What to Do on Thanksgiving (Besides the Obvious)

Thanksgiving is less than a month away so it's time to start preparing! Many families will gather to enjoy a delicious meal, but how do you keep everyone entertained before or after they eat? Here are some ideas for Thanksgiving events that you can attend or organize that will please almost everyone, and perhaps even burn off a few of those extra holiday calories!

Thanksgiving Races
Many towns around the country host a "turkey trot" or other race the morning of Thanksgiving. These events typically host a separate walk along the same course so that everyone in the family can participate. Many people run these events in costume, so even if you aren't up for participating it's still fun to go and watch. Event perk: By the time you're done with the race you'll be extra hungry, and with all of the calories burned you won't feel guilty about the second (or third) piece of pie!

Parades
Watching he Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is a tradition for many. If you're in the New York area, you can attend the parade in person for a whole new experience. If you're not close to New York, many other states host parades with big balloons, marching bands, and extravagant floats that are a delight for all ages. Event perk: After being out in the cold weather at the parade, you'll be ready to warm up with some hot turkey!

Craft Fairs
Thanksgiving weekend marks the official start of the holiday shopping season, and many people take advantage of that by hosting or attending craft fairs. These fairs have everything from holiday ornaments, beautiful home decorations, and even foods that would make great gifts. Event perk: Since your family is in town, you can take them to an event and have them pick out something they like so you know you're getting them a gift that they want!

Farmers Markets
Farming was a major part of life for the pilgrims, so attending a Farmers Market and buying locally grown crops is a great way to celebrate the harvest the traditional way! Rather than buying your menu items at a grocery store, you can pick up seasonal produce, as well as meats, eggs, cheeses, desserts, flowers, and more for a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration that you can feel good about! Event perk: Not only are you picking up delicious, fresh food to serve at your dinner, but you're supporting local farmers.

Charity Events
Thanksgiving is a day to be thankful for what you have, and a great way to do that is to give back to those who are more in need than you. Many soup kitchens prepare Thanksgiving meals for those who don't have anywhere to go on Thanksgiving, and they're always looking for volunteers. Residents at nursing homes and hospitals would be happy to have company and someone to talk to on a day that's all about time with family and friends. Many towns host fundraising events on Thanksgiving that you can offer to help run or donate to. Event perk: Making Thanksgiving a good day for others through volunteering can create a very meaningful Thanksgiving day for you and other members of your family.

What are you planning to do for Thanksgiving?

Our 'ez' Payment Options

ezEvent is happy to announce that we now offer PayPal as a buyer payment option! If you're not familiar with all of the payment options available for our event organizers to use, here's a quick rundown:

ezEvent Merchant Account

The ezEvent Merchant Account is our recommended method, as it's the smoothest experience for the organizer and for the attendee. Credit card processing tends to offer the highest conversion rate over other payment methods, which means more sales for you! With this payment method, the buyer can pay with any major credit card and the money goes into ezEvent's bank account. ezEvent charges you a 3% credit card fee for this payment option. Three days after your event ends we'll send you a check minus an $0.89 fee for every ticket that was purchased and refunded. If you need the money faster, we can send you a check or ACH payment upon request so long as you have enough sales and credit worthiness to prove the event's legitimacy.

PayPal

If you have a PayPal account, ezEvent now allows you to use it as a payment method! If you choose this method, the buyer can pay using any major credit card, PayPal, or eCheck. All payments are made on PayPal during checkout. The money will go directly and instantly into the event organizer's PayPal account, meaning you don't have to wait to get your money! ezEvent does not charge credit card fees for this payment method, but the event organizer will have to pay PayPal's fees. ezEvent does not charge for refunds on orders that use this payment method, however there will still be an $0.89 fee for each ticket purchased.

Offline Payment

ezEvent offers several alternate payment methods, including Pay by Check, Send Invoice to Buyer, and Pay at the Door. When these options are selected, the event organizer is able to determine whether tickets are sent on registration or when the payment is received and we offer an easy-to-use paid/unpaid tracking system so that event organizers can ensure no one gets into the event without paying! All of the money collected by these forms of payment goes directly into the event organizer's bank account. There are no credit card fees taken out, and the event organizer will be invoiced for the $0.89 fee for each ticket purchased or refunded.

