April 16, 2008

Cinco de Mayo Party Ideas

Cinco de Mayo

Hooray!, For the Mexican victory over the French invasion of Mexico at the Battle of Puebla! (Did you think I was going to say Mexican Independence Day? Independence Day in Mexico is September 16! Read more about Cinco de Mayo… here.) No matter what actually took place on May fifth in Mexico, it has now become the day when partiers in the U.S. all get to go to “fiestas” and drink margaritas, Coronas with a wedge of lime or, for the hard core Cinco de Mayo beer fan, Dos Equis! We celebrate with piñatas, sombreros and maracas. (Did you know this tradition actually started in California in the 1860s? What a great way to celebrate our neighbors south of the border!

Throwing a top-notch Cinco de Mayo party is as easy as reserving a back room at your favorite Mexican restaurant. The restaurant will supply the bartender and it’s up to you whether you choose to have your guests pay for drinks separately or have an open bar. Speak with the bartender about creating a signature margarita, like the Cadillac Margarita or add a splash of Chambord for a Raspberry Margarita. Most Mexican food can be served tapas-style (Tapas is a tradition from Spain wherein the meal consists of several appetizer-type dishes and are served over the course of the evening instead of all at once.) allowing your guests to mingle, dance, talk or enjoy activities you have planned.

Taking this party home to the living room or back yard is easy too. You can hire one of our Party Builder Bartenders to mix and serve drinks or buy pre-mixed margaritas at the liquor store and keep plenty of ice on hand. Quesadilla machines are inexpensive and easy to use, and most grocery stores have fantastic house-made salsa, sometimes in different flavors. (Try the mango salsa!) Salsa and guacamole recipes abound at Avocado.org; all you need is a food processor. Try other recipes here as well, or hire a caterer that specializes in Mexican food from our list of talented Party Builder Caterers.

Now, for party favors, you definitely need a piñata. Find interesting piñatas at Pinatas.com. If there will be children at the event, you might try a “kid’s piñata” and an “adult piñata.” Children usually get excited about candy, small toys or small amounts of money. For the adult piñata, fill it with scratch tickets, larger denominations of money ($5 bills are fine) or use your imagination to come up with something really spicy. Just make sure to blindfold the children!

To keep your guests amused, plan to have some activities for them like using crafts to make Mexican flags, decorating sombreros  with pom-poms, making maracas from cups and some dried beans, and decorating the outsides with stickers, glue, sparkles or whatever else catches your eye at the crafts store. For more craft, recipe and Cinco de Mayo ideas check out, Kaboose.com. You can certainly pretend the crafts are “just for the kids” but you may very well find your adult friends using their margarita-inspired creativity to make their own crafts and celebrate Cinco de Mayo well into the evening!

Sarah Babineau

Senior Editor, The Party Builder

Got a party-planning idea you want to share with our clients or service providers? Did you have a great party and want to tell us what made it a hit? Email Sarah@ThePartyBuilder.com and we may use your idea or story in a future article!

January 04, 2008

Welcoming Delaware and South Carolina to The Party Builder

From Magnolia, DE...

U Oughtta be On Chocolates, LLC
100% personalized & edible images on chocolate for any event, holiday or occasion. ... more

From Charleston, SC...

Silvas Photo
Silvas Photo is a wedding photographer specializing in candid photojournalism mixed with traditional wedding photography.... more

December 29, 2007

Massachusetts Caterers on The Party Builder

British Butler
British butler and his team of experienced and attractive servers provide bar tending, food serving, cooking and barbecue services for small or large parties and corporate entertaining. ... more

Elliott's Catering
Dedicated to excellence in food quality, preparation and presentation, we cater functions both large and small. Whether you are planning a buffet, seated dinner, cocktail party, luncheon, or other spe... more

Interactive Entertainment Concepts
Direct Source for Interactive Entertainment. ... more

No Small Affair Catering
No Small affair catering is here for your catering needs. We service all events.Menu's designed for you budgets and needs ... more

Scoozi
Perfect for catering all types of events. WIth experience and knowledge of the area and industry Scoozi is a natural choice for all your catering needs. ... more




