The Christmas Countdown is Well Underway. How Can We Help?

Photo by Bob Jagendorf

This year, be sure the holidays are less frantic and more fun with one phone call or email to My Personal Valet. Here are just a few ways we can smooth out the bumps in the season.

• Putting up (and taking down) the tree.
• Calling the caterer, the valet parking service, the house cleaners, and being sure everything is in place before the party starts.
• Shopping for gifts–and wrapping them. (We can even give you some suggestions for those hard-to-shop-for people on your list.)
• Getting packages boxed up and in the mail so faraway recipients get them right on time.
• Making arrangements for the holiday feast and delivering it when you want it.
• Helping you get guests (or yourself) to and from the airport.
• Finding interesting things to keep your out-of-town guests entertained, then getting the tickets you need for those events (we even offer discounts on some tickets, so add “saving you money” to the list!).
• Making hotel reservations and reserving rental cars.
• Addressing and mailing Christmas cards.
• Getting your car washed, picking up the dry cleaning….doing all those little things that add up to no time to take care of holiday tasks.
• And lots more.

Pretty much, if you need it done, we’ll find a way to do it. So make your list. Check it twice. Then give it to us. (And if you can’t even find time to make that list, we can handle that, too. Just give us a call.)

Best Places For A Child’s Party in Dallas-Fort Worth

Everyone loves parties. Birthday  parties, princess parties, graduations and other celebrations are happy occasions for you and your children, filled with balloons, cake, clowns and plenty of good memories. However, achieving the perfect children’s party takes time, effort and careful planning.

If you are planning to have the party in your home, you will need to make sure there is ample space for the children to play and enjoy themselves. Then when all the celebrating is done, the clean up begins. That is why you might want to consider hosting your child’s next party at one of the following venues.

Kidville

Kidville is the ultimate one-stop shop for parents. In addition to a wide range of creative classes for babies, toddlers, and kids up to six years old – in music & dance, gym, art, enrichment – Kidville facilities also include a retail boutique featuring the hottest in kids’ fashions, a kids’ hair salon, a family friendly café and an indoor playground.

Kidville also has party packages for kids up to age nine. From games, food, fun, and party space, Kidville is fantastic for hassle-free parties. Choose a birthday party package, a party theme and any party add-ons to create your perfect event.  Kidville will spark your child’s imagination with their theme parties.

Kidville Theme Parties

SUPERHERO BIRTHDAY BASH™

This party is perfect for a child who wishes they could run, jump, and fly like their favorite superhero character. Complete with superhero secrets like how to make your very own Kryptonite and shoot your own webs.  This action packed super-sized party will surely save the day.

FAIRY PRINCESS PARTY™

Does your little girl dream of being a princess? The birthday girl’s wish will come true as party leaders bring a chosen fairytale story to life! A special princess art project, like creating a magic wand or a royal crown, makes this party end happily ever after.

GLAMOUR GIRL PARTY™

This party is a little diva’s dream come true! After dressing up in their feather boas, guests will receive little lux manicures and decorative body jewels, have their hair sprayed with glitter and put on a touch of make-up for a look that’s oh so glam!

TREASURE HUNT PARTY™ 

“X” marks the spot for this party hit! Your child and party guests create their own treasure maps, then set off on an adventure in search of the Kidville Treasure Chest. Filled to the brim with kid-friendly fortunes, every child is a winner at this party!

Contact Kidville for details and pricing.

Legoland Discovery Center

The new Legoland Discovery Center in Grapevine is not only a great place for a few hours of family fun, but it is also a fun-tastic place for celebrating birthdays. Legoland has Celebration Rooms designed with children’s parties in mind.  For more information about booking a party at Legoland Discovery Center, contact: DFWBirthdays@merlinentertainments.biz.  Their party packages include:

Standard LEGO Party 

• Birthday child admitted for  free
• For every 5 children, 1 adult admitted free
• Admission to the LEGOLAND Discovery Center
• 1 hour in a LEGO themed party room with party host
• Birthday cake and party meal and unlimited soda

Premium LEGO Party

• Birthday child admitted for  free
• For every 5 children, 1 adult admitted free
• Admission to the LEGOLAND Discovery Center
• 1 hour in a LEGO themed party room with party host
• Private 30 minute model builder workshop (each child gets to take home their LEGO model)
• Birthday cake and party meal and unlimited soda

American Girl Store

With locations in Chicago, Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Los Angeles, Minneapolis and Denver, the American Girl Stores are a wonderful place for your little girl’s next party. Not only can she find her favorite doll from the popular American Girl collection, but also clothes, movies and books.

