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Hey there, Let’s talk about throwing a holiday party that feels like a scene out of your own festive holiday movie. The key? Personal touches that make your guests feel like they’ve stepped into a celebration that’s uniquely yours. Begin by infusing your space with echoes of your holiday joys. Are you a fan of the classic Nutcracker ballet? Let those charming nutcracker soldiers stand guard on your mantel or greet guests at the door. If your heart belongs to the snowy slopes of Deer Valley, drape sheepskins over your chairs and purchase some black and red plaid linens for that chic ski lodge vibe. Or, if Paris has your soul, why not bring a touch of French elegance to your dessert table with a glistening galette des rois to share a slice of your tradition? Drinks are where you can really get creative. Serve a signature cocktail that’s a nod to your personal holiday narrative—hosting a Nutcracker-themed bash? How about a ‘Sugar Plum Fairy’ cocktail with a hint of lavender or a ‘Nutcracker’ Negroni with almond liqueur for a rich and nutty twist? If it’s a ski lodge theme, think about something warm, like a spiked hot chocolate garnished with shavings. And for that Parisian twist, a classic French 75 adds just the right amount of sparkle. To make each guest feel extra special, consider parting gifts. Place a small, beautifully wrapped present for a sit-down dinner at each setting. It doesn’t have to be grand—a miniature bottle of champagne, a tiny nutcracker, or even a beautifully crafted chocolate. If it’s a mix-and-mingle kind of night, have a basket by the door with little gifts that say thank you and Happy Holidays in the most thoughtful way. Every detail should whisper your story. Let your holiday traditions shine through, whether it’s the music that takes you back to your favorite holiday moments or the scents that remind you of your travels. It’s about creating an atmosphere that’s as warm and inviting as it is personal and unique. So here’s to holiday entertaining that feels like a warm hug from an old friend, filled with personal touches that make everyone’s spirits bright. Warmest wishes and chic celebrations, Alix

From making the most of your space to planning the menu, let's dive into how to make your holiday entertaining less stressful and more fun. 1. Optimize Your Space Start with a clean slate. Remove unnecessary clutter. Yes, those old magazines and that countertop blender must go (just for now)! It makes your space more inviting and gives you more room to get creative. Think horizontally AND vertically. That empty bookshelf can be the perfect spot for your hors d'oeuvres. Your kitchen island can serve as a buffet station! And that coffee table? A chic dining alternative. It's all about maximizing every inch. 2. Glam it up Opt for festive low-floral centerpieces for your table, allowing guests to chitchat across the table without obstructions. Aim for centerpieces that are less than 12 inches high. Scatter unscented votives, pillars, and taper candles throughout your home. They set the mood; trust me, everyone looks fabulous in candlelight. 3. Dine in Style Push two tables together if you're planning a sit-down dinner party and need more space. Even if the tables are slightly different heights, you can create the illusion that it's one table using beautiful linens. Cover the two tables with the same tablecloths and add runners. Finish the look by grouping votives or taper candles down the center to unify the surfaces. Do you have a collection of fine china, crystal, and silver? Holiday hosting is the time to flaunt it. If not, event planners and caterers can help you select and rent holiday table settings, making the process effortless. To add a personal touch, visit my holiday entertaining list on Amazon for some unique accessories. (Note: I may earn from qualifying purchases as an affiliate.) 4. Food Galore There is no more powerful way of showing love than by feeding people. Whether you love to cook or prefer ordering in, the trick is to present it beautifully. Creating a buffet and using wrapped books to vary the height of your platters is a little trick that makes a big difference. 5. Champers All the Way Is it even a holiday without some bubbly? Ensure you've got a lot of chilled champagne. My favorite is Billecart. Want to minimize the bar clutter? Whip up a festive signature cocktail or two, and they will become the talk of the evening. 6. Wrap it up with Dessert and Entertainment Make a statement with your dessert table. From seasonal pies to a stunning Yule log, it's your chance to leave a lasting impression. For Hanukkah parties, serve platters of round jelly doughnuts topped with powdered sugar. And remember to display the traditional chocolate gelt (gold coins) for good luck. An acoustic session or a game of charades is always a good idea. Let your guests become a part of the show! It's all about making memories. (Keep the champagne flowing.) So, dress up, embrace the imperfections, and let the festivities begin! For more tips and tricks for home entertaining, check out Redfin's blog, where I am proud to be quoted. Happy Holidays!

