Looking for an event, party or open house in the Seattle area? Click the calendar below...
Monday, June 15, 2009
Ideas . . . . Ideas . . . . .
What to get? The most relative question for the most relative of people . . . Dad . . . Father . . . . Pop . . . . Daddy . . . or maybe it's a first name because he's like a Father to someone. We are here to see if we can add to the confusion of possibilities circling in your head. If nothing more, maybe we can spark an idea. We captured options from the ridiculous, to the sublime, to well - see for yourself and read on!
For now, Inada’s Sogno sets their chair as the pinnacle of massage chair development with a highly refined program starting with an infrared scan to allocate your “Shiatsu” spots, which then mark the reference for one of 106 predefined massage routines. The chair almost covers your whole body fingertip-to-shoulder massage program. Now that's ridiculous. We WANT one.
The Brocantique antique foosball table is created from brightly polished art deco figures strung on silver rods framed with dark wood and tanned leather. The German craftsman of Brocantique refine old pieces that already surpassed their climax from a brand named Swinnen Automatique.
Next is the Wolf triple watch rotator that features one of Wolf Designs innovative patents. The patented rotation routine simulates an authentic daily use with sporadic rotations and preset sleep phases to prevent occurring intricacies of over-winded movements.
The first hands free cell phone ski and snowboard glove, the Swany g.cell gives your wrist a noticeable shake after detecting an incoming call and with a push on the back of the hand it literally allows you to talk to your hand. Nothing mentioned about a wrist protection but the phone will last for 12 hours on standby mode or 4 hours of talking-hand time.
Originally designed to master the damp, hilly terrain of British links courses, the Remote Controlled Caddie reaches up to 6 mph and provides optimal traction and stability when ascending hills or traversing the rough, gravel, or concrete. The pocket-sized remote control propels the device has a 150' range, while navigating the caddie. The 12-volt battery powers the caddie for up to 5 miles (up to 27 holes) on a single charge.
This leather case protects and recharges an iPhone, providing up to 13 hours of additional talk time. The case can recharge an iPhone up to 2 1/2 times before the case itself needs to be recharged.
Ooms Wooden USB Stick: the sticks are picked from the woods and are manually selected on their natural beauty, professionally handmade by Dutch company OOOMS.
The PRIE Tunewallet a smart and stylish nappa leather carrying case with room on one side for your iPod nano and on the other for business cards, your driver’s license, a credit card and cash...
Archos recently introduced a stunningly slender 9-inch device that’ll boost the ordinary day with mobile entertainment and deft finger exercises. The Archos 9 is an ultra compact tablet PC that runs a full Windows 7 OS
The new BOSS Green collection reveals two bright green impressions that are armed to impress and to differentiate even in contrast to the greenest golf courts. Breathable materials and an absolute water-resistance are a feature as a matter of course as also modern green-friendly arranged and forged spikes.
Another great on-the-go IPod charger is this little white adaptor for a mere $39.00 Available at: most Restoration Hardware Stores
Harrods’ (yes the English hallmark) luxury Krug Trunk is the perfect piece to impress anybody in sight. This well-crafted case is attractive and sturdy and very durable as its corners, hinges and handles are built to last which means they’re corrosion proofed to ensure that the case maintains its stately appearance. The Krug ensemble consists of a trunk with a classic vivid red colored calfskin interior, an ice bucket originally designed by Francois Bauchet, three bottles Krug Grande Cuvee champagne and to complete an exclusive picnic it comes with a removable trunk lid which does have dual functionality — it also can be used as a table. ONLY a mere $54,000 - Get two!
This limited tough-as-nails Stanley Thermos will be there keeping you warm with a hot cup of coffee on those cold days of hunting and fishing. A forever faithful gadget for the gentleman. On sale right now at Restoration Hardware $29.49 (was $59.00).
Nordstroms - Guide to Mens Clothing: every prolific man has to realize it once, and has to admit that “dress for success” is not just a generic quotation, it’s proven truth. Designer Tom Julian details a myriad of illustrations enlightening the reader about insider jargon, pattern combinations, and how to create your own look. $19.95
This past April Seattle held the annual Seattle Dog Show. It is rumored Seattle has more dogs than children, so we felt we should provide all of the animal lovers and more especially the dog lovers a look at some of the nicely coif-'furred' entrants this Spring.
This is a great event to attend and if you have a dog, are even considering getting a dog, or even need to educate yourself about particular breeds, this is a show you should jot down on your calendar. Recently in the news we have had so many negative images of these incredible friends of ours, we wanted to persuade everyone to see the positive in our "best friends."
You can also watch many of these amazing creatures do field trials and actually some of them, a newer event, dance with their owners. Pet supplies abound, and so does an entire floor of various breeds animal rescue groups.
We indulged ourselves with a couple of our favorite breeds - one of which is the Scottish Terrier. In honor of one of the best friends we knew, who recently passed away, we bring this glimpse into the well-groomed world of the show dog. Aggie this is for you and we hope you are enjoying it. Aggie was a loving Scottish Terrier owned by our company President, Marion Clifton.
We were inspired by a book titled: The Most Beautiful Libraries of the World by Guillaume de Laubier (Author), Jacques Bosser (Photographer), James H. Billington (Contributor), Laurel Hirsch (translator) (Author). In the day and age of information, with the primary sourcing appears to be electronics and the internet, it is the "wow" factor of these incredible libraries that make us take a little step back. Here are just a hand full of the libraries we thought you might enjoy from the above book. Headed in the direction of any of these magnificant structures? Eco-tour idea: walk through and feed your eyes and your mind.
A: Bibliteca di Belle Arti Milano B: Stiftsbibliothek Klosterneuburg, Klosterneuburg, Austria C: Ruggs Library, Georgetown, NY D: Central Library - Seattle E: Suzzallo Library-Seattle F: Abbey Library St. Gallen, Switzerland G: Blioteca-general-da-universidade-de-coimbra-iv H: Melk Monastery Library, Melk, Austria I: Codrington-Oxford-England J: St Gall
The unemployment rate in the country seems to increase every week which means thousands of business professionals are finding themselves on the job hunting search once again. With so many out of work, how can you set yourself apart from the pack?
A rising new business trend for professionals is to create a video resume. A Seattle based company, 4th Avenue Media, is aiding professionals in the creation of video resumes. The team at 4th Avenue Media believes the only thing that sets you apart is your story. By integrating new media tools like web videos, websites, blogs and other social networking tools like Facebook, Linked In, Plaxo and others, you send a message to the employer that your technical and social skills will be an asset to their company.
