Party Rental : Blog Title the same as above

Sending A Lawn Greeting For Mother's Day And Other Ideas

Thursday, December 20, 2007

In the United States the second Sunday of May is set aside to honor all mothers. Sons and Daughters take the time to do something special for their Mothers, Grandmothers, and Great Grandmothers. And send warm wishes to all the other Mothers they know and love. History believes that Mother's day may have started as far back as a hundred and fifty years ago. The early gift ideas including going to church and letter writing. As time went on greeting cards and gifts were included in the holiday tradition.

Now there is a wide variety of gifts that can be sent to any mother no matter where they live. A great surprising gift is a lawn greeting and personal yard card. A lawn greeting is a surprise delivery of 25 items put in a Mother's front yard. You can choose from many items including flowers, flamingos, stars, smiley faces, cowboy boots, and X's and O's. Ideas for the yard card personal messages are:

* Flowers For You Mom To Brighten Your Day
* We Flew In To Say Happy Mother's Day
* You Are The Star Of Our Family
* We Are So Happy To Call You Mom
* Not Only A Cowgirl But Also A Great Mom
* Hugs & Kisses And Mother's Day Wishes

After a lawn greeting starts the day send your mom to a spa to relax and rest. Or you plan a family outing to a national park where you can ride horses or camp. And most importantly do not forget to call your mom on Mother's day.

Graduation Party With A Lawn Greeting

It is that time again and soon millions of boys and girls will be walking out of high school forever. Starting in May and going until June all schools will be celebrating each childs' milestone. High school holds memories that we carry with us forever. So bring this special time to a end for the senior in your life. First ask your senior for ideas of what would be the perfect party for them and add fun additions that would be a surprise to them. Some examples would be:

* Hire a local band to play
* Have a stand up comedian perform
* Rent the local race track
* Take a canoe trip
* Rent a movie theater
* Lawn Greeting
* Rent a sports car
* Hire a limo
* Give helicopter rides
* Invite a celebrity
* Rent the local water park
* Rent the local amusement park

There are lots of ways to make this time a great memory for years to come. Have a photographer or video company record those memories. Start the day out with the ultimate surprise for your senior with a lawn greeting. A lawn greeting is placed in the yard between midnight and seven am. So the first gift of the day is a yard with 25 items like: Smiley Faces, Stars, Flowers, Cowboy Boots, Graduation Caps, 's and O's. They can be mixed and matched for a bigger splash across the lawn. Included with a lawn greeting is a personal yard card. The yard card can have many messages including:

* Hugs & Kisses Jen is Kissing HS Class Good Bye
* Hats off To Mark For Graduating
* We are Happy Sue has Graduated
* The star of 2007 was Kevin
* Tom Is Kickin Up His Heel He Is Leaving High School
The display will be left up until late that evening and the memory will be talked about by all for years to come. Happy Graduation and Congratulations class of 2007.

How to Save Stress by Using a Party Rental Company in Indiana

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

When you're planning an event the details can often be overwhelming. Do you need a DJ? Magician for the kids? How about moonbounces, inflatable games or other entertainment?

These questions and others can be answered easily by calling a Party Rental Company. Now, there is a difference between a party rental company and a party planner. Most of the time a party planner is a specialized agent that will help you plan all the details of your event. And many times party planners have their own contacts in the party rental world.

But, although a party planner can really ease the stress of planning a larger event, (and we highly recommend you use one) they aren't always necessary for smaller parties. Many people that plan their own events have a fairly good idea of what they want, they just aren't sure where to get it.

Calling a Party Rental Company can not only save some work, it also enables you to learn about new and unique rental items on the marketplace. Items like wax hands, bear stuffing machines and of course all the great inflatable games.

Perhaps you're planning a block party. You've planned the food and drinks for the cookout, but you need something fun for the kids. One simple phone call can take care of all the unique items.

Your simple party can easily become a blockbuster event. Just add a moonbounce or water slide, some cotton candy and a margarita machine and you've got a spectacular night planned that everyone will love.

So, remember, the next time you plan your event, don't do it alone. Make that one call and get some great suggestions to add more fun to your special day.

An Inflatable Slide is a Huge Hit for Indiana Parties

Planning an event can be fun. But it's always stressful trying to find an attraction that everyone will love. One item that is always a hit is the Inflatable Slide.

You'll find the inflatable slide right in the middle of the fun at most Indiana corporate picnics, post proms and other functions. But did you know you can get a slide for a home party too?

Although inflatable slides have been around for awhile, in the past few years more unique slides have come into the marketplace. You can get slides in sizes that work for everyone. A giant slide (around 22') is great for ages 12 to adults. If you're looking for something for younger kids, you'll probably want to stick with a backyard slide which is around 14' tall.

Remember the 70's when slip n slides were so popular? Well, now you can get inflatable slip n slides that are even MORE fun. They come in single and in double lanes both so you can even race a friend if you'd like. But the new slip n slides have a safety ramp at the end to slow your slide so they're much easier on your body than the old version.

If you like the traditional slide, but still want water, you can rent an inflatable water slide. With sprinklers shooting out the top, this slide is fantastic for a hot summer day.

There are just a few things you need to remember when renting an inflatable slide or any other inflatable game:

1) The unit must be staked down at all times

2) The unit can only be operated with adult attendant in place who understands all safety requirements

3) You will need a dedicated 20 amp circuit to use for each blower (most units only need one). This outlet needs to be within 50 feet.

4) If you're using a water slide, you'll need a water connection and hose within a reasonable distance.

5) Participants should always follow safety instructions and should always be sitting feet first

when sliding down a traditional slide.

If you follow the simple guidelines you can have a safe, fun attraction that everyone will love.

Plan the Perfect Company Picnic in Indiana

Saturday, December 15, 2007

Does your company have a picnic each year? Should they? Even in rough years a company picnic can boost employees morale and show that the company owners appreciate their employees efforts in making the company succeed.

But, how do you go about planning that perfect company picnic? Here are a few tips for making the event great, even on a small budget.

Location: There are many event locations that specialize in company events. Many of them offer catering to make your planning easier. But you don not have to go off site. If you have a company that runs 24/7 sometimes it is better to have your event on site so that all employees can attend with their families. This is also a great opportunity to offer tours if your company has a factory, or area that the average person cannot visit. Many parents really enjoy showing their family where they work and what they do.

Food: Food can be as simple as hotdogs and hamburgers grilled by the management staff to a fully catered event. There are many catering companies that specialize in company picnics and you can plan everything from ribs to dessert. But when the management cares enough to be part of the food preparation it seems to mean a lot to the employees. If you choose this though, make sure that you have plenty of help so that everyone still gets a chance to enjoy the party.

Entertainment: The entertainment is the easiest part of your planning. And again, it can be simple or extravagant depending on your budget.

You can offer Bingo for adults and relay races for children (both with prizes). Corn Hole and Volleyball tournaments are always huge fun. If you are offering tournaments, make sure to have a sign up table so that there is no delay starting the games.

Inflatable and Interactive games can be a huge attraction for kids AND adults and they certainly add a festive flair to the event. There is something about pulling into a parking lot and seeing giant moonbounces and slides to get everyone excited.

Many companies offer casino games for the adults while the children are playing on the inflatable games. Casino games are played for fun with the winners receiving prizes.

Keep in mind as you are planning entertainment that many things require a power source so you want to plan your event with power requirements in mind.

Budget: Decide what your budget is going to be in the beginning. This will give you an idea of where to start. But, do not despair if your budget is low. Talk to your vendors. Many vendors will be more than happy to sponsor part of your event. Some of the best company picnics we have done had “sponsored by” signs in front of all the inflatables and game tents. This is a great way for everyone involved in your company growth to share some time together.

Just keep in mind while you are making plans that your ultimate goal is to show you appreciate your employees and their families efforts to support your business. Do not make your plans so complicated that you cannot enjoy the day. A company picnic should be fun for everyone; even the management!

5 Steps to Planning the Perfect Event

Where to start? Are you excited? You have just been given the challenge of planning the perfect event! And more than likely, you have no idea where to start. Whether you are planning a backyard birthday party, holiday party, church event, company picnic or a post prom, event planning does not have to be stressful. It can even be fun!

Step 1 Plan your Budget The first thing you have to know is how much money you have to spend. Then you can plan your budget for different parts of your event. Once you decide on your total budgeted amount, work within it. It is no fun to be running way over budget weeks before your party. You will need to divide your budget between the following categories.

