Category: Chicago Party Planning

Baby Shower Tips

March 22, 2013 | Jim Grillo

Mothers and sisters Lori Kay Schoeneman & Tara Schoeneman-Brown are creators of Once Upon A TreeHouse, a line of eco-friendly, handmade, wholesome toys that promote quality playtime, and an interactive website with crafts for the family. They recently sponsored a baby shower and made a custom playhouse for Lisa Ling just last month.

Website: www.onceuponatreehouse.com

Tips:

• Select the theme and color scheme based around the nursery decor

• Ask guests to bring along a copy of their favorite childhood book, and they can even inscribe a special message for baby to be

• For a shower activity do a group craft and have the guests create something for the new nursery walls or decorate onesies and burp cloths

• Have a station with an iPad/phone to take a short video of each guest and their special message for the new parents and baby

• Display seasonal planted flowers or herbs in spray-painted pots for centerpieces that double as the party favors

• Have a few quick and easy games like, have each guest cut a piece of ribbon the length they think will best fit around the honoree’s belly, and the closest one without going over wins

• Instead of spending time on watching the honoree open gifts, ask guests to bring the gifts unwrapped or in a gift bag and have a large table or area where they can be displayed.

If you are looking for small & large group spaces in Chicago to plan your baby shower, visit our online resource guide for baby shower restaurants in Chicago.

Historic Chicago Party Space Downtown Chicago

January 6, 2013 | Jim Grillo

Berghoff Catering & Restaurant Group
17 W Adams St
Chicago, IL 60603

Have a truly unique event experience within the setting of the historic Berghoff building at 17 West Adams Street in the heart of Chicago’s Loop. The Historic Berghoff building offers individuals or organizations access to four beautiful event rooms. Additionally, we are able to provide off-premise catering at an array of different venues across the city. With over 25 years experience, we’re familiar with each space and have great working relationships to ensure we get you the best value from all involved vendors.

Email Us – Please mention Hereschicago.com when contacting me

Total Capacity of Venue and all spaces for private event: **Private Dining specific**

Seated dinner 250; Reception 400 – different combinations of private rooms can be combined depending on event

Total Capacity and Names of Group Rooms:

1. Century Room: 100 seated (with dance floor), 200 reception
2. East Room: 50 seated, 75 reception
3. West Room: 80 seated, 120 reception
4. Chefs Room: 20 seated

Is there Private or Semi private space available? Yes, all 4 rooms mentioned above are available for private events.

How is the room set at capacity (Long tables? Rounds of X per table)
We are flexible with the set up of each room

Do you offer any unique views? Historic building with original woodwork, woodcarvings and bar since 1913. Original light fixtures and Tiffany’s stained glass windows.

Is there an F&B minimum to reserve / use the room (s)? yes, it varies based on the time of year, space needed, etc – please inquire

Is there a rental fee to reserve / use the room? If so, how much is the rental fee? no

Places to have a Small or Large Private Party in Chicago Suburban Lombard

November 14, 2012 | Jim Grillo

Whether it’s Employees only or family included, enjoy Go-Karts, Laser Tag, Krazy Bumper Kars, Miniature Golf and Mega Game Room, Holiday Party, Corporate or Company Party. Pluse there’s Kids Quest Softplay & Sir Bounce-A-Lot’s ,Inflatables for younger guests. Reserve your private room or the entire Castle for the best holiday party ever!

Contact us for details and pricing

Navy Pier Chicago Event Space for up to 1500 Guests

November 14, 2012 | Jim Grillo

The Crystal Gardens is a perfect and unique location to host your event. The Crystal Gardens is a beautiful indoor, one-acre – botanical garden. This six-story glass atrium with a 50 foot arched ceiling holds over 80 live palm trees, lush foliage, hanging “twinkle lights” and dancing “leapfrog” fountains. Located on Chicago’s famous Navy Pier, the Crystal Garden provides spectacular views of the Chicago Skyline, Lake Michigan, the Ferris wheel, and Navy Pier’s Dock Street.

The Crystal Gardens, operated by Phil Stefani Signature Events, is located on Navy Pier, one of Chicago’s premiere tourist attractions. We are on Lake Michigan near the heart of the Loop, and offer beautiful views of the Chicago Skyline, and the rest of Navy Pier. Our six-story glass atrium and one-acre botanical garden provide a lush and beautiful look, that makes us an ideal corporate event venue. Under our 50-foot arched ceiling, we offer more than 80 live palm trees, and lush foliage that gives the garden a pristine outdoors feel.

The Crystal Gardens provides spectacular views of the Chicago Skyline, Lake Michigan, the Ferris wheel, and Navy Pier’s Dock Street. The Crystal Gardens is a magnificent place to host your next Corporate or Social Event.

The Gardens can accommodate groups of 100 to 1,500 guests. Each event is individually planned by one of our sales and catering representatives to ensure a customized menu and a unique experience for each of our clients.