The key to utilizing new media tools most effectively is to make certain that all content available online, including personal sites you may have on social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter & MySpace, are professional and non-incriminating. Screen all your online personal content including friends sites that may have anything questionable about you and remove all content and images that may translate a message you wouldn't want a potential employer to receive.
Once you've verified that all your social memberships are professionally representing you, create your video resume and place it on all social networking sites. You never know how a contact may lead to a potential job. Also, email your video resume in advance of your interview to your potential employer along with a paper copy of your resume. Your video resume will certainly set you apart from all the generic resumes in the employers inbox.
Looking for a unique Valentine's Day gift for your loved one? We have a very unique idea for you. Let us introduce you to CharityBuzz. Through online auctions, CharityBuzz raises funds for a variety of organizations and causes. CharityBuzz works with non-profits founded by the most famous names on the planet, including Bette Midler, Andre Agassi, Rosie O'Donnell, Eddie Vedder, Petra Nemcova, Mrs. Robert F. Kennedy and Denis Leary, as well as with smaller charities that address particular needs in their local communities. While publicity efforts may logically focus on the big names, all charities — large and small — benefit from the increased traffic at our website generated by star power. Simply stated, great products partnered with celebrity causes creates "buzz" and generates sales and raises awareness for all of their charity partners.
Going on now through February 12 is a special Valentine's Day auction, with items for bid that you can give as a gift to your special valentine. Check it out. Some of the items are pretty outrageous but remember its all for a good cause.
The economy is calling for all of us to "think creative" - More and more people are riding the scooter scene which is loaded with character from the classic original "Vespa" to the hot new entries in the market. Don't stop there - why not show YOUR style if you ride or are thinking of riding. It's just not "vanilla" anymore. The local Vespa store website is: http://www.vespaseattle.com/
Since you can easily customize your scooter - why not the helmet?
The helmet company, Ruby, designed by Honet, has painted a schizophrenic character he named: Pale Rider vs Surfin' Zombie." These are the tree helmet views at the bottom of the photo. The price tag on this pure style component is running anywhere from $500 to $1100. These are exclusive designs of the famous helmet designer in Paris. If you haven't checked these out - feast your eyes on their website: http://www.ateliersruby.com/. One of the closest dealers on the West Coast is VESPA OF CALIFORNIA. Enjoy the ride!
Just because you are all grown and sitting in a meeting doesn't mean you have to act grown up. Create a different kind of meeting and save a few bucks along the way. Instead of price PER plate - why not see if your caterer has any equipment like a popcorn machine, pretzel machine or even a sno-cone machine? This is just plain fun and brings the best out in all of us. OK - so it is NOT the healthiest of all choices, but a little indulgence here and there never hurt anyone.
Now for that extra kick - and to promote interaction between everyone all you need is a photo booth at the meeting. Check out www.photoboothservices.com. They can work with any space and any type of event. Plus you're guests will have a great keepsake from the meeting.
Looking for some REAL holiday inspiration for yourself, your family or even your staff? Look no further - here are some GREAT ideas and places to go - don't worry - all you need to do is call, reserve your space, or show and the inspiration will be there waiting for you! Here are a few festive ideas! Have fun!
OPTION 1: Make a splash in your scrapbook with a family vacation at Great Wolf Lodge, conveniently located in Centralia, Washington between Seattle and Portland. And their Conference Center is also available for corporate and social functions for groups from 8 to 800.
OPTION 2: Get your tickets now for a Seattle tradition. The ACT's 33rd Annual production of A Christmas Carol is playing now. Calll the ticket office at (206) 292-7676. Special group prices for parties of 20 or more are available. Save up to 25%. Call (253) 839-4204 to book now!
OPTION 3: The Argosy Christmas Ship™ festival is a holiday celebration that has been a Northwest tradition for 59 years. Its main purpose is to bring communities together to celebrate the holiday season. Click here to watch a video.
OPTION 4: Book a table for fun, laughs and jaw-dropping acrobatics at Teatro Zinzanni. If this is your first time visiting, you are in for a real treat!
This time of year there is inspiration for your event planning decorations everywhere you look in the form of Christmas lights. Never underestimate the simple additions of twinkling lights to your event decor. And try to be creative in the ways you use lighting at your event. Think outside the box like some of these fabulous examples below.
Couture has been a huge buzz word in pop culture in the last couple of years. If you love couture, and goodness knows we do, then you'll love these completely original, and completely dazzling couture Christmas greeting cards and invitations from Enfin La Voila! Each design is custom created and looks like nothing we've ever seen before.
Enfin La Voila also creates custom stationary and invitations for just about any ocassion so if you have a need for something truly out the ordinar and ultra extraordinary check out the complete collection.
If you are looking to build morale within your own company consider looking toward your employees for inspiration. A local company out of Seattle called Noetix is doing just that. Noetix has taken life size images of the people that work there and created an employee wall of fame. Photos where taken at a company event and posted on one of the hallways at the company. Now when employees arrive, they are reminded how important they are to the company each and every day.
Our holiday inspiration boards continue with this easy to re-create and ultra spectacular Thanksgiving board. Planning an entertaining and family-friendly turkey day has never been easy.
Theme: Giving Thanks, duh! Colors: Stick to pale oranges, cranberry reds and sage green
The Decor: We like choosing simple decor items that can also carry you into the Christmas season. So stick with fruits and vegetables and dark greens as your design backdrop.
The Food: When it comes to planning a meal for a large group, don't try to do everything yourself. Ask your guests to bring a side dish, and don't feel like you are backing out of the responsibilities by asking others to help out with the meal. Remember, it is Thanksgiving after all, so let your friends give. Of course, there is always the main staple, the infamous turkey. If you are a Tom Douglas mini-me, go ahead and try to make your own frozen/thawed turkey with all the dressings. But if you are like us, consider a catered turkey or a pre-cooked turkey from Honeybaked Ham. Add your own garnishes, and be sure to throw away any evidence of a "store bought" bird so your guests will never know. And, if nothing else, ditch the canned cranberry sauce for the real thing. It's pretty simple to make and you can gloat that you made it from scratch all night long.
The Entertainment: How often do you have all your friends and family together? Not that often right, so make the most of it. Pull out some "family fun" games and stick Miracle on 34th Street in the dvd player. (Yes, we realize this is a "Christmas" movie, but the movie starts out depicting the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, so work with us here).
