6 Essential Tips for New Years Eve
6 Tips for a Successful New Years Party!
If we Google “2012”, we see many questions on the internet asking if it will be the end of the world. Unfortunately we at Lonsdale Event Rentals don’t have the answer for that, but what we can recommend is that this year we all should ensure it’s a party of a lifetime!…….. Just in case.
Whether you’re hosting at a venue or in the home there are plenty of ways you can make things easier for yourself.
Pop the bubbly!
Break out the champagne flutes! And rent early as the entire city usually books out leaving desperate party people scrambling last minute. If you splurge on anything, splurge on champagne as a true New Years Eve Party isn’t complete without it. At minimum have at least enough for the midnight toast.
Try a Ginger Sizzle
a) Thinly slice a piece of fresh ginger the chop slivers into tiny pieces
b) Put a pinch of ginger into the glass and slowly pour champagne over them
c) The bubbles will latch on the tiny pieces of ginger and cause them to circulate up & down throughout the glass like a lava lamp!
For designated drivers and non-drinkers have some non-alcoholic ciders, fruit juice and fizzy drinks.
Impress your friends with your champagne stemware knowledge http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Champagne_stemware
The Countdown
Daniel Sabina of Masterplan Productions recommends renting a projector, hook it up to a laptop, go to www.timeanddate.com and project the countdown on the wall. If you’re not feeling so high-tech just turn on the Television with the volume down and tune into the celebrations.. And yes…..they also rent disco balls! 604 873-3755
Ensure to start refilling everyone’s glass a few minutes before midnight.
The Food
Take it easy with the food as by now the over-indulgence of the past few weeks of Christmas celebrations has been realized and your guests won’t mind taking a break.
“Christmas is filled with tradition, turkey and loads of comfort food” says Dorothy Semko of Savoury City Catering & Events. “New Years is a time for fresh starts and something a little special. Sparkling Prosecco or Cava are a must!”
She goes on “ A natural compliment to something bubbly is seafood. Keep it simple – steamed lobster, mussels or clams with butter white wine sauce. Pan seared prawns or scallops with shallots and brandy. Oysters on the half shell. Throw in some amazing bread and a leafy salad and consider it done!
Party Favours!
It’s New Years! Let loose and have fun. Regardless the age of the event people will appreciate noise makers, tiaras, Mardi Gras beads, party hats and so on. Just because it’s an intimate event doesn’t mean it has to be sleepy.
The Midnight Kiss
If you are not coupled up this year, now is the time to get gutsy and choose a hot gal or guy near 12am, make eye contact and if they smile back and you feel the chemistry move in for the kiss.
Everyone is kissing everyone else so now is the time to make the move!
The Hang Over
This is the first day of a new year. The last thing you want to do is start it off in a hang- over induced stupor. Drink a large glass of water before bed, this will keep you hydrated.
Savoury City’s Dorothy Semko suggests to make sure there are things on hand for a delicious lazy lunch. That means excellent coffee, freshly squeezed organic juices and food that makes you feel better.
Usually this falls into the category of something decadent. Is that crispy bacon with free range eggs with croissants or biscuits? Or a hearty burger oozing with melted cheese. Definitely butter for cooking and s lathering.
Thinking ahead can certainly make the first day of the year enjoyable and relaxing!
By Dave Jackson
Twitter: @Lonsdale_Dave
5 Tips to Avoid Christmas party Clean Up Disasters!
Party clean up doesn’t have to be a nightmare, relax and enjoy your party with these simple tips.
Hosting a party can be stressful, with all the cooking, cleaning and overall preparations to ensure your party runs smoothly and your guests have a wonderful time, but the dreaded cleanup can put a damper on the fun. Not to worry, here are a few simple ideas to make clean up a breeze.
♠ Create a table where guests can put their dirty dishes, use milk crates or plastic boxes where they can stack plates when they are done with them. This is especially easy when you have rented the plates and glasses, because they come with their own crates for this very purpose. You can label the bins so everyone knows where each item goes
♠ Make sure there are plenty of garbage and recycling bins around, so that your guests can dispose of their bottles and napkins in the bins and not on the counter
♠ Double or triple line the trash bins, so you have a clean bag in place when you remove the full bag
♠ Attempt to get any major cleaning done before you go to bed to prevent any post party mishaps such as set in stains and bad odors, any detailed cleaning can be done in the morning.
♠ Try not to stress over the little things that may seem to go wrong during the party. Just enjoy the fruits of your efforts.
Before (Click to enlarge)
After (click to enlarge)
Even though the clean up may seem daunting, remember that a major post-party cleanup is usually a good sign that your party was a great success!
