Filed under: Fun Stuff, Parties & Entertaining
The event designer and former housewife of New Jersey has teamed with HGTV for show on party-planning. We sat down with her to chat about the new series and got some pointers from her on how to entertain on the fly.Dina Manzo might be most recognized for her brief stint as one of the ladies on the Real Housewives of New Jersey, but she's a lot more. Manzo, a designer who runs the event-planning firm Design Affair has put together lavish dinner parties and soirees for some of the most fashionable A-listers coast-to-coast. Now she's coming out with Dina's Party, a series about throwing glamorous parties on the fly, which premieres on HGTV this Saturday at 10PM/9 central.
Manzo took some time out of the busy schedule to talk to us about the show, the emotional men on it, and how to entertain...the right way.
1. Were there any memorable homeowners that you worked with on your new show?
They were all wonderful but I was lucky enough to do some parties for some personal friends. The pilot is for one of my very best friends who's moving to Dallas, TX. It was his surprise going away and he had no idea. I put it together with his partner and he had no idea at all! When I have a connection with the person, that's when it's the most amazing.
2. What's your favorite part of every show?
The reveal. It's when I finally get to surprise them and people can't even believe it.
Especially the men involved...they got quite emotional about the reveal.
3. What was your favorite party theme in the show?
There was a Vegas episode that was lots of fun. It was a birthday party for a gentleman who loves Vegas. Being married with children, it wasn't as easy for him to get away so we brought Vegas to New Jersey. And one of the things we did was recreate the hand-blown chandeliers in the hotels and hung them above the dinner table.
There was also an episode in the Hamptons when I was actually on vacation during month of July, and they tricked me into throwing a party there. It was for a socialite who's used to the red carpet soirees but we gave them a homegrown Hamptons for something a little different.
4. Funniest moment?
Well it wasn't a funny one, but one of my favorite moments was at the surprise party for my friend. He walked in and had no clue and everyone was crying.
The weather in New Jersey has been insane, from hurricanes and tornadoes coming through. And throughout the pilot there was a blizzard. It's like I've gone through every weather that you can think of. Looking back, it's funny now but not at the time.
5. Was there anything unexpected that came up for you as an event designer?
We had three days to make phone calls and set up everything up and throw the party. Usually I have around 6 months. I have to say I was surprised that I was able to pull everything together.
6. We're quickly approaching the holidays, which is when a lot of entertaining takes place. We'd love some of your tips. First off, how do you get people to RSVP to one of your events?
I'm totally against an Evite. It's so impersonal and you see everyone who's declined. Invitation by snail mail is old fashioned, but that's unexpected and it gets people excited about the theme of the party. I usually put together a little sneak peak arrangement to include in the mail invite to give people an idea of the decor and it gets people to want to see what the party will be like. Just remember to send your invites out 8 weeks in advance so you're the first one that gets to their door because if you're too late they'll have committed to something else during the holidays and all the other events.
7. When should you "outsource" your needs for an event?
It depends. It helps to hire someone if you have a demanding job or have children. People hire us because their lifestyles are too hectic. For weddings you definitely don't want to be stressed out, so a wedding planner is the best thing to keep things stress-free and romantic.
8. When does an event warrant a caterer and a bartender?
If you're the kind of host who wants to be on the dance floor and spending time with people, I'd say you should hire help even if it's 15 people. It really depends on you. If you want to be with your friends instead of going crazy running around, I would suggest spending an extra couple dollars getting help.
9. When should you hire a florist?
Flowers can be as simple as cutting hydrangeas from the backyard, which is what I do. If flower arrangement is important to you, always get a florist. It's always good to If just stick to one kind of flower and make it so that it's meant to be that way. This helps make everything look right in color, size, and scale. We did a party once with just all supermarket roses and it turned out great.
10. What are your three essential tips for quick and easy entertaining on the fly?
If you are working with cocktail foods, stick to appetizers that you can eat with one hand. Ready-made appetizers are great. This lets people walk around to get to know each other.
I also love using produce and fruits and vegetables for decor--bowls with clementines, apples during fall. I've even used fresh basil and corn and placed them in buckets, which was easy and looked great.
Remember that food and music are the most important things. The music you choose should go along with the guests at your party, not just what you love. And the iPod is the best since you can customize your mix for the party.
Another tip: Candlelight everywhere is cheap and great. Just don't forget to blow them out at the end of the night!
11. What are three words that describe a successful party to you?
Memorable, meaningful, beautiful.
12. How do you get people to leave once a party is over?
I start to clean up. And maybe put the lights up and turn the music up and hope that they get the hint.