• Creative Table Arrangements for Your Event

    Before you make arrangements for the chair and table rentals for your special event, consider the physical arrangements of the items in your space. Try to break up the floor plan in a way that’s visually appealing by using different types of party rentals. For example, you could have two very long, rectangular tables separated by a row of smaller, circular tables. Or, you could have two long, rectangular tables lined up right next to either side of a shorter, rectangular table that acts as the head table. The result would be one unbroken “U” shape.

    Perhaps you’re planning a wedding, and you intend to emphasize the presence of the dance floor. Include four long, rectangular tables in your wedding rentals list, and have them frame all sides of the dance floor. Just leave some walking space between the tables.

    American Party Rental is a local leader in affordable, high-quality party supplies for every special occasion. Call us at (512) 837-6500 to inquire about chair and table rentals in Austin, TX.

  • How to Propose a Toast Like a Pro

    People have been toasting with alcoholic beverages for at least a couple thousand years. It’s thought that the ceremonial toast got its name from the piece of spiced bread that was added to beverages during the 17th century for the purpose of enhancing flavor. Fortunately, that’s one tradition that has died out, but proposing a toast is still a good way to drink to someone’s health and future prosperity. If you’re planning a special event, you may be expected to give a toast. Use the following tips to propose a toast like a pro. Don’t forget to rent the right party supplies, like elegant glassware!

    Prepare your toast in advance.

    Your toast will be better received if you plan what to say in advance. Write your notes on an index card. Index cards are rigid enough to be easily held up and referred to. Unlike a speech, you could write down your toast word-for-word, since it will only be a few sentences long. This may be best if you’re particularly nervous about public speaking, or if you’ve never given a toast before.

    Choose the right time to propose a toast.

    It’s always a good idea to propose a toast before you have much alcohol in your system. However, do wait until all of the adult guests have received their drinks. Wait until all of the guests are seated. Then, stand up to get the guests’ attention. As you do so, hold your own glass in front of you, a little bit above the level of your waist.

    Keep your toast short and concise.

    Unless every guest has already met you, introduce yourself briefly. Say a few words about why everyone has gathered together. Then, raise your glass to eye level and share a wish for the future. Start your sentence with “May.” For example, say, “May the happy couple’s love endure forever.” Conclude your toast by dedicating it. For example, say, “To the happy couple.” Then, simply take a sip and take your seat.

    For all of the special event rentals you’ll need in Austin, TX, you can turn to American Party Rental. We make it easy to find everything you need for your wedding or company party, so you can focus on perfecting your toast. Call (512) 236-5773 or browse our party supplies catalog online.

  • Easy Steps for Boxing a Tablecloth

    The right table linens can add class to your special event. But if the linens don’t fit the table precisely, your guests might trip over the excess cloth. This problem is easily averted by boxing the table. Table linens are typically boxed when they are used on buffet or drink tables, rather than the guests’ tables, since it isn’t possible to box all of the corners. When done correctly, boxed table linens present a beautiful look for the three sides of the table that will be visible to guests.

    Watch the accompanying video to see a step-by-step demonstration of the proper technique. This etiquette expert shows viewers how to carefully lift the corner of the table linen, bring it toward the center of the table, clear out the creases and lumps, and fold it over the outer edge of the table to create a beautifully boxed corner.

    If you’re looking for elegant and affordable table linen rentals in Austin, TX, look no further than American Party Rental. Call our fully stocked party store at (512) 236-5773 or browse our online linen gallery for inspiration.

  • Dealing with Trash at Your Wedding

    So you’ve finalized the guest list, booked the venue, and pored over catalogs of floral arrangements and wedding cakes. Planning a wedding can be fun, but there are lots of little decisions to make that aren’t quite as glamorous as shopping for a dress—like arranging for trash disposal. Call a party store that offers wedding rentals, and ask for guidance on how many trash cans you’ll need, given your number of guests. In general, you’ll want at least one large capacity trash can at each area of the reception venue—like the bar and the buffet tables. If your guests can easily identify where they should toss their trash, then your venue will stay clean and look more appealing in the wedding photos.