Total Capacity of Venue:
1500

Private or Semi Private Space Available:
Yes

Unique views ?
Yes, Lake Michigan, Chicago Skyline

F&B minimum to reserve / use the room:
Yes

Email us directly for details and pricing

Increase Your Creative Potential

November 9, 2012 | Jim Grillo

Increase your creative potential

We all experience creative blocks in our work. Sometimes we feel stuck, or fear making the wrong decision, or maybe we are on the right track but just don’t know it yet. While we can’t always get out of the office, many artists and innovators agree that a change in scenery, or at least routine, can help jump-start your latent creative potential. Here are five suggestions that well-known creative professionals use to get inspired. Try one, or all five. Here’s to your next brilliant idea!

1. Change What You’re Looking At: Start keeping a folder of inspirational and funny quotes, pictures, typography, illustrations, photos, etc. Spend sometime looking through them when you’re feeling stuck for a kick-start of motivation.
2. Just Get Something Down on Paper: Stop agonizing about your words and ideas, sometimes just getting your thoughts out on paper gets you in the groove again. Doodling helps too, don’t be afraid of drawing.
3. Talk to Someone: It doesn’t matter if it is a colleague, friend, or even your kid – just explain the problem or challenge your dealing with, and they may come up with a solution that sparks an idea for you.
4. Do Something that Makes you Feel Good: Whether it’s indulging in bubble bath or shoes, or a self-improvement project like cleaning and re-organizing your workspace – when you feel good about yourself you’ll be ready to take that next big thing on with gusto.
5. Make Something with your Hands: Try an art class, or pick up a creative hobby whether it is cooking, painting, woodworking or the like. The act of creating will get you out of your head and into the moment. It’s usually in those brief moments of clarity when our best ideas strike!

Written by Claire Hurwitz – Special Events Manager at Lillstreet Art Center in Chicago. Lillstreet specializes in art-focused team building and retreats to help businesses grow their creative might. Their new event and meeting center, The Lillstreet Loft, will open in January 2013. Once an industrial gear making factory, our 40,000-square-foot facilities now house eight art departments, 22 classrooms, 50 artist studios and an intimate gallery space. Private groups can soak up the creative experience during a business meeting, group outing or art party.

*Adapted from the book BreakThrough! Overcome Creative Block & Spark Your Imagination.

Click here to contact Claire Hurwitz at Lillstreet Art Center

Trendy Private Party Rooms in Chicago’s River North

October 9, 2012 | Jim Grillo

Paris Club
59 W. Hubbard
Chicago, IL

A French awakening is happening in River North. Internationally-acclaimed French Chef Joho and RJ and Jerrod Melman have teamed up to introduce the highly-anticipated Paris Club in Chicago’s popular River North neighborhood. The trio has set out with a goal of serving up approachable French fare in a casual, urban setting that appeals to a new generation of diners.

With an emphasis on plates to share and their spin on updated classics, the Melman brothers and French powerhouse Chef Joho (Everest, Eiffel Tower, Brasserie JO Boston) have assembled an impressive culinary team of some of the most respected names in French dining. The Paris Club kitchen will be led by executive chef Tim Graham (Brasserie JO, TRU), as well as notable French-trained chefs Walter Manzke (Church & State, Bastide), Doug Psaltis (Alain Ducasse, French Laundry) and Michael Bellovich (HUB 51). Offering a lighter, casual take on French fare, the menu is reminiscent of one found in the City of Light. Highlights include Scallop and Uni Tartare, Sweet Frites, Short Rib Bourguinon and Vegetable Cassoulet plated with an array of fresh and seasonal sautéed vegetables. Smaller portions make ordering simple and encourage guests to try a variety of offerings, such as Escargot by the piece, Lamb Meatballs with Harissa Tomato Sauce, and bite-size Croque Monsieurs “fingers”. In addition to these items, Paris Club also serves an array of homemade charcuteries and pates.

As approachable as the food, Chef Joho and the Melmans carefully handpicked a list of more than 10 champagnes, 25 reds and 25 whites representing France and U.S. vintners to offer guests easy, reasonably-priced, drinkable wines by the glass or bottle. The restaurant will also feature a number of proprietary wines and craft beers on tap, as well as signature champagne cocktails and aperitifs.

Designed by NYC based Monolayer, Paris Club’s vibe doesn’t disappoint, offering a modern Parisian escape from Chicago’s typical dining scene. Presenting a sophisticated, yet gritty atmosphere, the character of the nearly 5,000 square-foot main dining space is expressed through décor reminiscent of present-day Paris.

Total Capacity of Venue:
500

Private or Semi Private Space Available:
Yes

Restaurants on the Chicago River with Outdoor Terrace

January 4, 2012 | Chicago Party Planner

South Branch Tavern & Grille
100 S. Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606

South Branch is one of Chicago’s newest and boldest riverside event venues; ideal for weddings and private weekend events. Envision a lavish outdoor wedding in the warm summer sun on our Pavilion Patio; an oasis in the heart of the city. In colder months, imagine sprawling views of snow falling on the Chicago River to accentuate your occasion.

