What to celebrate in March

It's almost March and I bet you'll be surprised how many celebrations this month holds (even if some of them are state specific). Behold!

Friday	Mar 1	Read Across America Day	Observance
Friday	Mar 1	St. David's Day	Observance
Saturday	Mar 2	Texas Independence Day	State holiday
Monday	Mar 4	Casimir Pulaski Day	State holiday
Tuesday	Mar 5	Town Meeting Day Vermont	State holiday
Sunday	Mar 10	Daylight Saving Time starts	Daylight Saving Time
Sunday	Mar 17	St. Patrick's Day	Observance
Sunday	Mar 17	Evacuation Day	State holiday
Monday	Mar 18	Evacuation Day observed	State holiday
Wednesday	Mar 20	March equinox	Season
Sunday	Mar 24	Palm Sunday	Christian
Monday	Mar 25	Maryland Day	State holiday
Monday	Mar 25	Seward's Day	State holiday
Tuesday	Mar 26	First day of Passover	Jewish holiday
Tuesday	Mar 26	Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole Day	State holiday
Thursday	Mar 28	Maundy Thursday	Christian
Friday	Mar 29	Good Friday	State holiday
Saturday	Mar 30	Holy Saturday	Christian
Sunday	Mar 31	César Chávez Day	State holiday
Sunday	Mar 31	Easter Sunday	Observance, Christian

Source: http://www.timeanddate.com

And now you know!
Once you've decided your party theme, let me work out the planning details.

Party on!

Upcoming Hangout

Photo credit: Google

I'd like to host a hangout on Google+ where I'll be answering your event-related questions and I'm looking for you to chime in with suggestions. For instance, maybe you're curious:

• How do I keep 100 guests from being bored at my event?
• Where can I find a reasonably priced photographer?
• What are some good theme ideas?

What kind questions do YOU have about events? Leave them down in the comments and then tune in for the hangout where I'll answer those questions for you.

More details about the hangout to come...

Creating the Right Atmosphere

Photo credit: GBK

Whether your event is a company party for a staff of 12 or a formal appreciation dinner for hundreds, creating the right atmosphere at your event is key.

What Is Atmosphere?
Atmosphere literally refers to the air in any particular place. That means it exists everywhere, whether you think about it or not. The same is true with events and gatherings. Atmosphere will be there, but you want to have a say in what it feels like and how it contributes to the goals of your event. Characteristics which can be perceived by the senses are what make up the atmosphere at a gathering. However, aside from sights, sounds, smells, tastes and textures, things like emotions and attitudes can also be sensed and therefore also contribute to the "air" of your event.

Why Is it important?
Have you ever walked into a meeting or a room and immediately felt like you needed to leave that room? The atmosphere in that place directly affected your desire to be there. It might have felt tense or too crowded or too dark, or worse yet perhaps the feel was simply inappropriate for the type of event that was going on. Now imagine staying in that environment for a duration of time. Even if good food and entertainment are provided, you might struggle to have a good time or you may be distracted from the message because the atmosphere is wrong. And just think: if you feel that way, how many others do as well?

If you're putting on a meeting or event, you want your guests to feel like they want to be there and that it's easy for them to focus and enjoy themselves.

How do you create the right atmosphere?
I mentioned earlier that atmosphere takes its queue from what the senses perceive, so you want your event space to engage the senses. First and foremost, understand the purpose and goal for the event and find what enhances those things. If you're working on a meeting that takes place over many hours, choose colors and textures that promote both comfort and alertness. For a decadent evening affair, use lighting and fabrics that invoke the feeling of luxury. 

Here are some areas to keep in mind when crafting the right atmosphere for your event:

• decor
• music
• lighting
• smell (via food, plants or candles)
• texture/fabric

A final factor...

The last key factor that contributes to atmosphere is people. And while - in certain circumstances - you might be able to control the guest list, in many cases you cannot control individual attitudes. What you can do is identify key people and make them part of your plan. Find the folks who will naturally lead the crowd. Get them on board with the type of atmosphere you are trying to create. Then let them do their thing.

What are some instances of a bad atmosphere that you've encountered? How did it affect your experience at that event?

Valentine's Planning Special

Was this your Valentine's Day last year?

Are you tired of the same plans year after year?

Or perhaps this is year you need everything to be just perfect.

What do you do when you want to take your Valentine's Day to a new level but just aren't quite sure where to start? 

That's when you let Renatta Emerson Events plan your celebration and make this Valentine's Day one you'll never forget. Whether you're looking for night out, a night in or a weekend getaway you can have the ideas, the agenda and the reservations all taken care of for you. Plan packages start at $35. Visit the Valentine's Special page of the Renatta Emerson Events website to learn more.


Maybe you're not concerned with making the plans, but just need ideas for what plans to make. Then The Ultimate Valentine's Guide is just what you need. It's packed not only with fun and romantic ideas, but also includes songs for the perfect playlist, location suggestions and current deals. Stop by the website to purchase your copy of The Ultimate Valentine's Guide today and let Renatta Emerson Events take this year's Valentine's Day from this:

to this:

Image credit: Getty Images