

When using the slow cooker, set it on a cutting board to protect your countertop from heat fluctuations that might cause it to crack. Also, make cleanup easy with new slow-cooker liners (like a plastic bag inside your slow cooker) available at the supermarket. Just lift the bag out of the slow cooker after the food is removed, and toss it. For smart slow-cooker recipes, see our Slow-Cooker Cornbread Dressing or check out how we use the slow cooker to hold mashed sweet potatoes until it’s time to eat.

About Desserts

Good cooks take several approaches. The first is to offer selections that can be made ahead of time, such as cakes, some pies, and chilled desserts. Other dessert items, such as cobblers and bread puddings, go into the oven just before you sit down to eat and come out hot just as you finish the meal. Either approach works.

If you prefer something more showy such as a crème brûlée or soufflé, do as much prep work beforehand as possible, leaving the final mixing, stirring, broiling, or blow-torching until the last minute. Invite your guests to help you; they’ll love being a part of the show.

For more Thanksgiving tips on Stagetecture, click here.

For more DIY ideas on Stagetecture, & Stagetecture’s YouTube Channel, click here.

These days family travel is more of a trial than a treat, what with long lines polluting the airports and skyrocketing gas prices impacting the savings you’d normally get from driving to your destination. And when you travel with a large group it only adds to the inherent hassle and ratchets up your stress level. So if you’re looking for a way to dial down the pressure of planning a large family trip, here are just a few tips and tricks to help you cover the bases and ensure your vacation goes off without a hitch.

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Limit luggage.

As if it’s not hard enough to keep track of people when you’re traveling with a large group, you’ll also have to make sure that everyone has their luggage coming and going. However, this hassle can be made easier by limiting each person to one piece of checked luggage and one carry-on item (or one suitcase and one small backpack that can go on the floor for car travel). This will also cut down on associated costs for additional checked bags, potentially saving you a ton of money.

Make a checklist.

Santa couldn’t get by without making his list and checking it twice, and you could learn from his example (however fictional). In truth, you’ll likely need multiple checklists that include itinerary items, important to-dos before you hit the bricks, and packing lists for everyone you’re responsible for (mainly yourself and any kids under your care). Check them off as you go, and when it comes to packing bags, check them again before you head to the airport or load the car.

Plan ahead.

It’s a good idea to call in refills of medications well ahead of time to ensure that you don’t run out during your trip. And you should also check the weather at your destination to make sure that you have the clothing items everyone needs. If not, you want to have enough time to go shopping before you embark on your trip.

Mark children.

If you’re not the type to put kids on leashes, at least mark them with identification so that they can be easily found. The best thing you can probably do is supply each child with an ID bracelet that has their name, your contact information, and potentially any allergies or medical conditions, in case they end up in a hospital. But you might also print this information and put it in their pocket, for example, if you don’t have time for the whole bracelet thing. This way, if they are separated from you in the airport or at your travel destination, they can seek out an authority figure to quickly get in touch with you. As an added precaution you should carry recent photos with you to aid authorities in finding a lost child.

Delegate tasks.

Nearly everyone in your party can shoulder some of the responsibility during your trip, so if you’re handling airline arrangements, assign another adult to tackle the hotel reservations and set someone else to arranging for transportation (like a shuttle or car service to Bradley airport, for example). Even kids can be asked to complete simple activities like packing bags, planning their outfits for the day of travel, and making sure they have their own forms of entertainment (MP3 players, handheld gaming devices, books, games, and so on). Everyone is capable of shouldering some of the burden so that you can relax and enjoy yourself.

For more travel ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

A family vacation is not a luxury but rather a necessity. It keeps the family closer and gives time to spend together. It is an opportunity to know your kids better and so with you to them. Taking your time to be with your family in a vacation is a great way to escape from your work routines. It tends to take away your stress and fill in happy memories.

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A family vacation does not have to get you out of your budget. You do not have to pile up loans just to have a getaway with your family. A careful planning will give you a great family vacation without emptying your pocket.

To do this, you have to know these useful tips on how to save money on a local vacation:

Have a memorable vacation without going far

Remember that the goal is to spend quality time together with your family. Choose a place that is a few hours drive that your family has not yet travel around.  It would save you money on airfares or higher fuel costs. Visit your local travel agent and get brochures or look online for local attractions in your geographic location. From a few hours away drive by car, to staying at home at night and having a “day vacation” during the daytime.

