Category Archives: Blog

Catering Ideas to Make Your Event Memorable

February 6, 2022 sfbadmin

Buffet-style catering is by far the most popular idea for informal social parties. It’s also great for DIY people that enjoy cooking and the clean-up is fairly quick and easy. There are four basic types of catering – wedding, corporate, social and concession. Working with a professional caterer eliminates stress and they have multiple menus and options from which to choose.

The type of catering will obviously depend on the guests and the specific reason for the event. A full-service professional caterer does more than simply deliver the food. They also serve it in an appealing way and provide the table service, along with tables, seating and décor. In many instances, a caterer can also book a special venue and provide entertainment if desired.

Backyard BBQ

There are caterers that can actually roast a pig or side of beef in the client’s backyard. BBQ style events typically have a western theme, but can also take on an international flavor.

Tropical

Bring on the tiki torches and mocktails. A tropical themed event can incorporate a variety of elements and dishes from multiple island nations.

Retro

Individuals can let their imaginations run wild with a retro party. Catering can accommodate food and décor from the 1920s to visions of ancient Egypt. A retro party can include themes from movies and TV shows.

Toga

Believe it or not, toga parties are still in style. They don’t emulate the sense of a frat house as in popular movies, instead exuding a sense of the opulence and decadence of Rome.

Clean Eating

Fresh, locally sourced menus take center stage to highlight these events. They feature menus that can be served in various ways and fit in with virtually any décor or theme.

International

For those that prefer an international touch, caterers can take a page from the Scottish Highlands, Bollywood and Paris to Britain’s royalty, a Brazilian carnival or Mexican fiesta.

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Outdoor Event Spaces Must-Haves

February 6, 2022 sfbadmin

An outdoor event provides an affordable alternative to pricy venues. However, there are some essential amenities that the outdoor space must have and the South Florida climate also presents some challenges that will require solutions.

Permits and Insurance

At least one permit will be required, and possibly more, depending on the location, number of people that will attend, or if roadways will be affected by the volume of traffic. The permit is especially important when food or beverages will be available.

Liability insurance provides protection should someone be injured during the event and is typically a requirement by municipalities for before issuing a permit. Individuals will have to secure the use of the property before applying for any permit and there may be time limits on when the application must be submitted.

Bathrooms

Whether its restroom facilities in a park or portable toilets, they’re critical. When portable toilets are used, they need to be strategically placed and in sufficient numbers that long lines and waits don’t occur.

Pest Control & Sanitation

No one can enjoy activities if they’re constantly being bothered by insects. The pests also have the potential to spread disease. Have a professional treat the area prior to the event. Be sure plenty of trash receptacles are placed strategically throughout the grounds and plenty of help is available to assist with clean-up and other details. Consider contracting with a professional trash service for trash receptacles and removal of trash.

Food

Whether it’s prepared meals or traditional carnival fare such as hot dogs, burgers and popcorn, people want to eat. They’ll also expect water and soda. That’s where professional vendors are invaluable.

Running Water

People need a source of clean running water for spills and other situations. It provides a source of fresh water for people if bottled water isn’t available and for service dogs.

Electricity

Any event will require access to electricity whether its held day or night. It’s critical for safety lighting, entertainment and food vendors. Keep a well-stocked emergency kit on hand.

Phone Access

Most people have cell phones and it’s a mistake to plan an event where service is unavailable or sketchy. Attendees won’t be happy and it may be needed in the event of an emergency.

Tents and Canopies

Tents and canopies provide shade from the sun or an unexpected rain shower. Seriously consider at least one air-conditioned tent, especially for infants and the elderly where they can cool off.

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Explaining Traditions to a Child

Every family and culture has traditions that are conducted during the holidays, but children often assume that everyone celebrates in the same way. For children to understand their family’s traditions, it’s essential that parents talk to their children about them.

It’s not just the traditions practiced during holidays that matter. Children also need to know about the smaller things their family does ranging from tucking them in at night to special ways of saying goodbye as they head for the bus.