Invitations- If you are sending out regular invitations do not forget the postage cost.

Venue- There are many different types of venues. Ask about any additional fees besides the actual rental fee. (Cleaning fees, etc.) A venue that includes tables & chairs could ultimately be cheaper than an empty hall where you have to rent everything from an outside source. If you are having the party at home, remember to include the cost of any equipment you will need there also like tents, tables and chairs.

Food- After planning your menu, make a complete list of recipes and needed items to add to your budget. If you are using a caterer, talk to two or three different ones. Tell them what your vision is, and see what they suggest. Also, give them your budget for food up front so they will not waste your time suggesting things that you do not want.

Drink- Do not forget to add in the cost of ice, cups and other extras.

Extras- Anything extra you might need to purchase for your event.

Décor- Any decorations needed; lights, flowers, candles and props

Entertainment & Activities- Games & Activities, either rented or coordinated by others.

Music & Entertainers- DJ, Band, face painters, caricaturist, magician

Favors- think cheap; try to keep it under $1.00

Emergency Fund- IMPORTANT- Before you even start, set 10% of your total budget aside for emergencies.

Step 2 Pick a Date In many cases the date will be picked for you. If not, think of your work and personal schedule as you plan. Also, consider holidays where people might be out of town.

Step 3 Choose a Theme Themed parties are always fun and if you use a theme it makes it much easier to tie in food/decorations etc. There are so many themes you can use that they are only limited by your imagination. Here are some samples: Mexican Fiesta, Mardi Gras, Key West, Tropical, Western and Casino Night

Step 4 Pick a Venue There are so many places you can hold your event. Home, a church hall or a specialty location This can take up a huge part of your budget so shop carefully. If you are using a venue that is furnishing napkins/table settings and other items, ask to see them to make sure they meet your standards.

Step 5 Make out your Guest list

Ok, now that you have done all the basics it will be SO easy to plan that perfect party.

Party Decorations and Themes

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

If you're artistic, making your own party decorations can be extremely fun and cost-efficient. On the other hand, if you're pressed for time, celebration supply stores and online discount celebration supply sites can be a real blessing.

To make things even easier, some celebration rental services bring all the actors, party decorations and backdrops for you, if you're willing to pay for it. After setting your budget, we can examine the various options.

First, choose a theme for your party decorations. Some possible ideas for an adult theme celebration include: luau, western, circus, safari, Hollywood, 1950s, Roaring 20s, disco, space, pirate, sports, Las Vegas, Arabian Nights, medieval times, Mardi Gras, Spanish fiesta, rock and roll or futuristic.

Kids often enjoy character and pop culture themes, like: Spiderman, Pirates of the Caribbean, Bob the Builder, Dora the Explorer, Finding Nemo, Pokemon, Harry Potter or American Idol.

If you're interested in making your own decorations for a kids party, Coolest-kid-birthday-parties is a great resource. For example, with an undersea theme, you can follow step-by-step instructions on making a Finding Nemo pinata, a shark mouth standee to take photos next to and seashell party invitations. In addition to decoration ideas for various themes, the site also has food and activity tips.

If you'd rather purchase items, Party City is a great store where you can get accent themes like: disco, rock and roll, luau, movie night, fiesta, casino and western.

If you're throwing a fiesta, you can buy decorations like: chili pepper garland ($2.29), scene setters ($5), cut-outs ($3 - $10), chili pepper lights ($10), an inflatable cactus ($5), a maraca centerpiece ($3), an inflatable sombrero cooler ($13) and a pinata ($10 - $20).

You might also want to check online at Orientaltradingpost for similar items. They have twelve assorted inflatable items for $20 in the fiesta theme and great deals on bulk celebration favors.

Tableware and partyware add a nice touch to a theme party, often functioning as additional party decorations; however, the cost of these items can be exorbitant.

Most vendors sell plates in packages of eight, which is fine for intimate gatherings, but can be a nightmare if you're having fifty plus people attending. Partysupplydirect has similar deals for partyware but more selection.

A budget-conscious solution if you're not looking to spend $100 in partyware would be to purchase solid-color plates and cutlery but buy a couple of themed serving dishes, tablecloths and straws at half the cost. Another good way to stay on budget is to split expenses with other people and delegate partyware purchases.

While it is the most expensive option, hiring Premier Casino Events to provide the celebration decorations for you could be an elaborate and all-in-one, stress-free way to throw your celebration.

If you were throwing a Halloween one, not only would the company bring fog machines, coffins, cobwebbed park benches, trick mirrors and cemetary gates, but they would also bring casino games, ghoulish actors, music and food to entertain your guests for a full four hours as well!

Looking online for party decorations is a good way to brainstorm ideas. You may choose to make a few things yourself, like a pinata, or you may purchase decorations from a store.

Try to make your purchases thoughtful and don't waste money on things you'll never use again. Delegating responsibilities to co-planners can also help you cut costs and share the excitement with friends, especially when it comes to a surprise birthday party!

Camcorder Rental - Inexpensive Film Making To Preserve Your Memories

Ownership of camcorder or digital video is certainly a significant issue these days, particularly those whose hobbies are to spend a large amount of their time outside the home. In addition to just going out, numerous people are also interested in special occasions that are indoors such as dinners and parties.

But not every one of them has the means to afford camcorders for these occasions. One of the most significant points is that a camcorder by itself may cost more than the entire value of the party. The reason that camcorder rentals has become a very popular way of getting to use one is because it is without the high expense of having to buy one.

Depending on your perspective a camcorder rental is the same as owning one, except for the fact that it's a short period of time. The majority of the time, numerous different camcorders, from the low-end ones to the midrange and high end high definition ones are available for rent at all rental stores. Indeed, the majority of the high-end advanced camcorders are much cheaper than what they would cost to purchase, for let's say one or two days on a special occasion.

Special Packages

There are many stores, both online and around the country that offer smaller packages that have better quality camcorder rental services at a very reasonable price. And these packages come with various added accessories and equipment to be used together with the camcorder as well, such as the tripod, railings, lighting set and much more.

Going through online rental stores, there are many types of packages depending on the type of occasion and so on. Holidays are a very popular time to rent a camcorder and most of the time, camcorder rental services are more expensive during the Christmas and New Years holidays and usually you have to book them in advance.

To avoid disappointment, you should call and check again as the event or the day comes near. This applies especially if your occasion falls on the public holidays or seasonal holidays.

Renting a camcorder is indeed a very simple thing to do. One of the reasons that this service is so popular is due to the fact that it's very cost effective. It is an easy task to find many different rental outlets or service centers in the yellow pages or online through the various search engines such as Google and Yahoo.

There are also several online auction, bidding and bargain sites which also have a category for camcorder rental services. Additionally, if you schedule a service early through these sites, at various times they may have seasonal discounts or weekend rentals, so now you have the ability to make use of the camcorder rental at the most affordable cost for you.

Build Your Youth Ministry The Inflatable Way!

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

As youth group directors know, it can be a tough job to teach, inspire, guide, mentor and reward the good behavior in today's youth. Whether you're a youth pastor or a youth organization director, it can be challenging to successfully attract and keep the targeted youth in your area or even reward existing members. To get and to keep their attention, you'll need a high level of interest, interactive entertainment and the ability to associate something FUN with your church or organization.

Whether it's a small youth event or a huge community festival-fund raiser, you want to offer fun activities that keep the youth wanting more! Inflatable games and other interactive items offer that cutting edge interactive entertainment experience. Games like the Big Glove boxing, Sumo Wrestling suits, Gladiator Jousting, Bungee Runs, Giant Slides, Mechanical Rides are something that the average youth doesn’t have access to unless it’s at a fair or festival. Using this type of safe yet challenging equipment is something that can attract youth from all around your area. Are you planning a lock in? How about a Halloween Alternative Event? Or perhaps a New Year’s Eve Party? The object of all these type of events is not only to offer safe, Christian alternatives to outside events, but also to show that being part of a Christian Youth Group is anything but boring. There are two ways to offer inflatables and interactives to your youth. Most organizations start out by renting their equipment. As you’re looking for a company to help you with your youth ministry, you’ll want to ask some specific questions!

