Having a “WOW Factor” Thanksgiving

 Some people look at Thanksgiving as a 4-day weekend and the chance to get together with family. Others look at it as the start of the holiday season and the day before Christmas sales start. The majority of us look at the day as an opportunity to share a special meal with the ones we love and reflect back at the year and give thanks for what we have. No matter what Thanksgiving means to you there are certain elements that no Thanksgiving can be without. The first of those is the meal!

Most people serve the traditional turkey with all the familiar side dishes. When selecting a turkey figure one  pound per person. Not having a huge crowd this year? Cook a turkey breast instead of the entire bird, figure 1/2 pound per person when buying a boneless breast and 3/4 pound per person when buying a boned breast. Any leftovers you have you can make some Turkey Soup or Turkey Salad and enjoy your bird for another meal!

Don’t forget the sides! No self respecting turkey would be seen on the table without being surrounded by a plethora of scrumptious side dishes such as Candied Yams, Stuffing, Hot Rolls and at least one or two vegetable casseroles. Is the menu starting to overwhelm you? Then make dessert as easy as pie. Over half of Americans prefer pumpkin pie for dessert on Thanksgiving; apple pie comes in a  distant second but is equally as delicious.

To a lot of people Thanksgiving means eating yourself silly then sitting and watching hours of football. Why not plan and start some new family traditions this year.

• Keep little ones busy while you are cooking with some Holiday Crafts that can double as a table center piece or place card holders.
  
• Make everyone write what they are thankful for on a piece of paper  and put it into a hat then during dessert  take turns reading the slips of paper out loud and guessing who’s thankful for what.
  
• Take a walk after dinner and enjoy nature.
  
• Rent a Holiday Classic and make it a family movie night.
  
• Volunteer! It may mean postponing your family dinner until later but after helping those less fortunate you’ll will enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner even more.

However you plan your Holiday, The WOW! Factor of Atlanta hopes that you and your family have a Happy & Safe Thanksgiving!

Books for Treats

It’s that Trick-or-Treaty time of year again! This year The WOW! Factor of Atlanta would like you to consider giving Books for Treats.

 

What is Books for Treats?

Books for Treats is a program that encourages you to give “gently read” children’s books at Halloween instead of candy.

 

Why give children books instead of candy at Halloween?

Books feed children’s minds, while candy only feeds their cavities. Books encourage children to read, and parents to read with them and/or ask them about their books. Many children rarely receive books as gifts, so even gently read books are special treats.

In the United States, 30 million adults possess below-basic literacy skills. Eleven million are non-literate in English.
- National Assessment of Adult Literacy

How would I get inexpensive books? Kids’ books are expensive!

Collect clean, re-usable, gently read children’s books from garage sales, library book sales, used book stores, thrift stores, or recycle any books that your children may have outgrown. By recycling your kids’ books, you allow these books to continue to give pleasure, long after your child has outgrown them.

 

What will the kids think about getting books instead of candy?

Kids, as well as their parents, are thrilled by receiving books for treats. They are much more enthusiastic than we have ever seen them when we gave candy. We have witnessed many children running to the sidewalk waiving a new treasure yelling “Mom, look! I got a book!” We also saw a group of kids standing on the sidewalk showing each other their books. And we heard one girl greet a friend coming from the other direction “Hey, this house gives books! Cool!”

 

Who’s supporting this program?

Books for Treats started in 2001 and the idea is catching on with Public Libraries in several  states such as California, Texas, Iowa, Arkansas, and New York. You can start your support this year, it’s not too late! Gather gently used age appropriate books. if you don’t think that you can get enough books in time have them at the door to offer along with candy. Give your Trick-or-Treaters a choice better than chocolate vs. taffy.

 

Want to Support Literacy the Rest of the Year?

Donate your gently used books to Better World Books and you will not only be supporting literacy efforts worldwide but you will be raising money for local charities and keeping valuable resources from landfills. The WOW! Factor of Atlanta sponsors collection boxes in Woodstock, Georgia. Funds raised by books dropped into any WOW! Factor of Atlanta collection box will go towards The Elm Street Cultural Arts Village Project and Georgia's Parent 2 Parent Cherokee Navigator Team.

