Eat, Drink, & Be Merry …within a Budget!

We are all getting ready for the holidays and like you, I want it to be special. A few months back, I decided to renovate my home and be ready for a new, fresh holiday. The best advice I received was to spend money on the small items that will add the “jewelry touch” and conserve everywhere else. The same advice can be applied to our holiday event budget. Let me suggest the following: 

Food & Menu Planning
The trend has been to have food stations at events.  Food stations are costly.  More food has to be prepared so that the display does not look sparse.  I suggest that you have a sit down meal with a lovely presentation, but follow up with a grand dessert display.  A "WOW" factor presentation, especially towards the end of the event, will create a posititve and lasting impression for your guests.

 BBBeveragesBBBeverages
At Meeting Coordinators, Inc., we rarely suggest setting up the bar on a per person fee.  The typical fee is two and a half drinks per person.  It is rare for your guests to drink to that capacity. Another "WOW" factor opportunity is to serve a specialty drink – maybe something in your corporate colors?    

Happiness
Have fun!  If you had fun while planning the event, that emotion will typically carry over to your guests. Is there something whimsical that you can set at everyone’s place setting? The holiday “crackers” or "poppers" are fun to open for both kids and adults.  They usually contain candy, a small plastic toy, and a fortune or joke.  These items become table conversation pieces and will be fun for all to enjoy! 

Meeting Coordinators, Inc. – www.meeting-coordinators.com
We are here to help you! Call us or attend our Meeting Planner Meetup this December for more ideas. 
 

Join meeting planners from the local area for a cup of coffee and to exchange ideas and give/get advice on what we all do every day.    Do you need advice on holiday events or planning your 2012 events?  How are you planning to keep costs down next year?  Let's consult!  The ideas are FREE and you have an opportunity to meet other industry professionals.   

You may send us an email in advance to let us know that you are planning to attend so that we can look out for you….or just show up.  We’d love to see you!