* Does the Company Specialize in these types of activities?
* Do they have clean cut representatives that will help at your event if necessary
* Can they be flexible to your needs? (Pick up and Delivery at your needed times)
* Do they offer a discount to Christian Youth organizations?
* Are they fully insured?
* Will they work with your budget?

These questions and others can help you find the right company for your organization. You’ll also want to find out what kind of equipment they have to offer. You’ll be looking for bright colorful equipment and a fairly large assortment of games. Since the average youth tends to want to try different things, it’s important to be able to offer different items for each event. your youth organization grows larger or if you have the opportunity to share equipment with other organizations, you might want to consider purchasing your own equipment. Many times this offers an opportunity to keep your costs down while actually helping other youth organizations with their ministry. Many Youth Ministers have found that owning their own inflatables not only gave them a great tool to work with their youth ministry, but also a means of working with other groups in the area. Researching interactives for your ministry can be a fun and educational experience. Along with company websites, you can also find Blogs and even Squidoo sites that will help you with your plans. If you try inflatables and other interactive games to boost your youth ministry, you’ll be thrilled with your results, and so will your youth!

Ideas to Make your Indiana Picnic Great!

Indiana is a great place for an old time summer picnic. But how can you make your picnic special? Here are just a few ideas for your Indiana picnic.

1) Relay Races & games for the kids AND adults: Remember the old fashioned games? 3 legged race, wheelbarrow race, balloon squash, egg toss. But don't just do this for the kids. These type of games are great interactive games for the kids and the adults.

2) Cornhole Games: Cornhole games are a staple at most Indiana picnics. This craze grows more popular each year and the game is so addictive that once you start playing you won't want to stop.

3) Homemade Ice Cream: Remember how much fun it used to be to anticipate how great that ice cream would taste when it was finished?

4) Cotton Candy/Snow Cones: These are an added treat that make a picnic more like a festival. The machines can easily be rented at most party rental companies.

5) Volley Ball or Badmitton: Both games can be set up easily and offer a good chance to network with old friends.

6) Set up a Sprinkler: What could be more fun on a hot summer day.

7) Moonbounces are a blast: And can be rented easily for a day of fun and excitement.

8) Don't forget some simple games for people that don't want such a hectic play time. Cards are a great way to have fun with your friends and relax at the same time.

Just keep in mind that picnics are about relaxing with friends. All you need to do is throw in some food and drinks, good friends and a few entertainment ideas and your day will be complete.

Fly with Peter Pan in a Baby Tinkerbell Costume

Friday, November 30, 2007

Neverland is one of the most popular thoughts among children. They always want to be a part of a place where they never grow up and can be kids forever. Peter Pan is just one aspect of the characters from the Disney movie and story. For little girls the most popular character is Tinkerbell. Tinkerbell is the ultimate fairy and makes one of the best Halloween costumes. If you have a little child or baby you will want to look at the different baby Tinkerbell costumes you have to choose from. A baby Tinkerbell costume should have specific qualities including a dress, wings, want, and little ballet slippers. You can make this costume at home or you can buy one online. Below are a few tips for making a baby Tinkerbell costume from a pattern.

Tinkerbell by nature is a costume that needs warm weather. If you are living in a cold climate you probably want to add leggings and long arms to any pattern. You are going to need to visit a craft store or online store for patterns. You will have many choices in patterns for Tinkerbell because you can use a princess pattern, dress pattern, or Halloween patterns to find the best design for you. You can also choose an easy or more difficult pattern. Sometimes Tinkerbell is denoted with a tattered hemline, which can add a little difficultly to the pattern rather than having a straight hem. The arms for this type of tattered dress are also going to have a tattered hemline.

You can choose velvet, cotton, or fleece for the dress depending on the warmth you will need. You may also want to elongate the arms to keep your baby Tinkerbell costume warm. You will need to create a sash to keep the dress authentic. The wings of the baby Tinkerbell costume should be made with a sheer material and strong wire. The wire will help you keep the form and the sheer material is the best for keeping the original design. You may wish to add a little woodsman type cap to the costume to keep your babies head warm. Shoes can be made with the material or you can purchase white shoes with little green bows. The wand is one of the easiest aspects of the baby Tinkerbell costume because you need a pipe straw and a little material to form a wand. It can be in the shape of a flower, star or other object. For a baby Tinkerbell costume if you add something inside the wand like bells you will keep your baby entertained. The material should also be something safe your baby can chew on.

Make a Cuddly Little Raggedy Ann Costume

Halloween is one of the most fun holidays we have. Each year we all look forward to dressing up in costumes, having parties, and of course the candy. As babies they may not understand the whole ritual, but they certainly provide entertainment and a little fun to the night. If you are looking for ideas for your baby this year you might want to think about the Raggedy Ann baby costume or Raggedy Andy.

Raggedy Ann and Andy are characters from decades ago. While you may not think they are still popular once you have kids the story of Raggedy Ann and Andy comes alive again. To make a Raggedy Ann baby costume at home you will need a few materials and a few ideas. First Raggedy Ann is typically seen with a red curly mop of hair, a blue bonnet with white ruffles, a polka dot blue and white dress, and an apron. To make a Raggedy Ann baby costume at home from the materials you have you can choose a dress already in your baby's closet and add an apron. It won't take much to convert an old apron to child size. Most often we also have bonnets for our children in their closets so you can chose one that has ruffles and the blue color. The wig can be fashioned out of something you buy or yarn. Red yarn can make the perfect wig for Raggedy Ann, you take the center and create little ringlets or curls until you have enough to cover the head of your baby.

If you would rather create the Raggedy Ann baby costume from scratch you will need to have a pattern. You can find patterns online or in your local craft store. The dress and apron are really quite simple so it doesn't have to be a Halloween pattern. You can choose any pattern for the dress you like. Keep in mind that the typical fabric must be blue with white polka dots. This will help you signify the theme you have chosen. When you choose a Halloween pattern for the costume you will also get instructions on how to make the bonnet, apron and even the wig in some cases. It can make creating the whole costume easier. Depending on the age and location you live in you may want to create a sleep style dress to encase the baby's legs. This can make the entire costume a little warmer for them. Otherwise you will need to add little blue shoes to the costume with white ruffle socks.

Your only choice doesn't revolve around making a costume at home. While sometimes it may fit better into your budget or your desires to make clothing, you can also find Raggedy Ann baby costumes online. You can also make a whole family affair out of the Halloween theme by dressing yourselves as Raggedy Ann and Andy.

Cherry Blossom Wedding Theme

Thursday, November 22, 2007

If you're having a spring wedding, a cherry blossom theme might be appropriate. Delicate cheery blossoms enhance an Asian flair and are one of the wonderful delights of spring (and spring represents new beginnings).

To the Chinese the cherry blossom can be the symbol of love within herb and herbal lore. The cherry blossom is also the national flower of Japan (unofficially). Blooming cherry blossoms means not only the arrival of spring, but the beginning of the new. This is why it has been a popular wedding theme. Cherry blossoms can represent a bright future. It is probably the most favorite flower with the Japanese people.

Colors: Your colors for a cherry blossom wedding theme can consist of possible colors like pink, purple, white, brown and plum.

Decorations: Decorations ideas for a cherry blossom theme wedding can be:

Candles with a cherry blossom theme.
Paper lanterns.
Cherry blossom branches, twigs and sprays make an attractive floral arrangement or you can use them to tuck in with the bows and swags.
Cherry blossom parasols.
Cherry blossom garland.
Fans for outdoor events or you can have your bridesmaids hold the fans in place of bouquets (money saver).
Disposable cameras with cherry blossoms on the tables for guests.
Napkin holders with twigs of cherry blossoms add a nice touch to the table setting.
Cherry Blossom Floaters which you can get from Illuminations.
Cherry Blossom lights from From Graham and Greene. These are really beautiful and can be used in many ways.

You can accent the party even further by giving each table at the reception a name for well known cherry tree varieties such as Weeping Cherry, Yoshino Cherry, Chrysanthemum, Sargent Cherry, Goldbark Cherry, Black Cherry, New Year Cherry, Rice Cherry, Equinox Cherry, and don't forget Maraschino. Centerpieces:

You can place twigs in vases and then tie on miniature lanterns like an Easter egg tree. Lanterns come in all kinds of colors so it shouldn't be hard to find some that are going to match your wedding colors.

Where can you buy cherry blossoms for my Cherry Blossom wedding theme?