The Mood: From the moment your guests step inside your welcoming home, make sure they are bombarded (that's right, we said bombarded) with the scent of the holidays. Our pick is the lovely scent of spiced pumpkin, which can also carry you right into the Christmas season. Create the scent with burning oil, candles and room sprays and add extra touches with scented soaps and lotions in the bathroom.
The Booze: Be adventurous and try out a new fall-themed cocktail like spiked hot cider, pecan martini or pomegranate mint mojito. What other time of year can you try something so festive?
The holidays are just around the corner, and chances are, you are busy as bee planning your company holiday event. How will you market it to your fellow employees? We highly suggest using online meeting registration and marketing to spread the word...here's why...
Company Meeting and Event Websites The Internet has quickly become one of the most efficient and cost-effective meeting marketing and communication tools. A meeting website, e-mail marketing campaign and online registration will boost attendance for almost any event, meeting or conference. Consideration for a unique event website might be applied as an incorporated part of your company or groups permanent website, or a standalone site or both! Effective meeting/event web site components you should consider including on the site could be:
On-Demand Attendance Reports
Email Invitation and Attendance Campaign
24/7 Meeting/Event Registration
Venue Information
Accommodation Details
Program & Agenda
Frequently Asked Questions
Web Casting (video options)
Content Archiving
Post-Event Follow-Up
Online Event Program Management Event planning online through use of on-line form submissions, emails and updates quickly and easily creates a unified affect that when done well, will narrow the physical or perceptive distance that might exist within your team(s).
You can track the progress of program development more easily.
Your team will communicate more effectively with each other and with the meeting presenters.
Much of the information in the program development system can be automatically used in emails and on web pages.
Online Meeting Registration Online meeting registration can increase registrations while decreasing registration costs! In fact, the simplicity and convenience of online registration is a critical contributor to assuring high attendance for many events. When considering companies to work with make sure they can offer you a visible proven track record for many unique types of events they have setup on-line registration within your company’s needs and details.
Do not overlook a company who is not a “known” factor.
Do your research. It will pay heavy rewards in the end.
Meeting Webcasting Web Casting and archived audio, video and presentation content enables expanded distribution of meeting content. It makes a very efficient tool to connect with those who may not be able to attend your meeting or event.
HOT Tip! You've all heard about eVite, but have you checked out PINGG? PINGG is an online event invitation and management service. And it's free!
Whoever said Halloween was for kids was clearly mistaken. We'd like to introduce our new "Get Inspired!" series of party planning inspiration boards to help you get your creative juices flowing for your own happening events. After all, we are entering the busiest season of all, jam-packed with one holiday after another. So let's get started with our first board of the season!
Theme: A Grown-Up Halloween Colors: Black and Orange
The Colors: Go classic orange and black. Since orange is not a color most people use often, select accent pieces like napkins, candlesticks and small decorations that are orange in color. Then choose black items that are more recyclable like your chairs, table linens and candlesticks to complete the look.
The Decor: Halloween is a pretty simple holiday to find decorations for. But if you have the time and energy, try simple crafts for your decorations like pumpkin carving, glittered votive candle holders and edible spooky snacks. Homemade decorations are far more interesting and impressive.
The Entertainment: What would a Halloween party be without a scary film? We checked AFI's top 50 horror films and the film Psycho topped the list. Even if you aren't all going to sit down and watch it intently, stick it in your dvd player and let it run. Just the screams and scary music will add to the overall abiance.
The Food: Plan a meal that allows people to gather around the table, talk and mingle. A formal sitdown dinner is just not appropriate for a Halloween party. Consider a fondue party with cheddar cheese dip. It's a fun and tasty activity, plus it matches your color scheme!
The Fun: Since it is a Halloween Party after all, costumes are a must! Give an award for the best costume and the most creative costume. It will turn your event into a competition, encouraging your guests to step it up a notch. And since you are the awesome party planner that you are, we suggest going as Mr. or Mrs. Incredible!
2008 Northwest Event Show Sponsor Highlight: Robinson Designs & Events
When you want to transform a room, decorate for a theme or style, or just create that one magical focal point for your ceremony or reception, call Robinson Design & Events!
Robinson Designs & Events, artists, designers, fabricators...long respected members of the Pacific Northwest event community, offers full-service décor for all kinds of social and corporate events. Our goal is to surprise and delight their clients and their guests.
Each year at the Northwest Event Show, Robinson Designs & Events creates new themed environments that simple amaze us. We can't wait to see what they come up with this year.
2008 Northwest Event Show Sponsor Highlight: WestCoast Drape
We are pleased to welcome WestCoast Drape as an exhibitor in the Northwest Event Show for the first time. Drape and fabric has the ability to turn an ordinary room into an extraordinary display of creativity and design. With WestCoast Drape your options are truly limitless.
On New Year’s Day 2006 Wes Walterman, opened WestCoast Drape with an idea of creating a premier drape company. Walterman joined forces with Scott Galloway as VP of Operations and Sales to develop and honor standards of product value, business integrity, and customer service designed to eclipse the competition. From their home base in Portland, Oregon, they began working to set a new standard in pipe and drape rental. Today, WestCoast Drape has seven satellite offices throughout the western United States including Seattle, Phoenix, Portland, Los Angeles, Palm Springs, San Diego, and San Francisco.
WestCost Drape is the official drape provider for the 2008 Northwest Event Show. They will also be on hand to answer your questions and showcase their impressive portfolio and stock fabrics.
2008 Northwest Event Show Sponsor Hightlight: PJ Hummel & Co.
One of the best things about the Northwest Event Show is our amazing sponsor lineup. We have the best of the best in event design, production and execution in the business. And for one day, they all come together to show off their stuff. This week and next, we'll be introducing you to sponsors one by one, so you can get a head start in knowing which exhibitors are the ones you need to look for first.
Today, we'd like to highlight PJ Hummel & Co., one of the best known event decorators in the area today. PJ Hummel & Company, Inc. is an award-winning event décor and production company—creating impressive special events for private and corporate clients. A one-stop shop for your entire event design needs. In today’s world of doing more with less, you need to get maximum return on your event investment. With PJ Hummel, the only limitation you have is your imagination.
PJ Hummel & Company strives to provide the finest event design and décor, delivered with impeccable style and grace. Each event is carefully planned with a purpose to create unforgettable tangible experiences.
