The cold breeze is finally starting to stir. After a seemingly extended summer, the leaves are turning colour in an array of yellow, orange, purple and mahogany. As the leaves start to float off their branches, we know the season has finally begun – fall. That means Thanksgiving is just around the corner! Our heads start to spin as we start thinking about all the preparation and work involved to host a successful Thanksgiving dinner.
Not to worry though, we have all the tips you need to survive your 2016 Thanksgiving party.
1. Be Prepared
As Charles Dickens once said, “Why do tomorrow, what you can do today?” He couldn’t be more right, especially when it comes to event planning. Start by creating a thanksgiving party planning list of all the things you may need. Base this list off the amount of people attending, and the amount of space you have to work with. This will ensure you will be able to judge the appropriate amount of food, drinks and sauces – without overcrowding.
Once this is all done, it’s time to start the cooking. Let’s start with the most tedious of tasks when it comes to meal prep – vegetables. The night before is the perfect time to chop, dice and peel vegetables so they are all ready for the next day. Make sure to store these veggies in sealed containers to sustain ultimate freshness.
Let’s not forget about the main course, turkey. This is another item you can get ready the night before. This gives you substantial time to defrost, clean, stuff and season your turkey. Once this is all done, you can pop it in the oven to slow roast overnight. Make sure you keep it at a very low setting, that way your turkey will not only taste better, but it will be ready by the morning without being dried-out!
2. Use Shortcuts
Time is of the essence, so there is no time to waste! Some shortcuts are as easy as buying pre-made foods. Corn and cranberries can be found canned, without lacking the quality. Pour it into one of your favourite serving bowls and your guests won’t even think twice. Boxed stuffing is also a great tasting alternative to homemade stuffing – unless your family already knows your signature recipe!
Potatoes are another must-have addition to a Thanksgiving meal. To shorten prep time, use your dishwasher to rinse them instead of running water in the sink. This will allow you to wash triple the amount of potatoes in half the time. If you prefer to boil your potatoes, then you can skip the peeling process. The heat of the water will allow the potatoes to naturally peel on their own. Not picky on the cooking process? Peel the potatoes before hand, but stick them in the microwave. The potatoes will cook faster this way versus boiling them in water.
Another idea that is often overlooked is event staffing. You can hire a server from an event staffing company to help you set up, serve, and clean up your meals. Not only will you be able to spend more time with your guests, but it will also save you the hassle!
3. Don’t Forget About Drinks
Finding the right drink to serve doesn’t have to be as challenging as you thought. Keep it simple by limiting your selection. One kind of beer, a bottle of red and a bottle of white wine will cover the basics. When it comes to non-alcoholic choices, stick to water and pop. This way, you can come up with your own creative fruit punch. This can be your signature drink; after all, you did make it right in the comfort of your home. Make a non-alcoholic and alcoholic punch so both parties are accommodated. Remember, you can’t please everyone, but at least this way guests have a fun cocktail to turn too.
Bar service is another variable to keep in mind. If you’re going to do-it-yourself, make sure you buy enough coolers that can be stored outside to keep your drinks out of the way, but still cold! Try lining them up outside your back door, and have a sign indicating to guests where they can find a drink. Willing to step it up? Hire a bartender from an event staffing company to set you up with your very own bartender for the night. This will create a professional serving experience, and less stress for you!
Hosting any sort of dinner or event is a big task – especially when it’s at your home. Make sure to use these hacks to ensure you last all-night, without the headache. Use these tips freely, or contact us if you would like to take advantage of our event staffing and bar services!
Having a get together at your place with friends for a special occasion doesn’t always have to hurt the bank. It’s quite simple throwing a memorable party without having extravagant and expensive items at your event. Below are six easy steps to follow when planning your upcoming event on a budget.
- Make a Budget: The first and most important step is to determine your budget. Before sending out invites, calculate and add up each expense. This will give you a better idea of how much each aspect of the party (food, drinks, decor, etc.) will cost you, and will help determine if you might be spending too much in one area. You may be forced to cut down the guest list or attempt to save on costs elsewhere. Be sure not to go over budget!
- Simple Invitations: Instead of going all out with paper invitations, send out your invitations via email or use online invitation generating tools. It’s fast and simple, and most importantly it will save you big bucks! Also, if you happen to have all of your guests on Facebook, creating an event page acts as an invitation. This way, guests can easily RSVP, giving you a better idea of the number of attendees.
