{Why Hire a Bartender}

As we approach May the air is getting warmer, the sun is staying out longer, and most of us have a party or BBQ in the works. I am a big fan of entertaining in my home and when it comes down to throwing a party there is always 1 big problem. How do I keep all my guests happy and enjoy the party myself?

      Keeping peoples drinks full, stocking the appetizer table, dealing with overly intoxicated family members and teenagers trying to sneak cocktails all while trying to mingle with long lost friends can become quite a juggling act.

    Luckily there is one person that can help you throughout this whirlwind. It is time to turn to the professionals by hiring a mobile bartender. Most times we feel it is unnecessary to hire someone for an intimate gathering in our own home, but for a minimal amount you will find this an invaluable addition to your soiree. A bartender can add a touch of class to your event by offering a personal experience with each one of your guests. Not to mention they are usually skilled at the art of getting the party started.

   A professional bartender is trained to handle the ups and downs that come along with parties. Either by helping to diffuse situations where clashing personalities combined with alcohol get out of hand, or by acting as a welcome buffer between the “not quite 21”  year old guests and the fully loaded bar they have been eyeballing!

    I can't emphasize enough the responsibility that goes along with people getting intoxicated in your home. If someone drinks at your party, then has an incident while driving home you can be held responsible and this is where hiring a pro becomes necessary. Most mobile bartenders are certified in either the Tips or LEADS programs which work hand in hand with the ABC and the state. This helps to ensure the use of a proper pour count (which you can determine) but also utilizes the skills of someone who is taught to identify intoxication levels in your guests and help to guarantee they are not over served. Most states do not require a license to tend bar however it will only benefit you to check out bartender certifications out when hiring someone.

  Other services a mobile bartender will sometimes offer for an extra amount is assistance with liquor selection and bar set up. This will help to ensure you don’t end up with 4 types of spirits, 1 lime and no mixers. Your bartender will partner with you to construct a shopping list with proper amounts needed based on guest count. Also they can contribute opinions and ideas to constructing an eye catching bar if you are creating your parties pour station rather than using a built in bar. One more fun suggestion is if you really dig your mixologist have them personalize a custom cocktail just for you. This besides adding support to your theme can help limit the amount of alcohol you will need to purchase.

  Your next event Please think of this hire some help, and feel what it’s like to truly be a guest at your own party. You will never again throw a birthday bash or super bowl party without someone there on your team, serving spirits and helping the party flow. We hope to see you soon!!

                                                      Top Shelf Events OC

                                                             714-679-5612

{Inspiration...DIY}

 Let me start out by saying that as I am sitting here typing I can't help but to acknowledge the dried spray paint coating my finger tips. Now as all of my fellow manicure fanatics can attest to, this is a very annoying situation! However the process of getting here has been nothing but FANTASTIC.

             I have spent the last few hours cutting, gluing, folding, flattening, crimping and painting all in the name of DIY shower decor. It has been an interesting couple of hours to say the least. But as I sit here with a table of finished party favors in front of me I can't help but smirk and give myself a lil' pat on the back. They are adorable, and so easy! Just as most things that are classified as cost efficient, DIY creations can be quite time consuming. Besides being lighter on the wallet (which frees up some $ for the important things like a party planner) the feeling of satisfaction when you walk into your kids birthday party, wedding reception or Bridal/Baby Shower and see your hard work on display is seriously rewarding!

        Whatever the occasion may be DIY decorations and party favors are a great way to spruce up the venue and leave your mark on the event. There are hundreds and hundreds of do-it-yourself websites out there with amazing tutorials just waiting to be discovered. Besides the Queen of all crafters Martha's website there are a few websites out there worth visiting next time you are in the mood to create.

        One I am absolutely obsessed with is right now is TheTomKatStudio!  Kim Stoegbauer  is a DIY guru with hundreds of craft templates easily accessed via her website or to purchase @  Etsy.  Another website that deserves a visit is Intimate Weddings. Their DIY wedding section is full of beautiful home-made creations. By using your own color palette and personal touches you can be in control of making your special day truly unique.

Here are a few of my favorite DIY party decor images. I hope they inspire you as much as they did me! Please check back at the beginning of May for pics of my own  decoration creations, and send in pics of your DIY party. We would love to see.



