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With her signature "luxe boho chic" style, Amanda Puck epitomizes Chicago's stylish and practical nature. As Vice President of Public Relations for The Experiential Agency, Amanda focuses on mastering the classics while adding fun and colorful accents for her party planning toolbox. Amanda's creative drive and focus come from her desire to positively impact her community. For over fifteen years, Amanda has been a part of the creative team behind some of the largest events, brand launches and road tours for such companies as BR Guest Restaurants, The James Hotel, Gen Art and USA Network. |
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Go retro this summer with a casually-themed backyard get together inspired by Woodstock. Spread out picnic blankets on the lawn while listening to a playlist of hit tunes from the ‘60s and ‘70s. Serve classic party dishes like fondue, deviled eggs and hot dogs with unusual toppings and pair them with a wine-inspired “punch bowl” like our mothers used to serve. Serve wine in chic, stemless glasses that are easier to balance on the picnic blankets. Top off this festive evening with a fun karaoke sing off with favorites from the Woodstock era, such as The Who, Jefferson Airplane, or Jimi Hendrix. |
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SETTING THE SCENE: World-renowned for its five-star restaurants, Paris has always set the standard for haute cuisine. However, the seafood stands lining the streets of Paris are a great and easy party inspiration. Recreate Paris by displaying a variety of fresh shellfish and seafood on carts in the backyard along with a wine cart featuring your favorite selections and appropriate glassware... This way hosts are freed from the constraints of the kitchen as guests select their meal from the carts to throw on the grill or enjoy "raw bar" style. Continue to serve Chardonnay throughout dinner and serve St. Francis Syrah, a fruit forward and medium bodied wine perfect for grilled selections. |
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SETTING THE SCENE: Invite your friends and neighbors to an iron chef cook off! Have everyone bring a pot of their favorite chili recipe and let the tasting begin... Spice things up with fun rules like no "regular chili," "seafood chili only" or require guests to use a mandatory "secret ingredient" disclosed only days before like "chocolate" or "cumin" and see what they come up with! To set the stage for this backyard cook off, set picnic tables in the backyard with red and white checkered tablecloths and bottles of wine for easy access for the neighborhood competitors. Serve big, bold red wines such as Cabernet or Zinfandel with fruit flavors that will stand up to the various hearty chilis and let guests decide which pairings work best. |
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