Contributed By: Kristin Leahy – Twitter @KristinLonsdale
Spend more time with Family & Friends over the Holidays
So your boss has asked you to organise you company’s annual Christmas party! Or maybe you are having your family over for the holidays, and then you found out your significant other’s distant extended family; most of whom you’ve never knew existed are unexpectedly coming over….Oh the joys of the Christmas Season!
Here are some tips to overcome the stresses of event planning to ensure you have more time to spend with friends and family.
Order early as possible! You’re free to make some changes of to your order in the meantime. Things tend to book out well in advance due to the huge volume of events in the month of December. All it takes is for 1 large party to order all of the one item you desperately need.
Save money!
1. Is your order under $248?
You can also pick up from our new and improved depot. This will save you a minimum $49.90 plus HST. And we’re sure we don’t have to remind you how to use that money. We’ve got Free Seattles Best Coffee, to warm you up on these cold winter days.
2. If you pick up from our depot, you can take advantage of our damage waiver. It’s just 8% of your order. There is a substantial amount of orders that go out and something breaks or gets damaged. Why bother with replacement fees when you don’t need to. A lot of the time the damage waiver is considerably less expensive than what it costs to replace some inventory. Accidents do happen, and often, but we don’t want you to sweat the small stuff, relax knowing that you are protected from when Aunt Betty has one too many drinks and drops her glass.
3. Ask questions to our Client Service Professionals how you can save money. Don’t be shy! Let’s say you’re like most people and on a budget and you see these beautiful linens that you’re not sure you can afford. We might be able to play around with some different sizing ideas for you so that you can reduce your costs.
Or let’s say this year you don’t want to serve beer from a can, we can recommend how many beer glasses a typical event orders.
In other words, ask lots of questions and you may just get more bang for your buck.
4. Read your contract and then read it again. Ensure that everything you need is on your contract. You can avoid some same day rush emergency delivery fees. This is particularly important when multiple people have been revising the order.
5. Ensure that everything is knocked down, put back in their original containers, scraped of food, drinks emptied and everything is put together in one spot for our drive team to pick up. This will avoid any possible missing item charges, extra labour, and second pick up charges.
So the bottom line is we will do our best to make things easy for you, so you can enjoy your memorable event, and leave the dirty work to us!
Top 4 Perks of our Rental Pick-Up Depot
Our reinvented pick-up depot launched last fall to great success. The Lonsdale Rentals team has worked hard to tailor the pick-up depot experience to the needs of our customers. We have a great system in place and thought we would share our Top 4 Perks of getting your rentals through the pick-up depot:
The Pick Up Depot Experience
The depot space is bright, clean and staffed by Lonsdale team members who are ready for your arrival. Keeping things easy and enjoyable, we have carts for yours use and can even offer you an outstanding cup ofSeattle’s Best Coffee for the road.
Quick Service
With pre-payment and the transactions are cashless and get you in and out faster. All we need is a name and a phone number to get the right order in the right hands.
Extended Hours
We are open seven days a week, early until late. We know your days are full so we extended our hours for the rental pick-up depot.
Mon-Fri 8am-6pm and Sat-Sun 9am -4pm we are open – allowing you to drop off at the start of end of your day.
Damage Waiver
If you’re picking up in the depot you have the option of purchasing our damage waiver for your rentals. The cost is only 8% of your order making it affordable peace of mind. For more info on the optional damage waiver, talk to one of our sales reps at 604 986 5651.
If you have enjoyed the pick-up depot already we hope to see you again soon. If you haven’t yet we hope the perks give you inspiration to try it out!
As an added perk – all orders booked* before September 21st, 2011 will receive an 12% depot discount!
*Orders must be confirmed by 09/21/11 to be eligible for the discount. 12% discount will be discontinued as of 10/01/11.
Sweet Summer Wedding
Last weekend, one of our own at Lonsdale Event Rentals married; the wedding was one of those very special kinds of weddings where the sense of family, friends and fun was felt in every aspect of the day.
Through friends we met, and with friends and family we wish to share the celebration of our love.
From the invitations to the reception, it was clear that this was a wedding full of personal touches. Everything about the day was simple, stylish and reflected the happy couple – who opted to manage the details of the wedding themselves.
The wedding took place at Minter Gardens – if you have not been there lately or are looking for a gorgeous spot to get married, we suggest you check them out.
Mother Nature took care of the décor for the ceremony, which was held under a tent in a private outlook in the gardens. The colour theme of teal carried through from the invitations to the ribbon on the bubbles that greeted guests at the ceremony. Pre-reception cocktails for the 40 guests were enjoyed under a cloudless summer sky. Guests mingled while Richelle Akimow (photographer extraordinaire) captured shots of the wedding party.