Love vintage brooch bouquets? Don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars? Make your own! I found a handy vintage brooch bouquet tutorial over at FancyPants Weddings, Check out the DIY pomander tutorial over at Pizzazerie, Rice Krispies Cupcakes via Pinterest, Learn how to make the fabric envelopes over at Dear Lizzy. Flowers using cupcake  liners is a perfect  DIY project  I found these with a tutorial @ intimateweddings.com, Read more at Marthastewart.com: Tissue Paper Pom-Poms How-To - Martha Stewart Crafts , Fabric flower tutorial @ Crafty Beats Polarcat’s Flower Tutorial, cupcake stand on HWTM made by Jessica at Modern Moments Designs , cocktail party design from Rifle Anna Bond of Rifle Paper Co. cupcake toppers at Etsy by tomkat studios



                                                                                                           

Top Shelf Inspirations (spring)

   It may be a little gloomy out today but you can still tell Spring is in full swing. The air is crisp, flowers are blooming, and a dozen baby ducks just debuted themselves in the pond outside my office. Its the time of year when we all start thinking about weddings, kids birthday parties, sunny picnics in the park, or throwing a backyard dinner party with your favorite group of ladies.

   As always a great accent for parties in spring is flowers.But what else is out there for the stylish spring inspired soiree?  
  A popular trend I love for any bridal/baby shower or wedding is to accent your pieces with fabric flowers, they add a pop of color and style to any unused space. The fabric flowers used in these favor cubbies add an understated touch that screams of spring. I am obviously having a slight love affair with all things vintage and swoon at the idea of incorporating antique pieces with a modern theme!
  On that note one Inspirational item to use for spring is a mason jar. It can be used as your flower vase for your table scape, a unique hanging arrangement or a simple candle solution. These versatile, timeless, and rustic jars add a vintage touch to any shabby chic arrangement!
  Let's not forget about treats for guests of all ages! If you are serving cocktails, or passing around desserts fruit infused is the way to go. Infused cocktails are the perfect way to introduce fruit flavors into your menu and most vodkas now come out with infused flavors such as raspberry, vanilla, mango and lemon (just to name a few). Take a que from your cocktail menu when ordering your desserts and pair a raspberry lemon drop martini with moist lemon meringue cupcakes or whatever flavor your taste buds desire!
     Here is an idea board I created with some of my favorite images from the season. Feel free to contact us for help planning your spring styled soiree, whatever the occasion may be.
                                      Thanks,
                                                 Megan  


 

pictured here...Favor Cubbies: Will Keeler, http://www.willkeeler.com/, Spanish Table: Becky Hill Photography, http://www.beckyhillphotography.com, Tablescape: Jessica Claire: http://www.jessicaclaire.net/, mason jar blossom: Casa Sugar, flowers in mason jar: Intimate Weddings, Candle: Elizabeth Anne Designs , cocktail:http: //www.absolutdrinks.com/, cupcakes: http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/fancy-cupcakes2



  
   

The Sexiest Strawberry

** What could be sexier than a sweet, juicy strawberry covered in milk chocolate and drizzled with creamy white chocolate? Well I'll tell you: A sweet, juicy strawberry covered in milk chocolate, drizzled with creamy white chocolate and infused with CHAMPAGNE! ♥
** Why let your lil ones have all the goodies? While you are making chocolate covered strawberries for the kids party inject a few with your favorite liqueur for the ultimate Adult indulgence. With strawberry season here we think these are the perfect addition to your birthday parties, bachelorette parties or as an extra surprise for your wedding guests.**

                          (Infused Strawberry bar for wedding reception was Deeelish!!) 

Welcome to Top Shelf Events OC's Blog

We are an Elite Event Coordinating, Planning and Staffing Company located in Orange County.

(mobile bar tending at UCLA-USC football game party - Newport Coast) Our commitment is to remove all the stress & work that can be so overwhelming when organizing your event.  For our clients, we work to create their debut, and of course a rockin' after party. - with a unique blend of creativity, event planning intelligence and a dedication to excellent customer service.  **Stay tuned for some of our work-and some of Top Shelf's favorite things!**