The American Girl Stores also hosts a wide variety of events like Braids & Bows where girls learn the basics of hair braiding;  Mother-Daughter Dessert Decorating & Craft classes based on the stories from specific dolls.  Some of the parties packages available include:

Bistro Birthday Celebration

Celebrate her big day with an American Girl party.  This all-inclusive package includes a meal in the Bistro, cake and ice cream, and a take-home goody bag.

Deluxe Birthday Celebration

This package includes private dining, a hands-on craft project, games, cake and ice cream, goody bags, doll tiaras, a special gift for the guest of honor and other surprises.

Visit American Girl Store for more details.

Kids Cooking Company

The Kids Cooking Company on Royal Lane in Dallas, Texas is an innovative concept in children’s cooking classes.  They teach practical cooking skills in a fun environment.  Consider them for their summer cooking camps or your next birthday party.  Call (214) 265-9949 for details.  Each party includes:

• 90-minute hands-on cooking experience that includes three recipes and a party drink
• Decorate Your Own Cupcake, where each child decorates their very own jumbo cupcake with icing, candy, and sprinkles!
• A Kids Cooking Company signature apron for the birthday guest of honor
• A chef hat to decorate for every participant
• All cooking supplies and ingredients, cups, plates, napkins and all cooking utensils
• A cloth apron for each participant to wear during the party
• Recipe cards for the meal created at the party

Great Wolf Lodge

Great Wolf Lodge is your family’s favorite place to vacation, but did you know that you could also host your child’s party there as well?  Yes, Great Wolf Lodge has several howlin’ good party packages for the birthday boy or girl.

The MagiQuest Birthday Celebration includes: one MagiQuest game for each child, a wand, a wizard hat and a party bag of MagiQuest favors. It also includes a personal size pizza and soda for each guest and a birthday cake to be shared by all.

The Triple Scoops package is perfect for your little princess. Each child will receive one Scoops manicure or pedicure, a t-shirt and a party bag of Scoops favors and the Wolf It Down Pizza Package and a birthday cake.

Museum of Nature & Science at Fair Park

Your child can Dig… Crawl…Craft and Celebrate their birthday with a party of historic proportions at the Museum of Nature and Science. On their big day you can to choose from several incredible birthday experiences.

I Dig Dinosaurs!:  Young dinosaur lovers (Ages 3-6) will have big fun as they discover the larger-than-life details about history’s original party animals—the dinosaurs.

Getting Buggy With It!  Live insects, bug games and a creepy-crawly crafts project will create quite a buzz. Bet you never knew that spiders, flies, and bugs of all kinds could be so much fun!

Museum Mystery: Just like Indiana Jones, your junior scientist will search for a priceless relic that has been stolen from the museum. And once the mystery is solved, it’s time for cake and presents.

Party packages also include a private party room, museum admission for each guest, free parking and a party host. (You must provide your own cake, snacks, drinks, and party supplies.)  To plan your next birthday party at the MNS, contact Robin Shults at 972-201-0618.

Related articles

• Birthday party tips for kids (kleenexmums.com.au)
• Thoughts for an eco-friendly birthday party (3rdculturechildren.wordpress.com)
• Day Trip – LegoLand Discovery Center (whateverstateiam.com)

New Year’s Eve Cocktail Party Checklist

Are you planning a New Year’s Eve party in your home? Perhaps you’re having a small cocktail party or a casual event for a few friends.  No need to stress out, even when the party is only a few days away. The staff at My Personal Valet has years of party planning experience.  Use this quick party planning checklist to help with your New Year’s Eve event.

The Guest List

The size of your guest list should depend on the space in your home.  Ideally, everyone should have a place to sit.  A small and intimate list will keep the stress of planning your party to a minimum. Using an online invitation service like Evite to invite your guests is a great time saver. With a few clicks you can send a customized New Year’s Eve party invitation which will provide you with RSVPs and your guests with all the information they need to come to your party.

