It's the final countdown: throwing a party? Read this.

I've been consumed lately with a party.  I don't consider myself an event planner but give me about $10k and I can make some things happen.  Actually, I'd like to think even my dinner parties are a great success and I try to keep them under $500...

The non-profit I founded, Houston Young People for the Arts, has their annual fundraiser this Saturday.  The conceptualization process usually starts right before the last one as I start getting antsy needing to know the next theme so I don't get bored.  This year is no different.  I already know the direction for next year...maybe we'll announce it on Saturday night.

This year, the theme is inspired by Bring It On: The Musical which Theatre Under The Stars {TUTS} is bringing to the Hobby Center next week {yeah, we'll be there!}.

Firstly, what is Houston Young People for the Arts {HYPA}?  The purpose is to educate, engage and encourage young art lovers to participate in and support the Houston art scene.

There's more to it but we'll come back to it as I'm taking the concept to other cities.  Austin, TX is first!

What have I learned over the past seven years of throwing a party?  A LOT.  Here are some basic tips for parties costing $50 to $10k:

1. Venue:  Intimacy is key.  Depending on the amount of guests, it's always good to keep your venue snug and comfortable.  You don't want to stifle your guests but anything too big can dwarf the effect of intimacy.  I always try to discourage any disconnects in the venue -- as in hallways that lead to other rooms -- to cause a breakup of people.  I want them all front and center...not dawdling in some space that does nothing to add to the intimate feeling I desire.

2. Lighting.  I leave this to the professionals but it really can be an inexpensive (it can be expensive, too!) option for decor.  If you're on a really tight budget, candles can always add some lovely twinkle.  Faux candles may be your best bet in terms of safety.  Be careful!

3. Flow:  There's nothing worse than having angry guests.  Space your bars, food stations, check-in throughout the venue.  Where do people tend to gather at a house party?  The kitchen.  Same with a big party: near the food & drink.  Don't have them all next to each other or you will create gridlock.

4. Food & Drink:  If the top two aren't working, food & drink always make people happy -- as long as you have the right stuff.  Move beyond those fruit & cheese platters and pile on some comfort food.  Drinks should be plentiful {so should the cups/glassware!} and make sure to have some water/sparkling water/soda for our designated drivers or those not in the mood for alcohol.  Beer: check.  Mixed spirit: check.  Red & white wine: check.  I try to always throw some champagne into my drink menus...it's what I like to drink and keep the host/hostess happy is also key for a good party!

Aside:  Party-goers:  I ALWAYS eat before I go to a party because I tend to not eat at parties; either because I may not need to pile on some of those caloric foods and I tend to talk A LOT to people so...it just works out for all of us. {no food in teeth, no questionable breath, etc.}.  Try not to come starving though -- nice to leave something for everyone.

I was inspired by fire dancers after a
holiday in Playa del Carmen. I had
to have fire dancers at a party, thus
Fire + Ice was created.

5. Entertainment: This can be everything from an iPod playing in the background to a band performing on stage or in my case on Saturday night:  a marching band with cheerleaders.  The DJ should lead the party-goers during breaks in other entertainment and always nice to have something interactive for guests to do, too.  Photo booths are still quite popular.

These are just some basic party guidelines...and it can go much more beyond these top five.  I didn't include decor because sometimes lighting is all you need and sometimes you need more.  Luckily, I've enlisted some crafty people in the past to take my vision in words and create a themed wonderland.  Bless you.

I have thrown fundraising parties for non-profits over the past couple of years and finally delved into my first, private dinner party in December at my home {funny it took me so long but I assume since I throw parties...I like to have some quiet time at home!  No more!}.  Small or big, each party takes some work.  Check out some of the past Houston Young People for the Arts party pics here for some fun visuals.

Alright, I have a party to throw tonight!  Either I'll see you there or you'll see some pictures here.  With that in mind, if it's an important party -- do not skimp on a good photographer.  It will leave you with memories of hopefully a good night! : )

Blast to the past:
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston: http://www.chron.com/business/article/MFAH-Starbucks-team-up-to-promote-art-and-a-1870403.php
http://www.houstonpress.com/2005-12-01/news/basquiat-beats-and-beans/

Video:  I think I even see myself behind Grandmaster Flash...ah, such good memories!
-I brought in lighting designer, Nicholas Phillips, and amazing lighting & sound company LD Systems to bring this party up several notches leading to one night with over 7,000 people in the museum.  I will never forget it -- it was awesome.

