I will always be a traveler. Exploring undiscovered territories is a part of who I am. Now, being a professional traveler for work-related activities is a privilege to me, because I enjoy my work. There are moments when the two worlds collide and I am tired. Fatigued.
5 foods from 5 countries you should serve at your next event.
Living in the nation’s capital can be a travel experience without the actual travel. There are scores of restaurants and eating opportunities that can introduce visitors (and residents) to authentic cuisines from a variety of cultures.
Tips to finding great restaurants while traveling.
Traveling is inspirational. Recall that we posted about using food inspiration for events that are found from travel. How do you find the food while you’re traveling? Well, we have a few tips for you.
Finding food inspiration while traveling.
Often as an event planner a client feels compelled to take a safe route when choosing food for their event’s menu. Referring to travel experiences, I make alternative suggestions that can complement their theme and suit their budget. I also ask them a few questions:
- Where is one of your favorite destination?
- What did you eat?
- What did you like?
- Did you want to share it with people back home?
- Would you be open to serving it to your guests?
It is delightful to find a catering vendor with diverse menu of foods to serve diverse guests. It is even more delightful when the caterer can recreate a client’s favorite delicacy as well as provide a few safe options for the guest who is least inclined to try something new.
Albondigas (Spanish tapas meatballs) can replace Swedish meatballs, empanadas, bruschetta (with meat or cheese or tomatoes) on toasted Italian bread or a crostini covered in pesto or fruit, and hummus make great appetizers.
Entrees can include the safe meat, poultry and fish fare with a roasted jerk chicken or curried chicken served with compatible rice dishes like jollof or saffron rice. Maybe try paella that can be served family style.
These are a few examples but the point is that you can draw from your travel to create a memorable event featuring fabulous food. So on your next trip overseas or to some exotic locale, take notes, and share your findings with your event-planner.
Anatomy of a successful book event.
November is the month of books and book authors. We have witnessed one (or more) book launches this month as well, Michelle Obama’s Becoming comes to mind.
Put your oxygen mask on first.
One of the best compliments I have ever received was from a new friend who said, “Anthony, you know when to put your oxygen mask on first.”
Six fall and winter blooms to arrange for your next party.
I rely heavily on the expertise of my florists, Lee’s Flower and Card Shop, in choosing flowers for client events, and even personal events.
Transforming little into much with event spaces.
I’ve curated a few posts from my Instagram feed to demonstrate how I have been able to turn nearly naked to naked event spaces into successful events for clients. Event design is not easy but it is predicated on being able to see the possibilities as you translate a client’s vision. A client will see an empty, sparse space and I will see a completed event that makes them happy.
You need a passport party…
I have been retained to plan all types of parties to fête almost every rite of passage imaginable: birthdays, weddings, births and more. The one rite of passage I have yet to plan is a passport party. I have even planned travel-themed events, but never a passport party. As much as I love to travel, you would think that would be natural to want to plan a party that celebrates and enables others to travel.
The treasure of museums as event venues
If you’ve ever seen the Sex in the City movie, you will recall the moment Carrie walks into the New York Public Library and realizes she’d found the perfect venue for her wedding to Big. Museums have the same effect on me. Some people will see relics of the past and exhibits, and I will see unlimited event possibilities.