Reserve lodging ahead of time.

The cheapest way to have an accommodation is to check-in a backpackers’ hotel. This is like a dorm-type hotel that can accommodate single, twin and family guests for an overnight stay. This is quite cheaper than other hotel accommodations. You might want to consider camping if you and your family have not experienced it yet. But the best option is when you have relatives or friends who live near the place you intend to go. You may ask for just a night’s accommodation for your family.

Save money and bring food

You may bring food with you before going to your destination. Remember to seal it properly to prevent it from being rotten. Also, you can buy from groceries and pack your snacks and lunch. Buying food and drinks in your destination might be very expensive, if available. Thus, bringing your packed food is a brilliant idea.

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Choose a location that isn’t expensive to enjoy

Consider activities like forest hiking, visiting national parks and other similar places that require lesser spending. Also consider looking into time shares, rental properties in your local area, you’d be surprised how much fun it is to just go stay at someone else’s house! Bring along some movie rentals, food and enjoy your family in town!

Remember to plan ahead for this local family vacation. By doing this, you can avail of great discounts for early or advance reservation. Enjoy your family vacation!

For more family ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Is there anything more enjoyable than throwing a summertime party outside on your patio in the warmer months? Outdoor entertaining is enjoyed by guests who come to visit and by the homeowners who are throwing the get together. Regardless if you’re holding a large party or an intimate gathering, here are a few ideas to help you prepare your patio. Whether you decide to barbecue or you want a formal sit-down event, steal some of these tips for the ultimate entertaining summer event on your patio.

Image via: Apartment Therapy

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Plan out the details: 

Before you get the menu and guest list set you will need to plan out the details of getting your patio ready for guests.  After the colder months ensure the ground material is pressure washed or swept clean of all debris. Whether you have a concrete, or wood deck, make sure the floor is clean and free of stains. Once this is done look at your furniture and see if it’s free from needing repairs and it’s welcoming to guests to sit and relax on. After your furniture and patio flooring is ready, it’s time for adding decoration!

Image via: Style Me Pretty

Decorating for your patio party:  

Determine when you will throw your party and what decor is needed for the time of day, climate, and possible weather changes. For an evening party, ensure there is great lighting – string lights hung from the trees, lanterns on tables, and candlelight is always perfect. For a daytime party, make sure there is shade for guests who don’t want to be in direct sun and plenty of area for mingling near the pool, near the grill, etc… Decorate your party with a theme, bring in patio plants, and colorful wall decor for the perfect patio party.

Image via: Southern Living

Planning for a summertime patio party can be a challenge when you think of all there is to include. Use these helpful tips for getting your patio in beautiful shape. Bring plants into your decorative display areas to add color, texture, and conversation pieces around your patio area. Enjoy the season – for its only here once a year!

For more entertaining ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

If you are trying to plan an Easter egg hunt you may be overwhelmed with all of the ideas you have, but no time to do them all (or this may just be me!) Last year I featured this DIY Saturday for planning an Easter egg hunt and I was told it was a great help. Let me know if it helps!

One from the archives….

Image via: Babble

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Original Entry #473, April 9, 2011

Happy DIY Saturday! Two weeks from this Sunday will be Easter and this is a perfect time to start planning out your Easter Egg Hunt for the kids, family, neighbors, and even the adults!

Easter egg hunts are a nostalgic way to bring back memories that you had as a kid, running through the grass and collecting as many “hidden” eggs as possible! Today, I thought I would turn today’s DIY Saturday into a helpful way to plan for a hunt at your home. From the invitations to decorating the Easter baskets, here are creative ways from Martha Stewart to make the day memorable for all.

You Tube video shows you how to make “green” Easter decoration for gift giving:

Easter Egg Hunt Preparation

Steps for making Easter Egg Hunt Invitations:

Print clip art onto card stock. Cut out card, and fold in half. Join the backs of the two halves with double-sided tape or a glue stick.

