1. Big Book of Parties by Diane Warner
2. Make it Memorable by Robyn Freedman Spizman
3. Successful Event Planning by Shannon Kilkenny
4. Clever Party Planning by Suzanne Singleton
5. Parties that Wow: Setting the Stage for Creative Entertaining by Joanthon Fong
6. The Party Planner by David Tutera
7. Porch Parties: Cocktail Recipes and Easy Ideas for Outdoor Entertaining by Denise Gee
8. Event Planning : The Ultimate Guide to Successful Meetings, Corporate Events, Fundraising Galas, Conferences, Conventions, Incentives and Other Special Events by Judy Allen
9. Event Planning Business by Tim Roncevich and Steven Primm
10. Planning Special Events (J-B Fund Raising School Series) by James S. Armstrong

-Lisa Glover, Summer 2011 Intern

With the sun out and temperatures still rising, it is time to indulge in some summer time fun.  While the classic summer activities such as barbecues and beach visits are always fun, why not partake is some new and exciting summer time activities?  The following are ten alternative outdoor activities to have a unique summer you will never forget.

10.  Paintball

Paintball is fun for so many reasons.  It is great exercise, relieves stress and allows you to get outside with your friends.  In addition, it is always fun to sneak up on a buddy and shower them with paintballs.

9.  Sky Diving

Adrenaline junkies; this one is for you.  Sky diving is way to observe the summer landscape from whole new perspective which you won’t soon forget.  If your are in the New York Metro Area why not contact Sky Dive Long Island a reputable sky diving location only 70 miles outside NYC.  Penta’s president, Michele, has been several times and recommends it to all!

8.  Surfing

If you are not from California or Hawaii there is a good chance you have not even considered trying to surf but taking a surf lesson is an alternative way to enjoy the beach.  It is great exercise and you can keep cool in the ocean while still getting outside.  Plus, if you get tired of wiping out you can hop out of the water and work on your tan.

7.  Dune Buggy/ATV Trails

Off road vehicles such as dune buggies and ATVs allow you to get outside, observe nature and feed your need for speed.  Taking the dune buggy or ATV out on the trail is always exciting.  You’re going to need a helmet, you’re going to get dirty and you’re going to have a ton of fun.

6.  Parasailing

Parasailing is a great summer activity because it allows you to view the ocean from a whole new perspective.  A parachute attached to a speed boat brings you about 4 stories above the water and takes you for a ride.  It is a great summer activity because you are out on the water having fun and enjoying an unforgettable experience.

5.  Rock Climbing

This is another activity that will require the assistance of a professional but a great summer activity nonetheless.  It is a great exercise and allows to view the world from an angle view get to see.

4.  Beach Soccer

Beach soccer is a new spin on the classic game.  Like some of the other activities on the list beach soccer is a unique way to enjoy those beach visits.  Work up a sweat on the sand then cool of in the waves.

3.  Make your own Ice Cream

Instead of hunting down the ice cream man, how about making your own ice cream.  It is a fun family activity and you end up with a perfect summer treat for a hot summer day.  Click here for step by step instructions

2.  Write a Poem

The beautiful weather and landscape of summer is great inspiration for a poem.  Why not jot down a view lines while relaxing on the lazy summer days.  In winter, break it out and remember those warm days will be here again.

1.  Turn off TV/Phone/Computer for a day

While this may seem mundane, it truly is a unique experience in this day and age.  Why not take some time to enjoy being disconnected without worrying about work or mindless entertainment and just enjoy the natural beauty of summer.

-Steve Zanzonico, Summer 2011 Intern

I’m sure everyone knows about the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. If you don’t then you might want to get outside a little more, or Google it. We’re going to pretend that if you’re reading this right now, that you know about “the Met.” We’re also going to assume you know who Alexander McQueen is. And if you don’t, then you clearly have no interest in fashion, or you don’t know who Lady Gaga is. If you don’t know who Lady Gaga is then you probably live under a rock.