Habits to Traditions

What begins as a habit will transition into a tradition over time if repeated often enough. A tradition can be foods, actions or other practices handed down through generations. It may also be something newer and of shorter duration that’s been incorporated into the celebration. Traditions can be based on religious beliefs, personal values, relate to a family’s country of origin, or honor an ancestor.

Traditions aren’t always solemn recitations or actions – they can be funny and humorous – and smaller traditions are just as important as the larger ones. The whole point of traditions is to connect with family over shared bonds. It’s equally important for parents to teach tolerance of those that celebrate differently.

Tell a Story

Parents also need to understand that the explanation doesn’t have to be complicated and should be tailored to the age of the child. Elementary-age youngsters are great at asking “why” and they love stories. In learning about the family’s traditions, it gives children a sense of identity, belonging and stability.

Change is Good

Traditions change and evolve over time as new practices are added and pieces are discarded. The way traditions are celebrated now has changed from those of the past. Many grew out of technological advances. For instance, using electric lights on the Christmas tree instead of candles One of the great things about traditions is that every generation has the power to enact change while keeping the core values. Don’t be afraid of change or overlook the benefits that can come with it.

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Fall Festival Entertainment

Public and private fall festivals are a tradition, providing a farewell to summer and celebrating the autumn season. Whether the event is held as a private event or conducted by local businesses or communities, there are some things to keep in mind.

Consider the atmosphere to be created and think about the sights, sounds and flavors of a county fair. There are always certain entertainments that have a long line to be played. Equipping a fall festival with the right entertainment will result in a successful event.

Inflatables

A bounce house or playground for younger festival-goers is essential. There’s a myriad of bright and colorful themes from which to choose that will appeal to children. Adults enjoy competition and festival organizers can choose from an extensive range of obstacle courses, rock-climbing walls or a corn maze.

Mechanical Rides

For those that want something more challenging, consider a bungee trampoline, a virtual rollercoaster, mechanical bull, or a space-based interactive arena. There are also inflatables that enable people to test their skills at snowboarding, surfing and skateboarding.

Games

A range of games is critical and there’s an extensive selection from which to choose. Organizers can offer traditional favorites from skee ball, wack a mole, battle-ax game and ring toss to Plinko, basketball throw, connect four and football challenge. Photo booths are also available.

Music

A steady stream of upbeat music enhances the atmosphere and encourages individuals to have fun. Strategically placed speakers ensure that music reaches all areas of the festival grounds. Rock music is the traditional choice and it doesn’t have to rely on current hits. Don’t be reticent about including some “oldies” from artists encompassing Lady Gaga, Bruce Springsteen, Beyonce, Pink, Madonna, Aretha Franklin, Joan Jett, Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears.

Food

No festival would be complete without food. Virtually everyone enjoys a BBQ for a more filling option, but don’t overlook cotton candy, snow cones, popcorn and hotdogs for those that want to walk the festival while they munch. Don’t forget to have enough tables and chairs so people can eat and rest in comfort.

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Holiday Party Entertainment Ideas

Parties are standard fare during the holidays. Individuals will receive numerous party invitations and hosts will want their event to be one that’s remembered long into the new year. Entertainment is a key ingredient to keep guests engaged, but that doesn’t mean expensive bands or acts.

For individuals planning a holiday party to be held at home, there are options for a variety of budgets and interests. Don’t forget to rent a photo booth to record all the fun. The images make great souvenirs.

Secret Santa

There are multiple variations of this. In one version, each guest brings an anonymous wrapped gift and each person takes turns choosing one from the pile. Some choose to host a Secret Santa with gag gifts, white elephant gifts, or a Yankee Swap in which each person has the opportunity to swap their gift with the person that went before them. Set a price limit for the gifts and one that’s comfortable for everyone.

Scavenger Hunt

The host buys a gift for each guest and hides them before the party. Guests then hunt until they find a gift. When everyone has a gift, it’s time to open them for a fun surprise.

Candy Cane Hide-and-Seek

Hide candy canes and let people seek. The person collecting the most will receive a special prize.

Gift Swap

This entertainment can be conducted with everyone bringing cookies made with their favorite recipe. Alternatives include a mug swap where everyone brings in an anonymously wrapped mug as a gift.