Print the Easter Egg Hunt Invitation
Print the Yellow Spring Invitation
Print the Spring in Bloom Invitation

Hard Cooked Eggs – Seasoned Salts

Hard-cooked eggs are served with bowls of cilantro- and pimenton-flavored salts.

Ingredients

Steps for making Easter basket tags:

Inexpensive baskets are adorned with clip art tags for kids to write their names on, so there are no mix-ups at your Easter-egg hunt party.

Print onto card stock, and cut out. Punch a hole at the top, and thread with string or ribbon. Use open space to write a name on each.

Print Easter Basket Tags

Easter Egg Cartons:

Cartons adorned with our floral clip art let the kids showcase their favorite eggs and get them home safely.

For more Easter ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Creating a home office space that suits your needs and your aesthetic sensibilities is no easy undertaking.  And unless you have a flair for interior decorating (or you’re willing to pay for the services of a professional), you may end up with an office that is very much “your style” (if you even have a recognizable style) but somewhat less than functional.  Or you could have a space that technically suits your needs, but comes across as sterile (institutional white does not make for a very creative workspace).  So if you’re looking to put together an office that allows for ease of use while providing an environment that is inspiring and mentally stimulating, here are just a few basic tips to help you along.

Image via: Office Furniture 2010

Fit furnishings to your space 

Many people come into a home with oversized furnishings handed down from relatives or bought at garage sales (where the price was right even if the piece wasn’t).  But a room that you can’t navigate isn’t exactly going to entice you into entering; in fact, a space that appears overstuffed is more likely to repel you.  On the other hand, a large room that is practically bare could make you equally uncomfortable.  So try to find pieces that fit your space as well as your needs.

Consider storage solutions

One thing that most offices lack is adequate storage, and yet, this is a relatively simple issue to address.  Just because you don’t have built-in closets or cabinetry doesn’t mean you can’t easily add what you need.  And considering that your office may hold such diverse items as office supplies, arts and crafts materials, files, bills, media, and books, it behooves you to have a place for everything.  You should almost certainly get a filing cabinet for important documents, an in/out box for bills, and cabinets or shelving (with bins) to manage the rest.  Remember that there is usable wall space above your head.

Make it personal

Your office is a room in your home, so there’s no reason why you wouldn’t fill it with items that are appealing to you on a personal level, such as family photos or a favorite overstuffed chair (for reading or napping).  You should also choose a paint color that makes you feel energized (or calm, depending on what you’re going for) and any kind of flooring you desire, from rich hardwood to plush pile to a Persian rug that’s been in the family for decades.  Keep it professional if you want, but remember that you’re not bound by the restrictions of a traditional office environment.

Allocate space

Many families have to share limited office space, so consider how you might allocate areas for adults and kids in the household so that the surface you use to pay your bills or conduct work from home doesn’t end up under a pile of craft projects the kids are doing for school.

Get the right equipment and services

No home office is complete without a computer or laptop, a combination printer (with scanner, fax, SD card slots, and even fax 2 email capabilities), and a shredder for those documents that contain sensitive personal information.  Of course, once you’ve got the proper equipment, you’ll also need to secure the services that will get you connected.  You’ll certainly want to get internet access and you should definitely build a firewall and install anti-virus and anti-spyware programs.  And if you’re running a home-based business you may even want to contract for web hosting services.

For more home office ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Many couples want to be married during the summer months while others opt for a winter white wedding during the holidays.  Often these times of year are chosen because of the ease with which friends and family can attend (kids are out of school, adults can get time off work, etc.), although there are probably other reasons why summer and winter weddings are the most popular.  In any case, should you choose to stray from the beaten path by opting for an autumnal wedding, you still have plenty of options for suitable decor.  And you can really get into the spirit of the season if you further elect to have an outdoor wedding in the privacy of your backyard.  Here are just a few decorating tips that may hit the mark.

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Opt for seasonal colors

The colors of fall are gorgeous and you shouldn’t hesitate to represent them in your wedding decor.  The fiery hues of red, orange, and yellow that adorn deciduous trees should be mirrored in your decorations, from the bridesmaid dresses to the bouquet to the embellishments on the cake.  Of course, you don’t have to go overboard by making everything matchy-matchy; white tablecloths will stand out brilliantly against the backdrop of fall colors on natural display in your yard.  But going against the grain by choosing pastels that are more suited to a spring or summer wedding will make for a whole that is inharmonious.