Try your local florist and nurseries first. March is when cherry blossoms bloom but they lose their petals fast, so your bouquet may thin out some as the hours go by. You might want to consider hydrangea. They have little petals, are sturdy and are available in many beautiful colors. If they're unavailable in town, then try artificial. You can find beaded branches at Whiteaisle. Try Michaels or Joannes and see if they carry them in silk.

You can also try the following for trees and maybe branches: greenwoodnursery.com
forestfarm.com
waysidegardens.com
jacksonandperkins.com
parkseed.com
fioribelli.com/
michaels.com/art/online/

You can usually rent trees from a party rental house. You should ask around in your location.

Food:

You can serve items like cherry dumplings, cherry cupcakes, cherry tarts, cherry cream filled chocolate truffles, cherry mousse, chocolate cherry coconut bon bons, pink champagne, cherry punch, duck with cherries, lamb with red wine and cherry sauce, or cornish hens with cherry stuffing. There are lots of food ideas for cherries. Just run a search for cherry recipes.

Wedding Favors with Cherry Blossom theme:

Cherry blossom scented incense or scented candle sets and candle tins. Favor dishes with cherry blossoms. Chinese take out boxes filled with pink and purple wrapped chocolates or chocolate covered cherries. Cherry blossom seedlings as favors (hard to find). Chopsticks. Cherry blossom magnets. Cherry blossom coasters.

Three Explosive Benefits of Using a Property Rental Service

Whether you have an apartment for rent in Spain, a Spain holiday rental property or villa rental property, you might be considering handling all the rentals yourself. But, be aware that there are many small details when renting property on your own. From advertising in local, national and international venues to house cleaning and maintenance, you could spend more time handling all these details than it's worth.

Fortunately, third-party property rental services have been established to help you with these details so you can just collect the apartment or vacation rental payments and forget about it! Below are three explosive benefits of using a property rental service for your apartment, home or villa.

1. Dependable Property Rental Management from a Distance

Perhaps you live in the United States, but own holiday rental property for golf holidays in one of these areas of Spain - Costa del Sol, Marbella, Benalmadena, Fuengirola, Mijas, Puerto Banus, or Elviria. You might have a tough time managing your property from a distance because of legalities such as insurance, taxes, building permits, utility set ups, etc. A property rental service that specializes in Spain rental property already knows all the formalities. They already have all the right contacts, and you can rest assured that every detail is being handled properly.

2. Eliminate Cleaning and Maintenance Worries

Cleaning and maintenance for your vacation rental property is probably the most demanding task. Perhaps you live too far from the rental property or are too busy to clean it yourself and keep up with maintenance. If that's the case, you will benefit tremendously by hiring a rental property service to handle this for you.

A rental property service will manage the cleaning by hiring maid services for departure cleanings or midweek cleanings. They will also schedule regular maintenance for the rental property and take care of emergency repairs when needed.

3. No More Marketing Headaches

Getting new tenants or vacation renters is no piece of cake. You must advertise your villa rental or holiday rental vacancy, interview with potential tenants, provide welcome packets for guests, check inventory before and after each stay, etc. A rental property service can handle all this and more for you.

Make Your Party Memorable

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Everyone knows that the majority of people are happy when their stomachs are full and the only way to get them to fill up on food is if it is enjoyable and exciting food. The two things that we can all agree on is that everyone loves to remember their good memories as a child and the second on is that we all have a sweet tooth. The best way to get the most bangs for your buck and accomplish both purposes is to rent a cotton candy machine for your next party. It does not matter if it is a child’s party or a business function everyone will love the machine.

Cotton candy has been around since the late 1800’s and has been a staple of every circus and carnival ever since. The reason is that it is easy to make, cheap to make, easy to eat and most of all fun and tasty to consume. The ability to make your own for your party guests is just a phone call away. The simplistic design makes these machine cheap to make and even cheaper to rent out. Your local party rental shop will have at least one and your local hardware store may even have some inexpensive and high quality machines to be purchased. Those few dollars will pay you back ten fold when your guests are pleased beyond words to stroll down memory lane with arguably the most memorable food of their childhood.

Nobody is really sure where to credit the invention of the machine to as it has been a point of argument for over one hundred years but the bottom line is that it is tasty and some genius invented it. The details are interesting to think about but only for a few minutes before you take your first bite of cotton candy. After that it is just great that it has been invented.

How To Find A Great Florida Vacation Rental - Are They All The Same?

Deciding that you want to rent a Florida vacation home is the easy part. Finding a good villa rental is the problem! There are plenty of good ones out there, but how do you sort through the maze?

You know the story. You decide that it is a great idea to stay in a rental near Disney World. You know that it makes sense to stay in a vacation home - so much more space than an hotel, fabulous value and best of all, your own home away from home. A sanctuary to return to after a day in the theme parks.

So you start your vacation home search on the internet. You are excited. You are optimistic. Why after less than an hour of looking for a Florida vacation homes are you ready to give up?

Because you are overwhelmed. There is so much out there that it is difficult to sort through and find exactly what your family needs.

This is a good thing. So long as you have some guidance and direction!

Think about what you want from your Orlando vacation rental home. Do you want the equivalent of a cheerful discount motel chain or do you want the 5 star treatment on a resort like Windsor Palms? Is the cost the most important thing or do you want value? Are you fine with the minimum or do you want upgraded to the max? Decide this before you begin your search so that you can narrow down your options.

So when you know what kind of home you are looking for, how do you find a good one? Start by finding some websites that you like. It is a good idea at this stage to limit yourself to a manageable number.

Contact the vacation home owner and ask as many questions as you need to. You can learn a lot from the responsiveness of the owner at this stage. If they won't answer your questions now and are not helpful now, how will it be if there is an unexpected problem with the house when you arrive?

Narrow your choice down to two or three and then discuss it with the rest of the party who are going to be staying at the house with you.

Vehicle Total Loss - Defend Your Rights and Get the Real Value of Your Car!

Friday, November 16, 2007

If you have a vehicle total loss, then you will soon learn that insurance companies are not as "consumer friendly" as they claim in T.V. commercials. Everyday we hear horrible stories about people getting offers for their vehicle total loss low as $50. The question usually asked is, is this legal? What is the process of settlement? We have written prior articles on the subject creating a lot of interest, so we decide to do your best to summarize the process and show you how you can protect your rights. A vehicle total loss exists when the value to fix the car is 70, 80, or even 90% of the total value of the car (it depends in your state law). For example, If the value of your car is $10,000 and if the estimate of repairs reach $7,000 ($8,000, or $9,000 depending in your location), then the car is a total loss.

Insurance companies know the value of the car before they are inspecting it. They do not disclose this value to you until the very end, but they have a good understanding of vehicle values. Usually, a third party company hired by the insurance company (usually CCC Information Services Group, Inc will do a preliminary evaluation of your car. They will look at vehicles on your local market to see the value of your car is "going for".

Once they determine the value of the car, they compare it with the repair estimate and they add the rental cost (if they would have to fix it, and you have rental coverage, the insurance company will take that into account), and determine if there is a vehicle total loss.

At this point, the "real" evaluation of your car begins. The insurance adjuster will inspect your car for prior damage, rust, cleanness, etc. They will also look at equipment, options, and special features. They will determine if your car is in excellent, normal, average, or below average conditions (or similar terminology). They will re submit that information to CCC (or other third party company) and usually within 24 hours, this company will give a report back with several comps in your local market for a vehicle just like yours.

The insurance adjuster still has the discretionary power to add or subtract certain things, for example, if they believe the car is in exceptional condition, they might add $200 to their offer. If the car has prior damage, then they will reduce what they believe it is adequate.

Here is where the "negotiation" begins. The vehicle total loss is a negation; however we put it in quotes because it will not appear to be one. The total loss adjuster will give you an offer and tell you that it is a final offer, then cut the rental car (actually, they will cut the rental car the day they tell you have a vehicle total loss, some jurisdictions allow for three days after that), and tell you that if you do not settle, then they will deduct the value of the salvage of the car (the value your car is worth acraps), and send you whatever is left.

Is that legal? Yeah it is. As long as the offer was within the "range" that CCC (or the third party company) gave, and the rental regulations are within the "state law requirement", insurance companies have the upper hand. Can you protect yourself? Yes, there are ways to defeat the above situation. You need to ask for the CCC report. This is critical. The insurance companies MUST (not optional) give it to you. They must give you the numbers they are looking at.