You are engaged! Immediately following the congratulations will come the question: "When's the big day?" As you imagine your walk down the aisle, you may be tempted to dive right into wedding planning. But take a breath and enjoy the moment. Before searching for the perfect venue or dress, you must answer one crucial question: 'What's your wedding budget?' Photo by Samuel Lippke While the word budget may be a killjoy, knowing your budget upfront allows you to embark on a stress-free journey, prioritizing pleasure while feeling at ease financially. Your budget becomes your guide in selecting everything, from the invitations to the location to the wedding planner. With a handy spreadsheet dividing your budget into categories, you can narrow your options like a ninja. Before we look at the budget categories, here is something you may not have considered: the wedding industry is tiered. Like the auto industry, there are Kia, Acura, Mercedes, Rolls-Royce, and even Lamborghini venues and vendors specializing in a specific market. These five tiers, semiluxury/economy, midlevel, high-end, luxury, and ultra-luxury, are determined by the demand, experience level, and offerings of specific vendors and are not transparent, often leading to great confusion and added stress for couples. According to the Knot, weddings in New York City average $ 90,000, nearly double every US city except Los Angeles. NYC semiluxury/economy-level weddings start at $60k and go upwards of $400k for an ultra-luxury wedding. Determining a realistic budget allows you to find vendors specializing in your market segment. Ask potential vendors about the average budgets they work with to determine if they are a good fit. Wedding Budget Variables A wedding budget is loaded with variables because your vision evolves throughout the process. Listed below are some of the most significant ones; Guest List The number of guests you are hosting determines the venue size you need to book and the price of every other budget item. The more guests, the more catering and staff you will need, the more tables to decorate, the more invitations to send, the more liquor to buy, and so on. For those with robust budgets, large families, and multitudes of friends – the more, the merrier! If you have a lofty vision but are working with a down-to-earth budget, pare down your guest list to spend more per person. Either way, your wedding day will be unforgettable because it celebrates you and your soulmate. Your next step will be to make a guest list so you can strategically choose everything with this number in mind. Geographic Location Venues and vendors vary in price depending on where you choose to get married. A luxury photographer based in New York City will be priced differently than one in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. The same goes for your wedding planners, florists, and entertainment. What Matters to You Prioritize three areas that are most important to you and your partner. For example, the catering and bar service will be your priority if you two are foodies. Splurging on the gown, tux, and accessories makes sense if you work in the fashion industry. Or, if you imagine yourself on the dance floor with your friends all night, make sure the music and entertainment are fantastic. Figuring this out will make the day uniquely your own. You can then find cost-effective routes for everything else. Budget Categories Hold on to your hats; we will break down your wedding budget into percentages by category. You will be on the high end of the range for the areas you deem as priorities, and you'll be on the lower end for areas that are less important to you. Wedding planning services are separate fees and not broken down in these percentages; we will get to those later. Ceremony Venue: 2 to 5% There is usually a rental fee if the ceremony space is separate from your reception venue. Reception Venue Rental: 7 to 20% Reception venue rentals will start at around 7-10% of your overall budget, but properties that do not offer in-house catering may cost more, up to 20%. This rental fee is separate from your F&B costs. Food and Beverage: 24 to 40% This category varies depending on if you are booking an off-premises caterer or an in-house caterer. Your guest count will also determine the style of the meal (plated, family-style, or buffet), venue type, and location. Cake: 2% The intricacies of the cake determine the price. Designs that include fondant, sugar florals, and other fine art elements tend to lean on the higher side. Photography: 10 to 20% Photography packages vary based on the photographer's experience, travel, number of hours needed, if a second or third shooter is required, if you're purchasing wedding albums for yourself or your parents (highly