Summerfest

Some of you may know that I am actually an Event Specialist for 
Party Connection Events. 
 I coordinate several corporate events for them per year, but have to say, this one for the country club is one of my favorites.  I actually plan 3 large events with this country club per year. In late June, I had an event we call Summerfest. I have planned this fun, exciting fest for the last 9 years.  Each year, I try to do something different and wonderful to surprise our 2,000 guests.  Over a few months, I plan around this theme and add several pieces to our"Menu of Fun".   Believe it or not, I have a theme ready for next year and have already started planning it!

This year we had something sooooo COOL...Our New ZIPLINE!!  Party Connection Events is the 1st company in the Chicago to have this piece!  As you can see, it's VERY IMPRESSIVE!!  Everyone LOVED it!  Our theme was AIR, LAND and WATER. So we added a few things that fit perfectly. 

We also incorporated a game zone with several frame games, an adorable Trackless Train to carry 16 kids and their parents around the event, catering for 2,000 and several other fun pieces. 

Who doesn't love Balloon Twister Holly...OMG, she does the most amazing balloons sculptures for us. She always has a line at her booth.  

The beer tent is not something I PLAN, but everyone loves it and as you can see...it's packed throughout the day!  hahaha

Something else that I planned this year was a HOT AIR BALLOON!  This was something I had wanted to do for years.  We raffled off 2 rides, but unfortunately it was just too windy to actually lift off.  But, we arranged lift off a couple week later at the Party in the Park and it was AMAZING!!  Maybe next year we will do a balloon glow.

 Cool hey?

Fall Fest is already planned for October, complete with 500 pumpkins, a horse-drawn hayride and many other goodies.  

Thanks for stopping by!

~Margie  

My Website

Have you checked out my website lately? Take a peak...  We have a ton of cute stuff for your summer events

http://www.partyconnectionevents.com/polkadotsandparties/index.html

Scroll down to the bottom right to find Polka Dots and Parties

My Story-Event Planning and Party Stylist

It's been brought to my attention that my blog is a bit confusing when I talk about both of my positions, Event Planning and Party Styling.  So let me explain.  Several years ago, I started out planning events for large corporate companies and community country clubs.  Over the years, I have planned company picnics, corporate events, holiday celebrations, country club and school festivals.  Along the way, I met Party Connection Events, and they were able to provide many wonderful pieces for my event planning business.  As we worked closely together, I was honored when asked to be an Event Planner with them! We make a good team and plan events for 500 to 2,500 guests.  We've been together for about 5 years.  
For the last couple years, I have been drawn to Party Styling.  I love themed tablescapes, and the tiny details...like party favors, centerpieces and goodie bags.  In my opinion Party Styling is not so much about the planning stage, as it is the building stage with matching pieces to enhance the party through creativity. Designing and creating party favors and centerpieces have become one of my passions.    
For the 18 months or so, I learned how to use several software programs, design with digital art, and use cutting machines, and at the same time I incorporated my love for crafting to help me add the "bling" my party styling.  With that...Polka Dots and Parties was born!  

So what's the difference?  Event Planning for larger corporate events, like company picnics, country club events, and holiday parties I'll do through Party Connection.    The small details, the party decor, the extra special touches that give a party it's "BLING"...now that's Party Stylin' at Polka Dots and Parties!!    
I  create many, many, party favors, centerpieces, banners, cupcake pokes, goodies bags and creative packaging, all of which I love, but my multi-use centerpieces are my all-time-favorites!  I have a few dessert companies that are now using my centerpieces to hold their cake pops and chocolate desserts.  I love making favors for bridal and baby showers..  Just so many pretty pieces to choose from.    

I hope this clears up any confusion as to the difference in my Event Planning and my Party Styling.  As I combine them both...my world has EXPLODED!!    So does this make me a "Party Stylin' Event Planner" ....hahahaha...sorry Ellie, just a little event humor!