You can dispute this report if you believe they are not taking into account things they should be taking into account (your low mileage, for example). It is important to you do not forget about the original estimate of repair. If the insurance company is trying to make the value of your car so low, then ask them if they would fix it. If you can "pin" down what percentage do they use declare a vehicle total loss, then you can use a reverse math approach to argue that they need to fix the car (they will not to do that). The only way to truly win your vehicle total loss is by having all information in front of you. Do not settle until see everything. You will be surprised how many "mistakes" or how many things they "overlook" when negotiating with you.

Autumn Magic in Miami - Try a Miami Vacation Rental!

Miami, Florida, sizzles with excitement - but not heat - when you visit in the fall. Miami stays warm all year long, but you'll avoid the extreme heat and humidity if you visit "Little Cuba" in October or November. Don't worry, the temperatures might cool when summer ends, but the fun is still heating up!

You know what fall means - football season! Fans of the gridiron can go watch the Miami Dolphins play on their home turf. For those who prefer college ball, head to the Orange Bowl Stadium and watch the Miami Hurricanes take the field.

Miami has plenty of fall festivals to choose from. You can soak up some of the city's famous Latin culture at "Celebrando Contigo." Your kids will love "PJs in the Park." Free food and games and the whole day in their jammies!

Miami's warm fall weather will allow you to spend as much time outdoors as you like. Animal lovers will enjoy Parrot Jungle Island or an afternoon at the zoo. If you want to become one with nature, visit the Everglades National Park - just be sure to keep an out for alligators!

It's the end of a long day, and you're ready for a good night's sleep. Deluxe accommodations are available throughout Miami. You already know about hotels and resorts, but you should also look into Miami vacation rentals. Staying in a cottage, condo, or townhouse during your trip is a whole new experience.

Now that you're awake and refreshed after a restful night's sleep in your vacation rental, it's time to get up and moving again! For fine arts and culture, you can go see a ballet, listen to a symphony orchestra, or wander through one of Miami's several art museums.

Make Your Party Memorable

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Come See Party Cove

Party Cove, located in Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri is one of the wildest adventure spots in the United States. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, every weekend is a party at Party Cove. If you are not hip on seeing scantily clad men and women or wet and wild adventures, then you may want to avoid Party Cove during each weekend of the summer season. Otherwise, the area is in a serene setting backed by the beauty of Lake of the Ozarks.

The water party spot is located in Osage Beach. You cannot get there with the help of maps, unless they are homemade, but in the summer, you simply cannot miss finding this location. If you plan to boat to the Cove, you will just need to head over to the Grand Glaize Bridge. As you approach, if you do not see the party going on, then you will be able to hear it for sure.

From the bridge, you will be able to see hundreds (or thousands) of boats, heading at regulated speeds (just because it can get so wild) to a pre-determined location on the Lake. At the present, this area is officially known as Anderson Hollow Cove and it is located right off the shore from a Missouri state park.

Over the years, the location of Party Cove has moved around this man-made lake. This is mostly because real estate development, a booming industry in Lake of the Ozarks, has made it hard for partygoers to party quite so hardy in the backyard of these recent building developments. This has not slowed the celebration down. In fact, in recent years it has grown to the point where water patrol projects numbers in the three thousands for July 4 weekend alone.

Once visitors arrive at Party Cove, all of the boats are tied together, in a procession, to make one large, floating, party house. There is no other party quite like the one at Party Cove. Things can get wild as alcohol is distributed freely. Anything goes at Party Cove, and the excitement is enough to bring people from all over the country to Party Cove for at least one weekend in the summer.

The history of Party Cove dates back to the 1960's and the party continues on today. Sometimes, the party gets a little out of hand, as X-rated adventures occur. With this in mind, if you are into wild partying then you simply cannot afford to miss a trip to this wonder of the ozarks. Just remember not to get too out of hand.

The mile long path that Party Cove stretches across can lead to trouble if you are not careful. Make sure, if you drink, you have a designated driver of your boat. You will not want to be picked up for a BWI (boating while intoxicated). Otherwise, just remember to be safe and have fun. Your adventure at Party Cove is ready to begin, whenever you are ready to set sail and party!

Plan a Halloween Party They'll Never Forget!

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Have you noticed that Halloween isn’t just for kids anymore? It can be a great night for the whole family and particularly if you want an alternative to trick-or-treating. Throwing a Halloween Party is a sure fire way to get both adults and kids excited about Halloween.

Halloween party invitations are very important. They are the best way to get your guests excited about the party. Send out some great hand made Halloween party invitations, it will get the kids involved, and you can be sure your party will stick in people’s minds. Two weeks in advance is the best time to send them. Let them know there will be prizes for the best costume or scariest pumpkin (more about this later *)

- Create a cute ghost card using your kid’s footprint. Use some black construction paper and fold it in half. Have your child dip his/her foot into white paint and stamp the card with the footprint. Let your cards try. With a black marker a face to your ghost. Write a message with a gold pen inside your card.

- Use some of our printable Halloween invitations and write your message with a shaky hand, then wrap it in a little cob webbing and enclose little black plastic spiders for extra creepiness.

Create the spooky ambiance Halloween is famous for. Hairy spiders in webs in ceilings and corners is the classic but here are some other decorating tips:

- Cover tables with black table cloths and decorate with pumpkin cutouts and pumpkin garlands (you can get a pattern to make it yourself)

- Cover sofas and chairs with white sheets.

- Light essential passageways to the toilets or the bar with inexpensive rope lights but try to keep general lighting to a minimum, substituting black or red light bulbs.

- Have a pumpkin contest (announcing it in your invitation). * Ask your guests to bring their carved pumpkins to the party and you will have some of the best decorations delivered to your door.

- Make a pumpkin patch. Put some boxes on a table to get different heights for display, draping dark fabric over them. Add some real vines of leaves or green ribbons for contrast and of course use tea lights to illuminate. This could also be a good place for your snacks.

- Roll up orange napkins with black cutlery inside placing it inside a bat napkin holder.

- Place rows of tombstones with the names of your guests leading up to your door. Use decorated cardboard or cereal boxes.

- You can also hang Halloween lights around your front door and use a fog machine to welcome your guests (available at party rental stores)

Games and Activities can really make all the difference and they encourage people to mix. Don’t forget to have lots of prizes on hand.

- Create a Halloween photo backdrop for everyone to get a picture taken.

- Have an area where kids can create their own frame for their photo.

- Have a dance contest to the Monster Mash song.

- Have a Halloween Lotto giving out prizes of miniature candy bars or party favors.

- Rent Halloween videos for later in the evening.

When it comes to food and refreshments, it’s hard to know where to start. Serving chips and dips in black plastic cauldrons or floating a rubber hand in the punch bowl are just the beginning. There are many sites with great Halloween resources.

Halloween isn't just ghosts, witches and monsters or about candy or costumes. Halloween is a perfect time for spending time with family and friends. Having a Halloween party offers plenty of easy and interesting decorating projects and activities for kids as well as for adults.

5 Baby Shower Decorating Ideas

Decorations turn an everyday room into an occasion. Decorating for a baby shower doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Keep things simple and stick to a theme. Themes can be colors, animals, baby items or decoration themes. Having too many themes at your baby shower will make it seem unorganized. Colors work well with other themes. For example, pink & green colors with a frog theme.

Let us first focus on the tables. Whether a buffet table, a table for your guests to sit at or a gift table, you will need to cover them with fabric or plastic table covers. While I am not opposed to plastic table covers, make sure they are thick enough so you can’t see through to the table below. Fabric table covers can be expensive, especially if you have a lot of tables. Most party rental stores will rent fabric table covers.

Now that your tables are covered you can decorate them. Centerpieces create a focal point on the table. I went to a baby shower where they had a round table with a 5” high by 4” wide centerpiece. The table was 60” so it looked so empty. Take the size of your table into consideration. You can purchase something that mom to be can use such as a baby sock bouquet or diaper cake. You can have your favors as a centerpiece such as a lollipop bouquet or create a ring of favor bags or candles. Other table decorations, such as confetti, are optional.

If you are catering your baby shower make sure you put out plates, napkins, cups, and utensils. If you are using disposable plates and utensils make sure they will be sturdy enough so they won’t break.

