How to Throw a Hockey Themed Bar Mitzvah

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In honor of the New York Rangers battling for the Stanley Cup, it's time to discuss a hockey themed party! And not just any party; how about a hockey themed party for one of the biggest milestones in a young man's life? As is tradition in the Jewish culture, when a boy approaches or turns the age of 13, a Bar Mitzvah is had to celebrate his coming of age. Typically, the after party incorporates a specific theme, and many times, a sports theme proves to be popular. So let's get specific; see below for a list of tips that you can use to get started on a hockey themed Bar Mitzvah:

Menu:
When you plan your menu, try to incorporate some stadium food favorites. For example, consider offering nachos and cheese for an appetizer, hotdogs, hamburgers, chicken fingers and fries for your main course, and then move on to popular stadium desserts such as ice cream, pretzels and candy! 

Decorations:
As you choose your decorations, remember to keep everything hockey in mind; this means equipment, colors, players and teams! Start by decorating the walls with cardboard hockey pucks and sticks, and then move on to tangible decorations your guests can enjoy. For example, you might want to include a cardboard cutout of a hockey player that guests can take pictures with, or you might consider renting hockey nets to place at the venue's entrance.

Entertainment:
When it comes to entertainment, keep in mind that hockey is often viewed as a rough sport, so make sure your activities are suitable and safe for guests. Room permitting, consider a station where guests take shots on goal (with a soft puck, of course) or dedicate an area where guests can dress up as their favorite hockey player and pose for pictures. Don't forget to include your favorite teams' celebratory goal song into your playlist - if they have one that is!

Favors:
Last but not least, make sure to tailor your favors towards your theme. If you're looking to get super creative and have the time, think about handing out jersey style T-shirts (reflecting your favorite team) with your guests' last name on the back. For their number, include the date of your Bar Mitzvah!

Are you in the middle of planning a Bar Mitzvah? Choose Zacharys to host it! You can find everything you need to celebrate in either of our two catering facilities. Our party planners will work with you to coordinate each detail of your event and will help you create a menu that works for guests of all ages. We are also available to provide gourmet non-kosher and kosher menus! For more information on Bar Mitzvahs, contact us at (516) 794-9770 today!

And don't forget...All HOLIDAY PARTIES booked by July 15, comprised of 100 guests or more, will be eligible for a package upgrade! That's more than a $500 value! Contact us to learn more.

Western Theme Party Tips

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Image courtesy of vectorolie / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Whether you live in the city or the suburbs, there's always time to experience a little country western fun. That means it's time to break out your cowboy hats, plaid shirts, and cowboy boots and say yee-haw to the idea of a country western theme party! If you're looking to plan a get together with family and friends, bring a little bit of the Old West into your night with this kind of theme party. The following is a list of tips you can use to help you get started:

• Create invitations that mimic a "wanted" poster. If you have the time and appropriate materials, consider including an image of your guest on their invitation for a real wanted poster effect.
• Suggest that guests come dressed in their best country outfit. For an extra activity, consider a costume contest and choose the guest that comes in their best cowboy or cowgirl outfit. Don't forget to include best country couple in your contest!
• Make a playlist of all your favorite country tunes. Make sure to include country songs that you can dance to - Hoedown Throwdown or square dancing anyone?
• Decorate your venue with wanted posters, bandanas, hay, cacti, and any rustic looking scenery for a true country western feel.
• Serve typical cowboy/country food such as sloppy Joes and chicken drumsticks. Don't forget BBQ baked beans, corn on the cob, and tortilla chips for side snacks!

For more great country western theme tips, click here.

Are you ready to transport yourself and your guests to the wild wild west? Let us help! At Zacharys, we have everything you need for the perfect theme party. We know that one of the most challenging parts of throwing a theme party is the decorating, which is why we'll help by providing creative ideas to capture the look and feel of your theme party. So are you ready to get started? Contact us at (516) 794-9770 today!