We hope you're excited as we are about all of our new payment options! If you have any questions about them or how to set them up, you can visit our Help Center or shoot us an email at support@ezevent.com.

Don't Forget the Vegetarians!

Choosing a menu for your event can be tough. Not only do you have to consider budget constraints, but you have to find delicious food that's going to please all of your guests. Many people will choose traditional beef, chicken of fish options as a main course because they think that covers all bases. In honor of National Vegetarian Month, we suggest that it's time to think about adding vegetarian options to your menu!

Unless you have a close, personal relationship with every person attending your event, it's really impossible to know what everyone's food preferences are. While you may think that no one attending your event is a vegetarian, it's a good idea to keep open the possibility that there will be. According to Vegetarian Times, there are 7.3 million vegetarian Americans, and an additional 22.8 million who follow a vegetarian-inclined diet. Odds are that someone at your event will prefer a meatless dish!

Even if your guests aren't vegetarian, many people just prefer meatless dishes. Some people are picky about the type of meat they'll eat or the way it's prepared, so if they're unsure of how it was cooked they won't touch it. Some people may be on a diet, or may find that the meat-filled dish you're serving to be too heavy or caloric. There are also people who have religious reasons for not eating meat, and even more who may have allergies that prevent them from eating it. Hopefully by now you realize that there are a lot of reasons why having vegetarian options is important.

So what types of food should you serve? Work with your venue to see what they offer. Many appetizers and main courses will be vegetarian, such as stuffed mushrooms and pasta, and if they have meat in them many venues are willing to exclude it if you ask.

DIY to Lower Event Costs!

Sticking to an event budget can sometimes be a challenge, especially if there are a lot of items on your must-have list. To keep costs down, try adding some do-it-yourself (DIY) elements to your event!

Supplies for DIY projects can be found inexpensively at places such as Jo-Ann Fabrics, Michael's Crafts, Dollar Tree, Marshalls, and even just around your home! Search sites like Pinterest and Etsy for ideas of things that you can make. You may be surprised at how many items you can make yourself that will save you big bucks!

• Thinking of renting a photo booth? To cut down on costs, hang up a king size bed sheet in a solid color or choose a printed curtain that reflects the style and theme of the event and have someone take pictures while guests stand in front of it. Cut out mustaches and lips out of construction paper and attach them to small dowels for easy and fun props!
• Looking at catering menus and can't believe how much the food costs? Make it yourself! There are recipes and instructional videos all over the internet that will help you make food that's even better than what you'd pay way more money for at a restaurant or bakery. You can also consider picking up pre-made items or platters at your local grocery store or wholesale club. You can add to them or use them as part of another recipe to cut down costs and labor time.
• Shocked at what a decorator costs? Instead of paying hundreds, maybe even thousands of dollars for someone else to do the decorating, do it yourself! Everything from centerpieces, signage, and party favors can be easily made. Making the decorations is not only fun, but affordable, and you save on labor costs of having someone else do it. 

These are just a few simple ideas to get you thinking about what elements would make great DIY projects. Don't forget to ask people around you for help! We are all born with our own special talent so ask around to see if you could get some friends to help or if they have suggestions on items you have on your list. 

Tips for Hiring a DJ

Having music at an event is not only a great form of entertainment, but it can really set the tone for how things will go. That's why so many event planners hire DJs. How do you find a good one who won't end up playing terrible tunes? Follow these tips:

Find an Experienced DJ: While hiring an amateur DJ may save you some money, there's a very high chance that you'll be sacrificing quality. Ideally you want to find someone who does the job week in and week out and has at least 3 years of experience (anything more than that is a plus). A seasoned DJ will know how to entertain a crowd and engage people if they aren't on the dance floor right away. When choosing a DJ it's important to keep in mind the type of experience he or she has. A DJ whose resume is full of nightclub experience may not be the best choice for a professional event.