Friends and family offered a hand and helped to transform the conservatory in to a beautiful reception area. Chair covers were slipped on and sashes tied. Napkins were rolled and tablecloths smoothed into place. Cupcakes were arranged and sweet favours set out for guests. Yellow roses from the Minter Garden flower shop accented teal overlays and the room was transformed in under an hour. Bride and Groom were thrilled and party was ready to start!
Julia and Mike were hands-on when it came to planning their wedding. Friends helped make their vision become reality and, in the end, the wedding was a perfect reflection of who they are, and how they surround themselves with friends and family.
Congratulations Julia, Mike and baby Logan!
We are lucky to have been included in such a special day.
To see more pictures of the wedding, check out our album from the day.
Tips for Selecting Your Party Venue – Part 2
Continuing our series Tips for Selecting Your Party Venue – after you have spent time on the first two tips you should be down to your venue of choice (yay). Now it’s time to visit the venue and think about the nitty gritty details – both the fun ones and the dull ones.
Tip #3 – Visit the Venue
Never choose a venue on promotional material alone visit the venue visit and consider these four factors:
1. Event Space
See the space where your party will take place, from the reception area, through to the function suite, bathrooms and other facilities. Make sure there is enough room for guests to be comfortable, and for other equipment you may have like a dance floor, stage, AV equipment and room décor. (Christmas trees take up more space than you think!)
2. Service and Quality
Think about how you were treated on your visit – would you want your guests to be
treated in the same way? Were staff professional, polite and helpful? Take the time to look around the whole venue in detail; look at the chairs, the tables, bathrooms facilities and general appearance of the venue. How they take care of the space even when there is not an event can be very telling.
3. External Suppliers
If you are bringing in other suppliers to help create your party, make sure your venue
will allow this. For example, if you want to use draping or specialist lighting, you may well need permission from the venue to do this. Be sure to ask if there are additional charges for bringing in these outside suppliers.
4. Catering Policy
If you want to use an external caterer, ask your venue what their policy is and whom they have worked with in the past. Some locations will not allow outside caterers and some allow it at the cost of a galley fee.
If you are using their catering services make sure you try their food. Don’t choose a venue based on their menu selection alone – ask for a tasting of the menu you want for your event.
Tip #4 – Don’t forget the Details
Factors to consider:
1. Extra Facilities
Depending on the guests you are inviting, you will need to consider the facilities they offer. Is there acceptable disabled access to the venue? Do they operate a child friendly policy? Is there adequate parking?
2. Regulations
Check with your venue about any fire safety regulations they may have that will impact whether you can use candlelight or haze effects in the room. As what other people have done with the space and ask for pictures if possible.
3. Table Linens
If you are bringing in linens and chair covers, will the venue set this up for you? If so, what do they charge per piece? Are you happy for them to set-up for you or would you prefer someone on your team to handle it? Be sure to communicate the plan to your venue contact so they will know who is managing these details.
4. Rentals
Make sure you get a list of what is included with the venue. Many venues only rent the space and leave the details to you – enter Lonsdale Event Rentals.
If other amenities are included in your rentals ask to see them. Check the condition and quality of the pieces your guests will experience like plates, glassware and cutlery. If your budget allows, you may want to upgrade to more formal rental pieces like out Gold
Band Plates, Acqua cutlery or Crystal glassware.
We hope our Tips for Selecting Your Party Venue make your event amazing!
Have a suggestion on other party planning topics we can offer tips on?
We would love to hear from you -comment on the blog and let us know how we can help.
Thoroughbred: A Day at the Races Wrap Up
Thanks to all who commented and for following long with our ‘Fancy Hat of the Day’ comments contest. We hope to do more contests in the future so stay tuned!
Congratulations again to our winners Natasha and Bailey – We hope you and your guests had a great time at the races!
To see more pictures of the event check out our facebook page.
Tips for Selecting Your Party Venue
Whether you are planning a personal celebration like a wedding or birthday party, or a corporate function like the holiday party for work choosing a venue can be daunting.
There are many factors to consider so the team at Lonsdale Event Rentals decided to share
some tips to help you along the way:
Tip # 1 – Plan Your Options
Determining these Four Factors will help you make a short list of options for your event:
1.Capacity
Figure out the number of guests that you’re inviting, and the type of party you are
planning – Is it a reception? Buffet? Or sit down meal? These answers will all determine the size of the venue you require.
2. Location
Choose a location that is easy for your guests and suppliers to access. If you are serving alcohol make sure there are transportation options or accommodations nearby for your guests.
3. Availability
Before you contact a venue identify several possible dates for your party. If you
cannot be flexible on the date be prepared to be flexible on venue. It’s also never too soon to book a venue for peak seasons like holidays. Be sure to ask what the venue’s policy is on
reservations; some venues ask for a deposit and sometimes these are non
refundable.
