Party Tips

Party Checklist

The following is a list of things you should consider to help you plan your party.

Date and time
Guest list
Type of event (i.e. Casual to Formal)
Indoors or out
Invitations
What type of food
Catered or not?
Are you serving alcohol?
Do you need a bartender?
Do you need rentals? (tents, portable toilets, tables/chairs, BBQ, dishware, linen)

Print off this check list to be sure you will have everything for a successful party.
Feel free to call us for ideas and rental help before you plan your party.

Barbeques
Ice tubs
Tents and canopies
Decorations
Tables
Chairs
Portable bar
Fill n' chill table
Chafing dishes
Champagne fountain
Coffee urns
Miscellaneous serving pieces
Serving trays and platters
Salad bowls
China and flatware
Glassware
Linen

Download the Party Checklist

Open House Tips

Reason for an Open House

Your open house should have a basis or a reason. Don't just have one. Decide why you want to hold it. For example: A first annual which could be continued each year; a new facility; a second facility; a remodelling job completed; new products, services; ground breaking; sales; tie-in with sales and holidays, etc.

How Many?

First determine how many guests your facility can comfortably accommodate without seeming to be disoriented or too crowded for them to look around. Enough staff is required to easily take care of those guests who may have questions about your company, facility, products and services.

Use the following Check List to begin planning a successful open house:

Reason for Open House

Anniversary
Annual
New: (Facility, Branch, Location, Product, Service)
Awards, Presentations, Receptions
Ground Breaking, Ribbon Cutting
Holiday
Catered or not?
Sale
Thank You
Other

Where/When

One Day, Weekend, Week
During Hours, After Hours
Indoors, Outdoors (Time of Year)
In Office, Warehouse, Both
Rented Hall, Under Canopy, Tent
Other

Who to Invite

Account Customers
Steady Paying Customers
Prospective Customers
Firms with whom you should be doing business
Local Dignitaries, Organizations
Press (Print, Radio, TV)
Vendors
Competitors
Friends
Other

Invitations

Formal, "Cordially Invited to", RSVP
Announcement Letter
Theme Related (Holiday, Sale, etc.)
Post Card
Flyer
Other

Ways and When to Mail

Direct Mail-First Class (To arrive 3 weeks prior)
Self Mailer-Bulk (To arrive 3 weeks prior)
Statement Stuffer (To arrive 2 months prior with 2nd, 1 month prior)
In-House Customer Handouts (Begin 1 month prior)
Announcement Letter (Mail 8-10 weeks prior)

Publicity

Mass media (Newspaper, Radio, TV)
News Releases (Hand Delivered)
Banners, Pennants, Signs, Fliers
Telephone
Search Lights

Cocktail Hospitality Finger Foods, Cheese, Crackers, Fruit, Vegetables
Lunch (stand up) Hot Dogs, Sandwiches, Salads, Condiments, etc.
Dinner (sit down) Meat, Potato, Salads, etc.
Beverages, Soda, Punch, Wine, Beer, Cocktails, Coffee, Tea, Milk
Miscellaneous (depending on type of event) Popcorn, Fun Foods, Candy, Cake

Quantities

Depends on the budget you set
Depends on the time of day
Depends on the season
Depends on the location
Depends on the type of food service

Reason, Time, Place Attendees

Keep Invitation "Short and Simple"
Print Extra Invitations
Mail to About 100-150 more than you want present
Note "Door Prizes" if any

Food Service Accessories

Tables
Chairs
China
Glassware
Servers
Aprons
Ashtrays, etc

Download the Open House Checklist