Know Their Music Library: A professional DJ should have a wide range of music covering all types of generations and genres. Some DJs do not work well with extensive pre-selected lists, while some do. Let perspective DJs know whether you intend to pick out all or most of your music, or if you'd prefer the DJ to use their expertise and play the best music for the event. If they're willing to work with you on your playlist selections, make sure they already have the music or will be able to get it in time for your event. You should also find out if guests are able to make requests or not. If the DJ doesn't have the music you want and isn't willing to work with you on what you need, then that's not the right DJ for you.

Check References: Asking for references is important so you can find out other people's experiences with the DJ and the service provided. Be sure to get references from people who held similar events. A reference about the DJ performing at a school function won't be an accurate reflection about how they'll perform at a wedding. While a good DJ should be able to perform well at any event, it's good to know that he or she has experience in your particular event. If you're undecided on a DJ, it's good to ask your venue for suggestions. Most facilities are familiar with the professionals in the area and will know who has worked well in the past.

Pricing: Before going into conversations about pricing, you need to know your event date, time, and location, as rates can vary based on all three of those factors. If a company is trying to ask you to provide them with your budget first or if they won't give out their price over the phone, odds are they're more expensive than other companies and you should continue your search. When making a decision, be sure that you're not only considering the cost, but the value of what you're getting. Always remember that quality is not expensive - it's priceless! 

Sign a Contract: Once you've decided on a DJ and have worked out the details, it's important that you sign a contract. Your written agreement should state the exact date, time and location of your event so that you know that your DJ will show up and be ready on time and at the right location. It's also important that other details are included, such as what happens in the case that the DJ can't make it to the event or that they can't drink on the job. A contract is a Legal document, so you should feel safe knowing that you'll be getting the services you're paying for.

The most important thing to remember when looking for a DJ is to go with your gut. If you have a bad feeling about anything at all, then the person isn't right for you. When everything lines up and you feel confident in your decision, you'll very likely end up with a great DJ who will help make your event a success!

Delicious Dessert Trends

For some people, food can make or break an event. If you're planning a Halloween or holiday party, wedding, trade show, or a sit-down gala, these hot dessert trends will ensure that your guests leave happy (and full!).

Bite-size Is In: Taking the place of gourmet cupcakes and jumbo slices of cake are colorful desserts in small sizes spread out on a dessert buffet. Small desserts create the illusion that they aren't that bad for you. Instead of being stuck with one huge dessert you probably won't finish, you get to sample a variety of desserts without the guilt. Bonus: guests who have allergies or food preferences still have plenty of choices. Try s'mores, bite-sized tartlettes, and cheesecakes.

Branded Take Home Desserts: Many companies are looking to save money on food served at their events, so they now opt for a boxed dessert rather than a lavish dessert display. Branded dessert boxes not only make for a great favor, but they allow guests to reminisce about the event when they're eating it later on, and they keep your brand in their mind. Before giving out the desserts, use them in a creative display to help save on your decor budget. What should you put in the boxes? Cookies and cupcakes have been done too often and are now an expected option. Try whoopie pies, pie slices, doughnuts, or macarons to give guests something fresh and new.

Must-have Stations: 

1. Cotton candy is a hot new trend popping up at events. Cotton candy be added to anything - try it as a cocktail garnish, on s'mores, or even just on a stick. It can come in a variety of unique flavors that will satisfy all of your guests, and you can use food coloring to ensure it matches your color scheme. Talk about versatile! 
2. Candy buffets have become a staple at events. Not only is a candy bar a great decor opportunity, but it brings out the kid in everyone. Use candy that is easy to pick up, and place it in a variety of different jars and containers. Plan for 15 different types of candy, as most guests with try four to five pieces per person.
3. Any do-it-yourself station is sure to be a hit, because guests get to pick exactly what they want. Try a crepe station with made-to-order fillings (Nutella, chocolate, and strawberries), a S'mores station with different types of chocolates and spreads, or even a hot cocoa station with different flavors of mix and a variety of add-ins (caramels, chocolate chips, and crushed peppermints).