Fall Themes

Cooler weather isn’t the only part of Autumn to look forward to. The Fall Season also brings many special days and events that make terrific themes for your parties and events!

 Back to School- Get the kids excited about the new school year with a party that celebrates everything academic. Be sure to plan plenty of hands on activities such as sand art or spin art to keep all your guests occupied. Finger foods such as chicken nuggets, fruit and veggie trays always get an “A” grade from the elementary crowd.

Football- Score a touch-down with a tailgate  inspired by America’s favorite fall sport. Chicken Wings, Hot Dogs, & Hamburgers along with plenty of sides and cool beverages should keep your team ready for play. Games such as horse shoes or bean bag toss can be set up for team or one on one play.  

Harvest- Whether it’s Apples or Pumpkins, a celebration about the earths bounty is always in season. Get creative and use fresh harvest items as part of your decor, feature them on your menu, and incorporate them into your games!   You can even set up a photo op area with pumpkins, corn stalks, bales of hay, or baskets of apples.

 Oktoberfest- Brush off your lederhosen and polish up your beer stein. make sure to have plenty of brats on hand and the infectious sounds of a polka band.

Halloween- Children of all ages love dressing in funny or scary costumes to enjoy the tricks or treats of  this ancient holiday. Remember your guests that may have special dietary needs when planning your menu. Try and have Sugar-free and Dairy-free options.

Election Time-Republican, Democrat, or Independent; a good time gets everyone’s vote!  Red, White, & Blue is a natural for a color scheme and the “All-America Hot Dog could be the front runner for a tasty economical menu item.

Veterans Day- Patriotism and service to our country should be celebrated every chance we get. What a wonderful opportunity to incorporate giving back into your event. Have guests bring donations or recyclable items to collect at the event.

Thanksgiving- Good food, friends and fun is something to be thankful for. Businesses might take this opportunity to show appreciation to their staff or clients. If your budget is tight consider a potluck; as the host you could supply the main entree and ask guests to bring side items and desserts. This gives everyone a chance to show off a family recipe and make your Thanksgiving just like the first one!

Labor Day Festivities

The first Labor Day in the United States was celebrated on September 5, 1882 in New York City, shortly after the massive Pullman Strike. President Grover Cleveland  put reconciliation with Labor as a top political priority after the deaths of a number of workers at the hands of the U.S. military and U.S. Marshals. Fearing further conflict, legislation making Labor Day a national holiday was rushed through Congress unanimously and signed into law a mere six days after the end of the strike. The holiday was proposed as a celebration of labor. The original plan called for a street parade to exhibit to the public "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations," followed by a festival for the workers and their families. This became the pattern for Labor Day celebrations.

Traditionally, Labor Day is celebrated by most Americans as the symbolic end of the summer. The holiday is often regarded as a day of rest and parades. Speeches or political demonstrations are lowkey, although events held by labor organizations often feature political themes and appearances by candidates for office, especially in election years. Forms of celebration include picnics, barbecues, fireworks displays, water sports, and public art events. Families with school-age children take it as the last chance to travel before the end of summer recess. Similarly, some teenagers and young adults view it as the last weekend for parties before returning to school, although school starting times now vary.

Some Annual Celebrations around the US

Washington D.C.
An annual free concert by the National Symphony Orchestra is performed on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building.

Detroit, Michigan
The "Motor City", where the automobile unions were born, has a major Labor Day Parade that's one of the biggest in Michigan. The free three-day Detroit Jazz Fest is scheduled for Labor Day Weekend, too.

Rutland, Vermont
One of the United Sates oldest State Fairs runs September 3-12th

Orland, Florida
Joyner Family Reunion-this big bash at Walt Disney World happens on Labor Day Weekend, with special entertainment plus theme park fun.

Los Angeles, California
Street Fairs, Long Beach Greek Festival, "Fiesta Hermosa" arts and crafts festival with kiddie carnival, and more.