Memorial Day Party Checklist

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Every year on the final Monday of May, Memorial Day is celebrated to remember the brave men and women who died while serving in the military. In addition to celebrating the lives of those who died for our country, many people often use it to mark the start of summer vacation and the summer season and celebrate by hosting their first outdoor BBQ. So how do you plan to celebrate this year? If you're looking for an excuse to get together with family and friends, consider a Memorial Day party! The following is a guideline you can follow to help you prepare:

Appetizers:
- Mozzarella sticks
- Pigs in a blanket
- Chips and dip

Food:                                                                                     
- Hot dogs and hamburgers  
- Hero sandwiches      
- French fries                                  
- Corn on the cob
- Chicken
- Ribs                           

Dessert:
- Baked goods (cookies, brownies)
- Strawberry or blueberry pie
- American flag cupcakes

Decorations:
- Flags
- Red, white and blue streamers
- Stars and stripes tablecloth
- American flag pinwheels
- Red, white and blue place settings

If you're looking to take your party to the next level, consider hosting it at a catering hall - choose Zacharys! At Zacharys Catering, we have everything you need to host the perfect theme party. Our event planner will help you get started by figuring out details such as your menu, decorations and entertainment. We know that one of the most challenging parts of throwing a theme party is the decorating, which is why our planners put an emphasis on your decor and provide creative ideas that will help capture the look and feel of your party.

Contact us at (516) 794-9770 to begin planning your party today!

Graduation Party Checklist

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With May comes college graduations, and with graduations come graduation parties! If your son or daughter is graduating from college this month, say congratulations by throwing them a graduation party! After all, this may be the last time they are ever a student, and that's a milestone that should never go unnoticed. If you've already begun the planning process and are only a few short weeks away from the party, then it's time to put on the final touches and make sure everything is in place for the big day. The following is a checklist you can follow as the day gets closer:
  

Week of the party:

• Shop for last minute supplies such as decorations or place settings.
• Shop for or prepare what you will wear to the party.
• Make sure your camera or phone is fully charged so you are ready to take pictures.
• Go over your guest list and check that you have accounted for everyone who will be attending.
• Confirm details with your venue or confirm delivery of rental equipment if your party will take place at home.

Day of the party:

• Wake up with enough time to get ready and pack up anything that needs to be taken to your venue. If your party is at home, wake up with enough time to set up tables, chairs, and tents if necessary.
• Pick up last minute food such as appetizers and dessert. If your party is catered, contact your caterer to confirm delivery times and menu.
• Pick up balloons or flowers if they are part of your decorations.
• Arrive early to your venue to put up final decorations, set up any extra amenities, and discuss party plans with the staff.
• Have fun and celebrate!

Once the party is complete, don't forget to thank guests for coming and stick around to help clean up. If your party is held at a venue, make sure you speak with your event planner to confirm payment and thank them for their services. If your party is at home, make sure you pack away any rental equipment and wrap up any extra food that is leftover. Don't forget to send thank you cards to guests within 2 weeks! 

If you're still looking for help on how to begin planning a graduation party, check out our previous blog.

Are you looking for a venue to host your child's graduation party? Choose Zacharys! Our event planners will help you plan your decor, menu and more, and will help reduce the stress that comes with party planning. Graduations are a special occasion, so celebrate the right way! Contact us at 516-794-9770 for more information on how we can help you plan the perfect graduation party.

Wedding Favor Ideas

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As your wedding reception comes to an end, it's nice to give your guests a little something to take home to commemorate your special day. Although you've just given your guests a night full of delicious food and entertainment, party favors are a great way to say thank you and show appreciation to your guests for helping you celebrate. Recent party trends show that DIY favors are growing in popularity and are taking over the party scene. Not only do they allow you to personalize your favors by crafting them yourself, but they are also a great way to involve friends and family who want to help. For inspiration, here are some DIY favor ideas that you can use:

Caramel Apples: Caramel apples are a great favor for guests of all ages. First, attach your apple to a stick, then dip in caramel, and finish by coating with a topping! Guests are sure to go nuts for this super sweet favor.

Bag of Recpies: Give your guests a taste of the evening to take home; create personalized tote bags (wallet sized), and include either your favorite recipes or recipes from the evening's food inside.

Homemade Cookies: Food is always a great favor; guests love it! While you wait for your cookies to bake, consider decorating to-go boxes for each of your guests that will act as a cookie container and of course, an extra keepsake.

Wedding Flash Drive: Just because guests have to go home doesn't mean the party has to really end. Before the reception, create a flash drive that includes the night's play list as well as any photos or videos that you think reflect your special day. Don't forget to email your guests photos and videos from the night afterwards that they can download and save to the flash drive themselves!