Alexander McQueen was one of the biggest fashion icons and designer to stars such as Lady Gaga. His designs were unconventional and stunning; they were works of art. Unfortunately, McQueen passed away on February 11, 2010. What better way to honor the designer then to have an exhibit in the Met dedicated to him and his work? The creative crazy fashion of McQueen was featured at one of the most well known modern art museums in the world for the first time on May 4, 2011 and they will stand in partnership until August 7, 2011. I can’t think of a better way to spend a day then to venture into the glorious New York City and just stare in awe at the designs of a true fashion inspiration and art. The exhibit is titled Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty and is located in the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Exhibition Hall. It is free with museum admission.  However, there may be a wait to enter the exhibition, but it’s totally worth it. You might want to consider visiting the exhibit in the morning or on a weekday to avoid giant lines. Entrance to the exhibition closes at 4:30 pm during the week and 8:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Thanks to Target, you can visit the Met for FREE on Friday’s from 4:00pm-8:00pm but it does come at a price.  The line will be long and during these summer moths you can expect rain or extreme heat.

Visitors can now purchase timed tickets to the exhibit on Mondays when the museum is closed to the public. This is called Met Mondays with McQueen. Click on the link just mentioned for more information on the exhibition and to purchase tickets for Mondays.

McQueen once said, “You’ve got to know the rules to break them. That’s what I’m here for, to demolish the rules but to keep the tradition.” So go view fashion in one of its rarest art forms and dare to be different!

–Sari Cohen, Summer 2011 Intern

Whenever you’re hosting a dinner or cocktail party, a centerpiece should be the focal point and correspond with the theme of the night. Be creative this summer and choose ideas that will leave your guests a visual to remember!

Girls Cocktail Night– Take a large margarita glass (can be bought for under $15 at Michael’s Craft Store and fill it with pink and white marbles. For a more intimate effect, add water and a few floating tea light candles that will float around as the night lingers.

BBQ Dinner- Fill a pail with sand and make it look like you just came from the beach! Stick a tiny shovel in with seashells for an additional beach-effect. It’ll make your guests feel like they are at the beach while they chow down on hamburgers and hotdogs!  A second idea is to create an interactive centerpiece.  Fill a beach pail with a bouquet of sunscreen, bug spray, hand sanitizer and more.  It will be a great colorful centerpiece and your guests will thank you!

Dinner for Two– Take additional wine glasses (preferably alternating in size) and turn them upside down. On the flat base (which is now the top of the class), place think, tall candles and throw flower petals around each glass. The combination of candle and flower aromas will enhance the mood.  If you desire a little more color to go with your theme, cut the stems off your preferred flowers and place them under the glasses.  This offers a unique look and shows off your creativity.

Dinner al’ fresco– A bucket filled with bright lollipops is the perfect burst of color and special treat for your guests after the meal has concluded! To keep the lollipops in place, fill the bottom of the container with jellybeans or a similar colorful candy.

Book Club – If it’s your turn to host book club this month, dive into the characters and setting of that the book and use it as inspiration.  Allow your guests to transport to the scene of the novel and allow their imagination flourish.  Just finished Secret Life of Bee’s?  Rather than a bucket of beers, present a bucket of classic glass Coca Cola bottles with peanuts on the side with fun straws to drink from.  (If you haven’t read this book, you should!)

Happy Dining!

-Lisa Glover, Summer 2011 Intern

Think of all the things you loved about summer camp as a kid; sports outside, swimming, enjoying the summer with your friends. At what point in our lives did we stop enjoying those things. If you’re like me, you still enjoy summer activities but are simply not as readily available as they were as a child. Club Getaway in Kent, CT is bringing back those magical summers with the “summer camp for grown ups.” It has everything you remember about camp with added social events that you have grown to love in your adult years. For example, you can go for a swim in the morning, enjoy a wine tasting in the afternoon and dance in a night club in he evening. The club prides itself on its diverse selection of activities and promises there is something for everyone. The adrenaline junkie can go rock climbing or jet skiing, the lounger can suntan by the lake with a book and the partier can enjoy the nightlife at the club “Boathouse.” So if you’re looking for a unique vacation experience, consider Club Getaway and remember; camp isn’t just for kids anymore.  To read more, visit http://www.clubgetaway.com/.

Steve Zanzonico, Summer 2011 Intern