Brooklyn, New York
The Brooklyn Labor Day parade on Monday, September 6, 2010, also know as the West Indian American Day Parade & Carnival. This year celebrates its 42nd anniversary as it continues to enjoy the distinction of being New York City's biggest cultural festivals by far.

Aspen Colorado 
Jazz Aspen Snowmass is a Labor Day Jazz Festival

Cleveland Ohio
Cleavland national Air Show featuring the US Navy Blue Angels

Knoxville, Tennessee
Boomsday is a free fireworks display with an estimated 350,000 attendees

Atlanta, Georgia
Art in the Park or Dragon*Con are two big events that will get a lot of visitors this holiday weekend.

Rah Rah Sis Boom Bah!

Fall is just around the corner and you know what that means...TAILGATE SEASON!!!

Team colors, friends, great food, and fans are just a few things that make your tailgate event the best ever. Tailgate parties used to include a few drinks, simple snacks, and a couple sandwiches before a game. Now, tailgating has evolved into America’s most popular sports traditions.


Whether it is baseball playoffs, college or professional football, or even a party to celebrate your fanatic loyalty to your favorite sports team, tailgate themed events are always a crowd pleaser; especially when food and good friends are involved! Food is by far the most important ingredient when planning a fall tailgate event.

It’s very important at your party to make sure that you have appropriate food to match your tailgate party theme. It’s not going to be a hit if you have a salad bar at a sporting party. Guests come to parties expecting certain foods to be at those parties and while you can vary the recipes a bit you should try to stay on track with what guests expect to eat and with the type of guest you expect at your party.

For instance, the guys who show up at that tailgate party are going to be expecting what some may refer to “as man food.” Think chicken wings, corn on the cob, pasta salad, hamburgers and hot dogs, BBQ, baked beans, popcorn, chips, etc. You can have fun with this to make your party planning a little more interesting. Try mixing up some Italian or Mexican seasoned thick potato chips by drizzling them with olive oil, vinegar, and Italian or Mexican seasonings. Set up the food in a buffet format. This way guests can serve themselves at their leisure and there is not a lot of party etiquette rules to have to follow which sets the relaxed tone of the event.

Remember: Don’t forget the condiments! The varied kinds of sauces that everyone likes for dipping such as ketchup, mustard, hot sauce,  sweet and sour sauce, ranch and blue cheese dip is a must so that your guests can customize their plate to their liking.

For dessert, you can bake cookies or individual cupcakes for the guests (or any sweet treat that your guest do not have to cut). You can also vary the baked item according the party guest’s age group. For someone in their teens you might think about cupcakes. For older guests you might want Twinkies and Ding Dongs that are reminiscent of “the good old days.”
You may also want to include some fun interactive games to keep your guests occupied during commercial breaks or time outs.

Some helpful tailgating tips:

• Always keep things simple and fun
• Make a check off list so you don't forget important items like paper plates, napkins, plastic forks, and spoons and of course the paper towels.
• Trash bags will surely be appreciated when it's clean up time and of course remember to bring plenty of water.
• A good tailgater dresses the part so don't be caught without your team colors!
• Serve the main menu item an hour and a half before the game so everyone can relax and enjoy their food.
• Keep in mind that this is a fun social gathering, so keep things easy and entertaining for yourself and your guests and do not get overwhelmed but...

If all of this sounds overwhelming or your number of guests is too large for you to handle on your own, consider working with The WOW! Factor of Atlanta so you can be sure your tailgate party runs smoothly and successfully. We offer a wide range of menu ideas, games, decorations, and more to customize your team celebration the way you like.

What The WOW! Factor of Atlanta Brings to the Table

These days it is hard to find an event planning and catering company that is authentic, down to earth, and even friendly! Well, The WOW! Factor of Atlanta is all of those things and much, much more.

Our name, The WOW! Factor of Atlanta, came about as a direct result of comments made by many of our clients regarding the excellent quality of events and high level of customer service we provide on all of our parties.