Horrifying Halloween Event Themes

With less than 30 days left until Halloween, it's time to start finalizing the details of your big Halloween event! 

Halloween is already a great theme for a party. It has its own color scheme (orange and black), atmosphere (dark and spooky), and attire (costumes). You can give your party more of a focus with a theme that will narrow your ideas for invitations, food, decorations, and activities. Here are our suggestions for Halloween event themes that will terrify your guests and ensure a spooktacular time:

Haunted Circus

A clown entryway used at the 2012
ezEvent staff Halloween party

Why it's scary: A circus theme takes fun memories from your childhood and turns them on their side. Clowns, by nature, are terrifying to many people. Who knows what kind of person is hiding under that makeup? The music from the calliope sounds like it's calling on Death to come take the souls of everyone in attendance. Let's not forget how circuses used to have sideshows where people would come to gawk at real life "freaks."

 

Decorating tips: Any kind of clown prop you could put around the event space will be sure to bring out everyone's coulrophobia, especially if the clowns are wielding bloody knives or have glowing eyes. Have guests walk through a clown entryway as they enter the event space so that they're anxious right off the bat. Hang table cloth roll in orange and black stripes around the event space to bring the tent feeling inside. Play the film "Freaks" silently against the wall to fill wall space and have eerie moving images of the olden days of the circus. If you have the budget, hire entertainers such as a sword swallower or fire juggler to amaze guests.

Anything Based on a Movie/TV series

Why it's scary: When people watch horror movies and scary television shows, they get scared but they're comforted by the fact that the villains and creatures they're seeing are safely confined in their screens. Bringing those fears to reality will always make for a terrifying experience! It's also fun to take a movie or show that's not meant to be scary, like The Wizard of Oz, and turn it into something horrifying. Something about seeing nice things gone bad that really creeps people out.

 

ezEvent party decorations!

Decorating tips: Have guests dress up as their favorite scary character so they're forced to interact with their fears embodied. Set up animatronics of famous villains like Michael Myers or zombies from The Walking Dead that move and talk. Have props around the room that go with your chosen movie/show, like Freddy Krueger's long creepy hand in the middle of the punch bowl just waiting for someone brave enough to get close. For ezEvent's 2013 staff party, we're having a twisted Wizard of Oz party. For party decor, we'll be having an entryway that goes from black and white Kansas to colorful Oz, creepy directional signs, including one for a haunted forest containing apple cider donuts and candy apples, a mini house with witch feet sticking out, and death certificates around the room for the film's main characters.

Asylum

Why it's scary: Abandoned asylums are places that everyone assumes are haunted. Everyone has heard the horror stories of people getting thrown into asylums and doctors doing horrible experiments or painful procedures on them. There are bound to be some vengeful spirits hanging around! Let's not forget that some of the patients themselves were dangerous. Asylums are not a place any sane person would want to be, so forcing guests to be in that environment will be sure to mess with their mind!

 

Decorating tips: Create condemned signs and post them all over the entrance to your event space. Put together zombie/ghostly patients and doctor figures holding torture devices. Print out old patient files and scatter them all over the floor. Break up an old mirror and cover it with polyurethane so it look like the patients broke out and caused damage. If you can find old, rusty wheelchairs or cots it would make a nice addition to your space!

Masquerade Ball

Why it's scary: Masquerade balls are all about hiding something. Do you really know who or what lies behind the mask? The fear of the unknown can be extremely unsettling. Also, have you seen Venetian masks? Just looking at some of them will send a chill down your spine, especially when they're paired with an elaborate outfit.

 

Decorating tips: Have guests come wearing the scariest mask they can find! You may not think about it, but the masks themselves are a great decoration. Holding your event in an old mansion or building that seems like it's from another time will really get guests in the right mood. Find antique candelabras and frames from a local thrift shop to put around the event space. Cover tables and walls with fabric that has a damask pattern.