Ice Cream Social

Hi friends, I  have been really busy with my Tabletop Shops this week, getting ready for corporate picnics and private parties.   As some of you know, I work for Party Connection Events as a corporate planner.

For the last couple years, I have been tweaking and playing with these new tabletop pieces. These Tabletop Shops have been my passion and I think we are finally ready to move forward. I just love creating tablescapes, but our charming canopied Tabletop Shops are just darling for any themed event.

I recently created this  vintage looking ice cream shop, complete with colorful party serving pieces. Our Tabletop Shops rent with a mix of 25 vessels, pedestals and props as needed for your own personal candy or dessert Shops.  In addition you can rent reserve a nostalgic, umbrella Ice Cream Cart for a complete vintage look. EXCITING NEWS for this year, we now have single-servings of pre-wrapped Ice Cream Scoops (Vanilla Only), which are stocked in our Ice Cream Carts. Sprinkles, toppings, and whipped cream with a cherry on top...everything is included in our deluxe packaging. Two Party Uniformed Assistants will be on-hand to serve your guests.  As you can see, this is just a sampling of what we can do at your event. Give us a call for pricing.

Book early...Summer is right around the corner! The Tabletop Ice Cream Shop is perfect for Employee Appreciation Days, Country Club Events and School/Church Ice Cream Socials! We can serve up Root Beer Floats, Orange Creamsicle Floats and Strawberry Floats as well!!  It's all about FUN over at Party Connection Events.
Thanks for stopping by...
~Margie
   

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  

Playing it Cool

Hey Friends, Did you hear the news?  My Scrap Chick is having a Design Team Call, they are looking for talented paper crafters...I'm so excited, I think I am going to give it a try!  

I remember a few years ago, I came across My Scrap Chick and instantly fell in love!!  It took me a bit to figure it all out, but I was determined to somehow use this cute little pieces in my event planning business.  Since then I designed a special canopied table top called a Tabletop Candy Shop and in doing so I have used MANY, MANY My Scrap Chick Favor Boxes and Bags.  As a matter of fact, I have almost EVERY PATTERN and am very proud to admit it!  So without further ado, I would like to share one of my all time FAVORITE parties I threw for my family and friends last year using My Scrap Chick Winter Pavor Favor Boxes and Bags.  Everyone loved these cute little snowmen, they are just adorable!!

Thanks Kristi and Val for designing the cutest SVG files for us. 

Good Luck to everyone and thanks for stopping by! 

~ Margie 

    

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

It's been awhile...

Hi everyone, I haven't logged into my blog in months.  I really want to get back on track and I have many things to show you. I am now working part time as a rental coordinator for our clubhouse. It's been a busy start and now we are feeling a bit of a lull.  I work by appointments only and I am lucky if I get 10 hours a week.  But, I am not going to worry about it...it is what it is.  They tell me it will pick up again in the fall, so we will see how it goes. I enjoy it, so that's all the matters.

  

As you know, I also plan events for Party Connection Events.  We are always busy over there.  I just had an event for 2,000 guests and it went FABULOUS!! Complete with on-site grilling, tattoo artists, balloon twisters, trackless train, tons of games and water sports...and the BEST PIECE was ZIPLINE 2013!!! OMG...so much fun...the kids loved it and really had a blast!  

This is our newest piece...Zipline 2013

We had planned a Hot Air Balloon lift off, but the winds were just too strong.  

I have been working on several different party favors over the last few months.  I try to do at least a couple parties each month.  Several 1st birthdays, wedding & baby showers and many Mitzvah's.  I have even made a few teachers' and employee appreciation gift boxes.  It's been fun, I will share those with you under different labels soon.  

Lastly a few pictures of my best friend, my little Tootsie.  I love her to pieces!!  At the moment she is laying on my feet....

I will be playing catch up in the next few weeks so check back often!!

Happy Summer!

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!

French Fry Boxes and more...

Geeze, when I look back on the week, I really don't have much to say. Midweek I posted my new website which went live at Party Connection Events.  I love it,  have you checked it out?  And I finished a little Mini Catalog this week on Issuu.  I like how it came out, but now I am already looking to change it for next time, it's a little too plain, guess that's the creative side of me.  At least you can get an idea of some things I have created and the supplies I use. 

I did make a couple cute favors last week. I just love making these french fry boxes!!  They are just so cute in many different colors, prints and sizes.  I have even taken a piece of cardstock that's printed on one side and I printed on the opposite side...very cute!    I have a 12 x 12 Photo Printer that makes the process easy!  Makes nice liners.

This pink french fry box is sample for a gal who is getting married and her bridal party will be assembling the boxes for the bridal shower.  Now this is my FAVORITE type of  job...cutting favor boxes.  I design a favor box, cut them, create a instruction sheet on how to assemble, then I sit with the bridal party for 30 minutes or so and show them how to put it together!  My fee is VERY reasonable and everyone loves the quick and easy assembly. Everything is put together in a day and I have a VERY happy bride. I offer this to EVERYONE, not just brides.  You can either bring me your cardstock, or I will email you a color pallet that I will purchase, then you pick the party favor and I can cut everything for a fee, per sheet, and of course the cost of the paper.  It works out great for everyone. I have a couple ladies who also enjoy making favors and selling at craft shows but they do not have cutting machines, so it works out great for them too. Like I said, very reasonable.     

I start reading two books this week.  One is Sweet Designs by Amy Atlas which I LOVE!  I am only half way through, but so far...it's great and I have learned several new things.

Sweet Design by Amy Atlas...GREAT book!