- Make the party a Potluck: On the invitation, indicate that the party is a potluck. Ask each guest to bring their favorite appetizer or a dish they create at home. Once the appetizers are taken care of, you can provide the main dish yourself. This can be something inexpensive such as pizza or homemade burgers.
- Budget Decor: Look for objects around your house to help decorate your party. You will be surprised at how much you can save by using simple decor you already own! Also, you can use DIY decor that is simple to create. For example, instead of getting a banner printed for a birthday party, buy inexpensive materials and create it on your own. Likewise, head over to your local Dollar Store and pick up streamers to add the finishing touches. They are low-cost, and add a lot of value and for their price. Keep the decor simple, it gives your party a classier look and helps you save on costs. You might also want to ask a few friends to show up early to help you decorate!
- Provide a signature drink: Instead of providing all the alcohol, you might want to stick to one or two signature drinks. By doing so, you won’t be forced to stock up on an abundant amount of all the different types of alcohol. State the drink in the invitation. If guests prefer something else, they can bring their own liquor. You can have one of your friends or family designated to serve to control the amount of alcohol being served and to avoid wastage. Also, you might want to hire a bartender from a reputable event staffing company for the night. Make sure you do your research and hire an event staffing company that offers competitive pricing and amazing service for your guests. This will make the event more enjoyable for everyone, as they won’t be forced to pour their own drinks. Oh and also BYOB!
- Create a playlist for music: Your event doesn’t need a private DJ. They can charge you a hefty amount for the evening which can be easily avoidable. In either form of the electronic invitation, ask your guests to name a few songs they would like being played during the course of the night. Using these songs, create a playlist and let it run all night long. You save on the costs of a DJ, yet everyone gets to enjoy their favorite music.
And there you have it folks! We’ve come up with simple solutions to have an awesome party, all while on a strict budget. Contact Bartendo for value pricing on all of your event staffing and bar service needs in Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary, Vancouver and Montreal!
Business functions are a great way to show appreciation to your employees. They encourage team building and aid in strengthening relationships with fellow colleagues. But keep in mind, when hosting a Business event involving the consumption of alcohol, be it a holiday party or a summer gathering, it is important to minimize the likelihood of a liability claim. These claims are not all that common, but when they do occur they can be extremely time consuming and ruin the reputation of your company.
Here are 4 ways to ensure your function runs safely and smoothly:
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Limit alcohol consumption: This can be done by using a few tactics. Each team member can receive drink tickets prior to the start of the event. This helps cap the maximum amount of drinks each employee is allowed to consume. Make sure to have a safe but enjoyable ticket limit (~1 per hour). A cash bar is another approach that can assist in keeping alcohol consumption to a desirable amount. When a cash bar is instated as opposed to an open bar, guests are less inclined to over consume as a result of having to purchase their own drinks.
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Insured Event Staffing Company: Hiring a bartender that is trained and insured! Having a bartender serve drinks at your event ensures guests do not over consume. Smart Serve Certified bartenders know when to cut off individuals, and also assure underage drinking does not take place! Likewise, it is important to affirm the event staff are fully insured. This eliminates a great deal of liability off your hands, and instead transfers it to the company providing the staff. This liability elimination is usually not possible when hiring individuals from classified search engines such as craigslist and kijiji. Be sure to contact a legitimate event staffing company that provides fully insured bartenders and servers for your next event!
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Ensure a safe ride home: A few days before the event, begin to encourage your team members to arrange a safe ride home. If one is not available, provide a taxi service, call them an uber or provide them with a credit for their fare home. Individuals will be less inclined to drive if a ride home is provided!
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Food: Please ensure that plenty of food is provided at your party. It is essential for your guests to consume alcohol and eat simultaneously to avoid the consequences of over-intoxication. The likelihood of guests getting highly intoxicated, upset stomachs and nausea increase due to rapid absorption of alcohol on empty stomachs.
Following these guidelines will be sure to decrease your chances of encountering a liability claim. Having a business party is a fun way of rewarding your hard working staff and help build long lasting relationships. Make sure you and your guests have peace of mind while doing so!
If you wish to have a great event, you should avoid hiring any Tom, Rick or Harry to be part of your event staff. The tips below should help you hire the most appropriate event staff for your next event.