That Hits The Spot! - A Personal Chef Service
We are traveling chefs who come to your home or venue and make your day special with the highest quality, made-from-scratch foods.... more

December 28, 2007

Massachusetts DJ's and Disc Jockeys for Parties and Events on The Party Builder

6one7 Productions
Specializing in Lifestyle Marketing.... more

Boston Party Makers
We are a full-service entertainment agency providing a wide array of services for everything from small children's parties to full corporate events. ... more

Dancing Discs
... more

DJ Ricky Fatts
Ricky has played some of the hottest nights in Boston. With residencies at Whiskey Park, Revolution Rock Bar and many other premiere night life venues. Ricky has become a household name in the Boston ... more

Holtie Productions
Disc Jockey Service for Boston, Providence and Cape Cod Areas ... more

I.L.L. Entertainment Services
Full mobile DJ services with access to New England's top radio and club disc jockeys. We also have photography and limo services available. ... more

Interactive Entertainment Concepts
Direct Source for Interactive Entertainment. ... more

Move It Music DJ Service
DJ and Entertainment Services, Weddings, Corporate, Private functions, High School and University Events ... more


Next Generation Productions
NGP offers creative, fun and memorable mobile DJ and event solutions throughout New England! Not only are our DJs nightclub trained, but we possess the experience to work with even the most difficult ... more

Perfect Parties USA
Boston Inflatable Amusements, Carnival Games, Virtual Reality, High Tech Simulators, Arcade Games, Novelties, Crafts, Casinos, Game Shows, Performers, Photo Favors, & DJ’s - Book Direct & Save! Over ... more

Raiia Entertainment EP
We plan your event - Store Opening , Fashion show , concert , shows , Release party , bash ... ... more

Salsa and Latin Music with an Afro-Cuban twist
Everything you need to host a successful Latin/Afro-Cuban party, including: a DJ, Dance Instructors, and both internet and street promotions specialists.... more

December 27, 2007

Massachusetts Party and Event Venues on The Party Builder

33 Restaurant & Lounge, boston
The recipe behind 33 Restaurant & Lounge is simple: a dash of vivid imagination, a pinch of culinary creativity, and a touch of pure commitment to the best. The essence of this equation is to provide ... more

Aria Night Club, Boston
Another haute couture hangout for city sophisticates. As the name suggests, It's a sexy lounge club big on red velvet plush, soft sofas and sultry jazz. Upper-class Bostonians and moneyed internationa... more

Armani Cafe, boston
Boasting the best location in Boston, Armani Cafe is the perfect place for a private function or after work party. With the best outside dining area and people watching this is the perfect after work ... more

Artistry , south boston
With Artistry, the conventional notion of an event space has been abandoned. The venue is a reclaimed warehouse, complete with exposed brick, wooden beams, sandblasted glass and towering ceilings. Raw... more

Avalon, boston
The largest venue in Boston also boasts the largest and best acts in Boston. Three clubs in one Avalon has ability to house any type of event. From large benefit/charity fundraisers to the best musica... more

Blissful Meadows , Uxbridge
... more

Cape Ann's Marina Resort, Gloucester
Waterside Tent area - great for weddings, rehearsal dinners, clambakes and more. Accomodations and spa onsite. ... more

Caprice, Boston
A mainstay in the theater district. Caprice private function rooms with pool tables and downstairs lounge provide an atmosphere for an large audience. Caprice takes the party to the next level with it... more

Centerfolds - Boston, Boston
If you are looking for the best entertainment in the city of Boston, it's here at Centerfolds Boston. Nearby parking or just a short cab ride away. We look forward to showing you the best of what Bost... more

Centerfolds - Oxford, North Oxford
The most elegant Gentleman's Club in New England. Featuring Full service bar and dinner served. Private parties welcome. Contact us for more info on private function rooms and accomodations.... more

Chippendales Boston, boston
The best in adult entertainment, Chippendales the show is perfect for any bachelorette party or night out with the ladies. Check out www.roxyboston.com for more details on the show or call me for tick... more