    Of course, no one wants an ugly trash can cluttering up a wedding reception. Fortunately, there’s an easy fix for this. You can place a skirted trash can topper right over the receptacle. The elegant black skirt hides the trash can itself, while the top hides most of the trash from view—leaving just a small window through which to toss the trash.

    When you rent our large capacity trash cans for your special event, don’t forget to rent our skirted trash can toppers to camouflage the bins. Call American Party Rental at (512) 236-5773 if you have any questions about renting your wedding supplies in Austin, TX.

  • Rock Your Block with These Neighborhood Party Planning Tips

    There’s nothing like a neighborhood block party to bring different families together. It does take considerable effort to plan a successful block party, so it’s a good idea to enlist some of your neighbors to lend a helping hand. Delegate tasks to ensure everything gets done in time. Someone else could be in charge of spreading the word about the event, while you coordinate the event rentals, for example.

    Keep it legal.

    It’s likely that you’ll need a permit to host a block party. Check with your municipality. Be sure to adhere to all of the requirements. Depending on where you live, you may need to:

    • Submit your permit application at least two months before the event
    • Limit your event to just one block and just one day
    • Keep your event open to all neighbors on the block

    Additionally, you may need to obtain other permits if you wish to:

    • Sell goods or services
    • Serve alcohol
    • Solicit donations or hold a raffle for a fundraiser
    • Have amplified sound or a live band
    • Use a generator

    Decide which food and beverages to serve.

    Most neighborhood block parties serve carnival-style food and beverages. You could serve snacks, like warm pretzels, hot funnel cakes, and popcorn. You could also offer barbecue fare, like hot dogs, grilled chicken, and burgers. Plan to have plenty of bottled water and soda on hand for thirsty partygoers. Remember that your municipality may prohibit you from charging an entrance fee to cover the cost of the food and party supplies, so you’ll have to get together with your neighbors to determine a fair way to split the costs.

    Publicize your event.

    Design some simple posters to hang around your block to draw attention to the upcoming party. To ensure your event will be well-attended, you could also print individual invitations. Mail them to each family on your block.

    At American Party Rental, you’ll find everything you need to host a fun block party, including carnival games. Our party store in Austin, TX even offers cotton candy machines, funnel cake fryers, and snow cone machines! Get in touch today at (512) 236-5773, and let us know how we can make your event one to remember!

  • Generate Buzz with a Product Launch Party

     

    Your company is getting ready to launch a new product. How can you make the most of this experience? Product launch parties let you generate buzz and bring people together to celebrate. With some planning and the right party accessories , you can be sure to plan an exciting and successful product launch party:

    Outline Your Goals

    The first step to take is defining the goals you have for your event. What do you expect from your new product? How do you think your target audience will react? Outline the goals you have for your event so that you’ll be able to make sure you’re accomplishing what you need to do throughout the planning process.

    Choose a Venue

    When you’re getting ready to release a new product , you’ll want to make sure people know about it. That is why it’s important to find a venue that will be able to host your product launch party. Think about who you want to invite and how many people you expect to attend. You should also think about any activities or speeches you want to plan for the event, as these elements will help you narrow down your venue options. Choose a location that will provide plenty of space for everything you expect to do during your event.

    Find the Right Event Rentals

    Once you know where your party will be held, you can start choosing your event rentals. If your venue is outside, you should look into tent rentals to provide a cool and comfortable space for your guests. You’ll also want to look at options for table and chair rentals as well as table linen rentals so you can offer your guests plenty of space to sit or stand and chat, eat, drink, and watch any presentations you have planned.

    If you’re looking for event rentals in Austin, TX, for your product launch, you can find them with American Party Rental ! Give us a call at (512) 236-5773 to learn about our selection of items for company parties and other events, including table linens, party supplies, and more.