Have a clear understanding of what you need
If you don’t know what you need for your event then everything will go! Different events call for different staff. Have a clear understanding of the event you wish to hold; this way, you are in a good position to hire the right staff. You need to have a clear understanding of the roles you wish the staff to play before hiring.
Be as specific as possible
When you have a clear understanding of what the event is bout, you should be in a good position to hire the most appropriate staff. In case you are hiring through an agency then you need to be as specific as possible. For example, do you want male event staff, female or both? Do you want staff speaking a particular language or having a particular hair color or build?
Don’t expect the staff to be the same
We are different as people and such it would be unfair to expect the staff you intend to hire to be the same. The best you can do is to hire according to experience and skills. Having a good understanding of your staff will help you work better with them. Understand their strengths and weaknesses to help you work better with them.
Ensure that they work together as a team
In order for your event to be a success, the team needs to work well together. In the hiring process, it is important to let the team meet with the potential event staff so that you see how well they get on. This way, you have with you a nice blend of personalities that will work towards making your event a success.
Think about the brand while hiring
It is important to think about the brand while hiring event staff. This way, you have the right fit for your brand’s image. After all, the staff is the first point of contact that the audience has.
Have a good idea of the event’s requirements
In order to hire the right staff-both in terms of numbers and experience levels, you need to have a good idea of the event’s requirements. This means that you need to know the audience that will be present at the event, you need to know the size of the event and you need to know the duration of the event. With such information at your fingertips, you will be in a good position to hire staff that suits the event’s needs in terms of age, gender, cultural diversity or experience.
Avoid counting pennies
When hiring staff for your event, you should avoid counting pennies. You normally get what you pay for. As such, you may wish to pay less but don’t expect quality services from the staff.
Ensure that the staff knows what is in store
Before the actual event, it is important to have some time off to talk to the staff. This will help the staff be better prepared for the event. During the meeting, ensure that you let the staff know of what is expected of them. They need to understand the tie they are expected to arrive for the event and how long their services will be required. In addition, they need to know what is required of them in terms of their wardrobes, job duties and specific behaviors at the event. During the meeting, you should also let the staff know of any negatives if any so that they are in a good position to handle themselves at the event.
Avoid hiring based solely on good looks
Much as good looks are important, they don’t make up for quality services. As you hire staff, try as much as possible not to only focus on good looks. Take a look at potential staff’s personality, professionalism and experience before hiring. This way, the objectives of your event stand better chances of being achieved.
Organize interviews and request CVs
You need to interview potential staff. You can hold the interviews in-person, through skype or by phone. No matter how the interview needs to be done, it should be done. After all, you don’t want to end up working with someone you didn’t speak to in the first place. You should also request for an updated V so that you can ascertain the staff’s experience and skill-levels.
Conclusion
Great staff makes for great events. If you’re looking for an event staffing company to fit your needs, look to further and trust Bartendo. Contact us today for more information on how we can help your event become a memorable and lasting experience.
How well the event staff interact and engage the audience will determine how well an event goes. This is why it is important to hire the right event staff for your events. The following ten mistakes should be avoided when hiring event staff for your event.
Taking too much time in deciding
The more time you take in making a decision, the more chances you will get something wrong. In this instance, when you are trying to hire the best event staff, it is better not to delay in your decision making, this is because someone else may snap them up as you dilly-dally with your decision. Ideally, when planning an event, you should allow for a short period of time in your decision making if you are to avoid losing quality event staff.
Not interviewing the staff
Avoid taking the hiring process at face value. You need to interview the potential event staff in order to root out those that are not ideal for the event you have in mind. There some questions you should ask potential staff and based on their answers make your decision to hire or not to hire. As you interview potential staff, you should note that they will be representing your brand and as such need to fit in incredibly well with your brand image.
Paying less and expecting quality
There is a saying that ‘you get what you pay for’. The same applies to hiring event staff. Don’t expect quality work while giving our peanuts as payment. Much as quality event staff may cost more, they are the better option if you are to end up with a successful event.
Not discussing the event
The worst thing you can do while hiring event staff is not to discuss the event! You should provide the staff with as much information as possible after all; they will be the face of the brand as they interact with the audience/customers. Important information you should share include the company background as well as product information. This helps the staff be prepared in case they are asked questions from the audience or customers.