recommended!), and if you're ordering fine art prints. Plan a good portion of your budget for this category. Cinematography: 5 to 20% Again, the experience level of the cinematographer will largely determine the cost. Also, decide if you want a highlight film (around 5-7% of your budget) or an entire movie (about 10-20%). Floral Design: 10 to 15% The number of arrangements, type of florals, and their style all factor in here. Chuppahs, unique installations, and tall arrangements add up quickly. Officiant: < 1% Many religious officiants will perform the wedding for free, but giving them a monetary gift is customary as footing any travel expenses. If a family member or friend is marrying you, you'll want to check with the town and state to confirm the process and fees for obtaining a one-day marriage designation or look into getting them ordained. Fashion and Accessories: 5 to 8% The wedding dress(es) will take up this budget, and you must also factor in the alterations, a veil or headpiece, undergarments, shoes, and jewelry. If the wedding involves a groom (or grooms), the budget can vary considerably depending on if he or they chooses to rent or purchase the tux(es) or suit(s). Other items include alterations, cuff links, neck accessories (think bowtie or tie), shoes, socks, and a watch. Beauty: 2 to 5% The percentage will depend on whether you provide hair and makeup for the wedding party. You might also consider providing extras such as a nail artist, waxing, facials, a barber for clean-ups, etc. Music and Entertainment: 7 to 20% You might want to hire a string quartet or live performer for your ceremony. In addition, you'll also have cocktail-hour music and a DJ (7 to 10%) or a band (10 to 20%) for the main event. Stationery: 5 to 10% Save the dates, invitations, RSVP cards, ceremony programs, menus, escort, place cards, thank you cards, stamps, and signage are all included in this budget. Stationery sets the tone for your wedding. Some clients invest in extras such as custom maps, itinerary inserts, calligraphy, wax seals, envelope liners, etc. You may choose an "off the rack" option (5 to 7%) versus a custom designer ( 7-10%). Printing (digital, foiling, embossing, etc.) also impacts costs. A way to save here is to opt for Paperless Post, but you may wish to hire a designer to create a one-of-a-kind invitation to be uploaded. (2-4%). Favors and Gifts: 2 to 5% If you have a destination wedding, you may choose to have welcome bags for all your guests (3-5%). Only out-of-towners will receive these bags if you choose a local wedding venue (2% or less). In addition to welcome gifts, it's customary to give bridal party members a gift, such as something to wear on the event day. You also might consider giving your parents a token of appreciation, especially if they contributed to the wedding. Finally, you may want to factor in parting favors for every guest attending the reception. Transportation: 3 to 7% You and your bridal party will need a ride from your hotel or getting ready location to the venue and between the ceremony and reception venues. You might also rent a getaway, like a beautiful vintage car or limo. Rentals: 5 to 10% If you get married at a hotel ballroom, the venue might have tables, chairs, linens, dinnerware, and serving ware, all included. But if you'd like to customize the venue's offerings or have an outdoor or non-traditional venue, all these items will be rented. Mad Money: 5 to 7% Be prepared. There are always unexpected expenses that come up. Equipped with this list, you are ready to assemble the team to make your dream wedding a reality! While it may require hours of research, figuring out your budget and priorities and finding vendors to match are your first steps toward planning your wedding. And if you don't have the time or these numbers are making your head spin, prioritize hiring a wedding planner so you can enjoy your engagement and focus on the fun stuff like the cake tasting. Photo by Four Eyes Photography Wedding Planning Services and Fees · Full-Service Planning, Design, and Coordination A full-service planner begins before or after the venue is chosen. (They can help you locate an ideal venue or destination.) You may have hired a few vendors, but bringing a full-service wedding planner to take the reins will lead to a seamless planning experience. Planners vary; some may offer event design (savings for you), while others work exclusively with outside designers or production companies, especially for large, production-style weddings. An excellent full-service planner is your sidekick, sounding board, and sometimes your psychologist. This type of planner generally offers concierge service and takes on a select number of clients annually to devote the attention to detail required to produce