Karaoke

A karaoke-based holiday party enables everyone to be a star and guests to enjoy their favorite holiday music. People can sing alone, as a duo, or form groups.

Pajama Party

Fancy party clothes can be fun, but what about adult comfort? All guests need is a set of pajamas for a fun and relaxing party where everyone is comfortable.

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Top Tech Gifts for Your Tweens

Tweens can be difficult to buy gifts for or to please. The one thing that you can count on, however, is a tween’s love of technology. There’s a variety of tech-based gift items that tweens will appreciate.

Action cameras are still one of the must-have tech products for adventurous tweens. They can record their own exploits and their friends with hands-free convenience.
Hand-held video games that offer multi-player capabilities are more affordable than console models, they’re portable and available in an array of colors.
For the gaming tween, consider a customized and laser engraved Xbox controller from Microsoft. It’s compatible with multiple devices.
PC gaming headsets are especially popular and there’s a wealth of choices, some of which perform other functions.
Believe it or not, an increasing number of tweens are taking an interest in vinyl. Turntables are available to play vinyl records and also connect to a phone’s playlist.
The interest in drones hasn’t abated and they’re available in a variety of sizes and price points. The built-in cameras allow beginner content creators or influencers to be more creative.
Budding YouTubers will appreciate a webcam for creating and streaming their own videos.
Mini movie projectors enable tweens to watch movies and play video games by turning any wall into a movie screen or computer monitor.
A portable mini speaker lets your tween blast their music at the beach, pool and around the house. Choose a model with a hard-shell case that’s also waterproof.
Tweens are doing amazing things with their phone and novice filmmakers will be able to make smoother and more professional-looking content with a gimbal. Automated models are available with multiple shooting options.
Anytime a tween wants to share a photo memory, they can do so with a mini photo printer for their smartphone.
Consider a digital notebook for the tween that likes to write. Prose can be erased making them reusable.
For the music-loving tween, there are Bluetooth-enabled karaoke microphones and voice mixer combinations that allow them to sing and craft their own sounds.

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Fall Carnival Party Rentals

October 8, 2021 sfbadmin

The changing of the seasons is often the inspiration for a fall carnival to mark the end of summer and the transition to autumn. Midway games are one of the most popular activities at carnivals and with enough space, any individual, business or organization can create a fall carnival.

Games

No carnival would be complete without a selection of games. People can choose from the classic ring toss, milk bottle knock down, and bean bag toss. There’s also the frog fling, and the perennial favorites of skee-ball, wack-a-mole, and Velcro axe throw. Don’t forget the ring-the-bell strong man challenge for kids. Sports fans can try their hand at the basketball throw or test their baseball throwing arm at the radar gun speed test.

Inflatables

The popularity of inflatables has continued to increase at professionally operated carnivals and they’re available as rentals. There are multiple models from which to choose, with dry slides being a favorite. Another option is Jacob’s Ladder that challenges people to climb a rope ladder to the top of an inflatable. Don’t forget an inflatable corn maze.

Booths

Brightly-colored booths can be rented to conduct any number of activities from a shooting gallery and tip-the-can to tic-tac-toe and Velcro bull’s-eye games. They’re an ideal way to keep game operators cool.

Dunk Tank and Cash Cubes

There are few people that can resist the allure of a dunk tank or cash cube. Dunk tanks are even better if local celebrities or officials agree to be dunked. Portable dunk tanks are collapsible and are always a favorite. No one can resist the opportunity to catch a few dollars with a cash cube.

Bungee Trampoline

For those that want the thrill of extreme sports without the risk, a bungee trampoline is ideal. The devices can accommodate up to 5 individuals. The harness and rope systems enable people to jump higher and perform maneuvers that wouldn’t be possible on an ordinary trampoline.

Kiddie Activities

Younger children can get in on the fun with inflatable bounce houses and toddler playlands that enable them to participate in multiple age-appropriate activities. Trackless trains provide fun travel throughout the carnival or as a stand-alone ride.

For More Information on our rental equipment or to reserve your bounce house or waterslide rental today, visit our website at https://www.southfloridabounce.com/

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Inflatables are the Best Outdoor Party Entertainment

October 8, 2021 sfbadmin

There are many reasons why inflatables have become the go-to entertainment option for parties of all types. They offer a safe means of providing guests with a wide array of games and amusements. In a digital age when fun and bragging rights are an integral part of online life, inflatables provide ample opportunities for social media posts.

