Are You The Next Van Gogh?

We love DIY (Do-It-Yourself) projects. Whenever we find a way to let our creativity flow we love to share it with you. As event planners, innovation is key and any outlet that allows us to showcase our creative spirit is a huge bonus. If you are an artist at heart, you'll love this fabulous service that allows you to showcase your artwork like the pros. Zazzle custom canvas prints are printed using the latest and most advanced technologies to give you the most vibrant colors and highest detail possible. Design your own museum masterpieces from your paintings, digital art and photography that can be enjoyed for generations to come.

You can choose from matte or gloss canvas. Both options are fade resistant and available in 5 different sizes. All you have to do is download zazzle's design-and-drop tool to prepare your file. You can add text, adjust colors and finalize your artwork until it's literally picture perfect! Plus it ships in 24 hours so you can upload today and receive your artwork by tomorrow.

Just think how great it would be to have a family portrait printed on canvas and placed on the mantel above your fireplace. Or how about a painting of your favorite destination spot so you can dream about a vacation even in the drawls of a Northwest rainstorm. Whatever you do, be creative and choose a piece that reflects your personality or something you hold dear to your heart. These make a great gift to.

If the canvas prints are a little out of your budget or you'd like to give it a try in a smaller format, try zazzle's DIY posters too. See below.

Plan a Golf Themed Father's Day

Go green, that is, hit the greens this Father's Day. We've found some great samples of golf inspired party decorations suitable for any father, grandfather, uncle, brother or significant person in your life. Golf is a great theme for any Father's Day because most anyone can play. Who cares if you are not Tiger Woods! Who is? Just get out there, and enjoy an activity everyone can try. And if playing an entire 18 holes isn't your style, consider renting portable miniature courses from Golf-To-Go, featured in further detail on banquetevent.com. But if the real thing is more your speed, read about Oki Golf's courses featured at banquetevent.com as well. As a side note, if you are planning an upcoming golf tournament this summer, read our how-to on how to put together a successful event.


Top Row: Floral arrangements by Aria Style
Bottom Left: Golf luggage tag favor from Beau-Coup
Bottom Right: Personalized Golf Balls from Beau-Coup


Top Left: Golf cocktail napkins from Plum Party
Top Right: Rent portable greens from Golf-To-Go
Bottom Left: Golf invitation from Doriann's
Bottom Right: Golf Ball Truffles from Plum Party

Get INSPI(RED) This Father's Day

There are thousands of Father's Day cards to choose from each year. Finding the card that says exactly how you feel can be a daunting task. So this Father's Day, give a card that also gives back.

Check out these cards from Hallmark in their (PRODUCT) RED™ line. These cards literally help eliminate AIDS in Africa. There's no extra cost or special effort from you. The contributions to Global Fund comes right out of Hallmark's profits. Make a difference. Choose Hallmark (PRODUCT) RED™ and see how far a card can go.

Here are just a few samples of the Father's Day cards available at your local Hallmark right now.




THESE CARDS ARE MADE WITH RECYCLED PAPER.
20% recycled fiber.

Planet Green is the first and only 24-hour eco-lifestyle television network with a robust online presence and community. This new all green network launched yesterday and on-air content will reach 50 million homes with more than 250 hours of original green lifestyle programming. Both online and on-air, Planet Green's content is entertaining, relevant, and accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds. By representing a broad range of ideas and perspectives, Planet Green is taking an active role in generating conversation and motivating individuals to take action when it comes to improving the environmental status of our planet.

Click here to find the channel in your area where Planet Green will air.

1% For The Planet

Businesses and corporations now have a simple way to contribute to a greener planet through a unique philanthropy opportunity. 1% For The Planet, a non-profit organization, acts as a conduit for action by working with companies willing to donate just 1% of their profits to various causes created to preserving the planet. In return, this growing alliance of companies is given the opportunity not only to see their self-worth rise, but their net worth climb as well.

Learn more about this organization at onepercentfortheplanet.org

One Percent for the Planet has also teamed up with Jack Johnson on his 2008 World Tour and All At Once, a new social action network connecting nonprofits with people who want to become active in their local and world community. All At Once comes to life online at www.AllAtOnce.org and at every Jack Johnson concert in the Village Green, a collection of interactive booths where you can get educated, get inspired, and connect face-to-face with us and other local, national, and international non-profits.


All At Once from coreindustries on Vimeo.

Minimalist Design

If you share a passion for clean, minimalist design, you'll love a company called Modern-Twist. Modern-twist is a result of founder Kat Nouri's ongoing search and passion for products with attention to that extra little something--detail. Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, Modern-Twist takes cues from their environment to create household products by modern means, using materials or objects in new ways, often combining industry with nature. As a result, products by Modern-Twist have an organic feel to them. With a background in U.S. manufacturing, Nouri strives to manufacture Modern-Twist products responsibly. U.S. and overseas manufacturers that produce Modern-twist products share our values in respecting the environment, workers and consumers. Modern-twist donates one percent of profits to OnePercentForThePlanet.org.




Check out more of Modern-Twist's products including placemats, coasters, table runners, storage boxs and bags and more.

Tricks and Treats

At banquetevent.com our goal is to scoop out hot new items that solve everyday problems. Here are a few of our latest finds.

If you are like us and often pack your lunch to work everyday, you just may need to invest in this cool (and we literally mean, cool) mini-fridge. Just sit it on your desk and it keeps your soda cool all day long. A must for the office, dorm room, or car (it plugs into your cigarette lighter!), these small fridges are sized to hold about 6 soda cans perfectly. This mini-fridge is available at Wishing Fish and retails for $130.


With the warm summer months just around the corner, who doesn't like to cool off with a delicious bowl of ice cream. With the Ice Cream Ball you can kick around a ball outside and in 20 minutes, enjoy a bowl of home made ice cream. The act of kicking the ball churns the ice cream and in just minutes, you can enjoy an ice cold creamy blend of your favorite flavor. Retails for $29.99 and available at Target.


Why spend hundreds on clunky vacuum-seal appliances? The Keepeez LIDS turn your existing dishes - or even jars and cans - into vacuum-sealing containers. Available in many sizes, all you have to do is place a lid on top of your bowl, dish or jar, lightly press the center with your finger, and the lid instantly attaches to the rim of any surface. Travel to potlucks and parties without leaks and spills. Say goodbye to plastic wrap and messy leaks and spills. Retails for $3.49 to $12.99 and available through Keepeez.