an extraordinary, bespoke event. Full-service planners charge a fee equal to 12-20% of the overall wedding budget. A seasoned full-service planner saves you time and money and will guarantee a flawless event. Partial Planning Perhaps you've hired several vendors but are stuck on what to do next. Or you need help creating a cohesive design. Maybe your schedule has become hectic, and you are looking for a planner to guide you to the finish line! If so, you may want to hire a wedding planner. Partial planning usually begins mid-way through the process. Expect to pay 10-12% of the event budget, a flat rate, or some hybrid, depending upon the scope of work. Invest in this service for peace of mind so your wedding looks and feels like you. Month-of Coordination/Event Management While commonly referred to as "day-of," a better description for this service is "coordination for the day of the wedding." Work starts with a consultation one to two months before the wedding. From there, a planner creates a timeline for the wedding day and works to ensure that everything comes together just as you envisioned. An event manager costs around 5-7% of the overall budget, and this small investment ensures that countless hours of planning will pay off and that you get the most from your vendors. Suppose a last-minute snafu crops up; having a coordinator on board allows you to be charming, gracious hosts rather than frazzled, last-minute problem solvers. While a venue and catering coordinator are crucial to the success of an event, they do not do what a wedding planner does. Please note that some wedding venues require hiring a planner or a coordinator for the wedding day. We hope this was a helpful overview. As always, please contact us with questions or if we can help. Happy planning! xo

Hey there - Are you sober-curious? An estimated 43 percent of drinking-age Americans don’t drink alcohol. Mocktails are not just for kids anymore, and adults appreciate sophisticated options. As mocktails gain popularity, we have sought high-quality, non-alcoholic spirits to serve at our clients’ parties. We have fallen in love with Seedlip, made from botanicals and spices and contains no alcohol or calories. Seedlip has beautiful bottles that look great on your bar and come in three flavors: The Garden, The Grove, and The Spice. Here is our guide to using them, along with three tasty recipes. Please reach out with any questions. Cheers! The Seedlip Garden – Mimics botanicals in gin. A fresh, herbal blend of peas and traditional garden herbs, including Rosemary, Thyme & Spearmint. How to use: Savory drinks as the nose is aromatic with pine, black pepper, mint, and rosemary notes. Recommended Mocktails: Bloody Mary, Tonic Water, Southside, Muddled herb & cucumber drinks Seedlip Cocktail Recipes #1: The Celery Cucumber Gimlet Ingredients: 1.5 oz Seedlip Garden 0.75 oz lime juice 0.75 oz simple syrup Four cucumber slices Half a celery stalk, cut into slices. Muddle the celery and cucumber in a cocktail shaker with lime juice and simple syrup. Add the Seedlip Garden. Top with ice and shake vigorously. Double strain into a salted-rimmed glass (optional celery salt). The Seedlip Grove – Made from orange, lemon, lemongrass, and ginger. Aromatics of blood orange, ginger, and lemon peel. How to use: Citrus-forward drinks. Highballs & Sours. Recommended Mocktails: Tonic, Ginger Ale /Ginger Beer, Cosmo, Margarita Seedlip Cocktail Recipes #2: Citrus Crush Cosmo Ingredients: 2 oz Seedlip Grove Two navel orange chunks 0.75 oz lemon juice 0.75 oz simple syrup 1oz cranberry juice In a cocktail shaker, muddle the orange pieces with lemon juice and simple syrup. Add the Seedlip Grove and cranberry juice. Top with ice and shake vigorously—strain into a cocktail glass. The Seedlip Spice – Substitute for rum. Made from a blend of allspice, cardamom, and subtle grapefruit. Aromatics are over-the-top allspice. How to use: Tropical drinks, Creamy drinks (i.e., nogs, Coladas), Highballs, Coffee Recommended Drinks: Mai Tai, Pina Colada, Cold Brew Old Fashioned Seedlip Cocktail Recipes #3: Cold Brew No Fashioned Ingredients: 1.5 oz Seedlip Spice 2 oz cold brew coffee 0.5 oz simple syrup Three dashes of Angostura bitters In a mixing glass, combine all the ingredients with ice. Stir well—strain over a large format ice cube. Garnish with star anise. Happy entertaining! xoxo Alix

