As I recall, one of the rules, if you will, to being an optimist, is to be as happy about others' success as you are about your own.
That certainly is the case with my friend, Charlie Scola. Charlie is a renowned party planning authority, columnist, author, as well as an actor. We met in an acting workshop about eleven years ago. After the class was over, I wasn't sure I'd ever see or talk to Charlie again, even though I thought he was very nice. He called me a few months later to tell me about a class on the "business of acting" that he thought I would like. I was pleased to hear from him...and as it turns out, he has been a friend of the family ever since. One we've flown to Catalina for lunch, one who has come to support me at my cabaret performances, plays, etc. I've always cherished our friendship.
This past week we were privileged to attend Charlie's book signing at Borders in Century City. His book, the culimination of one of his dreams,
Party Planning Secrets, is full of great ideas for creating an outrageously exciting party! It was no small feat to get a Borders book store to turn over their whole store for his party! But, this he accomplished, and party we did.
There was a tarot card reader, numerologist, astrologist and magician at the party, as well as entertainment by Franki Love, Jason Farnham, and David Williams.
Free flowing champagne, vodka martini's (the pear was especially good!), and a fabulous buffet of delicious food. Asian salad served in mini-take-out cartons, sandwiches on delicious buns with turkey or veggies (yum...peppers, zucchini), a wonderful array of cheese (I loved the goat cheese covered in herbs), slices of great-looking fruit, cookies, and brownies. All top notch!
Charlie generously donated all net proceeds from the book sales to Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Los Angeles. Charlie was told by Borders a few days later that his event was the most exciting they've had and had the most people attending since Martha Stewart's book signing.
I always loved hearing about all the wonderful parties Charlie was planning for celebrities. We actually attended one in Malibu a few years ago that was nothing short of fantastic. It was a benefit. We tennis enthusiasts were excited to see Pete Sampras there with his then fiancee, soon-to-be wife...an actress whose name escapes me now. Bob Sagat was there with his small children. Charlie catered a thanksgiving bbq one year for Jen and Brad, when they were married.
My friend, Denise, and I were pleased to see Barbara Rush, who looked great. Denise went up to say, "Hello." She was very gracious. Thirty years in the business has given Charlie a long list of satisfied customers.
I would recommend that you get his book, even if you have small gatherings once in a while.
He walks you through every detail of planning a successful party from ambiance to vendors, including how to create the perfect invitation, menu and theme, plus expert advice on budgeting, entertaining, safety and more.
In addition, I recommend you get on his email list for his newsletter, where he shares great recipes, and gives away tickets to some of his fabulous parties. Check it out at
http://www.partycharlie.com/.
What especially made the evening fun was to meet Charlie's mom, who happened to be celebrating her birthday that day, and his brother and sister who all flew out from back East to be with Charlie. I'm proud to call this eternal optimist, Charlie, my friend.