Clerys, boston
Located a block from Copley Plaza at the corner of Dartmouth and Columbus, this bistro and bar earned the title of the 2002 Best of Boston: Best Neighborhood bar, serving more than 400 regulars Enjoy ... more

Common Ground Bar & Grill, Allston
A neighborhood place with great food and over 50 different craft beers. They feature a full dinner and live music on weekends. ... more

Coogan's, boston
After dark, remember your dancing shoes, because Coogans has DJs playing top 40 with disco lights illuminating the dance floor, which is sure to lure you onto the dance floor to dance the night away.... more

Copperfields, boston
Copperfield's, located next to historic Fenway Park, features Boston's hottest local talent. We provide some of the best original, cover, and college bands throughout New England. We are open seven da... more

Croma, Boston
Croma is an upscale restaurant, pizzeria and bar featuring great food in a sophisticated atmosphere. ... more

Dillon's , Boston


... more

District Lounge and Restaurant, Boston
DISTRICT, is located in the Leather District, Boston’s industrial chic condo loft neighborhood. Designed by JFS Design Studio, this unique and aggressive design exudes an exotic tone with a hint ... more

District Restaurant & Lounge, Boston
Extraordinary Cocktail Dinning. ... more

Diva Lounge, Somerville
Diva Lounge provides Somerville scenesters with a visually striking nightlife destination. LED lighting, mirrored walls and curved wooden benches are just a few of the lounge's numerous eye-catching a... more

Dugout Cafe, Boston
... more

Embassy / Modern, boston
A fixture on Lansdown St. Embassy/Modern provides a lounge atmosphere on 1st floor and a vip club atmosphere on 2nd floor. ... more

Event Productions, Boston
Event production and planning company. Best of the best hospitality ... more

Excelsior, Boston
Excelsior is the perfect venue for an after-work event or all night function. Its inviting decor and brilliant wine list represent the best Boston has to offer. ... more

Falmouth Country Club, E. Falmouth


... more

Felt, Boston
FELT restaurant, billiards, lounge and night club, features four levels of entertainment. Ideally situated right next door to the Opera House, and just around the corner from the Ritz Carlton, Boston ... more

Fitchburg Riverfront Park, Fitchburg
Outdoor park available for private use.... more

Foundation Lounge, boston
Foundation Lounge is a destination for those looking for a sophisticated, mature, distinctive social experience. A true loung experience complete with champagne, martinis, sake, Zensai Japanese appeti... more

Game On! Fenway , Boston
... more

Georgetown Club, Georgetown
... more

Glen Ellen Country Club, Millis
(Just a Championship Golf by the round or by the season, elegant receptions, group outings, country club memberships. Glen Ellen offers the area's most superb value for golf, and more... Just 45 m... more

Gypsy Bar, boston
Voted Boston's best pick-up bar and sexiest club the atmosphere says it all. Contact us for bookings. ... more

Hopkinton Country Club, Hopkinton
Whether you are looking for a location to hold your annual charity golf tournament or for a creative way to thank your clients and employees, a golf outing at HCC is the answer!... more

Hurricane O'Reilly's, boston
After the sun sets on Canal Street, Hurricane's lights up to be Boston's hottest nightclubs with Boston's best DJ's and illuminating disco lights, 6,800 square feet of Madri Gras spirit.... more

Indian Pond , Kingston

... more

Ivy Restaurant, Boston
Ivy Restaurant is a modern neighborhood café full of rich flavors and textures, serving soul satisfying Italian classics with creative American style. Visit our website for more detailed informatio... more

Ivy Restaurant & Cava Cocktail Lounge, Boston
Ivy Restaurant is a modern neighborhood café full of rich flavors and textures, serving soul satisfying Italian classics with creative American style. Beneath the two floors of elegant dining at Ivy... more

Jake Ivory's, Boston
"If you don't have a good time here it's your own fault," Boston Globe... more

Jose McIntyre, boston
This bar has a total of 5 rooms, 3.5 bars, 2 floors, 5 big screen TV's and a pool table. The newest room is the perfect place to relax after work with co-workers on big comfy couches and a smoothing a... more