A Year or More Ahead of the Big Day Budget and Guest List: Start by setting a budget and compiling your guest list. Celebration Type: Decide the nature of the celebration, including the service and party details. Child’s Point-of-view: Discuss with your child their vision for the event. Theme and Color Scheme: Choose a theme and color scheme for the celebration. Bookings: Secure an event planner and party venue. 12 to 10 Months Before Entertainment and Photography: Book a DJ and a photographer/videographer. Florist and Event Designer: Hire a florist and/or event designer. Accommodations for Guests: Reserve hotel rooms and inform out-of-town guests. Additional Event Planning: Decide on ancillary events like Shabbat dinner or next-day brunch. 10 to 8 Months Before Invitations: Select and order save-the-date cards and invitations. Transportation: Arrange transportation for guests if needed. Service Honors: Decide upon honors for the service. Child’s Preparation: Monitor your child’s progress with their parsha and arrange tutoring. Mitzvah Project: Assist your child with a meaningful Mitzvah Project. 8 to 6 Months Before Party Design: Meet with your florist/designer to finalize the party’s look. Entertainment Details: Coordinate with the DJ for games and crafts. Pre-Mitzvah Photo Shoot: Schedule a photo shoot for the guest of honor. Party Favors and Customized Items: Design and start creating customized party items. Clothing and Accessories: Shop for outfits for the service and celebration. 6 to 3 Months Before Finalizing Details: Mail invitations, order customized kippot, and tallit, and finalize the service program. Music Selection: Work with your DJ/band on a playlist. Speeches and Seating Chart: Write your speeches and create a seating chart. 3 to 1 Month Before Final Preparations: Confirm final details with vendors and create a day-of schedule. Escort Cards and Table Numbers: Order and provide names to your calligrapher. 1 Month to 2 Weeks Before Personal Prep: Get haircuts and beauty treatments. Child’s Well-being: Focus on your child’s well-being and limit their activities. Catering and Decor: Confirm final details with the caterer. Event Day Enjoy the Moment: Take a deep breath, smile, and enjoy your child’s special day. After the Event Gratitude and Memories: Write thank-you notes, create keepsake boxes, and thank everyone involved. Celebrate: Take time to appreciate the event's success and your child's growth. This timeline provides a comprehensive guide for planning a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, ensuring a memorable and well-organized celebration.

Clients ask me all the time for advice about tipping. Here are some guidelines to help you plan gratuities for your event vendors and staff. First of all, tips are not obligatory―but it is customary to show your gratitude by tipping the people behind the scenes involved in making your event a success. Reward Extraordinary Efforts When someone goes out of their way for you―the florist who makes those tiny last-minute changes you requested; the emcee that rocks your party with positive energy ― consider thanking them with a $50 or $100 tip, a bottle of wine, or another token of appreciation. If you’ve texted and talked until late into the night with your event planner and the party was everything you'd hoped for, a personal thank-you note in addition to her customary tip is much appreciated. Put Someone in Charge Assign a family member or your planner to hand out envelopes with the non-contract tips in cash, either at the time of service (hair and makeup people), at the end of the event (which gives you the chance to adjust the tips to reflect the service), or at the beginning. Many planners agree that if you hand out your gratuity envelopes before your event, the vendors will be more likely to go above and beyond for you on your special day. Don't Burn Cash Many gratuities are built into the price quotes for major items like catering―typically 15 to 20 percent―or smaller things like limos. Check carefully to avoid unnecessarily double-tipping. Synagogue/Church Donation Ask if your congregation has donation guidelines. Typically, you’re expected to make a donation of anywhere from $100 to $500 (or more). Prepare Tips in Advance in Marked Envelopes Bartenders: 10 percent of the total liquor bill (to be split among them) Bathroom attendants: $1 to $2 per guest Catering manager: $200+ or a personal gift Chef: $100+ Coat check attendants: $1 to $2 per guest Hairstylist: 15 to 20 percent Hotel chambermaids: $2 to $5 per room; $10 to $15 if you used a suite to dress Limo or bus drivers: 15 percent Maitre d’hotel or head waiter: 1 to 3 percent of food and beverage fees Makeup Artist: 15 to 20 percent Musicians: 15 percent of fee for ceremony musicians; $25 to $50 per player for reception DJ and MC: $250 each Motivational Dancers: $50 each Photographer/Videographer: If you’re paying a flat fee with no overtime, $100 Valet or parking attendants: $1 to $2 per car; 15 percent for valet parking Waiters: $20 and up each (distributed by the catering manager or maitre d’ or 15-20 percent of service.) Bring extra cash for anyone you may have forgotten.

