Indulging during the holidays is one of the fun parts of the season! But sometimes it feels good to take a little breather from the event planning and party hopping. While we are event professionals - not medical professionals - we wanted to share the info on this soothing hot beverage that really hits the spot - especially during the days after Christmas and before New Years. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 squeezed lemon
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon fresh or powdered ginger
• 1/2 liter of boiling water

Preparation:

• If your ginger is fresh, chop it finely
• Pour the ginger and the cinnamon into 1/2 liter of boiling water
• Let infuse 30 minutes
• Pour the lemon juice

Our tips:
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• Drink before each meal
• Great hot or cold
• For a sweeter flavor, try agave syrup or honey
  
  

10 reasons to try:
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1. Ginger contains manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, sodium, iron, and vitamins B (and C for fresh ginger).
2. Ginger aids digestion.
3. Ginger helps to fight heartburn and relieve gastric reflux.
4. Cinnamon is also rich in manganese, calcium, iron, minerals and vitamins.
5. It is a good stimulus for the immune system and a good fighter against cholesterol.
6. Cinnamon is also an effective intestinal anti-inflammatory to regulate the digestive system and protect the stomach.
7. Lemon is rich in vitamins C, vitamins B, minerals and trace elements like copper, potassium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium and calcium.
8. Has antioxidants which helps to detoxify the body.
9. Lemon is an ally for the digestion and healing of the skin.
10. The three ingredients help you to avoid winter illnesses such as cold and flu.

We were just taking a moment to appreciate our multi-talented team! With this particular staff member, juggling happened to be on his list of skills and strengths. Although definitely not a requirement to be on our roster, it certainly is entertaining - especially during our day at the Biz Bash Event Expo at the New York City Javits Center!

As event professionals, we all want to put our best foot forward in our appearance, and this includes having wrinkle-free attire. Oftentimes in this industry, we are required to travel to various venues throughout the New York City area and we may want to reserve our finest duds for when arrive at our destination. So, we have found these tips to be our top favorites when determining how keep our dress shirts (the classic catered event look) wrinkle-free while traveling:
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1) Fold very carefully (see below), sandwich between 2 books, place in bag for secure travelling - then spray with wrinkle release before putting it on.

​2) Fold around a magazine; Check out video here:

​3) The seemingly most obvious, but not used as often as we may think: the always-reliable garment bag!

Hopefully these tips help next time you're on your way to the next event and wanting to arrive with that perfectly polished look!

Always twist and lift...
​Ever wonder how to REALLY open and pour wine properly? As event professionals, we may find ourselves in a variety of scenarios when pouring - perhaps it will be at a wedding with table service or a cocktail reception for a corporate product launch. Whatever the event may be, opening a bottle of wine and pouring properly is an essential skill for any bartender. Check out the video here!

As event planners, coordinators, hosts, and caterers plan for an event, we all have a checklist or packlist of items that are absolutely needed to ensure the success of the soiree. When our list gets to the Sanitation section, we are usually given the option of either black or clear plastic garbage bags. We may wonder, what's the difference? Don't they function the same? These are a few our guidelines for each:

Black:
When to use:
- Use the black garbage bags for general trash (including food waste and trash from swept floors).
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When NOT to use:
- Do not use when lining drinking ice bins at the bar - this will dye the ice black : ( 

Clear:
When to use: 
- When breaking down an event, clear plastic bags are to be used to store rental crates (plates, cups, etc) and linens so the various types can be seen and kept track of.
- Clear bags are to be used for the broken glass box set up in the sanit area.
- Clear bags are the ones to use when lining drinking ice bins when setting up a satellite bar.
- Recycling

When NOT to use:
- Do not use the clear bags for general garbage - the black ones are the ones to use for this purpose.

In the hospitality, bar, restaurant, and event industry, the word "tips" can have multiple meanings. Probably our most favorite meaning is the one synonymous with a gratuity for good service : )

But what does TIPS certified mean? TIPS stands for Training for Intervention Procedures and is a skills-based training program that is designed to prevent intoxication, underage drinking, and drunk driving.  These are all extremely important points to be aware of as a server or bartender - which is why we always ask our new bar staff: "Are you TIPS Certified?" in order to ensure that all event guests have an enjoyable - and safe - experience!

Boxing a table is one of those imperative skills that every event staff member must have for any catered event. The final product is a crisp refined edge to your tablecloth - which is perfect for any occasion. Once you nail this technique, you will be the star of the team! Check out this great tutorial: http://bit.ly/2lJzRFW!