Click here for details and to contact us about your next event

Fun Holiday Party Place Near Schaumburg for office party or company holiday party

November 12, 2011 | Chicago Party Planner

TopGolf Parties & Events
699 W Thorndale Ave
Wood Dale, IL 60191

Click here to watch our video

TopGolf is the premier golf entertainment complex perfect for any occasion, event or private party.

Our innovative and addicting point scoring golf games, combined with our new menu and refreshing cocktails, make this a far cry from your average event venue. TopGolf is also a great alternative as opposed to reserving private space at a restaurant or bar. The fun is free, and trust us, there will be plenty of it.

Worried about the weather? No need. Rain or shine, each bay is covered so that only the good elements from Mother Nature make it in.

TopGolf Holiday Parties

Choose the party venue that is sure to hit the mark and make the holidays more than happy! And since no golfing experience is necessary, absolutely everyone can join in.

We cater for small groups of 10 looking for a lunchtime gathering all the way up to corporate events for 400 people, including a gourmet meal, open bar and live entertainment. With a tasty selection of festive menus to choose from, we have Holiday Party packages to suit every budget.

TopGolf Social Parties

The atmosphere at TopGolf is always one big party, so why not create your own and plan your next group outing at this hotspot. Adults, children, friends and family will be glad you chose TopGolf for your next:

Birthday Party
Happy Hour
Bachelor Party
Rehearsal Dinner
Family Reunion
Golf Outing
Game Watch

TopGolf Corporate Events

You could have your event at a boring meeting facility, but we know you’ll make the right decision. Our fun and relaxed atmosphere puts everyone at ease and naturally encourages team bonding and creativity!

Client Entertainment
Employee Entertainment
Team Building
Meetings
Retreats
Seminars
Training

Click here to ontact TopGolf’s event coordinator directly for your next client outing, party, special or corporate event

Easy, Effortless & Elegant Holiday Parties at Arrowhead Golf Club

October 28, 2011 | Chicago Party Planner

Need to host a holiday party and don’t have the time, space or expertise to cater a crowd?

Give yourself the gift of Arrowhead Golf Club’s social and corporate event professionals’ services.

Arrowhead Golf Club in Wheaton offers a magical setting for holiday parties with warm fireplaces, sparkling decorations and winter-wonderland views of the majestic Arrowhead Golf course just outside.

Sure to impress your friends and colleagues, Arrowhead Gold Club offers a variety of lovely and unique event spaces which can accommodate from 20-300 guests.

Arrowhead’s experienced culinary team uses the highest quality ingredients to create a gourmet meal that feels like a true celebration. Choose from a variety of specially designed menus such as a traditional sit-down, three-course holiday dinner package, a holiday station package for larger group dining or a hors d’oeuvres package for a lighter meal and easy socializing.

The professional, courteous staff at Arrowhead is looking forward to making your holiday party a celebration to remember!

Arrowhead Golf Club is located at 26w151 Butterfield Road, Wheaton.

For more information about your upcoming holiday party, please email our Arrowhead social and corporate event professional

Unique Places to have an Office Holiday Party in Chicago

October 14, 2011 | Chicago Party Planner

Roy’s Restaurant Chicago Private & Group Dining
720 North State Street
Chicago, IL 60654

Host your Holiday Party at Roy’s this year and receive a $50 dining certificate for every $500 spent in food and beverage. Also, each of your guests will receive a $20 dining card good toward a future visit to Roy’s. Simply book your event with Roy’s by November 15th to take advantage of this very special offer. Terms and conditions apply.

In Hawaii, there are two things of equal importance—food and the “aloha” spirit. The blending of these two dynamic principles is how Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion® Cuisine was born. European techniques and Asian cuisine meet Hawaiian hospitality to create a fine dining experience unlike any other–where the “aloha” style of service comes straight from the heart, and where any occasion becomes an unforgettable evening.

Roy’s Chicago offers a unique dining experience through spacious dining rooms, an inviting lounge and Roy’s signature exhibition kitchen in full view. Our private dining rooms feature contemporary Asian furnishings and original Hawaiian artwork.

Roy’s Group Dining offers:

• Customizable menus for lunch, dinner and cocktail receptions
• Daytime meeting packages available
• Four private dining rooms that can accommodate 10-70 guests
• Entire restaurant available for private lunch or dinner events for up to 200 guests
• State-of-the-art audio/visual capabilities
• An extensive wine and specialty drink list to complement your meal exquisitely
• Aloha-style service to take care of all of your group’s needs

Roy’s Chicago has a full complement of Audio Visual equipment that is available for use during meetings and events at no additional charge. Our private dining rooms feature wired internet access and phone jacks for conference calls.

Let Roy’s pick your group up! We have a 12-passenger van that can pick up your group from all of the major hotels and most of the downtown Chicago area, at no additional cost.

Click here to email Roy’s event coordinator to request information