PJ Hummel & Company has been collecting authentic props, antiques, and theme décor for over 30 years. The company’s design studio and magical themed warehouse is located in Tacoma, WA on the Middle Waterway. PJ Hummel & Company’s magical themed prop warehouse makes the company unique. An interactive space with over 15,000 square feet, filled with ideas and promises of dreams to be. The Company’s warehouse is open to clients to experience and explore. A total of 10 multi-sensory vignettes are set for clients to view and touch, including lighting and special effects.
Look for PJ's designs the moment you walk into the registration lobby of the Northwest Event Show and also in the center of the show floor as she and her team of professionals create a stunning "rest area" for you to kick back and relax after a day of fun and eating!
But wait, have you registered yet? If not, head over to nweventshow.com and register today. Only those that pre-registered will receive validation for free parking!
As you know, the Northwest Event Show is going green this year and we look forward to presenting you with fresh ideas and inspirations to help you think outside the box in event design.
There is nothing more beautiful than nature, so it is no wonder that current trends in event planning design and decor are gathering inspiration from nature's finest elements. A key theme in event design trends for 2009 is to bring the outdoors inside in the form of floral centerpieces and room focal points.
Below we have provided samples from Los Angeles event planner Krislyn Designs. Krislyn Designs successfully uses natural shapes, colors and textures found in nature to create stunning and masterful event decor sensations. We particularly love the use of potted trees and plants as room centerpieces.
Only three weeks now until the 2008 Northwest Event Show takes place at the Washington State Convention & Trade Center on September 23. Have you registered yet? If not, here are just a few of the reasons why you should...
It's 100% free to attend. That's right, the Northwest Event Show is free for all qualified meeting and event planners. Heck, even if you only plan one event a year, or have never planned an event before but have a major one coming up, this show is for you!
Not only is it free, but we'll also give you free stuff! Just for attending the show you'll receive the 2009 B&E Event Resource Guide as our complimentary gift. The guide retails for $14.95 in bookstores, and truly is the most comprehensive planning tool around. The best part is, the 2009 edition will be in FULL COLOR for the first time ever. And you'll be receiving it hot of the press!
The Northwest Event Show is occurring in conjunction with the 2008 SUMMIT INDUSTRY Meeting, also a first. If you are planning on attending the SUMMIT you'll get two great shows on one day.
You'll learn the latest Green Event Planning Tips. This year's event is going green and we have the best ideas and inspirations in town so you can plan greener events too.
Chances to win three weekend getaways to Skamania Lodge, Suncadia Resort, and Sunriver Resort complete with the royal treatment.
The exhibitors are top-notch! With over 250 booths you'll never get another chance like this to meet with the area's top event planning professionals, in one place, on one day. They are the best of the best in design, catering, entertainment, team building and more!
All the food your belly can take, and then a little more. You'll get to sample the best food Northwest caterers have to offer. It's definitely not a day to wear tight pants!
Have we convinced you yet? If so, head on over to nweventshow.com and register for the 2008 Northwest Event Show! You cannot afford to miss this spectacular event!
There are some things that we come across that just crack us up and this is definitely one of them. Meet zeralights, the creators of fiber optic fashion accessories. That's right, just like their website says, zeralights brings sparkle to fashion accessories.
Zeralights is the creative inspiration of Barbara Sears Nelson, a Colorado native who currently lives in Denver. After multitude attempts, the day finally dawned allowing her to market her own creations combining sparkle design with products made from Luminex fiber optic fabric.
Now, while the actual fashion accessories are a bit "out there" we do however like the options zeralights offers for events. Check out the below table and chair linens and wine glass accessory.
Auctions have more than gained momentum over the past few years. Although many companies have been using auctions for many years, due in large part to the popularity of Ebay and their on-line auctions, the growth of companies and organizations turning to auctions for revenue involvement has more than tripled.
Most auctions can be pretty simple and are believed to date back to Babylon in 500 B.C. What are they? Simply put an auction is the process of buying and selling things by offering them up for bid, taking bids, and then selling the item to the highest bidder
In economic theory, an auction is a method for determining the value of a commodity that has an undetermined or variable price. Auctions can be with reserve or minimum, or without minimums, or absolute or no reserve. In reserve auctions, there is a minimum bid or reserve price; if the bidding does not reach the minimum, there is no sale (but the person who puts the item up for auction may still owe a fee to the auctioneer or auction company). In absolute or no reserve auctions, the sale is guaranteed, with only the price left to be determined. In the context of auctions, a bid is an offered price.
Primary types of auctions
In terms of security/privacy, there are two main types of auctions:
Private auction: In a private auction the identities of the bidders are hidden, so anyone that buys the item can remain anonymous. This is normally done for either security reasons such as rare gems or art, or to avoid embarrassment if the item is more risk. In a public auction, the bidders' identities are not hidden and anyone is welcome to attend the auction.
Public auction: In a public auction, the bidders’ identities are not hidden and anyone is welcome to attend the auction
Breaking Down the Most Popular Auction Options
Vickrey auction A Vickrey auction is a type of sealed-bid auction, where bidders submit written bids without knowing the bid of the other people in the auction. The highest bidder wins, but the price paid is the second highest bid. The auction is believed to have been created by William Vickrey. This type of auction is strategically similar to an English auction, and gives bidders an incentive to bid their true value.
English auction This is the type of auction commonly used by the English auction houses like Sotheby's, Christie's, and Phillips. Participants bid openly against one another, with each bid being higher than the previous bid. The auction ends when no participant is willing to bid further, or when a pre-determined "buy-out" price is reached, at which point the highest bidder pays the price. The seller may set a 'reserve' price and if the auction fails to have a bid equal to or higher than the reserve, the item remains unsold.
Chinese auction Basically, a raffle.
Dutch auction In the traditional Dutch auction the auctioneer begins with a high asking price, which is lowered until some participant is willing to accept the auctioneer's price, or a predetermined minimum price is reached. That winning participant pays the last announced price. The Dutch auction is named for its best-known example, the Dutch tulip auctions. ("Dutch auction" is also sometimes used to describe online auctions where several identical goods are sold simultaneously to an equal number of high bidders.
All-pay auction An auction in which all bidders must pay their bids regardless of whether they win the prize. The highest bidder wins the prize. The all-pay auction is often used to model lobbying (bids are political contributions), or other competitions.
Sealed Bid Auctions
Sealed-bid first-price auction Also known as Sealed High-Bid Auction or First-Price Sealed-Bid Auction (FPSB). In this type of auction all bidders simultaneously submit bids so that no bidder knows the bid of any other participant. The highest bidder pays the price they submitted.