4. Budget
Your budget will have a major impact on narrowing down a shortlist of venues. Be sensible; don’t overstretch yourself on the venue in an effort to impress people then
find you have little left in the kitty to actually make the experience enjoyable for your guests.
Tip # 2 – Think Outside the Box
Make it memorable and go beyond the banquet room:
Stuck for ideas? The Lonsdale team has the fortune of seeing lots of Interesting Venues in Vancouver and some we like:
Tourism Vancouveralso has a great list of unique venues including information on capacity – check it out here.
Check back next week for more
tips on Selecting Your Party Venue!
Blue Economy – Opportunity of a Lifetime
Lonsdale Rentals President & Owner, Chris Fellbaum is set to head out on an opportunity of a lifetime and will take part in a week long Blue Economy Symposium in
Thimphu, Bhutan from June 20th to 27th.
Chris will be joining Ode Magazine and an international group of 75 investors, entrepreneurs, and technology providers in attending notable TED speaker Gunter Pauli’s
Symposium. Pauli is the author of The Blue Economy: 10 years – 100 innovations – 100 million jobs. The book aims to motivate the entrepreneur in all of us; sharing proven ideas and innovations that are founded in solid science and demonstrated in real life practice. The Blue Economy believes that committed grass roots entrepreneurs worldwide can realize success by using innovations that create competitive business models that are sustainable and beneficial for all.
Lonsdale Rentals supports the renting and sharing business model and the belief that
society should be moving away from acquiring an excess of goods and instead, move toward gaining access to goods. This model is in harmony with the goals of the Blue Economy movement and has been a passion for Chris for over 20 years.
Bhutan is one of the most fascinating countries in the world and is known for the origin of the Gross National Happiness. The country is seen as a prime example of a successful Blue
Economy in action and as such has been chosen as the location for the conference. The policies of the Bhutanese Government respond to the basic needs of its people – including their happiness – while also supporting the design of competitive and successful businesses.
The team at Lonsdale is proud of Chris and the work he is doing and we cannot wait to find out more about his experiences from the conference.
You can learn more about Chris’ adventure through upcoming blog posts and by following him on twitter @lonsdalerentals.
For more information, check out these great videos on the Blue Economy and Gross National Happiness.
Top 5 Tips for Hosting a Team BBQ
For years Lonsdale Rentals has hosted BBQs for the Lonsdale team. It’s become a ‘work family’ tradition for us.
Last month, as we fired up the grill we got to thinking about how something as simple as hot dogs and soda pop have come to mean so much to our team. We look forward to all departments coming together to enjoy each other’s company. Our team BBQs have become a way we recognize great moments, share stories from our personal lives, and, on the whole appreciate each other’s company.
Here are our top 5 Tips on Hosting a Team BBQ:
1. Get the Word Out
Share the plan so people can arrange for the day. Ask departments not to book critical meetings at the set time and let them know everyone will be taking part in the fun. We place flyers in high-traffic areas like time-clocks and lunch rooms at least a week in advance – Anticipation is part of the fun.
2. Get Supplies
Start Simple; Hot dogs, vegi options, (Hamburgers are more complicated and time consuming but once you get into the swing of hosting a work BBQ can become part of the mix), buns, basic salad, condiments (invest in full size condiments that can be used more than once) and something sweet. We find Costco to be a great one stop shop at a good price.
3. Grill
There is nothing like the aroma of something cooking on the BBQ. Always make sure to keep the grill far enough from the seating area so people don’t get smoked out. A standard home grill will work or, if you are feeding larger team, we have BBQs for rent.
4. Gather
The grill will draw a crowd, your job is to encourage them to stay and mingle. The goal is to come together and enjoy; not grabbing a hot dog to eat at their desk. We set up a big table and seating options to set the stage. Ice breakers can be as simple as ‘What’s everyone’s favourite summer memory?’ We find music in the background helps keep it social too!
5. Celebrate
You can celebrate a new product, staff member or significant achievement or just celebrate the fact you work with great people! Make it a regular routine; we shoot for every 3 – 4 weeks. Be consistent with how often you do them and watch your team come together!
Taking time to break out of work routines is great. We think others should join in on the simple act of slowing down and enjoy the team they get to work with.
Here are lists of what we use at our BBQs for about 30 people:
Rental List BBQ List
BBQ Hot Dogs
Tongs Vegi Option
8′ Table (for condiments & food) Salad
Large Beverage Server Condiments
Tables & Chairs Buns
Pot Boiler Brownies or Cookies
Platters 2 Large Bags of Chips
Plates Beverages
Team BBQs have been a part of our recipe for success; we are happy share it with you!