The second book is CelebraTORI which I downloaded on my IPad.  I haven't started reading it yet but flipped through and I know I am going to LOVE it.  I love the way she breaks down each party.  Being an event planner, I like to keep up on the latest party planning books.  I hear my friend, Debi Lilly also has a book out called The Perfect Event so her book is on my list next!!! Maybe I will get it for Mother's Day!

Next week I will have 3 Pint Size Cake Pop Centerpieces to share, and a sport theme and a school theme Cake Pop Centerpiece to share with you as well.  Hoping to have some other favors as well.  I better get busy...

Have an EVENTful week!!

Margie

Let us plan your next company event!!

So, I thought I would tell you a little bit about my "other" job.  Yes, I love Polka Dots and Parties, but it would have NEVER come about, if not for Party Connection Events!! They have given me this wonderful opportunity to not only, plan events with them, but also provide party favors, centerpieces and party enhancements for their special events.  I was so excited and thankful for the opportunity that this is how Polka Dots and Parties was born!  

For the last 10 years, I have planned corporate events, holiday parties and company picnics.  In 2006, I met Party Connection Events. I began working with them the following year.  I plan several company picnics with anywhere from 500 to 3,000 guests.  I manage and execute these events from start to finish, hiring vendors, entertainment and catering. As the on-site supervisors, we attend these picnics making sure everything runs smoothly on event day.  The best part about planning is seeing all of the smiling faces of those who attend. From Push Carts to Pig Roasts, Tabletop to Big Top, Music, Magic and So Much More PARTY CONNECTION EVENTS plans it all!! So we say it like this....

PICK HOW MUCH FUN YOU WANT TO HAVE!  

Party Connection Events has EVERYTHING you need!! Contact Me  to plan your next event and supply you with some THEME favors as well!!

My New Website is up and RUNNING!!

Hi friends!!  My new website is up and running.  Please stop by Party Connection Events to find my link.  Let me know what you think...Leave a comment!!
New Catalog coming soon!!  See you Sunday for some really cute favors I made this week!!


Margie

Sugar and Spice Baby Shower

Sugar and Spice Baby Shower #1

Used in This Package:

*Flag Banner with Polka Dot Ribbon

*Pedestal Tops with Matching Paper Ribbon

*Party Favor Baby Shoes

*Party Favor Baby Blocks 

*Centerpiece Pokes

   

Let's Get Started

I am kicking off 2012 with a new and wonderful event concept.  For years, I have been planning events for corporate clients. Company picnics, ice cream socials, covered wagons for Western themed events, 500 pumpkins for a portable pumpkin patch brought directly to you...even a good size haunted house for Halloween and  live reindeer during Christmas with the arrival of Santa in a horsedrawn sleigh for holiday parties!  I will continue to plan these wonderful events throughout the year, but I am now adding something new, and I am SOOO excited to share it with you!!   

Polka Dots and Parties Sweet Treats & Party Favors! 

All event planners look for unique and fun favors to add to their events.  I can provide exactly what you are looking for and personalize with your information or a company logo.  I use good quality papers in a beautiful array of colors and themes.  A pallet is chosen for you, then emailed or text directly to you for your approval prior to designing your party package.  If you prefer to shop for you own paper quantities and color pallets, your pricing will reflect that choice.  Themed Party Packages will be added  to my blog each week. Go through each party, pick out the pieces that most interest you and create your own 

Polka Dots & Party  Package!! 

 Contact me  for information and pricing. 

   

Holiday Christmas Party at The Country Club

For the past 8 years Party Connection Events and I have planned a Holiday Party for 250 families at a country club in a suburb of  Chicago.  It's been so much fun bringing in live reindeer, horse drawn sleighs, Santa, Mrs. Claus and of course refreshments to these families on this very special day. This year was no different, well Santa's reindeer were getting ready for their Christmas Eve flight and didn't attend, but two beautiful horse drawn carriages took our guests on a "jingle all the way" ride through the community.  Holly, one of our favorite balloon twisters brought a fellow twister and they made some fabulous balloon characters for each child.  She also created holiday balloon critters as centerpieces for each table at the Gingerbread Bakery...I can't begin to tell you how cute these little guys are, take a look for yourself!

After visiting with Santa, each family stopped at the Gingerbread Bakery for a Christmas Cupcake and a Hot Chocolate.  The entrance way to our Bakery this year was something new.  It was a sure hit as everyone used it for an opportunity to mingle and visit with old friends.  Many neighbors were seen taking pictures around it.  Lots of smiles and laughter were shared that afternoon.  Even Santa strolled through the bakery chatting with families along the way.  

After refreshments, the kids ran downstairs to the craft area where they met Holly and her sidekick in their festive, but crazy hats!!  Lines were long, but well appreciated as each child was able to have their own balloon favor made right before their very eyes!  Holly is always a hit at our special events!  Three new stations were added to our workshop this year. At the Spin Art Station, the kids created their own colorful picture by squirting streams of paint onto a spinning piece of art. The kids loved it and Elf Scarlet was able to help more than 175 kids create their masterpieces.

Then there was Elf Nicole, who helped the kids make a Pucker Powder tube of crazy holiday colors.  Of course this was a HUGE hit with the little ones...the more sugar the better!!  Watch the blog for more ideas using Pucker Powder Straws as we turn them into GREAT party favors at Party Connection Events Polka Dots and Parties. Lastly, the kids made a craft ornament  of Santa's face each piece was carefully cut so all the kids had to do was glue it together. 

   

The day was a huge success and everyone had a GREAT time.  The Holiday Event is already in the works for next year, complete with Santa's Workshop and many more pieces to add to the Gingerbread Bakery.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!