Not providing sufficient information regarding the job
When you try to withhold information regarding the event at hand, you hurt the possibility of the event staff to put forth their best foot as they interact with the audience. Tempting as it may be to withhold negative information; it is better to let the staff know what’s on ground so that they are in a better position to comfortably work the event.
Only hiring at face-value
There is no point in having great-looking event staff that are not professional or who have no clue what they are doing! Hiring based on looks can only harm your event. Much as looks are important in running an event, experience, professionalism and personality of the staff should not be ignored.
Not consulting the team
In case you are working with a team, the worst thing you can do is not consult with them before hiring event staff. This is because you may end up hiring staff that will seriously clash with your team thus spoiling your event! In order t run a successful event, both your team and event staff should work hand in hand for the good of the event.
Not bothering with recent resumes
An updated resume should help you decide whether or not the staff you intend to hire will be a good fit for your event. The resume should help you decide if the experience which the staff comes with is a good fit with the planned event.
Forgetting about your Brand image
As you make decisions regarding the event and the staff you intend to hire, don’t forget about incorporating your brand image. This way, you are in a better position to hire staff that will showcase your brand accurately.
Not understanding the event well
What is meant by not understanding the event well is that you may not know the exact number of expected guests. You may not know the audience you will be catering to for example their age, cultural background or gender. When you don’t know what the event is all about, how do you expect to hire the right staff?
Staffing for an event is a major responsibility that should not be taken lightly. You should pay close attention to the event and the staff you intend to hire if you are to enjoy a successful event. The team at Bartendo ensures to only hire the best event staff to make your event enjoyable and memorable. For more information, contact us today.
The Toronto Raptors have made it to the second round of the playoffs for the first time in 15 years! Just because you can’t get your hands on some tickets or make your way down to Jurassic Park, doesn’t mean you can’t get in on the action. Throw a viewing party for you and your friends to watch the game, celebrate and calm your nerves before tip-off. With the whole city booming with excitement, what better way to enjoy the playoffs but with a few signature cocktails to honour your favourite players – Raptors style!
DeMargarita
Ingredients: 1 bottle Corona, 0.5 cups frozen strawberries, 2 oz water, 2 oz tequila, 1.5 oz orange liqueur, 1 oz lime juice.
Directions: Combine frozen strawberries and water in blender. Add tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice. Blend mixture until strawberries have broken down and consistency is thick. Rub rim of glass in salt and twist. Pour blended mixture into salted glass, leaving space at the top of the glass. Quickly flip opened bottle of Corona into glass, tilting bottle to avoid over flow.
Cojopolitan
Ingredients: 1 oz lemonade, 1.5 0z of orange juice, 1.5 oz vodka, 0.5 oz lime juice, .25 cup ice, orange twist for garnish.
Directions: Combine lemonade, orange juice, vokda and lime juice in a blender with ice. Blend until consistency is slushy. Pour into a martini glass; add an orange peel for garnish.
Lowryto
Ingredients: 1 tbsp of sugar, 7 mint leaves, 3 blackberries, 1/2 lime quartered, 1.5 oz of rum, 2 oz of soda, ice.
Directions: Muddle sugar, mint, 2 blackberries and lime slices in tall glass. Add rum and ice to glass. Top with soda water. Stir. Garnish with a blackberry.
So there we go, 3 Raptors themed cocktails ready to serve at your game viewing party, cheers!
I do. Those are the words that many engaged couples are anxious to finally say to
each other. Your wedding is an once-in-a-lifetime milestone that you want to unfold just as you imagined. Aside from booking the hall, sending the invitations, and preparing the venue, picking a wedding dress is arguably one of the most important, yet difficult decisions thus far. To get you on the right track, here is the ultimate guide for the perfect shopping experience.
1. Do your Research 
Before you attempt anything, I highly suggest you scavenge the Internet and look at all the dresses you possibly can. Look through online boutiques, company websites, and social media sites as a start. Try to envision yourself wearing it, that way you can narrow down your shopping experience to style. Nonetheless, still be open-minded when you actually go shopping as you may be surprised by what’s in store – literally! Brides-to-be often go in with one premonition and change their mind about what they initially thought they liked.
Other then style of dress, try getting a rough idea of the other fine details you may not be thinking about. Do you prefer lace or bling, or maybe a bit of both? Do you prefer simple or extravagant? Colour is also an element some people may not think about until they get to the bridal store. Ivory, off-white, white or champagne are some of the most common colours. What I found surprising is white is actually the least sold dress! Try an ivory colour instead and you’ll be sure to see why white isn’t as nice as we thought.