The range of inflatables is truly amazing. Individuals can rent inflatables encompassing water slides and mechanical rides to popular carnival-style games. They allow people to engage in friendly competitions and are available to accommodate all ages, interests and skill levels. One of the advantages of inflatables is that models are available that provide 3-in-1 opportunities rather than a single activity.

People can try their hand at activities that include bungee trampoline, virtual roller coaster and rock climbing, along with multi-purpose inflatables for surfboarding, snowboarding and skateboarding. For those that have a competitive streak, inflatables offer multiple ways for guests to play and compete against each other in obstacle courses featuring multiple themes.

Full-size inflatable lawn games provide an elevated level of fun. Party hosts can select from Zorb balls, 9-hole mini golf, and human foosball. People can book a dance/disco dome, inflatable sumo arena, human billiards, soccer darts, and gladiator joust. Even the younger set can get in on the fun with Hungry Hungry Hippo, a bounce house and child-size versions of dry/water slides.

Inflatables offer unique and interesting entertainment for any party. One of the advantages for guests is that inflatables level the playing field. Those that typically engage in cerebral activities are on equal footing with athletic types. Everyone wins with inflatables.

Playing with inflatables is hungry work and there will need to be food. They’re not inflatables, but fun food machines can be rented that helps hosts eliminate hot kitchens and save time. Guests can enjoy everything from hot dogs and cotton candy to popcorn and snow cones with rentable food machines.

For More Information on our rental equipment or to reserve your bounce house or waterslide rental today, visit our website at https://www.southfloridabounce.com/

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9 DIY Halloween Decorations

October 8, 2021 sfbadmin

Halloween is always a favorite with children and adults. Whether individuals are distributing candy, hosting a haunted house, or simply setting a sufficiently spooky mood, there are dozens of DIY decorating ideas to suit any budget and time constraints. With a little spray paint, a hot glue gun and other easily obtainable supplies, almost anything can be transitioned into a Halloween decoration.

Straw Spider

A traditional square bale of straw, or a round one, can be used. Spray paint the straw bale or cover it with a black tarp, paint a face with fangs on one end, and use some flexible black hose for the legs.

Straw Bale Creatures

From monsters to mummies, a bale of straw can serve multiple purposes. Create a mummy by wrapping a straw bale in ordinary medical gauze or even strips of thin white cloth. Leave an unwrapped space to adhere large googly eyes and a felt cut-out mouth. To create a straw Frankenstein, spray paint the straw bale green, add googly eyes and a mouth. Spray paint some loose pieces of straw black to use as hair for the monster.

Hand Wreath

Create a spooky door wreath by attaching skeleton hands in a circle against a chalkboard. The hands can be left as is or spray painted. The chalkboard center can be used to write a scary message.

Spider Wreath

Use sticks of varying sizes from the yard and attach them to a circular piece of cardboard. Add faux spider webbing and plastic spiders.

Spiderwebs

Purchase premade spiderwebbing to arrange across decks, porches, trees and bushes in any desired pattern. Attach some plastic or fuzzy pre-made spiders throughout the creation – be sure to use at least a couple of big spiders.

Skeletons

Faux models of skeletal people and animals are available that can be placed in varying poses around the yard, in trees, and on porches in varying poses.

Oh, Rats

Add a few faux rats scattered throughout the pumpkins and other decorations on the deck or porch. They can be used to create a friendly and mischievous appearance or something more menacing. Giant rat cutouts can be created using tag board and placed around the yard.

Bats and Birds

Collect a flock of fake ravens and attach them in various poses on a fence, porch banister or porch railing. Colonies of giant bats can be crafted from black tag board and secured to railings, fences or even the side of a house.

Ghoulish Eyes

Use a permanent marker to draw pupils on varying sizes of white foam balls. Use a skewer, toothpick or stick to hold them together to create a pair of unblinking eyes. They can be placed in trees and on fences, decks, porches – even lawn furniture.

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