  • Delectable Menu Ideas for Your Luau Party

    Summer means fun in the sun, and what’s more fun than a luau party? If you’re getting ready to host a luau-themed bash this season, then you’ll need to get the perfect party supplies and come up with a tasty menu. Try some of these menu ideas to impress your guests at your upcoming luau event:

    Kebabs

    No matter what type of food you want to serve at your party, you can make it fun and easy to eat with kebabs! These classic party foods typically feature pieces of grilled meat and grilled vegetables on a skewer and they can be customized to fit your luau party theme . You can pair grilled pork with pineapple cubes for a tropical treat, or totally mix things up by making veggie-only kebabs or sweet kebabs with pieces of fruit.

    Shrimp Salsa

    Chips and salsa are a great choice for any summer party. If you want to make this appetizer more luau-friendly, you can add shrimp to your salsa for more beach flavor. Start by grilling shrimp that has been peeled and de-veined. Next, chop up the shrimp and mix it with chopped pineapple, red onion, red bell pepper, minced jalapeno, and any other seasonings you desire. Serve your shrimp salsa with tortilla chips for a delicious and refreshing snack.

    Beverages

    A party isn’t complete without drinks! Keep it classic by serving Mai Tais and pina coladas. Rum punch is another great island-themed choice that is sure to keep your guests happy. You should also have plenty of non-alcoholic drinks at the party, including water, soda, fruit punch, lemonade, and any other beverages that you think your guests will enjoy.

    Are you ready to plan your luau event? You can find the perfect party supplies in Austin, TX, here at American Party Rental. Our event rentals include party equipment, table linen rentals, tent rentals, and more. Call us at (512) 236-5773 for more information.

  • Being an Elegant Diner: Dessert Etiquette

    If you’ll be attending a formal event where a meal will be served, it’s important to brush up on your dining etiquette. This includes learning what to do before, during, and after the meal—including what to do during dessert.

    You can get some helpful advice for dessert etiquette by watching this video. As you will see, you can use both the spoon and fork or just use one. In between bites, your utensil or utensils should be placed carefully on your plate, never on the tablecloth. If coffee and tea are being served, only turn your cup right-side up if you want the beverage being offered. If any of your fellow guests ask you to pass anything, pass items to the right and pass them with the handle facing the person accepting them.

    Are you planning the event? If so, let American Party Rental help you find all the Austin, TX party rentals you need ! Call us at (512) 236-5773 for more information about our event rentals including tables, tents, chairs, and more.

  • Check Out Our New Carnival Games!

    Party supplies come in many forms for many different types of events. When you look through the selection at American Party Rental, you’ll find a variety of event rentals and accessories to help you plan an unforgettable celebration. If you want to throw your very own carnival, it’s easy with the new carnival games available here at American Party Rental!

    If you love sports, then you’ll love our selection of sports-themed games, including 2 Minute Drill, Strike ‘Em Out, and the Golf Challenge Frame Game. You can also choose from fun games and activities like Plinko, horseshoes, Dunk Tank, and air castles! With our wonderful selection of party supplies and event rentals, you’re sure to find something to entertain guests of all ages that will attend your event.

    Get the party started with American Party Rental! If you’d like to learn more about our new carnival games and other party equipment in Austin, TX, you can take a look at our party supply website or call us at (512) 236-5773.

  • Wedding Linen Rentals 101

    Table linens are a foundational element for your décor. Choose linens in a neutral palette to complement your décor, rather than distract from it. When you watch this featured video, you’ll hear a professional wedding planner explain her top choices in neutral palettes.

    She strongly recommends table linens with a slight blush, which she says goes well with just about any color of flowers. Crushed taffeta and crushed satins are favorites of hers because they are elegant without being overstated. Keep watching to hear her recommendations for table linens for outdoor weddings.

    You can find beautiful table linen rentals in Austin, TX at American Party Rental, along with all the other wedding accessories you’ll need for your big day. Call us today at 512-837-6500 or make your selection online.