Candy Bars: Whether you make the bars or buy them, there's still room to personalize them. Select a few of your favorite photos of the bride and groom, and print them onto lightweight paper. Then, remove the outer wrapping from the bar and replace it with your photo.

For more great wedding favors, click here.

When you plan your wedding, don't forget to choose Zacharys to cater your special day! Our services include an event planner who can help select menu options and plan your decorations and entertainment. Your guests will enjoy chic appetizers, towering culinary displays, signature cocktails and of course, your wedding cake!

A wedding signifies love and the bonding of two people who truly care for each other. Start your life together the right way; call us at (516) 794-9770.

How To Throw A Baseball Theme Party

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In honor of opening day occurring this week, it's time to get into the baseball spirit. Whether you're planning your child's birthday party or are just looking for an excuse to have some good old family fun, consider throwing a baseball themed party to celebrate! To help you plan your party, we've collected some guidelines that you can follow to make your party a home run.


Invitations: Reveal your theme through the invitations you use. Choose a design that includes different baseball items, and use a color scheme that matches your favorite team. Lastly, alert guests if you'd like them to dress up in baseball attire or want them to bring equipment for a quick pick up game.

Menu: For your menu, include food and drinks that one would typically find at a ballpark. This means planning for hot dogs, burgers, pretzels, water, soda and sports drinks. And don't forget the ketchup and mustard! If your party is to celebrate a birthday, consider ordering a baseball themed birthday cake.

Activities: To get the full baseball effect, consider making time to play a game of baseball or have a catch. If you're looking to keep your party indoors, try laying out plain t-shirts with fabric markers and paint where guests can create their own team shirts or jerseys. Finally, if you know your party will include a lot of little kids, think about showing a baseball themed movie to keep them occupied.

Favors: Last but not least, make your party favors reflect the theme of your party. Some ideas including handing out baseballs, plastic bats, or goody bags that include other baseball themed items.

Don't strike out on your venue; choose Zacharys to host your party! If you're planning a theme party, we have everything you need. Our party planners will work with you on your menu and entertainment, and we will especially focus on choosing decorations that will capture your theme. Call us at 516-794-9770 to begin planning your party today!

Birthday Bullies: Keep Your Party Bully Free

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Planning your child's birthday party is exciting, but when it comes to creating the guest list you may find yourself stuck in rut. How many of your child's classmates can you invite? Should you invite the whole class or just a handful of kids? And what about that one kid who bullied your child or their friends all year? While birthday parties are supposed to be an exciting time for both you and your child, you can't ignore the fact that instances of bullying may be present from the time you mail your first invitation to the time the party is over.

Parents, we know you can't possibly invite everyone from your child's class, but you can talk to your child about how to deal with it. It's likely that the invitees will want to talk about the party at school, but to avoid hurting others' feelings, explain to your child that they should refrain from discussing the party during school hours. In the event that word spreads quickly and your child is approached by uninvited peers, teach your child a handful of polite responses they can use to not hurt anyone's feelings. To maximize your efforts, avoid having your child hand out invitations in school or other public settings where those who are not invited are present; instead, obtain the addresses of those you are planning to invite and mail their invitations separately.

Now that you've taken care of how to minimize bullying before the party, what about during the party? If you plan on having specialized activities take place, make sure there is plenty for all your guests to do; you don't want to see one or two guests sitting on the side while everyone else is having a good time. Similarly, if you decide to hand out favors at the end of the party, make sure there are enough for each one of your guests. All too often children leave empty handed because favors weren't properly accounted for. Lastly, one of the best things you can do as a parent to prevent bullying at your child's party is to supervise everything that's going on. Keep an eye out for physical signs of bullying, but don't forget to keep an ear out for any verbal abuse that might be happening.

For more information on how to handle birthday bullies, click here.

Birthday parties are supposed to be a time full of smiles and laughs, not one where kids are left out and brokenhearted. Here at Zacharys we look to provide a variety of special events to ensure all attendees have something to enjoy. Let us host your child's next Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Sweet 16, or Quinceanera. Join us in our efforts to minimize bullying at parties; call us at 516-794-9770.

How To Make Your Own Invitations

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We all know that part of the party planning process is deciding where and when your party will be, but once you've got that figured out, what's next? A party isn't a party without your guests, so once you've got the basics down, it's time to let people know about your special day. Picking out the perfect invitation for your party can be difficult; that's why many party planners are beginning to make their own! Not only are DIY invitations more personal, but they also open up a variety of new options that traditional invitations may lack.

