Recent Posts

• Hosting a Movie Screening

  

  A movie screening can be an event by itself, or watching a movie can be entertainment for an event such as a party or festival.

  A movie theater is the ideal venue for a movie screening and most offer their facilities to rent for events. You can also arrange to play a movie at a park or an outdoor venue using portable equipment. For a smaller, more intimate event, quality home theater equipment can be used to play a movie from a DVD.

  There are many things to consider when planning a film screening. Is this a private or public event? Are you selling tickets? What movie do you want to play? Are you debuting an independent film or playing a commercial release? What format is the movie you are playing: digital, 35 mm, or a DVD?

  Many theaters can arrange the details of the film rental, but some movies may not be available or may only be released in limited formats. Make sure that the correct equipment is available at the theater you are renting for the movie you want to play. Film rental costs vary depending on many factors including how new and popular the film is and whether or not you are charging for tickets.

  Once you have determined what film you are playing and arranged for the venue and film rental, there are other things to consider. If you are selling tickets, how are you going to promote your event? Newspaper advertising, event calendars, posters, and social media are a good start. Will there be any other attractions besides the movie? Perhaps actors from the movie can attend or you can give away prizes. If you make the film screening into more of an event then just watching a movie, you will probably bring in a larger audience.

  If you are holding your film screening at a theater, the concessions equipment will already be provided. If, however, you are holding the event at a park or a private residence, consider renting a popcorn machine and serving fresh popped popcorn with your event.

  Most people enjoy watching a movie, so with the right planning, a film screen can be a popular and successful event.

• Chips and (7 Layer) Dip

  

  One of the most important things for any party is the menu. Whether you are having an elaborate meal or just serving appetizers, guests appreciate having good food to nibble on while they mingle. The ideal appetizers should be easy and inexpensive to prepare, and they also need to taste great.

  Chips are easy (just open the bag) and inexpensive but served by themselves, they are also boring, You can get a container of salsa to serve with the chips, and but unless the salsa is something really special, it is unlikely to be a source of much praise. Luckily there are many other kinds of dips you can make or buy.

  Mexicali or 7 Layer dip is a favorite for parties. It doesn’t actually have to have 7 layers, there can be more or less depending on your preferences. You can purchase premade layered dip in stores; however, it is not difficult to make yourself and it tastes much better if it is homemade.

  Here is the recipe I grew up with:

  Mexicali Dip

  In a large flat bowl, layer the following:

  2 nine ounce cans bean dip (smashed flat)
  3 ripe avocados mashed and mixed with 2 tablespoons lemonade
  ½ cup sour cream mixed with ½ cup mayonnaise and 1.25 ounces taco seasoning
  Grated cheddar and jack cheese (enough to cover the entire bowl with a thick layer)
  Chopped olives (1-2 small cans)
  Chopped green olives (1 bunch)
  Chopped tomatoes

  Serve with corn chips.

  This dip can be made a day or two in advance and kept in the fridge until the party. Be sure that if any perishable foods are going to be kept out for any length of time that they are kept at a cool temperature so they do not spoil. Placing the dip bowl over a tray of ice may be a smart idea during warm weather. You can purchase an inflatable buffet tray to fill with ice and set up on a table for a nominal cost. Another option is serve smaller portions and keep the remainder in the refrigerator or ice chest until the food that was served has been used.

  If you want to serve warm appetizers, making nachos  is another great way to serve chips at a party.

• Portland Weather and Outdoor Events

  

  Portland is a beautiful place with lots of green areas. However, there is a reason that the city is so alive with plants, and it isn’t because residents water their lawns. Portland gets a lot of rain throughout the year. The same rain that makes the city such a beautiful place can make planing an outdoor event very challenging. After all, no bride wants to be soaking wet on her wedding day and many a picnic has been ruined by a sudden downpour.

  There are certain times of year of course that are less likely to be rainy; however, there is a saying in Portland: “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes.” It is not unheard of to get precipitation even in the driest times of year.

  When planning an outdoor event in Portland, always have a plan in case of rain. Many parks have shelters that you can rent for an event. Some event venues offer both indoor and outdoor spaces. If the venue you have chosen for your event, does not have adequate shelter, you can also rent tents.

  Whether or not it rains, outdoor events during winter, fall or spring can get downright cold. A tent or patio heater may be a good solution to help the guests stay warmer during your outdoor event.

  Even if your event takes place on a beautiful sunny day, offer tents or other shelter so guests can have shade. Being too hot can be just as uncomfortable as being too cold. On really hot days, a little extra moisture might not be such a bad thing. Consider renting a misting tent so the guests have a place to get cooled down. Water games also provide a fun way for guests to cool off.

  While outdoor events are at the mercy of the elements, being prepared can help make sure that any event is a success no matter what the weather may bring.