Sealed-bid second-price auction, also known as a Vickrey auction: This is identical to the sealed first-price auction, except the winning bidder pays the second highest bid rather than their own. This is very similar to the system used by eBay.
Silent Auctions Where bids are written on a sheet of paper, and at the predetermined end of the auction, the highest listed bidder wins the prize. This auction variant is often used in charity events, and many items may be auctioned simultaneously. Participants submit bids normally on paper, near the item. Other variations of this type of auction may include sealed bids. The highest bidder pays the price he or she submitted.
Auction Catalog An auction catalog is a catalog that lists items to be sold at an auction. Each entry typically includes a "lot number" identifying each item uniquely, a detailed textual description, and either an estimated price, or a "reserve" price below which the item will not be sold. Photographs may appear with the entry, or grouped into a separate section of the catalog; for mass-produced items like postage stamps, the textual description may be considered sufficient.
As a combined information source and "sales brochure", an auction catalog must tread a fine line between accuracy and promotion. For instance, any damages or flaws must be described exactly, so that buyers cannot be claim to have been deceived, but at the same time the description will typically include words playing down the bad points (as in "brownish spot that does not detract from appearance" or "faint crease, as is common"). Similarly, special characteristics are also called out, such as "one of only four known examples of this type", or perhaps a photograph of an item of jewelry being worn by a famous person.
Auction catalogs may be sent gratis to favored customers, but the better catalogs will cost, sometimes as much or more than a regular book. These kinds of catalogs may in turn be sold by bookstores, or even appear as items in book auctions.
Some time after the auction is concluded, recipients of the auction catalogs will receive a "prices realized" document, a bare listing of the lot numbers and the prices for which each was sold.
On-line auctions……King of the Hill: eBay
When one thinks of online auctions they typically think of eBay, the world's largest online auction site. Like most auction companies, eBay does not actually sell goods that it owns itself. It merely facilitates the process of listing and displaying goods, bidding on items, and paying for them. It acts as a marketplace for individuals and businesses that use the site to auction off goods and services. EBay was the first company to popularize the notion of conducting an auction over the Internet. The auction software that EBay uses is proprietary and not available to the general public.
Using Mission Fish as an arbiter, eBay allows sellers to donate a portion of their auction proceeds to a charity of the seller's choice. Some high profile charity auctions have been advertised on the eBay home page, and have raised large amounts of money in a short time.
Auction Houses If you prefer to have professionals setup and run your auction, then you will need to find an Auction House. No matter where you live, auction houses are always around and have been as long as auctions have been held. Remember auctions were more popular in the mid-twentieth century than they are now.
Auctioneers There is usually always a need to consider a professional Auctioneer. Even if you decide to setup and create your own auction in-house, keep in mind that good auctioneers can bring much higher prices, for profit or charity proceeds than an amateur.
The party employing the auctioneer pays a commission regardless of whether he or she procures a sale, unless the auctioneer is responsible for the failure of the sale. The auctioneer is entitled to a reasonable sum unless a statute or contract provision determines the amount.
Depending upon what type of auction you are considering, a good place to look for additional information on auctions and auctioneers is Answers.com and Wikipedia.
Be sure to check out the 2009 Event Resource Guide, available at the 2008 Northwest Event Show. A special new section on auctioneers has been added to our collection!
Got a theme for your next event? Here is one you may not have thought about. Lately we've been noticing some furry friends hopping, crawling, swimming, and flying into event theme decor. That's right, event table decor is taking it to the animals.
We found just a few examples at one of our favorite independent art websites, Elsewares. Check out these letterpressed coasters below from Sesame Letterpress. Sesame Letterpress is a letterpress studio in Brooklyn, NY (right under the Brooklyn Bridge, actually!). It's there that husband and wife Matt Heindl and Breck Hostetter make all their letterpress goodness.
We also loved these studio salad plates from Working Glass Studio. A fresh new concept in the art of dining. These sturdy, colorful, square salad plates are made of lightweight melamine. They're a perfect choice for outdoor dining or to combine with other tableware for an eclectic mix. Sold individually so you can build your own set! Working Class Studio is the product development arm of the Savannah College of Art and Design, giving students real world experience designing and marketing home accessories and lifestyle products.
Lastly, check out these totally chic and incredibly unique serving trays from IBride (below). These trays combine magical imagery with intricate lattice work, and are perfect for serving the special friends in your life, or hanging on your wall as a stunning accent. Each tray is constructed to last using a century old technique which applies high pressure laminate to an environmentally friendly, recycled wood core. They are sturdy and gorgeous, and when we heard how they were made, we had to have them.
Ibride is an innovative French design team led by three members of the same family. The century old technique used to create their gorgeous and intricate trays uses recycled wood and gives it new life as a functional tray or home accent.
Save the Date: Social Media Conference NW 2008 - The New Word of Mouth Marketing
Social Media Conference NW 2008 - The New Word of Mouth Marketing Date: Sept 10 & 11, 2008 Location: Whatcom Community College 237 Kellogg Road Bellingham WA 98225 Contact: Tami Eastwood, 360-733-4014, ext. 111 or Tami.Eastwood@wwu.edu URL: www.socialmediaconferencenw.com
Whatcom Community College, Bellingham, WA 'Word-of-Mouth Marketing has expanded from the town square to the digital village. The "buzz" about your business is now online, measurable, search able, and permanent. Come to learn why you must and how you can participate in the conversations that are your market. Explore how your business or organization can benefit from this marketing opportunity and take it to the next level. Hear from leading social media marketing pioneers and practitioners. Walk away with practical plans and resources. This conference organized by Western Washington University's Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the Technology Alliance Group (TAG), and Whatcom Community College has been designed for small-to-medium businesses and organizations interested in learning how to use social media to generate revenue. The conference, held at the Whatcom Community College campus in Bellingham WA, will feature six plenary sessions and 21 breakout sessions featuring presentations, discussions and hands-on labs. A few of these include: bottom-line reasons for businesses to blog; social-media research and marketing strategies; podcasting, vodcasting, and crosscasting; bulletproofing your organization for social media; the risks of ignoring social media; Google adwords; building online communities that matter most to your business; and ways to determine return-on-investment for social-media efforts. Early registration is $198 until Aug. 27, and $275 after that. To register for the conference or to learn more go to http://www.socialmediaconferencenw.com/ or contact Tami Eastwood at the Small Business Development Center at (360) 733-4014, ext. 111. Tickets are limited. Sign up early to secure a seat!
