If you’re like most people, planning what you’re going to prepare for dinner is no big deal. Planning what you’re going to do this weekend might take a bit more thought. Planning an event like a shower or graduation party? Now THAT’S a bit more challenging, maybe even a bit daunting. If so, you’re not alone. It’s not something anyone does very often. Even the pros put a decent amount of thought into planning events like these.

Thankfully, here at Nino’s, we have experts we call our Party Planning Concierges. They specialize in helping our customers with all the details, from foods, beverages, floral arrangements and balloons to where they can find the best deals on tents and rentals. They’re used to this, and they know all the questions to ask.

Well? We thought you might like to meet these experts, so we’ve planned our own party! It’s an open house, and you’re invited! We’re calling it our Party Planning Open House event, and it will be held at Nino’s Troy location on Saturday and Sunday, April 26th and 27th, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

If you’re planning any kind of party, from a high school graduation to a shower, retirement party or reunion, stop by, pick up Nino’s brand-new 4th Edition Party Planning Guide and chat with our expert party planners. This includes our concierge, floral designers, and of course, our chef. They’re all very experienced professionals.

Of course, being the Director of Culinary Development at Nino’s, I’ve certainly planned my share of events, both professionally and personally. I have a few tips I’d like to share with you. They’ve come from the four decades’ worth of knowledge I’ve gained from seeing what works best and what people enjoy the most. From a food perspective, there some important things you need to consider, and they REALLY help us choose the right menu for you. They include the following:

Who? Who’s invited? How many? What age group? Are they people whose tastes you know?

What kind of party? Is it a sit-down meal? Plated? A buffet?

Graduation parties, for example, are usually open houses, meaning that people are welcome throughout the day (and sometimes early evening). The most successful open house menus offer a simple buffet of popular foods that are easy to eat standing or on the go. And as many of your guests will also visit other parties, the portions can also be a bit smaller.

Among the most popular foods are small sandwich trays; simple, grilled foods; cold salads; fresh cut fruit; chips and dips; cookies and brownies. Another popular option is a build-your-own buffet. And of course, you can’t forget the graduation cake.

When? Choosing the right date can be essential to a successful turnout. Ask us! We probably know what else is going on around town on your chosen dates. We pay close attention to the trendy dates on the street. If you choose to have your event on one of the most popular days, your invitees may have multiple parties to attend on that same date. As such, your menu and expected guest list may be more limited.

Where? The answer to this question provides a great deal more information. Holding any event indoors is generally less complicated, less risky and less expensive. On the other hand, most graduation parties are held outside because it’s easier for your guests to find your party and because it’s easier for them to arrive and depart.

If you do decide to hold your event outside, we recommend the following:

• Contact a rental company IMMEDIATELY and reserve your tent and any other items, such as tables and chairs. By the way, Nino’s rental partner C&N Rentals is offering a 20% discount on rentals if Nino’s provides your catering services.
• Consider keeping the menu simple. You can’t count on perfect weather. It could be 90 F+ or cool and rainy. Keeping chafing dishes and their foods hot with even a modest wind is challenging at best. And keeping food cold for an extended period of time in hot weather is no less difficult.

HOW? How is with Nino’s on your side! Nino’s party planning professionals can assist you in planning your menu. They offer direction and helpful advice throughout the entire process.
We hope you’ll take the opportunity to stop in and visit us during our open house on April 26th or 27th or anytime you’re shopping. If you live closer to our stores in St. Clair Shores or Clinton Township, we’ll happily answer all of your questions at Troy and refer you to our experts at those locations for continued assistance.