We specialize in event planning and catering for guests in the Metro Atlanta area (a detailed list of the kinds of events we specialize in is below).

Our attention to detail, excellent customer service and a wide variety of themed events sets us apart from other event planners and catering companies. Whether you are looking for an afternoon treat of fun foods, or a complete meal with seating, entertainment and games, The WOW! Factor of Atlanta is the only call you will need to make.

Some of the events we offer are:

• Tenant Appreciation - say 'Thank You' with a flare
  
• Evacuation Drills - make your mandatory building drills more fun
  
• Ice Cream Socials - no matter what the occasion, ice cream is a wonderful treat that adds to any celebration. We have up to 74 flavors, so if your imagination can think it...we can scoop it!
  
• Holiday Events - New Years, Earth Day, Halloween- we can help you celebrate
  
• Meetings - company afternoon pick-me-ups are always a hit
  
• Cart Parties - ice cream, peanuts, hot dogs, sno cones, beverages, cotton candy, and funnel cakes
  
• School Festivals
  
• Community and Church Events
• ...and more, you name it we do it!

What else sets The WOW! Factor of Atlanta apart you ask?

1. We have a wide variety of menu items to fit any theme.
2. We specialize in bringing the atmosphere to you - catering your event on site is our full time job. Our staff are not divided between a retail shop and catering your event. So you and your guests are always our top priority.
3. We are NOT the new kids on the block - we have over 19 years of experience catering and our attention to detail is second to none. The WOW! Factor of Atlanta strives to make each event memorable.
4. There is no gray area - we are upfront and honest...there are no hidden fees or last minute surprises when it comes to our event planning. Everything you want or need to know is always written out in black and white.
 

If you are not familiar with The WOW! Factor of Atlanta, we hope you will take a moment to review our website and Facebook page. We are committed to being your one source for all events while providing quality and value that exceed your expectations.

Whether you an ice cream social for 100 or a full meal and entertainment for 3,000, The WOW! Factor of Atlanta is the company you want to plan your next event!

Event Planning for Dummies: Tips to a Successful Catering Event

Planning events require organization and a lot of attention to detail. Whether it is a big event for a business or company or a smaller more intimate event for a family reunion, hiring an event caterer must be on the top of your to-do list in order to pull off a successful event. Event planning is not an easy job so having an event planner or caterer with experience on your side will save you a great deal of time and stress!

To make sure you are super prepared, here are some top questions you should ask you event planner or caterer:

1. Do they specialize in certain types of food?
2. What types of food do they offer?
3. Can I sample their menu?
4. What are their prices?
5. Do they offer food for certain dietary restrictions?
6. How many types of staff will they provide (servers, bartenders, etc) and what will they wear?
7. Will the food be prepared on-site or be brought in already prepared?
8. If my event location does not have a well-equipped kitchen, will they be able to bring in the necessary appliances (refrigerators, grills, etc.)?
9. Do they work with fresh or frozen food?
10. How will the food be served (buffet style, table service, etc)?
11. How long will it take them to set up and break down the event?
12. Do they require a minimum number of guests?
13. When will I need to finalize the menu?
14. Is there a deposit needed?
15. When in the final balance due?

You may be confused and a bit overwhelmed but take a deep breath and relax...event planners and caterers work to ease your mind and your stress.

To help, take these 5 steps to assure your event planning process goes as smoothly as possible:

Step #1:  Plan early. Catering services can get booked up to a year in advance, so contact them as quickly as possible in the planning process.

Step #2:  Decide how you want the food served; buffet style or table service, because different caterers specialize in different areas

Step #3:  Ask for references and background information to ensure that the caterer is the right fit for your event

Step #4:  Request food samples. The taste is everything!

Step #5:  Ask for a full price quote and the payment schedule. Some may require a deposit. Also, make sure any fees, such as travel and cleanup costs, are included.

*BEWARE of hidden costs! Do not sign a contract without a price guarantee; otherwise you might get hit with surprise charges on your event day.