Once you find the perfect vendor for your event, the next step is to negotiate a contract. Here are some tips and considerations during this process.
NEGOTIATION AND CONTRACTS Facility negotiations sound serious, but they don't have to be intimidating. These are important conversations because negotiations build relationships, which will lead to contracts. Contracts are serious business and when you, as a planner, enter into a contract, you want to be sure you have all the knowledge and information you need. Keep in mind that negotiable items and practices vary between areas of the country, so what may be standard procedure on the East Coast is not necessarily the same on the West Coast.
HOMEWORK PAYS OFF! Before you begin negotiating, you need some tools! If you have done your homework (refer to the first section), you'll be set! You need your meeting profile or prospectus, a history of your meeting or event, the value of your meeting to the facility (your budget), and a profile of your group. If you know your requirements, they will dictate the specific items you can negotiate.
NEGOTIATIONS SHOULD BE WIN-WIN Don't get bogged down in sleeping room rates! Rates are only one item that can be negotiated. The list of negotiable items may be as long as you want ...it never hurts to ask! But, in order to have a successful meeting, negotiations should be a win-win process. For example, if you get the hotel to provide complimentary meeting room space, but in order to afford this, the hotel cuts back on service staff for your meeting...who wins?
CONTRACTS The most important things to remember are that contracts should be written with an equal amount of risk for both parties, and that all your discussions are put into writing so there will be no confusion when it's time for your event.
Introducing The New and Improved Washington State Convention & Trade Center
As you may have heard us mention, once or twice, the 2008 Northwest Event Show is going green! In honor of our Emerald City, the Northwest Event Show will showcase green event planning methods, decor, tips and trends to make your own green event planning ever the more simple and easy-to-do. To start off, the 2008 Northwest Event Show will be held in one of the greenest event venues in the city, the Washington State Convention & Trade Center. Located in the center of one of the most environmentally progressive cities in the nation, the Washington State Convention & Trade Center (Center) has long been an industry leader in energy conservation and recycling.
Here is the short list on how the WSCTC stays green...
1. They continue to invest our resources into renovation projects to make the facility even more efficient
2. The Center’s lighting systems to replace older equipment with more efficient fixtures, resulting in savings of over 3,000,000 kWh per year
3. New touchless faucets and self-flushing toilets are being installed throughout the facility to reduce water consumption
4. Tons of food scraps, food soiled paper and disposable service items are separated from
trash and recyclable materials and sent for composting instead of to local landfills
5. The new meeting facility at 800 Pike will achieve LEED Silver Certification following completion of renovations in 2010
The Washington State Convention & Trade Center is doing their part to preserve the city and world we live in. To read even more about what the WSCTC is doing, click below for their "GREEN NEWSLETTER."
Sometimes in this new green-friendly world, it is easy to wonder what part you can make as an individual. But the truth of the matter is that the best way to make your contributions to sustaining the earth is to make small commitments and changes to your every day lives. Here is one way to start.
Let's face it, Seattleites love their morning cup of java. Whether you get your cup at Starbucks or Seattle's Best or Tully's or even the local stand in your office, each time you order a piping hot cup of joe, your barista most likely also includes a cardboard sleeve to protect your hands from being burned. Just think how many of these paper products are used and thrown away each day.
Now comes a reusable alternative to the cardboard sleeves. CupKozy, available through Etsy, creates new cup sleeves made of felt, chosen for its superior insulating properties. They will fit most 12, 16 and 20 oz. disposable coffee cups, and the best part is they are reusable day after day.
And we think they are pretty darn stylish too. See what you think below.
We'd like to thank PartyBluPrints.com for the scoop they sent us on a free party planning manual for the 4th of July. Party Blue Prints has put together a 17-page "how-to" to guide you through the steps of planning the ultimate 4th of July picnic. From invitation ideas to recipes, the manual has it all.
Here is a sample of what you'll find inside...
Make this picnic easy as A, B, C! Keep Your Guests Comfortable & Clean:
a. Banish the bugs – 1 hour before guests arrive, light bug bomb and citronella candles. Set out individual bug spray wipes and/or spray for guests' convenient use.
b. It's a picnic, so while you're “roughing” it, offer your guests the opportunity to “wash up” with wipes and/or hand sanitizer – a must have at a picnic!
c. Give your guests a place to kick back: Provide plenty of clean and comfortable seating (chairs, blankets, benches, etc.)
Keep Waste to a Minimum:
a. Mark your beverages. Use ClinQ™s , these clever peel off stickers adhere your to drink (whether it's a glass, bottle, disposable cup or plastic bottle). Each has a different symbol so you can identify your drink from the rest. This avoids waste as guests inevitably forget where they set their drink – all they have to do is remember their symbol.
b. Put out a recycling bin for empties.
c. Use renewable dinnerware or acrylic dishware and cloth napkins (for fun you can purchase flag bandannas and use them as napkins).
Keep it Cool & Wet:
a. Ice, Ice and more Ice: There's nothing worse than lukewarm or hot beverages on a hot day. Make sure you have more than enough ice to continually replenish the supply. General rule of thumb is 2 lbs. of ice per person.
b. Hydrate your guests: Have plenty of non alcoholic beverages on hand - make sure to consider all your guests: adults, children, elderly.
c. If your yard offers no shade, create some with a few umbrellas. You can also purchase a fan or two that mists while it cools – now that's cool!
Music plays such a huge role when it comes to planning any get together. Even when it's lightly playing the background, choosing festive songs to match your party theme is a must. And now with music programs like iTunes, you can make your own custom mixes with just the click of a mouse.
Here are some great 4th of July tunes to set tone for your big bash...
Born in the U.S.A. – Bruce Springsteen
1812 Overture - Tchaikovsky
Proud to be an American – Lee Greenwood
America – Neil Diamond
America the Beautiful – Ray Charles version
Ballad of the Green Berets – Barry North
Color Me Red, White and Blue – Dolly Parton
God Bless America – Kate Smith or Celine Dion (our favorite Canadian!)