2. Remember To Budget
If your budget is $3000, don’t choose a dress that is right on the mark. You need to factor in other costs such as tax, alterations and the vale. If you’re lucky, some dresses may even already be close to your size. If this is the case, you can save on alteration fees. It seems the basic cost for minimal alterations is around $500. The vale is also something to keep in mind. If you are looking at a Swarovski inspired vale, you must keep in mind that it will be more expensive than other more basic designs. Search online and you can also find quality vales at a great price. Either way, mix and match your dress options with the vales to compare prices and different combinations.
Another way to budget is to make your appointment when they have trunk shows. Some bridal boutiques have certain designers on sale depending on the week. You can call ahead of time to inquire which designers are currently on sale, or you can track which stores are holding a trunk show for a specific designer you may already have in mind. Lastly, many brides-to-be save money by picking a more simple dress, and adding a belt or accessories that give the same end result.
3. Don’t overdo it
When I say don’t over do, I am speaking in terms of entourage, mindset and timing. The number one universal rule is to bring as little people as possible! The more people, the more choices, the more disagreements and the harder the decision will be. To avoid the pressure of other opinions, limit it to two or three people. Your mom, maid of honour, or another trusted family member should be all the input you need to find the one.
In terms of mindset, don’t overthink! The more calm and collected you are, the clearer your head will be. This is the perfect time for decision-making – so don’t over analyze it. You have the support you need to make the best decision! Timing properly will also relieve stress. If you’re the couple that just got engaged and already have the wedding bells ready to go, then make dress shopping the first step on your to-do list. I suggest shopping with at least 10 – 14 months leeway – this way you’re not leaving it last minute and you won’t feel as crunched on time. Alterations, measurements and delivery dates are all things that take longer than you may assume.
4. Have an Open Mind
It’s ok to have a vision for your dress before the day you go shopping. Just make sure you aren’t stubborn, and are open to other options. Even if you don’t necessarily like a suggestion, try it on – you may be shocked at what you see. In that being said, I recommend trying at least three different styles on. If you were looking at a ballgown dress, make a point to try on a mermaid, trumpet or sheath style as well. This will give you a better understanding of what styles actually suit your body type.
Shopping for body doesn’t mean buying a size smaller because you expect to loose a few pounds come the big day. Just remember that regardless of how much weight you loose, your body shape isn’t going to change! Don’t let minor details deter you either. For example, you may love everything about a gown but wish it had just a bit more sparkle. Rather than searching for a similar dress – just with more sparkle – try accessorizing. This simple solution can often make the perfect match – even better than what you were hoping for!
5. Prepare Efficiently 
This doesn’t mean to quickly make preparations – but to do it well. Imagine planning a trip and accidentally forgetting to book your return flight – it would be a nightmare. The same goes for gown shopping, prepare the right way and you won’t miss a thing! Consider factors such as if you’re holding your wedding outside. If so, be aware of the weather and dress accordingly. Keep in mind shoes, shawls and any other additional items you would need to be conscious of. No one wants to wear just a strapless dress in the middle of winter! Furthermore, get someone to take good pictures of you in all your gowns while you try them on. It will be easier to compare your options later and help you feel confident in your choice too!
Lastly, make a point to have your hair and make-up done the day you plan your outing. This is often overlooked, but is a must as a bare face and messy hair will not do your dress justice and could result in picking the wrong one. It may look nice, but you must foreshadow how practical your dress really is. This means moving around in your outfit so you can test the comfort in all positions. Last thing you want is to be held back on the dance floor all because you didn’t realize how restricted you were!
All you need to do is follow this guide, gather your fellow shoppers and make sure to bring a selection of bras so you can try on different cuts of dresses – without imagining what it looks like minus your bright pink bra straps. If it’s the first day and you already think you found the dress – buy it! Intuition is key, so if it feels right then it’s the one – especially if you can imagine yourself wearing it on the big day!
Searching for the perfect dress can be stressful, but your big day doesn’t have to be! If you are in need of any event staffing or bar services, contact Bartendo to get a quote today! This includes renting our customizable mobile bars, full open and cash bar options, or even just hiring a bartender.