Sunday is Soup Day

Every Sunday, I prepare soup to eat for a few days of the first part of the week.  This is out of being health conscious and for having one less thing I think about.  I also like to stream the previous week's Pipe Dreams radio program.  Super calming as I start to graze upon what's to happen in the next week.

As I write this, I'm streaming WQXR, soaking a cooking pot & prepping to make tortilla soup...sans tortilla, listening to Houston Texans vs. Baltimore Ravens (not looking good for HTX), perusing conferences recommended by Under30CEO, debating whether to have another Diet Coke and thinking about the 15 other open windows on my laptop and whether or not I'll actually get to read whatever it is I must have deemed important enough to keep it up there.

Today has also included reading articles on how to work better.  The paragraph up above is not an example of focus as I think it's representative of someone that is easily distracted.  I know this and I'm trying to improve upon it.

Some ways to work on distraction and working smarter rather than harder:
1.  Limit email reading to three times a day
2.  Set time for conversing on other forms of social media.
3.  Take breaks {my office staff goes for a walk around 3 pm usually}
4.  Be less busy {go to less events}
5.  Take care of me {run 5x a week at least and hit the gym, eat well}
6.  Read, read, read

How do you combat distraction?

Week one is done

Even though it has officially been a week into the new year, I am constantly saying to myself, "I can't believe that was only ONE week."  I don't say it with disdain but definitely awe.  There's still so much to do in the next couple of weeks, let alone the next 51.

I'm also excited for the world premiere of Hope Stone Dance Company's
 latest work that opens on Thursday in an empty retail space at Houston Pavilions.
Love the collaboration between business & other non-profits (Mercury Baroque
and Houston Boychoir).  Merde! Photo: Simon Gentry.

One thing I'm definitely doing more of is seeing friends.  We can get so drawn into the projects we do that we forget to take charge of our personal life.  I see and talk to people ALL of the time but it's rare to have a one-to-one chat with a dear friend because our schedules are so haphazard and not in sync.  I was able to have some quality friend time at least four times since January 1st...and it's probably one of my most favourite things of the new year thus far.

Many projects are being worked on, including this blog.  Many discussions to be had -- online and off.  I hope your entry into the new year has been met with as much enthusiasm for greatness to happen as mine. Stay tuned.

Taking cues from SiriusXM First Wave's Richard Blade

When you know what you want, you should let it be known.  And, sometimes inspiration comes from the least likely places.  Richard Blade did that yesterday on my drive while listening to SiriusXM's First Wave and I thought it would be good for us all to come clean with what we really want professionally.  If we don't let it be known to others, how will anyone ever know?

Richard stated that he wanted: 1) a new agent and 2) to be on the CBS Survivor TV series {he mentioned he's been trying to get on since the first season}.

In the first five seconds after I heard his desires, I thought..."um, OK.  That was rather specific!"  Then a few seconds later I thought how perfect it was and I really hoped someone that could do something about it was listening.

I like this initiative he took because you never know who may be listening {or reading}.

What do I want professionally?
1)  More opportunities to network in-person with people in other cities like New York City, London, Austin, San Francisco, Portland and everywhere.  I love to meet new people & hear their ideas.
2)  More audience development and community relations opportunities around the world.

There are many more but let's just keep it as short as possible.  When people are trying to lose weight, you always see recommendations for keeping a food journal.  Well, this is my want journal.  I'll look back every now and then just to remind myself of what I'm working towards.

What are yours?  Have you written them down?  Share them with me in my comment section.

Happy New Year!  Let's get to it!

[Video: Q-Feel, Dancing in Heaven, 1982.  This is the song that was played on Dance TV {Richard Blade was the VJ} in Girls Just Want To Have Fun]

Houston Arts To Do for January 2012

Getting ready for Verdi's La Traviata!  Oh, popular culture!

Happy New Year!  Brilliant time with Ars Lyrica at the Hobby Center last night!  They will definitely be on my list of things to-do for March...and June, for that matter.  It was also great to see some Houston Young People for the Arts members enjoying the concert and post-performance gala.  Thank you for supporting a special, one-of-a-kind evening!    


Always on my list of New Year's resolutions is to see more art.  Hopefully it is on yours, too.  Houston's vibrant art scene is filled with something for everyone.  I hope you will join me in supporting it.  And, I always tell people that if you see something that you didn't care for -- turn it into a positive experience and acknowledge that you've figured out what you don't like.


On the 1st of every month, I will highlight some of my top picks for the month in Houston and occasionally some things in other cities.


Let's get to it, shall we?  And, as always, please let me know in the comments what you're checking out, too!