Choose a planner or caterer that really listens to you and who you feel comfortable working with. Today, the event industry can be cut-throat and some will do anything to get the gig, even if that means scamming you. So, do your homework and find that awesome event company that is there for you,  genuine and personable, and the rest will work itself out!

The WOW! Factor of Atlanta offers a custom full service barbecue cookout menu. Choose from a variety of options to create the menu you want!

• Pulled Pork
• BBQ Pieces
• Ribs
• Chopped Chicken
• Beef Brisket
• Grilled or Rotisserie Chicken
• Hamburgers
• Hot Dogs (We use only the best...#1 rated Nathan's Hot Dogs)

Also choose from a variety of yummy side options to create the menu you want!

• Cole Slaw
• Potato Salad
• Corn on the Cob
• Pasta Salad
• Baked Beans
• Brunswick Stew 
• Garden Salad
• Assorted Chips
• Macaroni Salad
• Macaroni and Cheese

Of course so summer cookout is complete without a sweet finale...go ahead, indulge.

• Ice Cream
• Fresh Baked Cookies
• Gourmet Brownies
• Funnel Cakes 
• Fruit Cobblers

You can also choose from a variety of themes if you really want to spice things up!

So let The WOW! Factor of Atlanta help you steal away from your fast paced life and enjoy a summer cookout...you deserve it!
Call, email or visit our website for more information
www.thewowfactorofatlanta.com 

Picnic Perfect

Many Americans herald the arrival of warm weather with our favorite food ritual, the backyard cookout. From June to September, we eat "out back" most evenings, often inviting a few friends and neighbors to join us.

Cookouts seem to stop the clock. Maybe it's because nothing is rushed, not even the timing, since meals don't have to be piping hot when the weather is warm. Or perhaps it's the scent of smoky foods that turns anticipation into part of the party. But most likely it's the shared euphoria at dining under the sky after an endless winter.


There are always 4 main things one needs to have a successful classic cookout:
*Main Dish that usually includes meat such as chicken, pork, hamburgers & hot dogs
*Summer Sides like cole slaw, corn on the cob, baked or green beans, pasta salad
*Warm Weather Refreshers (alcoholic or non-alcoholic)
*Sweet Finale with brownies, cookies, pies, ice cream, or fruit salad

There are many main dishes you can choose from when planning your summer cookout but the most popular is the hot dog. Below are some fun facts about this American classic!

*Hot dogs, which are also known as "frankfurters", "franks", "weiners", "weinies" and "ball parks", are a staple of the American diet. They are known as the "Common Man's Food" because they're readily available, cheap to buy and easy to prepare. 

*The average hot dog is consumed in 6.1 bites

*Baseball fans will enjoy "in the ballpark" of 26.8 million hot dogs at US baseball stadiums this season. That's enough to circle the bases 36,000 times!

*You can custom pile anything on top of a hot dog and it still tastes great, but the most popular topping is mustard for adults and ketchup for kids.

*Weight Watchers includes hot dogs in its medically-approved diet regimen

*Hot dogs were among the first foods that were eaten on the moon

*Top 7 rated Hot Dog brands in the US:

1. Nathan's
2. Hebrew National
3. Louie's All American Kosher Hot Dogs
4. Sabrett Hot Dogs
5. Oscar Mayer
6. Sinai 48 Kosher
7. Tobin's First Prize

*Favorite Hot Dog Toppings:
-sauerkraut     -relish                                      
-cole slaw         -tomatoes
-chili                  -jalapenos
-cheese              -ketchup
-bacon               -mustard (yellow & spicy)
-onions              -mayonnaise
-hot sauce         -wasabi

-the possibilities are endless!

Love hot dogs but get tired of the same old thing? A cool twist you can try to give your taste buds a treat is wrapping hot dogs, mini or regular, in breadstick or croissant dough and cooking them in the oven.

July is National Hot Dog Month! So go ahead celebrate with one, or many, of America's classic and most delicious foods topped with as many toppings as you like...ENJOY! 

WOW! Factor of Atlanta Ice Cream Party Time!