I love balloon bouquets. All you need are some latex balloons. Bunch them up in groups of 5-6 balloons. Mix up the colors – pink & green, pink & white, blue & yellow, blue & white, etc. You can even substitute a Mylar baby shower balloon for one of the latex balloons. Weigh down the balloon bouquet with a balloon weight. Balloons, ribbon and balloon weights can be found at most party supply stores. Place balloons strategically around the room. I have to say that I’m not a fan of balloons on the floor. You run the risk of someone tripping on them and hurting themselves.

Walls can be decorated with baby shower banners or homemade posters of baby pictures of guests, mommy to be or daddy to be.

Decorating for a baby shower can be easy, inexpensive and fun. Be creative, keep things simple and enjoy your baby shower!

Buenos Aires Boom in Short-Term Apartment Rentals

Monday, November 12, 2007

Since their 2001 monetary crisis, Buenos Aires has been experiencing an ever-expansive boom in tourism that has driven the short-term apartment rentals, for visitors. Rising hotel room rates and easy internet browsing have made this urban vacation option increasingly attractive for many world travelers who yearn to spend less and live more like locals--even if only for just a week.

For these adventurers, Buenos Aires apartments are an attractive and cost-effective substitute to stay in a hotel. At your vacation apartment you can relax just like home, with friends or in blissful solitude. Enjoying your private oasis in the city with the stimulating "sea of humanity" just outside your tranquil door. Becoming a temporary client/friend of the neighborhood businesses/restaurants; savoring the daily hunting/gathering of fresh vegetables, fruits, meats, breads, wines and cheeses, in the extremely local family markets; relaxing in your barrio's gardens and parks as you synchronize your rhythms to those of Buenos Aires in your beautiful, rented pied-a-terre.

Unfortunately, of course, the local color can fade on occasion: appliances break; phone cards/communication lines become garbled; deposits are embezzled; etc. So, with this recommendation comes a clichéd caveat: Let the buyer beware. Make sure that your rental agency is reputable and honest. This task, of course, is much easier said than done and one should make sure to read and listen to as many trustworthy sources as possible, before choosing the one right for you. Be sure to do your homework in advance and give yourself plenty of time to make the right choice.Then, of course, the remainder of your visit will flow more easily.

So, why do vacationers rent when they could be ordering room service?

Top reasons to rent Buenos Aires apartments

1. The allure of experiencing life, however briefly, as a local: Of course, many people travel the world just to stay in the same place, no matter where they are but, for those who would rather savor the true flavors of a culture, a cuisine, a language, even if only briefly...nothing is better than living in the neighborhoods and "hangin' with the homeboys". Choosing your BA "hood" is the fun of it!! Let your agency help you find what's best for your lifestyle.

2. More Space and Privacy: Hotel rooms, even with daily maid service, become crowded quickly. How to get away from your insomniac roommate? A snorer? The party next door? Find a spacious, fully furnished, two bedroom loft in Puerto Madero. With an open kitchen plan and outdoor balconies, you and your family can spread out and be comfortable with little effort.

3. Convenience of cooking for Yourself: Even with the 3-1 exchange rate between the dollar and peso, restaurant meals, in BA, can become expensive, depending on where one eats. Also, the pleasure of shopping for and cooking with fresh local ingredients, accompanied with fine, Argentinean wines, in your own home, on your normal schedule, can be both indescribable and more economical, as well as the best antidote to fight the daily routine of eating out during vacation time.

4. Save Money: Renting an apartment in Buenos Aires can equate to a 50% saving on Buenos Aires hotels of the same standard.

Choosing to short-term rent an apartment in BA is something distinctive in a world of sameness. It draws the line distinguishing the value of individuality from mass production. It is the most natural way to approach the rich, Buenos Aires culture and can be one of the most unforgettably wonderful travel experiences of your life!

Benefits of Lake Tahoe Cabin Rentals

Lake Tahoe cabin complexes rangein size from small, six-unit, luxury rentals in the woods, to larger cabins with common pools and private beaches. There is something here for everyone.

Some folks come to the lake with half a dozen fishing, drinking and gambling buddies. All they want is a roof over their heads and the basic amenities so they can have fun for a few days. Groups who come together to ski particular mountains will crash on the floor and do it all again the next day. Some people want privacy for romantic reasons or simply escape from the pressures of city life. All of these needs can be met with a cabin vacation rental available in and around the Lake Tahoe area.

There are cabins, so beautiful, so big and well designed that they are really no longer cabins, but rather, woodsy mansions around the lake. And there are cabins so small that they are almost filled completely by the bed and bathroom they contain. You can find it all by researching websites such, or simply by calling a local realtor in the area who specializes in cabin vacation rentals.

With cabins, unlike condos or houses for rent, there are packages that accommodate specific recreational activities. For example, fishermen who would like a cabin right on the water that sleeps six, might also request such amenities as fishing gear, boats, life preservers or vests as well as bait waiting for them when they arrive. As soon as these men arrive at the location and stow their travel gear, they could actually be suited up and fishing in no time at all. All of that type of catering is available when you rent cabins at Lake Tahoe. Whether it’s peace and quiet, exciting nightlife and gambling, lake recreation or a family vacation you can find it somewhere around Lake Tahoe!

Vehicle Total Loss - Defend Your Rights and Get the Real Value of Your Car!

Monday, November 5, 2007

If you have a vehicle total loss, then you will soon learn that insurance companies are not as "consumer friendly" as they claim in T.V. commercials. Everyday we hear horrible stories about people getting offers for their vehicle total loss low as $50. The question usually asked is, is this legal? What is the process of settlement? We have written prior articles on the subject creating a lot of interest, so we decide to do your best to summarize the process and show you how you can protect your rights. A vehicle total loss exists when the value to fix the car is 70, 80, or even 90% of the total value of the car (it depends in your state law). For example, If the value of your car is $10,000 and if the estimate of repairs reach $7,000 ($8,000, or $9,000 depending in your location), then the car is a total loss.

Insurance companies know the value of the car before they are inspecting it. They do not disclose this value to you until the very end, but they have a good understanding of vehicle values. Usually, a third party company hired by the insurance company (usually CCC Information Services Group, Inc will do a preliminary evaluation of your car. They will look at vehicles on your local market to see the value of your car is "going for".

Once they determine the value of the car, they compare it with the repair estimate and they add the rental cost (if they would have to fix it, and you have rental coverage, the insurance company will take that into account), and determine if there is a vehicle total loss.

At this point, the "real" evaluation of your car begins. The insurance adjuster will inspect your car for prior damage, rust, cleanness, etc. They will also look at equipment, options, and special features. They will determine if your car is in excellent, normal, average, or below average conditions (or similar terminology). They will re submit that information to CCC (or other third party company) and usually within 24 hours, this company will give a report back with several comps in your local market for a vehicle just like yours.

The insurance adjuster still has the discretionary power to add or subtract certain things, for example, if they believe the car is in exceptional condition, they might add $200 to their offer. If the car has prior damage, then they will reduce what they believe it is adequate.

Here is where the "negotiation" begins. The vehicle total loss is a negation; however we put it in quotes because it will not appear to be one. The total loss adjuster will give you an offer and tell you that it is a final offer, then cut the rental car (actually, they will cut the rental car the day they tell you have a vehicle total loss, some jurisdictions allow for three days after that), and tell you that if you do not settle, then they will deduct the value of the salvage of the car (the value your car is worth acraps), and send you whatever is left.

Is that legal? Yeah it is. As long as the offer was within the "range" that CCC (or the third party company) gave, and the rental regulations are within the "state law requirement", insurance companies have the upper hand. Can you protect yourself? Yes, there are ways to defeat the above situation. You need to ask for the CCC report. This is critical. The insurance companies MUST (not optional) give it to you. They must give you the numbers they are looking at.

You can dispute this report if you believe they are not taking into account things they should be taking into account. It is important to you do not forget about the original estimate of repair. If the insurance company is trying to make the value of your car so low, then ask them if they would fix it. If you can "pin" down what percentage do they use declare a vehicle total loss, then you can use a reverse math approach to argue that they need to fix the car (they will not to do that). The only way to truly win your vehicle total loss is by having all information in front of you. Do not settle until see everything. You will be surprised how many "mistakes" or how many things they "overlook" when negotiating with you.