Now, you may be thinking that creating your own invitations requires too much extra time and effort, but the good news is there are tons of templates out there to help you get started! If you're looking for a little inspiration, we've compiled a list of places you can go for ideas:

Zazzle:
Whether you're looking to start from scratch or use an existing template, Zazzle provides its customers with plenty of options for designing your own invitations.

Shutterfly:
Upgrade your invitations by including a photo of the guest of honor. From baby showers to graduations to weddings, Shutterfly offers a variety of templates you can use to dazzle your guests.

Paper Source:
If you plan to use your computer and print your invitations at home, Paper Source has beautiful printing paper available that you can use for all occasions.

Cards & Pockets:
Your invitations are more than just the card. At Cards & Pockets, customers can choose from a variety of envelopes, pre-cut inserts and embellishments that are great for adding a little sparkle to your invitations.

Before you can send out your invitations, the last thing you must do is fill them out. Include Zacharys on yours! Here at Zacharys, we offer services for a variety of special events including weddings, anniversaries, sweet 16s, and Bar/Bat Mitzvahs. Our party planners will work with you to make sure your special day is carried out to perfection, and we will assist in all aspects of the party planning process such as designing your menu and choosing your decorations.

Choose Zacharys to cater your special day; call us at 516-794-9770.

Spring Wedding Color Schemes

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Now that we've put the winter behind us (or so we hope!), it's time to start preparing for all things spring! We all know spring brings a lot to look forward to, and for some of you, it might just bring one of the most important days in your life - your wedding day! For all you lucky girls who are planning to say I do in the next couple of months, it's time to start thinking about what colors you will choose for your flowers, dresses, and decorations. But...choosing a color scheme for your wedding is not always easy; that's why we've collected some of the top color schemes that are sure to make your spring wedding pop:

Pastel Purple, Pink and Blue
Spring doesn't just have to be about bright colors. If you're looking for a bolder look, pair purple and pink with a dash of blue. For this look in a bouquet, mix light purple ageratum and pincushion flowers with pink roses and calla lilies. Don't forget to add blue hydrangea at the bottom!

Aqua and White
A light color scheme for a spring wedding is very traditional. To get the look, design your cake to have aqua color frosting and a white ribbon tied into a bow on top. Your colors can also stand out by using aqua tinted glass to hold candles or by including white place settings with aqua designs.

Lavender and Green
A lavender hue mixed with dark green makes for a striking spring wedding color scheme. To make this color combo come to life, incorporate live, pastel flowers on and around your cake.

Pink, Light Green and White
If you're looking for a girly combo that's not too girly, try including a dash of light green to your pinks and whites. For example, try pairing pink roses, light green hydrangea, and white orchards to create beautiful handheld bouquets.

Olive Green and White
From mint green to olive green, pairing a green hue with white can help create a natural-looking, stunning spring wedding. This color combo is easy to apply to many aspects of your wedding; wrap white pillar candles with green ribbon or pair green bridesmaid dresses with bouquets of white hydrangea.

Peach and Pale Yellow
You don't have to be into pink to use pastels in your spring wedding. Choose peach and pale yellow colors if you're looking for a calming color combo.

If you're planning a wedding for this spring, don't wait until the last minute to book a venue for your reception; choose Zacharys for your special day! Our services include an event planner to help select menu options and other fine details such as decorations and entertainment. Your guests will also enjoy chic appetizers, towering culinary displays, and signature cocktails in addition to handcrafted desserts and of course your wedding cake!

Are you ready to turn your dream wedding into a reality? Call us today at 516-794-9770 and watch your fairy tale wedding come to life.

