On our blog today, we have invited Lyndall Truran from Walkers Party Hire North Shore to provide advice on party planning in Lane Cove. Walkers Party Hire North Shore (in Lane Cove West) has been proud to be part of more than 3000+ weddings, birthdays, corporate events, council celebrations and TV shows in their 3 years in Lane Cove. We asked Lyndall to give ITC her top five party planning tips.
Organising a celebration for a friend, a family member or yourself is a big responsibility, as this is one of those special occasions in life where it is important to make a really big deal of it. Whether it’s an 18th, 21st or any number ending in a 0, by making your event memorable you’ll be guaranteed to have stories to talk about for years.
Make Sure Your Guests are comfortable
Whoever your guests are, it’s likely there’ll be a mixture of all ages so make sure they are all catered from a seating perspective. Grandparents may want a comfortable chair and a cup of tea away from the riff raff whereas 21 year old Bella is talking about that cute Riverview boy with her friends on the glow cubes on the deck. Just make sure everyone has a place to sit – or lean – to enjoy your party atmosphere. Everybody wants to wear killer heels to a party, but they will need to rest those feet at some time.
The size of your guest list should depend on the space in your home and back area. So be realistic. Keep an eye on the numbers and firm them up at least a week out from the event. This will help keep your budget in check and manage those last minute details which will inevitably crop up. If you invite too many people for a small space your guests will be uncomfortable.
So guests can find you, have your front area well lit and perhaps attach some balloons to the front fence. For something a little bit fancy, why not roll out the red carpet and the red ropes? This will impress your guests on arrival and it will give your party a VIP feel.
Food & Drink
No matter what your budget is, you can always source some tantalising tasty treats. Where possible, we recommend hiring an experienced caterer. There are some amazing local caterers that will work with you to determine what yumminess will suit your style of event. From canapés for a cocktail style event to a sit down 3-course dinner, they’ll design a menu that’ll work best for you and your guests. And bonus, they can also offer party staff so you don’t have to be topping up glasses all night. Our local clients have regularly used Bern the Chef and Three Blind Mice Catering.
Another fabulous option that often gets overlooked is checking out your local favourite restaurant to see if they do catering. For example, if you love Thai, then money bags, fish cakes, satay sticks and spring rolls are always a hit *. Importantly, give the restaurant a heads-up during the week so they are prepared for your order. Did someone say pizza? You can’t go wrong with pizza either. Don’t forget the anchovies! Chargrill Charlies in Lane Cove has a great catering package (fresh salads and chickens) -Chargrill Charlie’s in the Plaza 27 Burns Bay Road Lane Cove. To order just call Justin on 8095 9761
Turning your hand to doing it yourself? Well you’re certainly not in the minority here. A large component of our clients DIY it, but my recommendation here is BE PREPARED! I’d have your guest’s first round of morsels out of your baking oven and in a holding oven while you’re getting ready for the next serving. Those first rounds of canapés are always snapped up quickly!
Champagne on arrival is always a nice touch. However if you’re stretched for time, help and budget, have your champagne, wine glasses and tumblers laid out on a linen covered trestle table so guests can help themselves. Under or next to the table, make sure your alcohol and soft drinks are nestled into ice tubs so they are chilled and ready to go. Whether your party is BYO or supplied, try to profile your attendees to determine their needs. This will ensure you have your bases covered.
**If, like me, you have an anaphylactic family member, It’s a good idea to always ask your guests if they are allergy sufferers! In fact you should always ask your guests if they have special dietary needs: there will always be a few vegetarians or people who can’t eat gluten at a party!
Entertainment
There is no vibe at a party without a little music. And whilst your guest of honour may be a raging One Direction fan, keep the music mixed up – and up beat – so even the mums can have a boogie (after all who does not want some 80’s power ballads playing). This will ensure everyone has a great time.
With an Iphone and bluetooth, music is a simple Bluetooth into a modern AV unit will definitely get you going. They are super popular and you can plug in a microphone for the speech your guests will be asking for from the birthday gal/guy. It is always a good idea to tell your neighbours about the party (or invite them).
Weather
Shaking and ringing your hands at the rain gods on the morning of the event will stress out even the seasoned party planner. For your peace and mind and comfort of guests, if you don’t have enough under-cover or indoor area, invest in hiring a pop up shelter or marquee. Our professional team will meet you on site to measure and quote so we leave nothing left to chance. Having a plan B is a better option than stressing about rain.
Thanks to ITC for inviting us to be a guest blogger, we love what we do and want to make your celebration something special. Feel free to call or visit us for a chat. Invite Us First! We would like to offer ITC or In the Hill Facebook Fans the following special offers:
Contact Details
Walkers Party HIre North Shore
Address: Unit 3/12 Chaplin Drive (off Mars Road) Lane Cove
Phone: (02) 9428 3922
Facebook: www.facebook.com/walkersnorthshore
Website: www.walkershire.com.au
Email: [email protected]
Walkers Party Hire are one of ITC’s fabulous Gold Sponsors. Support those who support In the Cove #itcgoldsponsor
Do you have a local issue you would like help with? ITC is here to help just email us at [email protected]
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