Protaras Cyprus The Fun Family Resort

Once people have visited the beautiful Mediterrannean paradise Island of Cyprus she tends to draw them back year after year. Resorts on the Island are great for family holidays and the resort of Protaras on the East coast is arguably one of the best. If you are looking for sun, sea and great family nights out you could be in just the right place. There is plenty to keep all the family entertained in Protaras including one of the best beaches in Cyprus known as fig tree bay. Here you will find a great selection of water sports including paracending, water skiing and plenty for the kids too enjoy too. If you like the sea you will love Protaras resort with its miles of safe sandy beaches, restaurants and so much more. You can even hire a self drive power boat by the hour, anchor up and do some snorkeling in the warm crystal clear Mediterranean Waters. A great trick that works real well is to take a bag of bread crumbs and release them into the sea then watch the thousands of beautiful fish feeding on them.

Protaras has just about every kind of restaurant you could ever wish for with a great selection of reasonably priced dishes on offer. Chinese, Mexican and Italian being some of the firm favorites with Cyprus holiday makers who just keep on coming back for more. The exclusive Eden Square area is also well worth a visit with its Japanese restaurant that cooks the food right at your table. There's also a beautiful Italian and a Mexican called El Chico if you want to try something a little more colorful. The cafe bar at the front of the courtyard is a great place to watch the free cabareted and there's a great traditional Greek tavern in the square too. The little one's haven't been forgotten either because Protaras has a Macdonalds, a Pizza Hut and a southern fried chicken outlet too. There are also some fabulous flambe restaurants dotted around the resort where the meat eaters get to watch their steaks being cooked at the table too.

Family entertainment is well catered for in Protaras and visitors are treated to several "famous" artiste. Well, actually they are mostly brilliant impersonators taking off some famous performers on a nightly basis. Don't be surprised to discover that Elvis is playing several venues at the same time or to be treated to performances by the likes of Robbie Williams and Kyle Minogoue. Everything from stage hypnosis to hilarious comedy drag acts provide great family fun well into the night. There are even a few night clubs in Protaras if you want to party on until dawn without needing to visit Agia Napa just up the road. On the other hand if you just want to relax with a nice cool drink there are dozens of great bars to choose from. Many of these places are theme bars such as Cheers or only fools and horses where those obsessed with their favorite TV shows can sit and watch the re runs all night. Fancy a taste of Egypt? You could visit the Sphinx bar at the top of the main street. It's all decked out like an ancient Egyptian temple with mock statues and plaster pillars which are a stark contrast with the wide sports screens.

If you get bored with eating drinking and relaxing there are plenty of places to visit. The church of profitis Elias is set high above Protaras on a hill and you can't miss it because it's bathed in lights at night. A brisk walk up the hundred or so steps should soon burn off a few of those excess pounds acquired over dinner. The view from the top is in short spectacular and well worth the effort of the climb. The picturesque Cape Grecko or Cavo Greco as it is also known makes a great trip off resort and is only a few kilometers outside of Protaras on the road to Agia Napa. This area is a protected national park and an area of outstanding natural beauty with plenty of footpaths and picnic areas too. Down against the coast is a tiny church built above the Cavo Greco sea caves where the early Christians used to meet in secret to avoid persecution. Cyprus is steeped in a rich cultural history dating back thousands of years so you may want to book on one of the many sightseeing tours as well. The chances are that once you have visited Cyprus you will return and a great place to start your holiday is Protaras.

Growing Your Party Rental Business

Thursday, November 1, 2007

Marketing a party rental business can seem difficult at times. Most companies try the yellow pages first. But my marketing program is a bit different. Over 75% of my marketing is done with a newsletter.

I am always amazed when people tell me they don't think a newsletter will work well for them. Why not? You are an expert on entertainment....don't you think people could use your help?

Setting up a newsletter is fairly easy. You'll need a newsletter service with an autoresponder. I use Intellicontact for mine. It's very easy to set up a form for sign ups on your website.. Sometimes it helps to offer an incentive. A free party drawing is a great way to get people to sign up for your newsletter. Just make sure that if you do this, follow through and actually give away a party. That's just one more story for your newsletter.

I actually do two different sets of writings. When people sign up for my pricelist they get a series of preplanned emails that tell all about our business. I write these one time. You can write a year's worth of short letters if you want. They go out at a preplanned time to the customer. Then, you have your actual newsletter. I usually do my rental news about once a month although you might choose to do one more frequently. Decide what your goal is when a customer subscribes to your letter. Is it a quick sale? A possible customer who will tell others about you? A great rental? Probably your goal will be all of the above. And you can achieve the goal easily if you do the right type of letter.

Keep your letter informative. Offer information beneficial to the customer. You might offer theme party ideas, decorating ideas or tips on specialized parties. BUT, in addition to tips, you want to drive the customer to your website or get them thinking about doing business with you. AND you want some quick sales from your newsletter.

Here's a format that might work: Write a generic letter listing some entertainment ideas for different types of events. Change events for each newsletter so there's always something to look forward to. Include games, recipes or anything else your readers might enjoy. Include some links to affiliate products you sell...books on planning parties, decorating websites, kids games. And finally, focus a couple of paragraphs on specific items that you offer that might be beneficial to your customers.

How To Start A Party Rental Company

I’m sure you’ve seen moonbounces at various parties & events. Perhaps you’ve even rented one. But have you ever thought about the financial windfall that can come with owning a couple of the units?

Moonbounces rent for anywhere from $85.00/day on the west coast to $250.00 & up in other parts of the country. Here in Indianapolis, we rent ours for around $225.00 for four to six hours. So…if you charge $150.00 for your rental, you can make an extra $300.00 per week in income.

Of course, there are some expenses that come with the rental. You’ll need a truck or a small trailer. A good dolly, extension cords, business cards, insurance and other small business items. Most people who start up a rental company do the deliveries and bookings themselves. That’s the joy of it. You work when you want to….not when you’re told to. On the other hand…the downside is that if you want the income you might as well accept that it’s going to be there on the weekend and that’s when you’ll be working.

The most expensive part of inflatables is the insurance. Insurance tends to get cheaper as you insure more units but the start up can be a bit tough. The average moonbounce costs around $1500.00 with the insurance running another $750.00. So…you can start up with one bounce for around $2500.00. At a rental rate of $150.00 you’ll have your expenses and covered in less than twenty rentals. Of course…if you charge what we do, you’re unit & costs will be paid for in about ten to twelve rentals.

Moonbounces aren’t the only thing you can rent. We started five years ago with two moonbounces and now have over fifty interactive games. Jousts, Giant Slides, Obstacle courses, video games, casino equipment and fun foods. So, as you can see the business will grow as large as you want it to. About the only way to fail is to purchase the equipment and leave it in your garage. Inflatable moonbounces and other inflatables are their own best advertisement.

To get going on your new business you just need to follow these simple steps.

1) Talk to your state and local boards to find out what is necessary to open your own inflatable rental business. Some states have restrictions on what you can do.

2) Start talking to suppliers. Search the web for “moonbounce” or “interactive games”

3) Ask the suppliers to give you insurance info. Do NOT make a purchase until you’ve secured insurance.

4) Once you have insurance locked up, place your order.

5) While you’re waiting for your equipment, get some fliers made up, business cards and a dedicated phone number. Tell EVERYONE about your new business.

6) Although you’re starting to advertise, it’s not recommended to book your units before they arrive. That’s just asking for trouble.

7) As soon as your equipment arrives, inspect it for damage before the delivery truck leaves. Make sure it’s all there (most units are sold with a blower).

8) Blow up your equipment and get familiar with it. Sit it in your yard or a friends yard and let the kids play. The more it’s seen the more people will want it.

Pretty simple, isn’t it? Of course I just touched on the steps but it’s not much more complicated than that. If you join the Party Rental Industry you’ll be sharing fun with everyone. And that’s a great way to make an income.

Come See Party Cove

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Air Conditioner Rentals

People needing air conditioners for temporary purposes can approach Air Conditioner Rental companies. Rental companies provide air conditioners on rent for short term or long term periods and charge rent on a monthly basis.

Temporary businesses, business meetings, wedding receptions, and high school and college functions are events that can preferably take air conditioners on rent. Even homes that do not wish to spend huge sums on purchasing air conditioners can rent them for the summer months. Shops and establishments that are not willing to spend their money on outright purchases can reduce their infrastructure investments by renting air conditioners.