Tips For A Stress Free Party

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Do you ever feel overwhelmed when planning a party? It's not unusual if you do, since the party planning process can often be intimidating. But, what if party planning was made easy? The good news is...it can be! Thanks to HGTV, we've collected tips from an experienced party planner to help you plan and host a party with no stress involved:

1. Get Organized: Before getting into details, create a checklist for yourself that outlines every task that must be accomplished in order for your party to be a success. Also keep a list of any supplies that must be bought, as well as a guest list that includes contact information and their RSVPs.
2. Create a Theme: Important events can be even more exciting when a theme is involved. Be creative and transform your venue to set the mood for your party. Remember, there are endless theme possibilities.
3. Send Invitations: While the Internet is becoming a popular outlet for notifying guests about a party, there's nothing like recieving a personalized invitiation in the mail. Search your area for a local stationary company to help or be creative and make your own.
4. Offer a Self-Serve Bar: If you plan on includng a bar at your party, try setting up a self serve bar so guests can create their own drinks. Also, place other drink options by the door so guests can get started on mingling right away.
5. Create Your Own Drink: Spice up your party by creating at least one specialty cocktail of your own. When figuring out how much you'll need, assume that each guest will consume one alcoholic drink per hour.
6. Keep Appetizers Simple: Depending on your party, serving horderves may be more appetizing than a sit-down dinner. Not only is this approach less formal, but it also allows guests to sample lots of different options and encourages interaction all night long. For a quick fix, use ready-made ingredients instead of making them from scratch.
7. Prepare a Kids Table: If you know you'll have little ones running around, it's a good idea to set up a separate area where they can have their own fun. Including a table where kids can color and make crafts is sure to keep them occupied - at least for a little while!
8. Keep Settings Simple: Your table setting doesn't have to be complicated; simply tying the silverware with nice ribbon is enough to set the scene.
9. Relax: Give yourself an hour before your guests arrive to freshen up and relax. Your feel good mood is sure to bring out the same in your guests. 
10. Favors: Providing guests with a favor at the end of the night is a simple way of saying thank you. While sometimes it's nice to splurge on your favors, homemade baked goods can be more personal and are sure to be appreciated by your guests.

Here at Zacharys we understand how stressful planning a party can be. Let us help you! From your menu to decorations, entertainment and dessert, our caterers and planners can handle all of the details to ensure your party runs as smoothly as possible.

Don't wait, call us today at 516-794-9770.

Cakes vs. Cupcakes

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Are you in the middle of planning the picture perfect wedding? Weddings are one of the most beautiful and exciting events in a lifetime, but for the bride and groom, they could also be one of the most stressful. With a long list of decisions to make, make dessert the easy one! Using cupcakes instead of a cake is becoming increasingly popular in party trends, but how do you know which cream-filled treat is for you? Here are some tips to help make planning your wedding easier.

Cakes:
We all know the cutting of the cake is a long standing tradition of weddings. Choosing a cake allows you to continue the tradition of feeding it to your loved one, saving the top tier for your first anniversary, and of course, cutting it in front of all your guests! Cakes are also often the center of your wedding party, and are typically one of the first things your guests look for when they walk into the reception. Without one, your guests may be asking where your cake is, so choose a cake and give them something to talk about! Lastly, using a cake gives you the opportunity to design it exactly how you want. Every wedding cake is unique to you and your partner's preferences, and what you decide on will be a memory you can share forever.

However, keep in mind that cakes can be pricy and your flavors may be limited, especially depending on how many tiers you have. Additionally, cakes can be easier to ruin, and the last thing you want is for your only dessert to be knocked over when someone gets too close!

Cupcakes:
Including cupcakes in your wedding party has become a great alternative to cakes. If you decide on cupcakes, the flavor possibilities are endless, and you can include more than one to satisfy everyone's taste buds. Since they are individualized, guests are also able to pick their own and at their own convenience, so there is no need to stress about cutting enough slices of cake. Cupcakes are also very easy to make yourself and can be a great project to give to family members who want to help out. And while they may not be as extravagant as a 5 tier cake, you also have the option to design them however you want - there are no limits on creativity! Finally, cupcakes have the potential to be significantly cheaper than a cake, so if you're looking to save money, cupcakes are your best bet!

Don't forget, though, that with cupcakes you will loose the cake cutting tradition. However, you can order a much simpler and smaller cake to be designated as the "cutting cake" in addition to your cupcakes. But, if you do decide to go with cupcakes, remember that they are replacing the highly anticipated wedding cake, so your display has a big role to fill!

Here at Zacharys our event planner will assist in making your dream wedding come true. In addition to planning your menu and organizing your decorations and entertainment, our event planner will assist in helping you choose your dessert and can offer creative ideas to help make your special day one to remember. We want to make planning your wedding as stress free as possible - call us today at 516-794-9770 to get started.