The show goes behind-the-scenes as to follow Jeff and his hectic lifestyle as tries to build his own floral empire and conquer the New York event design scene.

Leatham’s love for flowers and aesthetics, and his passion for design show through in his contemporary style. His creations are a bold statement using shapes, color and simplicity to produce a dramatic effect.

In the past he’s created the fabulous decorations for the wedding of Eva Longoria and Tony Parker. His clients include Tina Turner, Janet Jackson, Kylie Minogue, the Dalia Lama, Suzy Menkes and President Bill Clinton.

Before coming to New York Leatham was the Artistic Director for the Four Seasons Hotels – based in the George V in Paris. While he was in Europe he was voted Best Hotel Florist in Europe for the last three years.

The flowers shown here were all beautiful floral decor for a wedding Waldorf Astoria in New York, New York. I can’t wait to check out the show for some of Jeff’s floral inspiration.

For more information check out the TLC website.

Images: TLC

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Nuts (check with your guests to make sure no one is allergic to nuts), hot fudge, peanut butter topping, caramel, strawberries, peaches, bananas, chopped cookies, chopped candies, cherries, chocolate chips, whipped topping, mini chocolate bars, and sprinkles.

You can offer several flavors of ice cream, and let your guests serve themselves. A sundae bar would be great for summer birthday parties, backyard barbecues, cookouts, family reunions, poolside parties, graduations, or just because.

Here’s a quick video how to for a basic sundae. Yum!

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Party planners can help make the planning of your large event run smoother. With a massive checklist and an arsenal of caterers, florists, disc jockeys and more at their disposal, they’ll be sure to see to your every need. Keep in mind they can be a bit pricey, but for many the benefits are undeniable.

Party Planners can:

• Plan every little detail: From the menu to the favors to the decorations. The party planner will pour over samples and visit with professionals until she has a short list fitting your needs.
• Get a discount on your party professionals: Because she uses certain professionals often, you might get a cheaper price for caterers or musicians through a party planner.
• Have access to linens, props, crystal or other items you might not be able to get otherwise.
• Free you up for other things.

What Does a Party Planner Cost?

If you want to hire someone to coordinate your event, be forewarned, she probably won’t come cheap. Party planners typically charge a percentage, say 10 to 15% of the overall cost of the event. This isn’t the rule though many other party planners charge more than $50 per hour for hundreds of hours worth of work or a “per head” charge rivaling that of a caterer.

The Downside of Hiring a Party Planner

In addition to the cost, there may be occasions where you and your party planner don’t share the same “vision” for the event. When you clash or argue a lot, the party planner may lose enthusiasm for your project or pass it on to someone who doesn’t know you very well.

Things to Keep in Mind When Hiring a Party Planner

• It’s your event – Don’t let anyone else make the ultimate decision. Especially if it’s something you’re not happy abut.
• Beware of “free” party planners – These unsavory planners take kickbacks from the different vendors and professionals they hire if they’re used for your event.
• You should be in attendance when visiting catering halls, auditioning musicians and choosing floral, fabric or other samples.

How to Choose a Party Planner

• Word of mouth is best. Get recommendations from friends and relatives.
• Always research your party planner. Check the Better Business Bureau, do an Internet search and ask for referrals.
• Don’t sign a contract without looking over ALL of the fine print.
• Interview several different prospects and go with the one you feel most comfortable with.
• Ask for an estimate from all interviewees. Don’t go solely based on price, but it can give you a good indication over who to go with.
• Make sure you go over all the tasks you want the Party Planner to handle and all the tasks you wish to handle on your own – before signing the contract – so there’s no clashing later.
• Before making a decision, drop in at one of the Planner’s events. Does everything seem to be running smoothly? Are the hosts happy? How are the different vendors working otu?
• Get a list of the Planner’s usual vendors before signing a contract so you can check them and their references.

A Party Planner can help an event to run smoothly. Hiring someone to take care of all the little details frees up your time and leaves you with less stress. Do your homework though. Don’t hire a Party Planner without knowing what to expect and what to pay. Your party should be a fun event, hiring the right Party Planner is sure to make this happen.

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Many parents want to allow their kids to stay out all not and have a good time with their friends on prom night, but don’t like the idea of them staying out so late or having to deal with issues such as teen drinking. A good solution is to host an after prom party. More and more parents are either hosting a party at their own homes or chipping in to rent a space at a restaurant or hotel. They provide disc jockeys, food, non-alcoholic beverages, and feed the kids breakfast before sending them home in the morning.

The good news is that teens are safe in an atmosphere where they won’t be pressured to drink or have sex, and parents know where they are. They can stay in their prom clothes, or go home and get changed into something more casual before heading to the party.

With all the parents chipping in for a party, the expense is kept to a minimum. Some parents may not be able to help cover the fence and can volunteer to cook, bake or chaperone. In fact, with different parents volunteering to bring food and beverages, catering won’t be necessary.

If the thought of an after prom party interests you, here are a few links to help you out:

• After Prom Parties: Alcohol and Drug Free Celebrations
• Top 3 Ideas for a Safe After Prom Party
• All Night Parties
• Prom Night Tips
• Tips for Hosting a Post Prom Party

Image:

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It’s that time of year again, teens all over the country are making hair appointments and looking for that perfect dress. Many are nervous too, not having attended a formal event before, how does one behave? Are there prom dos and don’ts? Here are a few bits of prom etiquette to help you along:

• You don’t have to have a date to go to the prom. Go solo, or with some friends, there’s no reason to miss out just because someone didn’t ask you.
• Proper etiquette dictates the person who did the asking buys the tickets. So if the girl asked a guy to be her date, she’s the one who is technically to buy the ticket. Many guys prefer to pick up the tab, however. And that’s fine too.
• To give your date time to prepare, you should probably ask at least a month in advance.
• Dress appropriately. Know the difference between tasteful and “over the top.”
• It’s proper for the guy to buy his date a corsage. Let him know a couple of weeks in advance what color you will be wearing and whether you will need a wrist corsage or one for the dress.
• It doesn’t matter who drives, or whether or not you rent a limo. Rented cars aren’t a requirement – you walk if you like too. Just be safe and don’t drink and drive.
• Even if you dance with others, be sure your date gets the first and last dance of the evening.
• When attending an after-party at someone’s house do be respectful. No loud drunken behavior, no destruction of property and especially be respectful of your host’s parents.’

Have fun on prom night. Since most teens are out all night, also be responsible. Don’t behave in a manner you’ll regret later. Relax, have a good time and enjoy your friends.

Image:

After the Prom Giclee Print
Rockwell, Norman
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