LaVerdad Taqueria, Boston
... more

Liquor Store, boston
Bachelorette Hot spot. Featuring girls night out parties and the most Bachelorette parties in Boston, Liquor Store bull riding contest is only one of the many attractions ... more

Mantra Restaurant, Boston
The atmosphere combines the stateliness of a large turn-of-the-century former bank building with the modernism of laser-cut steel mirrors, chainmail drapery, leatherette upholstery, and a 30' woven wo... more

Mardi Gras @ Mansion Boston, Boston
... more

Match, boston
This modern restaurant/lounge located on the corner of Newbury Street and Mass. Ave maintains an unpretentious yet hip vibe. A sleek fire display and glass wine room are just two of its many features.... more

McFadden's Restaurant and Saloon, Boston
Located at 148 State Street, conveniently nestled between Faneiul Hall and the Financial District, McFadden's is the most dynamic establishment in Boston to combine both work and play. ... more

Middle East Restaurant and Nightclub, Cambridge
... more

MiddleEast, Cambridge
The Middle East Restaurant and Nightclub consists of three live-music performance rooms, two family-style restaurants with full-service bars, and an elegant restaurant named ZuZu (the childhood nickna... more

MIT Museum, Cambridge
... more

MIT Museum, Cambridge
... more

Mojitos Latin Lounge & Nightclub, Boston
Mojitos offers high energy Latin entertainment and dancing in an upscale yet welcoming atmosphere. ... more

Mystery Cafe Dinner Theater, Boston
Mystery Dinner Theater available for private shows. Cruises and Mansions also available for your event.... more

New England Country Club, Bellingham
...

more

News Cafe & Lounge, Boston
Boston's Finest Late Night Restaurant & Lounge. News is a perfect spot for a small dinner function or a large corporate office party. Open to 4am classy lounge can cater to any crowd. Please contact u... more

Norvia's, Roxbury
Grand Opening of Norvia's Sept 1st! We will be giving out FREE samples of energy drinks in 10 flavors.... more

Ocean Edge Resort and Golf, Brewster

... more

Primavera, Millis
Primavera cordially invites you to come make your wedding dreams come true. Primavera has captured a truly spectacular setting for a fantasy wedding day come true—one that captures all the romance and... more

Pure Night Club, boston
The best 18+ club in the city, right on tremont st. ! ... more

Redline, Cambridge
Located in the heart of Harvard Square, Redline caters to a hip cross-section of the city with its casually refined menu, buzzing bar scene and late night entertainment. ... more

Revolution Rock Bar, boston
We like it loud and we like it good. We also like it coming from our stage. ... more

Rise, boston
After hours club in heart of the Theater district this venue has 'rose' above the rest with there creativity and attention to detail. This venue is also unique as it does not serve alcohol and is 18+.... more

Room Service, NY
Room Service boasts the traditional bar and nightclub — private bartenders and signature cocktails, like the Spa Treatment, with chilled sake and 42 Below vodka cocktail, served with a cucumber garnis... more

Roxy, boston
Located in the Historic Wyndham Tremont Hotel, The Roxy Ballroom is one of Boston's oldest and most elegant venues in the city. As you enter the second level, guests enter into the grand ballroom. Th... more

Rumor Night Club, Boston
Rumor is one of the premier night spots in Boston. Boasting the best Dj's and crowd in town, Rumor has become a destination. ... more

Saint , Boston
In the heart of the Backbay Saints cozy and inviting atmosphere has made it a hotspot for young professionals since its opening. Contact us for more information. Catered events and corporate function... more

Sandwich Hollows Golf Course , E. Sandwich

... more

Seven Lounge & Bar, Worcester
Seven is the perfect place to get away for the evening and have some cocktails with your friends, hosting a private party or just a fun night out. Open layout, beautiful decor, plush beds in the VIP a... more

SUITE, Boston
Boston's hottest nightlife boutique feature exclusive recreation ... more

The Big Easy, Boston
Awesome Club one of Boston's best! ... more

The Black Rose, boston
Voted one of America's top ten Irish establishments: The Black Rose established in 1976, is located in the historic Faneuil Hall-Quincy market area of Boston. It's known far and wide for its convivial... more