Several companies offer air conditioners on rent at attractive discounted prices, especially during the sultry summer months. However, it is sometimes necessary to book for an air conditioner in advance, because the demand shoots up during the summer. Businesses may require a large number of air conditioner units, which also must be booked in advance.

When a party approaches a rental company for cooling requirements, the rental company may send one of their experts to inspect the area of the room and other factors. Once this is done, they will suggest the tonnage and type of air conditioner that may be suited to the room. This kind of service is usually free and provided by the rental company. Then estimates are drawn and there may be negotiations on the rent. A formal contract is signed and the air conditioner is installed at the venue of the renting party.

Air Conditioner Rental companies deal in all kinds of air conditioners, such as window, split, central, portable, industrial, and more. Generally, the type of air conditioner is decided based on the venue requiring cooling. Prices vary according to the kind of air conditioner installed. Central air conditioning is the priciest and window is the cheapest.

Some companies charge a deposit before giving the air conditioner on hire. Any damage to the air conditioner during its usage is compensated for from the deposit money. If there are no deductions, then the entire deposit is refunded on return of the air conditioner.

The rent on an air conditioner unit depends on the length of time it is rented for and its make. It may be a few hundred dollars per month.

Travel Insurance for Vacation Rentals

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

A family booked a rental cottage last summer, arrived safely and just loved the cottage. However, on the second day of their two week stay, the mom got a call to say her father was seriously ill and not expected to live. The family packed up and returned home, and sadly, her dad died a few days later. After the funeral, the renter called the cottage owner and asked what sort of refund she could expect as they had only used 2 days of their 14 day booking. The owner refused to pay any refund with the explanation that she relied on the cottage rental income to pay the costs of her cottage and it was always fully booked through the season. She was not able to find a replacement rental party at the last minute and as the rental agreement stated; if that was the case no money would be returned. Of course the rental group did not have travel insurance, which would probably have covered trip curtailment due to the illness and/or death of a close relative. The rental cost the family over $4000 and they were not able to recover a penny of that money.

Many people believe that trip insurance is only necessary if there is a flight involved; where delay, lost baggage, and the risk of the airline going bust, is covered; and medical cover is required in a foreign country. It’s not considered important, or not considered at all, to buy insurance to cover a trip taken by road to a self catering property in the same province or the same country.

Think again! Most cottage bookings are made several months in advance and many things could happen after you have booked to change your circumstances. Illnesses of any member of the traveling party, redundancy or a call to jury service are just a few of the situations that would be covered by a travel insurance policy. A few insurance companies also offer a ‘change of mind’ clause, allowing you to cancel for any reason after a booking has been made and paid in full. This normally pays out an amount sufficient to cover any cancellation fee the rental agency or owner may apply.

When you book your vacation rental property, check the property owners or agencies cancellation policies carefully. If it is not clear, ask the question. In general, most private owners and rental agencies will attempt to rebook a property if it is cancelled, and refund your money for the period they have rebooked, less a cancellation fee.

Plan a Halloween Party They'll Never Forget!

Make Your Party Memorable

Monday, October 29, 2007

5 Baby Shower Decorating Ideas

Great Party Ideas -- Bouncing Houses and Moon Jumps

Thursday, October 25, 2007

So you are planning to throw a party for your Child's birthday, now you need to work out how you plan to entertain them.

From my own experience I have learnt that for most children between the ages of two and ten an inflatable bouncing house or moon jump is a fantastic party idea!

For those of you that don’t know what they are or have never come across this concept I will explain. An inflatable bouncing house is a large inflatable structure generally with an area for bouncing on. In the UK they are called bouncy castles, they are so called because the first bouncing houses in the UK were actually shaped like castles with turrets and towers. Nowadays the shapes and designs are very varied, you can find bouncing houses with inflatable slides attached to them, or with other inflatable structures inside for climbing on. Find more info at www.bouncyfunforall.info

The artwork themes of bouncing houses can really thrill a child who is fanatical about a television character, as you can find many units with specific themes.

The great thing about having a bouncing house at your party is that while you are busy preparing food and decorating your home, the rental company will come and erect the structure for you, so all you need to do is switch the electric plug on and you are ready to go.

No need to worry about party games as once the children get on the bouncer you will have a hard job getting them off!

At the end of the party the rental company will come back and take the structure away.

Rental rates for bouncing houses are not very expensive, but when you are selecting a rental company there are a couple of things to find out first. Make sure that the units they use are clean and regularly maintained, and ask whether they have insurance. It is likely that you will be asked to sign a responsibility waiver, which basically states that you will be responsible for the safe use of the children using the bouncing house.

After Prom Party and School Carnival Event Ideas

Spring is upon us, which means that just around the corner the school season will be winding up. For many students it means a time for fun and laughter. But for many high school juniors and seniors, their minds are focus on prom night.

Prom night is a major highlight of many students high school career. On this night, everything is planned to be perfect and run smoothly. This can also be a stressful time for the teachers and parents who attend prom. Staying on top of things and making sure that nothing gets "out of hand" can be somewhat overwhelming. Especially when it come to the prom after parties.

Many schools will arrange for games and activities to be held on campus to prevent the students from getting into trouble. Sadly, many students will never attend these functions, due to childish games or lack off interest. The key to remember is to try and find something that will keep the students attention and provide great entertainment. A question to ask yourself is, "Will the students be able to enjoy this time and time again?" Having games and activities that are fun, but only last for a short period of time will only lead the student to boredom. It is important to keep the students active and entertained.

When I was a freshman in college, my university held a block party for all arriving freshman. The university had blocked off two major intersections and parking lots so we could as walk about and interact. To keep up occupied and a part of the festivities, the university had rented an inflatable moonwalk, and an inflatable obstacle course. Students were lining up to try out these games and would still get back in line after they were done.

Inflated games have been hits for all types of school or even church events. They can provide safe and clean fun for students or adults. Most rental companies that offer inflatable games can usually be found on the Internet or in the yellow pages. But before you to decide on a company to rent from, hear are three things to think off.

1. What is the condition of the equipment?

2. Where is the company you are renting from located and is there a traveling fee?

3. Is there enough space to accommodate these inflated games at location of the party?

4. Ask the company for an approximate number of guests a game can allow per hour.

5. Does the company provide skilled equipment supervisors?

The idea behind these games is to bring laughter and enjoyment to everyone around. Keeping these five simple questions in mind, you will be able to decide if the company you are going to rent from is truly going to provide you with the best in inflatable entertainment possible.

Ideas to Make your Indiana Picnic Great!

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Tips For Planning A 50th Wedding Anniversary Party

Planning a 50th wedding anniversary party can be a great honor. You can have friends and family at the event that could not be at the original ceremony. Planning a 50th wedding anniversary is also more relaxed because there is less stress and pressure involved.

The anniversary party is more the celebration of two well-lived lives that have endured tough times and emerged all the better for it. You can make the party fun, too, by planning as you would for a wedding. Planning a 50th wedding anniversary can also be more fun because it is an event that family and friends can plan together.

When planning a 50th wedding anniversary party, you can flex your creativity by sending out invitation pictures. This can mean a variety of things, but one way you can do this is to include a picture of the happy couple on their wedding day.

These wedding invitation pictures provide a feeling of nostalgia, while giving younger guests an idea of what the couple of honor looked like 50 years ago. You may want to include a picture of the couple on their wedding day and a current picture to show how they have progressed over the years.

Wedding reception rental options makes planning such an anniversary party less expensive. Instead of renting a large and extravagant hall, you can take advantage of less-expensive reception rentals. A VFW hall is an ideal place to have your anniversary party.

This type of reception rental is generally cheaper to rent than other places. You can also select a church with a fellowship hall, instead of a more expensive wedding reception rental. A family member's home also makes a great place for the event. When planning a 50th wedding anniversary party, explore all of your options to find the best place to have it.

If you've ever tried planning such a party, you've probably noticed that it is very similar to organising a traditional wedding. As a creative idea, you can try to recreate the actual day that the happy couple got married.

Many of the same things are included in both events, such as wedding reception rentals and delicious cakes. Most 50th anniversary parties have dancing and music so the guests can have a delightful experience.

Planning a 50th anniversary party can be just as much fun as planning for the original day. From the invitation pictures to the catering of the event, family and friends can pitch in to make this day just as special as the original day.

This can even be more special because the couple can enjoy the company of people who have stood by their side for the last five decades, while reveling in the company of kids, grandkids, and great grandkids.

Archives

Labels