Use the landscape

Instead of spending hundreds or thousands of dollars on floral arrangements, you can use the landscaping of a yard to your advantage.  Most couples give themselves a year or more to plan a wedding, which means you have plenty of time to get on top of planting schedules so that your yard will be in full bloom for your wedding the following year.  Especially important to plant ASAP are trees, bushes, or low-lying brush, which will need some time to fill out.

Consider a seasonal theme

There are many holidays that occur during the fall months, and all could provide a theme for your wedding.  For example, if you are enamored with Halloween or Dia de Los Muertos, you could decide to incorporate elements associated with these holidays into your wedding.  Thanksgiving is another possibility, as is Oktoberfest.  And harvest festivals are also fairly common for this time of year.

Don’t neglect the details

You don’t have to do everything in reds and oranges with leaf patterns, but a few well-planned touches could make your fall wedding spectacular.  Colorful napkins are a good place to start, while place cards could be cut in the shape of a leaf.  These types of accents will complement your seasonal aesthetic without going over the top.

Plan for inclement weather

Depending on the actual date and location you choose, you could be dealing with either blazing hot sun or wind, rain, and even snow.  If you’re looking at potential wedding sites in San Diego (at your home or that of a family member or friend), then you probably don’t have to worry too much about the weather.  But if you’re getting married in Michigan or upstate New York, you could have a real problem.  So if you’re set on an outdoor wedding, prepare for potential weather problems by renting a tent to cover the reception area, and including fans for hot weather or heat lamps for cold.

For more wedding ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

We are officially into the home stretch for Thanksgiving, and every year  cook my food days ahead of time to save time, energy, and food tastes so much better once it has been “marinating” all together!

Here’s one from the archives…

Original Entry #331, November 14, 2010

Aren’t we all looking for ways to make Thanksgiving less stressful? How about making parts of your meal ahead of time? In my house I make the collard greens, sweet potato casserole, and corn pudding weeks in advance. Today I found these great recipes from Martha Stewart for “Make-Ahead Meals”… get started now!

Simple Stuffing:

Serves 8

• 2 loaves Italian bread (about 10 ounces each), torn into bite-size pieces
• 4 tablespoons butter, room temperature, plus more for baking dish
• 4 celery stalks, thinly sliced
• 4 shallots, minced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Coarse salt and ground pepper
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1/2 cup parsley leaves, chopped
• 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 cans (14 1/2 ounces each) reduced-sodium chicken broth

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Arrange bread in a single layer on two rimmed baking sheets. Bake until crisp but not browned, about 10 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through.
2. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add celery, shallots, and garlic; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened, 5 to 7 minutes. Add wine, and cook until evaporated, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl.
3. To vegetables in bowl, add bread, parsley, and eggs. Season with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; stir to combine. Mix in half of broth. Continue to add in more broth just until stuffing is moistened but not wet (there should not be any liquid in the bottom of the bowl).
4. Just before roasting turkey, stuff it with 4 cups stuffing. Spoon remaining stuffing into a buttered 8-inch square baking dish. Cover with buttered aluminum foil, and refrigerate. When turkey is removed from oven to rest, place covered baking dish in oven, and bake until warmed through, 25 to 30 minutes. Uncover and bake until golden, about 15 minutes more.

Sweet Potato & Sage Butter Casserole

Serves 6 to 8

• 2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 pound Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 4 ounces (1 stick) unsalted butter, plus 1 ounce (2 tablespoons), melted
• 2 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk, warmed
• Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs (from 3 slices white bread, crusts removed)

1. Place sweet potatoes and potatoes in a large saucepan; cover with water, and season with salt. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 9 minutes. Drain; pass through a ricer into a bowl.
2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Melt 1 stick butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, swirling occasionally, until golden brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat; add 2 tablespoons sage. Stir butter mixture and milk into potatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a 2-quart casserole dish. (Mixture can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.)
3. Combine breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter and remaining 1/2 tablespoon sage. Season with salt and pepper. Toss to combine.
4. Top potato mixture with breadcrumbs. Bake, uncovered, until bubbling around edges and breadcrumbs are golden brown, 30 to 40 minutes. (If browning too quickly, tent with foil.) Let stand, uncovered, for 10 minutes.