The Brookside Club, Bourne
Public Golf course 18 holes, and award winning!!!! ... more

The Captain's Golf Course, Brewster
The Captains Golf Course is Cape Cod's premier public golf course facility, located in Brewster, Massachusetts — the golf capital of the Lower Cape! ... more

The Castle, boston
The Castle, a graceful, vine-covered Tudor revival mansion, is available for functions, receptions and conferences, and is considered to be one of the most elegant wedding locations in Boston. The Cas... more

The Grand Canal, Boston
A classic Irish pub, equiped with two small function rooms as well as one large. House dj sytem with p.a. and several large screen tvs. ... more

The Greatest Bar, Boston
A celebration of the greatest people places, moments, and events that make Boston Legendary. The Greatest Bar features three separate spaces spread over four levels, each with a distinctive ambience ... more

The International, Boston
In the heart of the financial district, The International is a great place to grab drinks or plan a function after work. With a full menu and pool tables the International has it all. Also ask us abou... more

THE METROPOLITAN CLUB, CHESTNUT HILL
AWARD WINNING HIGHLY RECOGNIZED MODERN STEAKHOUSE, RESTAURANT AND BAR, CONVENIENTLY LOCATED ON ROUTE NINE IN CHESTNUT HILL AT INTERSECTION OF ROUTE NINE AND HAMMOND STREETS.... more

The Purple Shamrock, boston
After dark, The Purple Shamrock has nightly entertainment. There is a perfect mix of live music, karaoke and DJ's. Here at The Purple Shamrock there is sure to be something for everyone.... more

The Sheraton Hotel , Framingham


... more

The State Room , Boston
STATE ROOM is the newest edition to Longwood Events' portfolio of distinctive special event venues that already includes Ballroom Veronique and Club Longwood in Brookline, Ma.... more

The Union Station , Worcester
The beauty of the Grand Hall with its high, large curved ceilings, stained glass windows built to replicate the patterns and colors of the original ones, interior marble columns, and wood trim is a... more

Tomasso, southboro
Tomasso Trattoria and Enoteca brings the excitement and sophistication of Boston and New York City dining to the western suburbs. Tuscan inspired cuisine and an outstanding Italian Wine List create an... more

Tosca , Hingham
Constructed in the 1910 Granary Marketplace building, the award-winning restaurant boasts a theatrical setting with exposed brick, imported tiles, mahogany woods and an open kitchen from which award-w... more

Trinity Nightclub, Boston
Located in historic Faneuil Hall ( the Quincy Market area), Trinity provides a cool social atmosphere with great dance music and very reasonable drink prices. With three floors there is usually plenty... more

Umbria, Boston
Restaurateur Frank De Pasquale's Umbria Ristorante, Ultra Lounge, and Nightclub pairs the finest in regional Italian cuisine with Boston's best late night entertainment. Located in Boston's Financial ... more

Underbar, Boston
The newest 'club' venue to hit Boston. Underbar's state of the art sound system and underwater decor give it a unique party vibe un-matched in the Boston area. Main room and side lounge area accomodat... more

Venu Night Club, Boston
Venu reopened its doors early in 2005. With new decor and energy the club is a great space for private functions and birthday parties. ... more

Veronique Boston, Brookline
Timeless Grandeur. Longwood Events' original venue, Veronique, is located in the legendary Longwood Towers in Brookline. The building's Tudor architecture and intricate design details combine to creat... more

Whiskey Park, Boston
Spend the evening in the eclectic elegance of a cozy bar, Whiskey Park makes for the most intimate and stylish lounge in Boston. ... more

White Cliffs, Northborough
... more

Wonder Bar, boston
Perfect for happy hour, private functions and for a great night out on the town. Wonderbar truly has something for everybody with a wide variety of talented local dj's, live jazz and VIP functions in ... more

ZuZu, Cambridge
Attached to Middle East - This is a great place to grab a bite before cathing some great tunes next door. Also available for private functions and band bookings. ... more

October 16, 2007

Plan a party in autumn

The days are getting shorter, the weather is getting cooler, and we’re all beginning to miss the days of fun in the sun. That’s why we think it’s a good time to remind everyone that while we may have to trade in our tshirts for jackets, there’s still a lot of fun to be had in a New England autumn.

