Party Experts

Serves Hermosa Beach, CA

35244

Hired 27 times

20 employees

18 years in business

$75

4.9

This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, Credit card, PayPal, Square cash app, Venmo, and Zelle.

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Credentials

Background Check

Leah Zahner
Completed on 8/1/2021

Introduction

We are as elegant, discreet and meticulous as we are personable, fun, dynamic and causal. No matter the theme or tone, we expertly match it to make your party a stunning success! We love making your decor, food and drinks look great. We will serve you and your guests in the friendliest, yet most unobtrusive manner. All of our people are highly experienced. We know how to respect your home or venue and attend to your every need and those your guests. From the moment we arrive we will handle whatever arises with creative flare and minimal instruction, so you can graciously enjoy your guests. To us parties are an art form. At no extra cost we can provide you with at least $150 worth of rentals: - A 6 ft table with black linen and choice of pretty overlay for the front bar. - A 4ft back bar table to put glassware, mixers and wine with black linen. - 2 beverage dispensers for spa water or lemonade. - 2 large classy silver ice and chilling bowls. - A very pretty floral chill tub that can sit right on the bar or back bar to chill wine, beer or sodas. Great also for a self serve bar set up. - All bar tools such as openers, strainers and shakers. - 2 plastic tubs for chilling and storing ice. - A cooler for beer, soda, water or ice. - A dozen extra wine and martini glasses. - A variety of silver, stainless and plastic serving utensils, white plastic or ceramic platters for food service and tray passing. Silver trays with dollies or napkins to plate and serve food from and for bussing. We can also shop for your disposables for you. If you need us to shop for or prep craft cocktails and garnishes right before the event, and order your glassware rentals we do that at our regular hourly rate and get reimbursed by you with a deposit and contract. We look forward to your helping you create your next delightful event.

Q&A

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?

$25-30 per hour for home parties is our standard. Party planning and managing is more depending on the scope of the party.

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

I am happy to discuss the party on the phone with a client. I am willing to shop and prep at home for the reduced rate of $25 per hour and meet with the client and see the venue if it is a large event for the same rate.

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

I have worked in the food and beverage industry bartending and serving since my early 20's--my entire adult life. I was assistant catering manager at the Beverly Hills Country Club for 3 years and have learned a lot from all the great chef's I have assisted. At the catering staffing companies I have worked for many years I did a lot of captain and lead work where I did on the spot training and evaluating of staff and have guest lectured at the Art Institute of CA on Catering. In terms of formal education, I have a master's degree in theater and film, history and theory, am a trained playwright and yoga instructor which keeps me very calm under pressure. I make lists of all the great wines I serve and wonderful vendors I work with. I read Gourmet and other food and beverage magazines.

How did you get started doing this type of work?

I have always love serving and interacting with people. I like learning about food and need a job with a flexible schedule where I am moving and interacting with people not sitting at a desk. This job totally suits my personality!

What types of customers have you worked with?

With 190 client requests was the most requested bartender/server at one of the top staffing agencies in Los Angeles where I worked for 16 years doing hundreds of high end, celebrity events such as the Emmy's and Oscars. I was a floor managing captain with Patina at the Emmy's for 8 years. I have worked with all the best catering companies in LA and in the homes of celebrities like Shaquille O'Neil, Ed ONeil and Sheri Lansing serving her A list friends. I have served Presidents Clinton, Bush and managed a party at USC where we were serving President Obama. I also work for a wonderful Beverly Hills party planner Yvonne Wolf.

Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?

I am very proud to doing craft services on the show Family Guy and American Dad where I set up and serve up to 150 guests at a buffet by myself in 1.5 hours as well. I also worked on the Dr. Ken show at Sony and Bella and the Bulldogs at Nickelodeon which was a lot of fun.

What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

Know if you want to spend say $50 per person just on food and let us know what your budget might be for everything else such as rentals and labor. Make sure we understand the entire scope of your party.

What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?

How much planning it takes to pull off a successful party. You need serving dishes and serving pieces. You need to know how you want it to look or you can trust us and we can create that for you. We do your set up, food prep, constant kitchen cleaning, taking drink orders then making and serving drinks or wines. Tray passing hors d'oeuvres, plating and serving or creating and replenishing your buffet. Clearing guests plates and glasses. Converting buffets to a dessert and coffee station or serving dessert and coffee. Full meticulous clean up so you would never know there had been a party.