About Portland PartyWorks


In the 20 years that PartyWorks has been in business, we've developed systems, knowledge and relationships that make us a leader in the entertainment industry. It is our desire to share that experience with you and to bring our cutting edge concepts to your events!



We are here to share some tips on producing successful events along with some time-tested facts about party planning. We're also going to throw in a funny story from time to time because we're serious about fun!

Saturday, December 31, 2011

Inpromptu New Year's Day Party Ideas

Oh No, I Invited Everyone Over For New Year's Day Buffet! 

It sounded like such a great idea last night.
Slapping together food, drinks and party games doesn’t get more last-minute than this — but that doesn’t mean you can’t pull off a great time for you and your friends.



“OK, so, Courtney Givens, owner of Simple Pleasures Events in Vancouver, said with a determined chuckle. “First thing you want to do is consider your guest list, because that will dictate everything else.

Knowing how many people — and what sorts of friends — are planning to attend can determine the type of food, music, games and festivities you put together.


Decorations for a last-minute party are simple. Your Christmas lights, and a warm fire may be all you need.You also want to plan about three or four hours of music without repeating songs. Don't forget this is a big day for football so even if its on silent, you know who's coming and if they are big sports fans some will appreciate your attention to this detail. This can be especially entertaining if your guests are routing for opposing teams. A great time for a impromptu friendly bet on the winner. (The losers can do the dishes)
A big fan of party games, Kristina Kuntz, owner of Niella’s Special Events, recently planned a party with a different game in each room of the house. Games that provide information about guests are especially great as ice-breakers, she said.“One game, you have people say two truths and one lie about what they did over the past year,” Kuntz said. “You put those up on the wall someplace and have people guess which is which.”
Givens also likes social games. In one, she makes everyone anonymously fill out a card that lists things they want to achieve in the new year. She then shuffles them and hands them back out, and people have to guess who wrote their card. But games should be optional on this low-key day.
Drinks for your party can be as simply as coffee, tea, juice, and water. For an adult party champagne and beer are optional and if you feel like sprucing up things a Champagne Mimosa with a strawberry can add pop. If you have a signature drink, or you make a mean Bloody Mary, now is the time to show off your bartending skills.
As for food, you mostly want things that can stay out on a table for several hours.No one expects a Sunday Brunch at the last minute so don't stress the small stuff. A basic doughnuts and coffee works especially after a late New Year's Eve. If you asked others to bring a dish be sure to have extra serving utensils and trays on hand.


Most important of all, though? Remember to enjoy yourself. “To be a good hostess you need to have a good time, too,” Givens said. “Sometimes last-minute parties are the best parties. There’s no time to really plan, so you just go with it.”
And heck, you might even get bragging rights.

The inspiration and some of the ideas came from an article in the Columbian. Here is the link if you would like to read the whole thing:

http://www.columbian.com/news/2011/dec/30/party-planning-starts-now-its-not-too-late-to-thro/



Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Corporate Parties; Not Just For Employees

Don't Forget The Employees Guest When Planning Your Company Party.

We've all been there, the dreaded annual company party where you are 'NOT' the employee. You don't know anyone, your not even sure you want to know anyone. But you know for sure your role is going to include alot of sitting alone and shaking hands with the same people that didn't remember you last year. 


As the employee you know you're gonna owe 'big time' and the ride home is gonna be quiet even if you had a good time.


The days are gone by where it was mostly the wife as guest but 'Times They Are A Changing' and this no longer hold true. So what can you do as the event planner to Avoid the 'Wall Flower-Stuck In the Corner-Watching the Watch Guest? 


Here are a few tips to help break the ice among the non employees, make sure they aren't just there as Eye-Candy and increase attendance in following years because your employees and their guests actually look forward to this event.


Casino Night
Here are a few ideas for a new twist to the holiday gathering:

  • Name Tags Twist: They can be tacky but if you make a game out of it, it can be a great way to get everyone to wear one. Add a sticker randomly to some of the guests name tags. Award a small gift, or extra drink ticket or entrance to a drawing.
  • Short Quiz: Have a quiz at each table with questions about the employees and their guests. (This will require a little advance sleuth work on your part). The Table that completes the quiz first and most correctly gets A) Served first; B) First through the buffet, C) An Ornament, D) Whatever fits your budget
  • Virtual Vegas Theme:  Create a 'with play money to use at casino games. 
  • Sign In Book: Include a guest sign in book.
  • Hypnotist: Or other group attraction
  • Have a Silent Action
Last Resort
  • A lot of employers are making the cost-saving decision to switch the event to a employee-only lunch. The pressure is off, but so is the glamour and chance to put on your sequins and add a little glamour to the holiday season.

Friday, December 16, 2011

PhotoID PhotoBooth New Generation!

Jay Leno and Jaime Lee Curtis used our photo booth at The Tonight Show on May 8, 2009. A smash hit for parties ever since, here is the video clip from that nights fun photo shoot:






Our Photo Booth prints two classic strips of four in less than a minute! (Since most people enter a photo booth with another person, doesn't it make sense that the machine should print two strips each time.

Dozens of Pre-loaded border selections to choose from; Custom Overlays, Black & White and Fun Frames.

Get crazy, see how many faces fit in a frame, or take that sweetheart moment and cherish it forever!

Visit Here to see: Portland Party Works Photo Booth a special hit at Grad Parties and Corporate Events.

Photo Fun