Living in America – James Brown
My Baby is American Made – Oakridge Boys
Peaceful World – John Mellencamp
Some Gave All – Billy Ray Cyrus
Star Spangled Banner – Jimmy Hendrix, Whitney Houston and a host of others
This Ain’t No Rag – It’s a Flag – Charlie Daniels Band
This Land is Your Land – Bob Dylan and Joan Baez, Peter, Paul and Mary
Candles add an extremely elegant touch to your evening event. In low light, the gentle flicker of candles sets the stage for a blissful evening. But, unfortunately, due to safety concerns, many event facilities do not allow candles to be used on site. So what are you to do if you had your heart set on a hundred flickering lights?
Meet Ashley Danae Designs. Ashley Danae Designs creates flameless candles that are made of wax and have a deliciously light vanilla scent. The candle’s "flame" flickers like a real candle, but instead of burning down to the wick, you need only a fresh pair of batteries to recharge their light. Unless you walk right up to the candle and pick it up, you have no idea the candle is not real and the best part is you'll never have to replace it.
Ashley Danae's candles also come in a wide variety of colors, patterns and styles. Just check out some of the samples below.
As advertisers, we are always attracted to really incredible branding and pieces. We found some recent incredible and futuristic marketing pieces from a company called Blutsbruder. Blutsbruder Design is an acclaimed design studio with a roster of international clients. Specializing in art and advertising print productions with a focus on visual effects, Blutsbruder Design provides both the creative direction and the final implementation of the image. You'll often see them create incredible 3D artwork using digital retouching and photo enhancing. Check out some of our favorites from their portfolio. We love the way they think outside the box to create truly eye-catching branding pieces. Bravo!
The 4th of July is just around the corner, and since the weather has been less than stellar as of late, now is a great time to dive into your movie vault and pick out some films that truly capture the heart of the American spirit. You'll be singing the "Star Spangled Banner" in no time at all. Here's what's on our list right now...
The Patriot: Starring Mel Gibson and Heath Ledger. Movie Tagline: Before they were soldiers, they were family. Before they were legends, they were heros. Before there was a nation, there was a fight for freedom. Why we love it: Oh the drama! If you like war pictures, The Patriot is one of those films that leaves a huge impression on your heart. Combine the war scenes with the tear jerking portrayal of a father-son relationship and even grown men will be crying with this one.
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington: Starring Jimmy Stewart & Jean Arthur Movie Tagline: Romance, drama, laughter and heartbreak ... created out of the very heart and soil of America. Why we love it: Is there anything more American than Jimmy Stewart? Enough said.
Yankee Doodle Dandy: Starring James Cagney Movie Tagline: A musical portrait of composer/singer/dancer George M. Cohan. From his early days as a child-star in his family's vaudeville show up to the time of his comeback at which he received a medal from the president for his special contributions to the US, this is the life-story of George M. Cohan, who produced, directed, wrote and starred in his own musical shows for which he composed his famous songs. Why we love it: Don't worry, this movie has nothing to do with the New York Yankees. An old-fashioned musical with James Cagney. It’s all red-white and true blue through and through!
Saving Private Ryan: Starring Tom Hanks Movie Tagline: In the Last Great Invasion of the Last Great War, The Greatest Danger for Eight Men was Saving... One. Why we love it: Yes, the first 30-minutes are very hard to watch and yes, you'll probably cry the entire movie. But, this story of a brave band of WWII soldiers and their mission to save one young man is a must-watch, must-cheer, must remember film. A heartbreakingly honest tribute to The Greatest Generation.
Independence Day: Starring Will Smith, Harry Connick Jr. and some pain in the you-know-what aliens. Movie Tagline: On July 2nd, they arrive. On July 3rd, they strike. On July 4th, we fight back. Why we love it: There’s no turning on your heart strings here, just some good, old-fashioned alien whopping – on the Fourth of July, of course!
1776 Movie Tagline: In the days leading up to July 4, 1776, Continental Congressmen John Adams and Benjamin Franklin coerce Thomas Jefferson into writing the Declaration of Independence as a delaying tactic as they try to persuade the American colonies to support a resolution on independence. As George Washington sends depressing messages describing one military disaster after another, the businessmen, landowners and slave holders in Congress all stand in the way of the Declaration, and a single "nay" vote will forever end the question of independence. Large portions of spoken and sung dialog are taken directly from the letters and memoirs of the actual participants. Why we love it: Yes, it’s a musical. But it’s also a great way to learn about the birth of our nation. And you’ll be humming the tunes when it’s over.
Rocky I, II, III, IV: Starring Sly Stone Movie Tagline: His whole life was a million-to-one shot. Why we love it: It's all about the American dream as we watch a fighter from the streets of Philadelphia achieve his dreams. We get pumped just thinking about it.
Pride of the Yankees: Starring Gary Cooper as Lou Gehrig Movie Tagline: It's the Great American Story! Why we love it: You can't celebrate American movies without highlighting the greatest baseball film of all time. Sorry this one happens to be about a "New York Yankee," but more importantly about a man with the true American spirit. Lou Gehrig ended his career on July 4, 1939 with his now famous speech. This film celebrates good-old American values without a whole lot of flag waving. A great watch.
Did we miss your favorite patriotic film? Let us know!
We love searching the web for the best event planning blogs out there. Inspiration comes from many sources and we'd like to share some of our recent favorites with you to check out also.
We love DIY (Do-It-Yourself) projects. Whenever we find a way to let our creativity flow we love to share it with you. As event planners, innovation is key and any outlet that allows us to showcase our creative spirit is a huge bonus. If you are an artist at heart, you'll love this fabulous service that allows you to showcase your artwork like the pros. Zazzle custom canvas prints are printed using the latest and most advanced technologies to give you the most vibrant colors and highest detail possible. Design your own museum masterpieces from your paintings, digital art and photography that can be enjoyed for generations to come.
You can choose from matte or gloss canvas. Both options are fade resistant and available in 5 different sizes. All you have to do is download zazzle's design-and-drop tool to prepare your file. You can add text, adjust colors and finalize your artwork until it's literally picture perfect! Plus it ships in 24 hours so you can upload today and receive your artwork by tomorrow.
Just think how great it would be to have a family portrait printed on canvas and placed on the mantel above your fireplace. Or how about a painting of your favorite destination spot so you can dream about a vacation even in the drawls of a Northwest rainstorm. Whatever you do, be creative and choose a piece that reflects your personality or something you hold dear to your heart. These make a great gift to.
If the canvas prints are a little out of your budget or you'd like to give it a try in a smaller format, try zazzle's DIY posters too. See below.
