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Five Useful Entertaining Tips from Deanna Roberts of D.R. Roberts and Event Management


Simple holiday party planning tips can help ease the stress during such a hectic time of year.

Oakland, CA (BlackNews.com) - The holidays are a perfect time to connect with family, friends and clients to thank them for their support throughout the year. With proper planning, a holiday party can be easy and memorable for everyone. That's why special event specialist, Deanna Roberts of D.R. Roberts and Event Management, offers these helpful tips.

If you find your time is limited, do not hesitate to ask a close family member, friend or hire an event planner to help organize your party.

"Even for first-time party throwers, there is nothing to fear," says national event planner, Deanna Roberts. "But no matter what, it is important to make a list and check it twice!"

1. Theme
Decide on a theme which will automatically spice up an ordinary party. Holiday theme ideas include, Christmas, ethnic celebrations, New Years Eve and football bowl parties. For example, throwing a tree trimming party places the focus on the tree. Simply request that guests bring an ornament. "By choosing a theme, it helps when planning the menu and decorations for your event," comments Roberts.

2. Budget
A budget is very important when planning any party. It includes how much to spend on the location, food and beverages, decorations, invitations and music. However, there are always clever ways to cut costs. For example, invitations can be sent electronically from Evite.com which is a free service. Or consider hosting the party at your home or apartment to defray the costs.

3. Decorations
Staying with the chosen party theme, decorate with inexpensive items on hand. Make the table setting a conversation piece. For a holiday theme party, use ornaments, wreaths, candles, holiday lights to decorate your space. "For a centerpiece, don't forget nature. Pine cones and fresh holly growing in your yard make beautiful (and free!) centerpieces," suggests Roberts.

4. Food and Drinks
Food and drinks are perhaps the most critical elements of any successful party. Guests may not remember anything else, but inevitably will remember what they ate and drank. Make sure to incorporate your theme into your menu selection. Serve easy to eat food which does not require utensils. Nobody likes a juggling act. Determine a signature drink for the event that is in line with your theme. Roberts recommends serving festive drinks, including a Missile-toe Cosmo or a Peppermint-tini.

5. Donation
In the wake of so many recent natural disasters, the holidays are another opportunity to remember those in need. The party spirit will still continue while helping a good cause. Some ideas include, donating leftover party food to a local food bank or shelter; asking guests to bring new, unwrapped toys; or setting up a post--party event where guests can donate time at a local shelter.

With proper planning and execution, a great party is in store for everyone!


About Deanna Roberts:
Roberts brings over 10 years of experience as a professional event planner. Currently she runs D.R. Roberts Event Management Inc. and works with a wide variety of clients from the Oakland Raiders, Lymphoma Research Foundation, Korve Engineering, 100 Black Men of the Bay Area, Allan Houston Celebrity Golf Tournament, National Association of NBA Wives, Black Sports Agents Association, Bring in the Noise, "Bring in the Funk" Broadway Performance, Budweiser, City of Oakland, Gatorade and the Literacy Classic Football Game.

For more details, visit:
www.RobertsEvents.com


PRESS CONTACT:
Kim Bardakian
Barcom Public Relations
510-251-1944
kim@barcompr.com