Easy Pie Crust

 

Pie crust is always needed throughout the holidays

Makes 2

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 sticks chilled unsalted butter
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water

1. To make dough, mix flour, salt, and sugar in a medium-size bowl. Cut butter into pieces. With a pastry blender, cut in butter, working until mixture resembles coarse meal.
2. Add ice water; work with hands until dough comes together. If dough is still crumbly, add more ice water a tablespoon at a time (up to 4 more tablespoons). Do not overwork.
3. Divide dough in half, and flatten halves into disks. Wrap disks separately in plastic; refrigerate at least 1 hour.
4. To form pie-shell, on a floured surface, roll dough into a 14-inch round. Wrap around rolling pin; carefully unroll over a 9-inch pie plate.
5. Fit gently into bottom and side of plate. Use kitchen shears to trim dough to a 1-inch overhang; fold under, and seal to form a rim.
6. Crimp rim with fingertips and knuckle. Repeat with remaining dough; wrap each with plastic, stack, and freeze.

Try these make these make ahead holiday dishes to save you time… and energy!

For more Thanksgiving ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

 

Whether you’re planning a personal party, a charity gala, or a corporate event, you may find yourself facing a large, empty space with no idea of how to stage it to accommodate and entertain the many guests on your list.  After all, you’re not an event planner.  Even if you have the budget to go all out and hire a party-planning firm for the event you still need to pull the trigger on a theme and the final layout.  And if you are flying solo on the planning process you really need some help.  So here are a few tips to get you started and ensure that your luxury event is the talk of the town.

Image via: Dwedding Ideas

Choose a Theme

Wild west, under-the-sea, and antebellum themes have been done ad nauseum, so if you’re looking for something new that is a little more sophisticated, you may want to go with a theme that’s a bit more interpretive.  For example, suppose you choose a season or an element (earth, wind, fire, water).  This would give you an idea (and possibly a color scheme) to start with and you could get really creative with how you choose to stage it.  You could also go with a movie theme, complete with a popular set from the film and wait staff dressed in costumes (think Lord of the Rings, Scarface, or Blade Runner, for example – iconic films that everyone will recognize instantly).

Seating

While plenty of guests will want to dance the night away once you get a few drinks in them, at some points they will almost certainly want to take a load off.  Depending on the type of event you’re hosting, you could keep it traditional by adding seating around tables, make it a little more relaxed by grouping sofas, chairs, and chaise lounges near coffee tables (club style), or even keep it open by peppering the space with nothing but enormous ottomans (or even beds).

Image via: Loras Floral

Lighting

The lighting will depend largely on the event and on the theme you choose, but there should be at least enough to ensure that guests aren’t blindly bumping into one another (or stationary objects), and this is especially important in a large space.  If you’re having staged entertainment, you may want a professional lighting setup, but otherwise you can use overhead lighting (colored bulbs will add atmosphere while gobos, or patterned inserts, could add some interesting texture to the space).  You might even want to place lamps around the room to make the atmosphere more intimate.

Food and Drink

Again, this will depend on several factors.  The first one is the age of the attendees.  If you’re throwing a party for kids or teens, caviar and champagne are not going to work.  In fact, the event will have to be alcohol-free and you’ll need a menu that appeals to the younger set.  For adults, you should base the alcohol inclusion on the event itself.  You may want to limit drinking at a corporate event, especially if the goal is to present information.  But if it’s a party, think about food that goes with your theme and let the drinks flow freely (if it suits your personal taste).  Since the space is large you’ll definitely want to hire waiters to circulate (or risk all the guests bunching up at the bar or buffet table).

Image via: Wed web Talks

Entertainment

This can get tricky.  Entertainment for a birthday party may be very different from a charity event or corporate entertainment.  Again, your theme and purpose may dictate, but if you’re looking for something special you may want to consider entertainers that are outside the norm, like belly dancers, sumo wrestlers, or sideshow acts (sword swallowers, psychics, fire-walkers, etc.).  You could go with a band or a DJ, for sure, but it may not make your event as special as it could be.

For more entertainment ideas on Stagetecture, click here.