The Menu

What to serve? Start with a lovely platter of crudite (fresh vegetables) and dips. Pair that with a tray of assorted cheeses, crackers, fresh fruit and savory spreads and you have a nice start to any party. Add color and flair to the menu with Tea Smoked Chicken appetizers, simple Wrap-Party Apps and  Rachel Ray’s Lucky 7 Layer Dip.

When time is a factor, consider using prepared appetizers, pizzas and party platters from specialty stores like Central Market, Eatzi’s and Whole Foods Market.  Don’t forget to include plenty of crunchy snacks, like tortilla chips and salsa, nuts, and olives.

How much food should you prepare for your New Year’s Eve party? If your party takes place late in the day or during dinner hours, there should be enough food to satisfy your guests’ hunger. Prepare six to eight types of appetizers (both hot and cold) and plan on each guest eating at least three of each.

Recipes from The Food Network

Tea Smoked Chicken appetizers

Cornmeal Blini Bites

Wrap-Party Apps

The Drinks

A full bar can be complicated and expensive, so why not  create a Bar Menu. Take a look in Mr. Boston: Official Bartender’s Guide to find 3 or 4 fun and tasty cocktails.  Make sure you have enough of the appropriate ingredients; add a few varieties of beer, a nice red wine and a refreshing white wine and your Bar Menu is complete.

Print out your menu on colorful holiday themed paper and post it in a frame in the bar area. Giving your guest a few choices of mixed drinks, beers and wines will save you time and money; as well as control the amount your guest drink.

The Champagne

You can’t have a New Year’s Eve toast without champagne. With so many choices, it is difficult to decide.

I asked Scott Smitherman, at Whole Foods Market, for his advice on choosing a champagne.  Scott recommends these champagne choices:

Andre Clouet: This is his personal favorite!  It is called a “Grower’s Champagne” which basically means the farmers who grew grapes to supply to larger champagne houses decided to start making their own wine. Vineyard to glass, it is a labor of love. Toasty and nutty on the nose with luxurious little bubbles, it is balanced by a caramelized pear and green apple pop on the finish. The bottle and the juice inside are pretty. All in all this wine makes Scott smile a warm fuzzy smile.

Gosset: This wine is on sale for $29.99. This is a full-bodied champagne with a richness that can stand up to the denser holiday foods. Deep straw in color and still crisp on the finish, pair this with caviar and crème fresh for a night of indulgence!

For value, Scott suggests De Chanceny Brut. It is currently being featured in Whole Foods Market Top 10 program. This wine differs a bit from the other sparkling wines on the list. It is made in the Loire Valley with Chenin Blanc, Chard and Cab Franc. It has a hint of stone fruit with lots and lots of bubbles, and a touch of honey on the nose, this is a wine that is easy on the palate as well as the pocket-book.

Many of the champagnes are on sale at the Whole Foods Market 3 Day Bubbly Marathon, from Wednesday, December 29 to Friday, December 31st.

Andre Clouet Grand Reserve: Reg: $59.99   Sale: $39.99

Gosset Brut: Reg: $49.99   Sale: $29.99

Jordan Brut: Reg: $29.99   Sale: $19.99

De Chanceny Brut: eg: $15.99   Sale: $13.99

De Chanceny Rose Brut: Reg: $15.99   Sale: $13.99

Rising Star (locally produced in Texas)-$15.99

Miscellaneous Supplies

Pick up beverage napkins, limes, lemons, soft drinks or water (for non-alcoholic drinkers) and candles.  All these items can be bought at Whole Foods, Market Street or Central Market.  To make your party really festive, don’t forget the noise makers, party hats and streamers.

Related Articles

• Cocktail Recipes for Holiday Entertaining (luxist.com)
• Party Planning Idea: Creating Custom Cocktails (apartmenttherapy.com)
• Tips for Throwing a Perfect Holiday Cocktail Party (luxist.com)

Thanksgiving Dinner, The Easy Way

Thanksgiving is only 7 days away. That means you have just one week  to do all the shopping, preparation and cooking for your family’s Thanksgiving feast. The holidays can be a stressful time of the year, but My Personal Valet has come up with a few suggestions to help you eliminate some of the Thanksgiving’s Day stress.

Prepared Thanksgiving dinners are one of the best ways to take the stress out of cooking a big holiday meal, complete with turkey, stuffing and all the side items, even dessert.

Contact Paula at  My Personal Valet for help with your holiday event planning.  Let us handle all the details for you, leaving you free to have a stress free holiday with your family and friends.