*Ice Cream Socials*
We offer a build-your-own ice cream sundae bar. Our premium ice cream, toppings, professional serving staff and set-up are second to none. There are many premium ice cream flavors you can choose from. These are some of our most popular:

• Vanilla
• Chocolate
• Strawberry
• Mint Chocolate Chip
• Butter Pecan
• Rocky Road
• Ultimate Peanut Butter Brownie
• Snicker
• Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

Some of the most popular toppings include:

• Chocolate and Strawberry syrup           
• Chopped peanuts
• M&Ms
• Crushed Oreos
• Sprinkles
• Whipped cream
• Cherries

If you would like more of a variety of toppings we offer many other options that may fit your need...all you have to do is ask!

• Banana splits and brownie sundaes are available
• Rainbow Pops, sugar-free and dairy-free can be included to accommodate special dietary needs
• Our social set-up always includes linen tablecloths and skirts, ice cream themed decorations, large colorful market umbrellas, and as always a professional and friendly serving staff.

*Ice Cream Carts*
An ice cream cart is a great option for any occasion. Whether you are looking for a single item that is quick and easy to hand out OR a dessert for a meal, our individually wrapped ice cream treats are always a hit and add some fun flare to every event.
We offer all ice cream brands including:

• Ben & Jerry's
• Good Humor
• Breyers
• Popsicle
• Dove
• Klondike

"What if I want to do dessert at my event but I don't want ice cream..." you ask? We offer other cool treat event ideas as well:

• Italian Ice
• Candy Ice Cream Pies
• Frozen Bananas on a Stick
• Minute Maid Frozen Lemonade
• Root Beer and Coke Floats
• Sno Cones
• Cheesecake on a Stick
• Gelato
• ...and much more

For more information and other event ideas, visit our website!

"I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream!"

Children all over the United States can be heard saying this in the spring and summertime, but ice cream started as a treat for people of wealth and power. To this day, the history of ice cream still remains to be a bit of a mystery. However, ice cream is thought to have come from Rome, Italy where chefs made gelato and Italian ice. But the secret recipes did not stay too secret and soon France and Great Britain were enjoying the delicious cold dessert. Dolley Madison, James Madison's wife, is reported to have served ice cream at her husband's inaugural dinner. This was the first time the dessert was recorded in the United States. The first ice cream shop was opened in Baltimore in 1851. Because freezers were not invented until the 1930's, the ice cream was made at the time you ordered it and enjoyed immediately. Clarence Birdseye was the father of freezing foods. His work made it possible to freeze and sell ice cream like we see today at grocery stores. It doesn't matter if it is on a cone, in between cookies or covered in hot fudge and whipped cream with a cherry on top, today ice cream is a treat that can be enjoyed by children and adults.

Top 5 Most Popular Ice Cream Flavors
1. Vanilla
2. Chocolate
3. Butter Pecan
4. Strawberry
5. Chocolate Chip

*Ice cream consumption is the highest during the months of July and August, which makes sense because July is National Ice Cream Month...the third Sunday in July is National Ice Cream Day!
*The average number of licks to polish off a single ice cream scoop is 50.
*98% of all households in the US purchase ice cream.
*Out of all the days of the week, the most ice cream is bought on Sunday.
*Most popular topping is chocolate syrup...who would have thought! 

Love ice cream but suffer from "brain freeze?" Well don't stop eating ice cream. Everybody has a nerve center located on the roof of their mouth. When something cold touches this spot, people get the sensation known as an ice cream headache or "brain freeze." It often occurs only in hot weather.
Prevention: When eating ice cream, try to limit the amount of cold ice cream touching the roof of your mouth.

There are so many choices when if comes to ice cream; from flavor to toppings the possibilities are endless. There is even a choice of the type of ice cream you can get. These include low-fat, light, non-fat, no sugar added and for those of you that are lactose intolerant there is a lactose-free ice cream as well.

So go ahead, enjoy your summer and beat the heat with a big scoop of your favorite flavor of ice cream!