Autumn Apples, Back to School; Tailgating and Football Too! is sure to cheer you out of the impending winter doldrums with suggestions for fun seasonal parties. From tailgating parties for football fans, apple picking for wholesome family fun, to fall-themed gourmet feast soirees, this article has a little something for everyone to ensure a painless transition through autumn and into winter. And, as always, we’ve provided you with links to everything you need to make any of these parties successful.

September 28, 2007

Another new feature: Email this profile! We're on a roll!

More often than not, a person planning a party needs input from others involved in their event on what venue to have the party at, and what services they should hire. To that end, we have added an "Email this profile" feature to the vendor profile pages, enabling users to easily send a link to that profile page to whoever they want to share it with. They can also include a message to the recipient.

In addition to being a valuable tool for end users planning events, the "Email this profile" feature will also benefit the vendors listed on our site in the best possible way: word of mouth. What's better than not only having people look at your profile, but telling their friends about it too? To give our vendors a sense of what kind of traction they're getting from this feature, we track the number of times their profile is emailed, and provide those statistics on the vendor's "My stuff" section.

To find vendors for your event with profiles you can sent your friends to, get started now!

September 25, 2007

Our ever improving list of tools

We’ve added to the vendor (ie. party and event services and venues) profile pages a “print” button at the top which not only allows end users to easily print out a vendor’s profile in a printer-friendly format, but also keeps a record of every time someone prints that profile page and provides a report to the vendor of how many times the page has been printed by a party planner.

This is, like the profile views, an effort to show the vendor what kind of traction they are getting from their profile pages and help them quantify the ROI from the site. We also believe that these kinds of tools will help keep vendors motivated to continually update and polish their profile. Stay tuned for more similar additions to the profile page, as well as reports available to vendors in their “my stuff” section.

September 24, 2007

The Menu Challenge

Thanks to Pepsi for the brilliant ad campaign.

There are alternatives to planning a party or event on The Menu.  You can try the Yellow Pages and directory sites. 

If you don't have a computer, then Yellow Pages is the only way to go.  But for those of us who are online, existing online directory sites really don't offer much more value than the Yellow Pages. 

Online Directory Sites Employ a Flawed Model.

Most directory sites offer some form of free listing and premium paid listings.  There really is no quality control.  The purpose of the directory site is to get as many paid listings as possible while generating revenue with ads on the free listings.  The more listings the better.  The quality doesnt matter.  That leaves it up to the party planner to wade through the millions of listings and guess which ones are legitimate.  What a waste of time.

Furthermore, directory sites that boast millions of listings probably have 75-80% free listings while the rest are paid.  The free listings could be vendors that are still in business.  Or they may not be.  There's no real way to tell.  There is also something suspicious about free listings.   Party vendors and venues that actually run legitimate businesses that accept credit cards, run a web site, have a mailing address, etc... should be able to afford a listing fee.  Anyone can post a free listing.  As the party planner, I would be wary of free listings.  So when you search for a vendor on a directory site, chances are you are going to be contacting several people that don't even exist.  Again, what a waste of time.  Doesn't that defeat the purpose of going online in the first place?

In order for a party planning site to be effective, users need to quickly get a snapshot of several legitimate party venues and vendors.  Users need to also see reviews and be able to make detailed inquiries in a  few clicks.  Directory sites simply don't offer this and we're trying to fill this void at The Menu.

September 20, 2007

Photographer for Editorial Events and Fashion Shows

Mike Howard Photographer can be found on the Menu.  Mike's an artistic fellow that does good work.  You can find his profile here:

http://www.themenuboston.com/vxi204/Michael_Howard_Photographer

There are links to his portfolio and web site from his profile page.  If you've worked with Mike Howard before be sure to leave a review of his work here:

http://www.themenuboston.com/vxi204/Michael_Howard_Photographer#reviews