RoyalOakPatch
When writer Cindy La Ferle emailed to see what advice I had for holiday party manners, I was able to give her some suggestions HOWEVER, these are not just restricted to the holiday parties but to gatherings in general. With our fast paced society, it is easy to overlook a few basic etiquette rules...like a proper RSVP! "Every hostess appreciates a swift response,” said Carolyn Hefner, an event planner and owner of The China Closet in Birmingham. “There really is no good excuse for not responding – and this may put you on the 'Never Invite' guest list!” For more go to: http://royaloak.patch.com/articles/polish-your-holiday-party-manners
Rochester-RochesterHillsPatch - Countdown to Thanksgiving
Long time friend, Megan Swoyer, will often call to interview me on various event details. This season, it was fun to share with Megan the traditions that my family has for Thanksgiving - it really is like the pilgrims all coming together to enjoy a feast! With my sister-in- law passing away during Thanksgiving week five years ago, this holiday takes on a very special meaning about family gatherings! Megan wrote in her article, " Carolyn Hefner, owner of The China Closet in Birmingham, looks at Thanksgiving much as the pilgrims did. "Thanksgiving is a family gathering, and each family member is like a pilgrim, bringing his or her favorite food to the table,” said Hefner, who will be hosting Thanksgiving this year. She oversees special events for a living and is a whiz at hosting Thanksgiving."
Metro Detroit Bride Summer/Fall 2009
The China Closet announces their new consultation service, The Wedding Tune Up! It promises to catch the details that have been missed when doing the planning on your own. The very first Wedding Tune Up client realized she had never signed the photography contract, not booked the videographer and had forgotten about the need for ceremony music...a two hour consultation was priceless to for this MOG!
The Knot Spring/Summer 2009
Not only do wedding photos fill family albums, some become the hallmark of great advertisements! See the attached PDF; this particular China Closet bride has graced the pages of many publications. Not only does this happy bride showcase the surroundings at the beautiful Meadow Brook Hall, but she speaks volumes of a well orchestrated wedding day! Not only did we have the bride to keep happy but all of her little maidens, too!
48009 Signature Oct/Nov 2008
When Signature magazine wanted to do a photo shoot of fall tablescapes they turned to The China Closet since this is just one of our specialities! Given the menu, our resource team went to work to set the stage. A feast for the eyes is what one can expect to happen when this resource team collaborates! The skills of the planner communicating the vision, the talents of the graphic artist and the florist makes magic happen...who wouldn't want to be seated at these fabulous tables!
The Knot Fall/Winter 2006
This particular wedding could be a book in itself! The beautiful photos of Merideth and Cory don't begin to tell you the story of a last minute relocation from a flooded reception site at the groom's family home to the posh setting at the Townsend Hotel! Instead, the photos show a beautiful couple that could relax and be in love because they had an amazing event team! I have to say that I think the adrenaline that was flowing that day made for lots of great energy and everyone celebrated with extra gusto...a wedding day that no one will ever forget, no thanks to Mother Nature!
Detroit Free Press
It was a delight and an honor to partner with one of my favorite people in the catering world, Margaret Fleming who is part of the catering team at Holiday Catering in Royal Oak. The holiday advice given in 2007 is still applicable for today's holiday season. Many of the "tips" offer ways to save money - probably even more fitting advice for today's 2009 audiences! Happy Holidays!
The Knot Fall/Winter 2007
What happens when a venue decides that it is time for a new look and suddenly your event is shifted to another space? This was the first mission for The China Closet to address with this client...and as we always tell our clients, "Sometimes, things just work out for the best!" They certainly did for Beanna and Mark. Since this client didn't live in Michigan, it was key to listen carefully to the bride's dream and to make sure that communications here with parents were on the same page with the bride and groom in Arizona...the culmination was a fabulous wedding day enjoyed by all!
About Carolyn Hefner
Never underestimate the experiences of a childhood, for me, they set the stage for event planning. Growing up in… read more