Central Market

Not only is Central Market a great source for all your holiday cooking needs, but it also carries a fantastic selection of specially prepared meals for 6 to 8 people.

Traditional Turkey Dinner: Free-Range Oven-Roasted Turkey, Turkey Giblet Gravy, Traditional Cornbread Dressing, Green Beans Amandine, Whipped Russet Potatoes, Fresh Cranberry-Orange Sauce and Brioche Rolls

Naturally Gluten-Free Turkey Dinner: Free-Range Oven-Roasted Turkey, Whipped Russet Potatoes, Green Beans Amandine, Red Quinoa and Dried Fruit Stuffing, Naturally Gluten-Free Gravy, Fresh Cranberry-Orange Sauce and  Rustic Italian Gluten-Free Rolls

Other dinner choices include:  Glazed White Hickory-Smoked Ham Dinner, Herb-Crusted Beef Tenderloin Dinner and Vegetarian Hazelnut Fig Roast En Croûte. You can also order a holiday sides package with Whipped Russet Potatoes, Cornbread Dressing, Green Beans Amandine, fresh Cranberry-Orange Sauce, and turkey giblet gravy.

Contact Central Market by November 22, 2010 to order your Thanksgiving at: (877) 263-1379

Whole Food Market is one of our favorite places for party and event planning, because they have something wonderful for all tastes and dietary needs. Their ready to go Thanksgivings Dinners fit the bill with everything from a classic turkey dinner to a Vegan  holiday meal; as well as a specially prepared Hanukkah dinner.  If you plan to cook dinner yourself, you will love the fresh organic turkeys from Whole Foods Market.

Classic Turkey Dinner: Diestel Pre-Roasted Turkey served with Classic Mashed Potatoes, Turkey Gravy, Cranberry-Mandarin Orange Relish and Plain Dinner Rolls.

Vegan Holiday Dinner: Wild Rice Cranberry Fig Field Roast En Croute served with Vegan Mashed Potatoes, Cinnamon-Dusted Butternut Squash, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Wild Mushroom-Sage Gravy and Cranberry-Mandarin Orange Relish.

Hanukkah Dinner: Beef Brisket with Carrots and Shallots served with Tzimmes, Noodle Kugel, Matzoh Ball Soup, Green Beans with Carrots and Spiced Applesauce. Add a platter of miniature Potato Latkes to complete the meal.

You can never have enough side items for your holiday meal. Pick up a few Whole Food Market ready-to-serve, chef-prepared side dishes; like Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Pecan Cornbread Stuffing, Orange-Cranberry Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Classic Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans with Carrots. Don’t forget the pumpkin pie!

Call  your local Whole Foods Market to order your Thanksgiving meals or order online

Victory Tavern Offers Thanksgiving Dinner To-Go

Victory Tavern’s Executive Chef Jim Oetting displays his originality with bold flavors and seasonally inspired dishes, gently infusing creative approaches to comfort food classics. You’re sure to have the best Thanksgiving Dinner in town!

Choose your main course Maple Brined Turkey Breast with Giblet Gravy, Rosemary Roasted Colorado Leg of Lamb or Pineapple Glazed Black Forest Ham. Then add side dishes like Fall Mushroom Stuffing, Buttermilk Chive Mashed Potatoes Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Spiced Pecans  and Madeira Glazed Carrots.  Desserts include  Victory Tavern‘s famous Coconut Cream pie, a classic pumpkin pie and spiced apple pie

Order deadline is Saturday, November 20, 2010 at 4pm. Just fill out the  order form and fax it to us or give us a call at 214-432-1900.

Maguire’s Restaurant

Maguire’s is offering a Thanksgiving to Go menu with your choice of a 14–16 lb. Spiral Cut Honey Baked Ham or 17–20 lb. Roasted Turkey with Gravy & Cranberry Sauce. Complete your meal with side dishes:  Sage Corn Bread Dressing,  Mashed Potatoes,  Sweet Mashed Potatoes,  Haricot Vert Amandine,  Southwestern Creamed Corn and Cranberry Sauce. They even have Pumpkin Cheese Cake and  Pecan Pie for dessert.

Place your orders must  by Friday, November 19, 2010. Available for pick up Wednesday, November 24, 2010.  Call Maguire’s at  972-818-0088.