Go green, that is, hit the greens this Father's Day. We've found some great samples of golf inspired party decorations suitable for any father, grandfather, uncle, brother or significant person in your life. Golf is a great theme for any Father's Day because most anyone can play. Who cares if you are not Tiger Woods! Who is? Just get out there, and enjoy an activity everyone can try. And if playing an entire 18 holes isn't your style, consider renting portable miniature courses from Golf-To-Go, featured in further detail on banquetevent.com. But if the real thing is more your speed, read about Oki Golf's courses featured at banquetevent.com as well. As a side note, if you are planning an upcoming golf tournament this summer, read our how-to on how to put together a successful event.
Top Row: Floral arrangements by Aria Style Bottom Left: Golf luggage tag favor from Beau-Coup Bottom Right: Personalized Golf Balls from Beau-Coup
Top Left: Golf cocktail napkins from Plum Party Top Right: Rent portable greens from Golf-To-Go Bottom Left: Golf invitation from Doriann's Bottom Right: Golf Ball Truffles from Plum Party
Businesses and corporations now have a simple way to contribute to a greener planet through a unique philanthropy opportunity. 1% For The Planet, a non-profit organization, acts as a conduit for action by working with companies willing to donate just 1% of their profits to various causes created to preserving the planet. In return, this growing alliance of companies is given the opportunity not only to see their self-worth rise, but their net worth climb as well.
One Percent for the Planet has also teamed up with Jack Johnson on his 2008 World Tour and All At Once, a new social action network connecting nonprofits with people who want to become active in their local and world community. All At Once comes to life online at www.AllAtOnce.org and at every Jack Johnson concert in the Village Green, a collection of interactive booths where you can get educated, get inspired, and connect face-to-face with us and other local, national, and international non-profits.
First impressions are what counts in business. So often customers make a snap judgment on your ability to provide the service they need based on what may seem to you to be trivial matters. But, how trivial are they if they keep you from landing an important account? One of the best first impressions you can make is with your business card. Yes it's true, a 3.5" x 2" piece of paper can make or break it for your future customer relations. Your business card can either speak volumes about your style, creativity, personality and know-how or it can make you look out-of-date, cheap, or even stupid. So pull out your business card and take a good hard look at it. Does it need a makeover? If so, read some tips and tricks from Entrepreneur.com on how you can revamp your business card.
1. Incorporate foil accents. These elegant accents can add an artistic flair and make your words "pop" off the cardstock. 2. Add some color. Full-color backings are popular right now. Also, depending on your industry, unique, colorful illustrations or images can leave a lasting impression. 3. Use both sides. The back of the card, which was previously uncharted territory, can be used for more than just contact details. Include a special offer, highlight your website, insert a calendar or insert an appointment slot. 4. Try hi-tech. Worried you forgot to mention important details in your last meeting with a potential client? Then leave them with a CD. Another up-and-coming way to market your business is the USB business card. Print your contact information on a USB thumb drive and share as many files and images as you want. 5. Go vertical. If you're looking for a way to stand out, try giving your layout a 90-degree turn. Crowe says she's seen more clients choosing to print vertically instead of the traditional horizontal layout. 6. Stick with a traditional size. Though our experts recommend experimenting with the layout, they say you should stick with the traditional 3.5-by-2-inch business card dimensions. That way, they fit easily into your client's Rolodex or wallets. 7. Give your card texture.Hawthorne Leather Goods LLC, which manufactures leather goods under the brand Rawlings Sports Accessories, makes business cards out of authentic Rawlings baseball glove leather. The company says recipients of the cards have an emotional response thanks to the scent and feel of the baseball leather. 8. Get social. High-school age teens venture into Staples to create social networking cards that include information like Facebook and MySpace links. If your business uses social networking as a marketing tool, consider displaying that information on your cards.
It's that time of year again when high school seniors finally reach the end of their adolescent years and graduate from high school. And, most likely, you'll be invited to at least one graduation party - or perhaps be throwing one yourself. Here are some great grad gifts for those special teens in your life.
Every graduating senior finds themselves at a crossroads. They have so many decisions to make in such a short time and sometimes the best advice you can give them is to follow their heart. This great leather bracelet is a wonderful reminder to do just that. Plus its a great unisex gift. Available at Patina Stores and retails for $32.
If your teen is heading off to college and leaving the house, you could be experiencing some anxiety wondering if you've raised him or her well enough to make good decisions. You can't be a fly on the wall watching to see if they behave, but sometimes little well placed reminders go a long way. Check out this paperweight from Patina Stores with the words "Because I Said So" engraved on the front. What better reminder is there than a few familiar words from a concerned parent? Retails for $15.95.
Send them off with a little protection with the College Survival Kit. The kit includes a shower tote packed with emergency essentials for freshmen, seniors, and everyone in between. Available at Wishing Fish and retails for $49.95
We've never known a college student who can actually keep a plant alive in a dorm, so what better way to add some plant life to a drab dorm room than with the Evergreen Bonsai Kit? You simply interlock the cardboard bonsai leaves and branches together -- no scissors or glue (or watering or sunshine!) required. Like its real-life counterpart, the Atomic Bonsai can be pruned into new and unique forms; simply move a few "leaves" from one branch to another, and voilá -- a brand new configuration! Available at Wishing Fish and retails for $20.
Everyone loves a good Cinco de Mayo party. Cinco de Mayo is all about color, and the brighter and more bold, the better. We've gone on the hunt to find the perfect solutions to your Cinco de Mayo event decor. Check out our super finds.
Accent your Cinco de Mayo table decor with colorful lanterns and candles. The below samples are great because they are battery operated so you don't have to worry about finding an outlet. These colorful and affordable lanterns can go just about anywhere.
Every Cinco de Mayo party must have authentic and delicious regional foods and beverages. Be sure to set your table with colorful dining, serving and bar pieces to create the ambiance of the festive event.
Choose colorful textiles in tablecloths, runners, napkins and placemats and don't worry about matching. Just pick bold colors and the richness of the patterns and tones will coordinate perfectly with each other.
Finalize your table design with a colorful umbrella. Even if you have to hold your party indoors, the brightly colored umbrella will be enough to make your guests fantasize about the warm summer sun.
What to get? The most relative question for the most relative of people . . . Dad . . . Father . . . . Pop . . . . Daddy . . . or maybe it's a first name because he's like a Father to someone. We are here to see if we can add to the confusion of possibilities circling in your head. If nothing more, maybe we can spark an idea. We captured options from the ridiculous, to the sublime, to well - see for yourself and read on!
