Sunday, August 30, 2009

Wrightfully Social Fundraising

Last week I was super busy wrapping my head around two fundraisers...back to back! The first event was a silent auction on Thursday to benefit the Greater Westside Community Coalition at Cog Hill Country Club. The auction block was outside so we had to be careful with the placement of the auction items, especially since it rained! Supporters signed up for bid numbers so people wouldn't know who they were bidding against. The winning bids were announced at the end of the event. The fundraiser also represents my first official client!
We received donations from Southwest Airlines, Chicago Bulls' Derek Rose and Ben Gordon, and Flirty Girl Fitness among others.

I also arranged a fundraiser for P.U.M.P.S. on Friday at Sensual Steps Shoe Salon. I didn't have to do too much work because the venue is sooo beautiful! I used pink tablecloths and sprinkled silk rose petals atop glass tables. Joann Tate, one of Chicago's Cooking Divas cooked up vegetarian appetizers while Wings of Flavor provided organic chicken wings. We also received popcorn from Queenie's Court, absolutely the best popcorn I've ever had!
The party eventually turned into a shopping party! Party-goers admired the shoes so much, the owner had to come back (Nicole Jones pictured below, right)!

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Sorry for the delay...

I have been very busy assisting with this silent auction next Thursday, I will post a special party theme later today. Definitely worth the wait...

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Sodoku Game Night

I don't know about you, but I always look forward to the sudoku puzzles in the paper. It's a great way to sharpen your brain and strategy skills. According to Wikipedia, sudoku, which translates to "single number," was perfected and popularized in Japan during the 80's, but originates from Parisian 19th century puzzles!

If you have a group of friends that are into strategic games, you might consider having a alternative game night like a sudoku themed party. Consider hosting a sudoku tournament, starting with easy puzzles progressing to harder puzzles. The players that finish with the shortest time wins the round. The last players left can do a larger puzzle. These puzzles take some time ( harder ones can take hours), so I would do three rounds. That leaves you time to create a noteworthy social.
You can find free downloadable puzzles online. Give contestants these pencils from Oriental Trading Co. to reinforce the game's Japanese roots.You can also incorporate the game's Japanese origins into the appetizers and drinks. Serve sushi on sushi platters. Serve with saki complemented by lychee martinees. Want an alternative to raw fish? Check Disney's sweet alternative, here. Give guests another surprise with fortune cookies, you can buy in bulk from Oriental Trading Co. Pack them in these assorted takeout boxes from Plum Party.
Musical Inspiration:
Feist "1 2 3 4"
Justice "D.A.N.C.E."
Pitball "You Want Me"
Prince & The New Generation "Girl 6"

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

A Stoogie Social...This One's For The Guys!

Men like to party too! They just don't need all the bells and whistles that us ladies require for a fabulous event. So why not host a Stoogie Social! This would be a great affair for a milestone birthday, the celebration of a child, a promotion, or something pivotal in Mr. Simple Pleasure's life.

Illinois state law prohibits smoking in most business establishments, so be sure to get permission from the venue or host.

In order to pull off this gathering, I would recommend you consult a cigar retailer. Apparently, good cigars are easily imitated, but never duplicated. See if they are willing to staff the event, possibly provide a demonstration or brief cigar overview.


(From L - R: About Cake, Pink Cake Box, and Cake Alchemy from WeTV)


I feel that cakes can be a dessert, but also function as a centerpiece. Model the cake after a humidor or incorporate the cigar into the theme of the party as the left and center pictures above. The humidor (a cigar case that keeps them fresh) cake, pictured above on the right, was a featured engagement cake, the groom was a beer lover, so that was also incorporated into the flavor, giving the guests a surprise and added "wow-factor."

I am admittedly not a fan of beer and most alcoholic beverages. However, in researching the stoogie, beer is a good companion to a good cigar. Click here for a brief lesson on pairing the two. I also found that chocolate and fruit also compliment cigars really well. Simple Cuban bites will be great, following simple cheese and fruit trays.

I found these napkins on Plum Party, they have a vintage, but masculine look to them. If the guest of honor hangs with a bunch of "suits," consider this motif.

Set the mood with light-hearted jazz and contemporary jazz. Provide chocolate treats. I found chocolate shot glasses on Plum Party, as well. This may be an interesting spin on your average shots, use them to compliment a dark liquor.
Depending on your budget, have cigar parlor staffing. They can assist in handing out cigars as well as cutting and lighting. (The costume above is a Playboy costume) Otherwise, decorate a basket and place atop a nicely finished wooden table.

---Posted by your Wrightfully Socialite, Brittany

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Wrightfully Certified Venue & Party Idea: Sensual Steps Shoe Salon & Heels on Wheels

Not just a place of employment (I work with a non-profit headquartered out of the store, aptly named P.U.M.P.S.), Sensual Steps Shoe Salon hosts a variety of events from intimate gatherings such as shoe parties, meetings, and showers to huge birthday bashes. In its four and a half years, Sensual Steps has done promotional work for movies, music artists, and host parties to support various community causes.


Check out what local icons, radio personalities have used the venue for parties, fundraisers, and other events, here.

No matter what type of party you're hosting, Sensual Steps has what you need. The boutique provides glass tables, chairs, a kitchen, two full bathrooms. With promising weather, the newly finished backyard is available for outdoor events.
For more information on Sensual Steps Shoe Salon's venue rental, click here.

Like shoes so much, you could throw a shoe party? Sensual Steps has you covered! They host Heels on Wheels, a service which has garnered attention from local and national media outlets! Check out their video of a Sex & the City themed party and get more info about your own Heels on Wheels Party, click here.

-- Posted by your Wrightfully Socialite, Brittany

Monday, August 3, 2009

Wrighfully Social is Live!!!!

Go to wrightfullysocial.com, let me know what you think!

Introducing Shecky's Socialista

I am über excited to announce that I have been selected as a Shecky's Socialista!!

Shecky's hosts huge parties across the country giving women the opportunity to shop hundreds of boutique and couture vendors at discounted rates.

So gather your besties and join us for five hours of the coolest cocktails, delicious beer and food pairings, hot fashions with fantabulous markdowns,
fun beauty discoveries, and of course, Shecky’s Famous Goodie Bag.

Shecky's Girls Night Out pulls into Chicago on Tuesday until Thursday, Sep. 15th-17th, 2009.

SAMPLE cool cocktails, beauty treats, games and more from Shecky's partners.

SHOP hundreds of hot, one-of-a-kind items from indie designers and boutiques
across the U.S.—all on sale!

SCORE Shecky’s Famous Goodie Bag, filled to the brim with the newest hair
and skincare products, makeup, gift certificates, and more.

Shecky's Girls Night Out Chicago
Date: Tue.-Thu., Sep. 15th-17th, 2009
Time: 5pm-10pm
Place: The Great Hall at Chicago Union Station
210 S. Canal St. (entrance on Jackson Blvd.)

TO PURCHASE TICKETS PLEASE VISIT THIS LINK:
http://girlsnightout.sheckys.com/?rf=FA09_CHI_B_Wright and choose "Socialista" from the “We're very curious! How did you hear about this event?” drop down menu on the checkout page and write in my name, "Brittany Wright".

-- Posted by your Wrightfully Socialite, Brittany