Hey friends! So, are you gearing up to plan your child's Bar or Bat Mitzvah? Trust me, this is going to be as thrilling as bingeing the latest season of our favorite show. Before you begin planning, let's discuss ways to personalize your child's bar or bat mitzvah. 1. Consider the vibe: A dance party or a garden soiree? Picture your child shining in a dance party with club vibes, or maybe a relaxed garden setting with a touch of whimsy is more up your alley. It's all about what suits your family and lets your child's personality shine. 2. Themes are where you can have fun. Does your child love baseball? How about celebrating at your local stadium? An art lover? How about celebrating amidst beautiful art in a museum? Or maybe a nautical theme by the water for beach lovers. But remember, mixing themes like basketball and Broadway might sound cool but can get messy. Stick to one for a cohesive look. 3. Dream big at the start. This is the time for wild ideas. Make a Pinterest board and talk about their favorite hobbies, movies, and trips - you never know what might spark that perfect idea. 4. Colors are powerful. They set the mood and tell a story. Choose a couple of favorite colors and see how they transform everything from invitations to the dance floor. 5. A custom logo can elevate your event. It's like the signature of this special milestone. Whether it's a stylish monogram or a symbol that represents your child, it adds a personal touch. 6. Your invitations are a sneak peek of what's to come. Whether they are online or paper, pick designs and words that start the excitement right from the mailbox. You can have custom-designed invitations created to match your event. 7. Don't underestimate the power of lighting. It's incredible how it can transform a space, creating the perfect ambiance and accentuating your theme. 8. Photos of the guest of honor add a lovely personal touch. A giant portrait or a silent slideshow (in addition to the montage) can be great conversation starters. 9. The escort card table is your chance to make a first impression. Get creative with it - it's the opening act of your event. We've done all sorts of escort card tables, from tickets to luggage tags to bookmarks to candy. Match your escort cards to your theme. 10. The sign-in board is a blank canvas. Whether it's a giant pillow or a photo book, it's a place for guests to leave their mark. 11. Consider a lounge area for the kids - a magical space with comfy seating and mood lighting for them to chill. 12. Entertainment is the most important component of the mitzvah. A great DJ or MC, fun activities that align with your theme, and maybe a spectacular confetti drop will keep the party buzzing. 13. End the night with a unique giveaway—a little something to thank your guests and remind them of this fantastic celebration. Hoodies are great, but you can also offer PJs, beanies, candy, and more. And here's a little secret: an event planner can be your best ally. They can take your ideas and run with them, bringing everything together while you focus on enjoying this special time. Ready to dive in? This is all about celebrating your child's unique path. You're set to create an unforgettable celebration with your creativity, love, and maybe a little help from a pro.

We are pleased to announce that Alexandra Partow Events has received the 2018 Best of Brooklyn Award in the Event Planner category by the Brooklyn Award Program. We couldn't be happier! Below is the announcement we received from the Brooklyn Award Program. The Best of Brooklyn Award was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community. "Alexandra Partow Events has been selected for the 2018 Best of Brooklyn Award in the category of Event Planner by the Brooklyn Award Program. Each year, the Brooklyn Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Brooklyn area a great place to live, work and play. Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2018 Brooklyn Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Brooklyn Award Program and data provided by third parties. About Brooklyn Award Program The Brooklyn Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Brooklyn area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value. The Brooklyn Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to recognize the small business community's contributions to the U.S. economy." #2018BestofBrooklynAward #BestofBrooklynAward #2018BestofBrooklynEventPlanner #Awardwinner #Bestofbrooklyn #Brooklyneventplanner