Category Archives: Event Planning

Blog, Event Planning, tent rentals

South Florida Winter is Perfect for your Outdoor Corporate Event

You don’t have to wait until the hot and humid days of summer to hold your corporate event. South Florida’s mild winter climate and temperatures are ideal for outdoor winter events. The winter months are also a great time to spread some cheer and enthusiasm during the early months of the year.

One of the advantages of holding your corporate event in Florida is obviously the mild weather. Florida is a popular getaway for anyone in northern states that want a break from the snow and South Florida is equally applicable for companies that want to reward staff with a relaxing interlude. The prospect of escaping the cold and coming to a warm climate is an incentive that will boost attendance.

Temperatures typically hover in the 70s from December through February. The state also offers a variety of amusements and recreational activities to enjoy when the business portion of the event are finished for the day. Attendees can golf to their heart’s content, go yachting, participate in a drive-through safari, or visit one of the many museums.

No matter what type of outdoor corporate event you’re planning, it will be easy to accommodate any need and any number of people. There are dozens of venues to conduct outdoor team-building events, hold an executive retreat, or launch a new product.

There’s no reason you can’t combine business and pleasure at your corporate event and it’s easy to do in South Florida. Even if the northern part of the state has less than optimal temperatures, South Florida will still be warm enough to conduct any corporate event outdoors in complete comfort.

There’s no shortage of luxury accommodations, transportation options, international travel hubs, and there’s a thriving nightlife for attendees to enjoy when the work is done. If you’re unsure where to hold your corporate event this year – wonder no longer. South Florida beckons.

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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Blog, Event Planning

Reward your Employees with a Special Event

Smart business owners know the value of showing their appreciation to employees. It fosters a positive work environment while providing an important tool for fostering diversity and inclusion. Most employers settle for a group dinner out, a catered event in the office during work hours, or gift cards. To truly demonstrate appreciation for employee dedication and productivity, plan a special event that will live on in memory.

People that spend a lot of time working indoors appreciate the opportunity to enjoy outdoor time and fortunately, outdoor events can be held any time of the year in South Florida. If an indoor event is planned, it needs to be something that has a significant fun factor. The range of potential events is almost endless, from scavenger hunts and escape rooms to comedy club outings and made-to-order inflatable playgrounds for adults.

Special events boost employee morale and individuals that feel appreciated are more productive. Appreciation events are also an opportunity for companies to support other local businesses. One idea is to close up shop for the day and take employees on an epic adventure – and be sure to have a photographer on hand to record the event or rent a photo booth for the occasion.

Above all else, an employee recognition event must be fun. When planning an outdoor event, consider renting inflatables to create any combination of environments desired. Companies can arrange for games and activities for a carnival atmosphere or choose a range of electronic amusements and interactive games.

To beat the heat, there are a number of water slides and similar inflatables available to emulate a water park. For an exciting day of competitions, inflatables of life-size lawn games are available, along with obstacle courses and mechanical rides. The only problems companies will encounter when planning their employee appreciation event will be selecting a theme and choosing among the wide range of inflatables to include.

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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Blog, Event Planning

Hot Holiday Gifts for Kids

It can be difficult for parents to shop for the best gifts for their children. What holds a child’s attention today can easily turn into yesterday’s discarded toy.  School has been transitioned to online learning in many locales and one of the greatest gifts for kids are those that allow them to use their imagination and explore new concepts.

3-5 Years Old

Some tried and true toys for three and four-year-olds that enable kids to build, explore and imagine are LEGO® blocks, Lincoln Logs and K’NEX. There are dozens of toys and kits designed to introduce even this age group to STEM disciplines. Parents can select from a variety of kits that encourage the development of various STEM skills and they’re available in magnetic versions such as Magna-Tiles.

Board games are an excellent choice for the five-year-old. Children at this age are very social and board games encourage playtime with parents and siblings. The games also teach them how to follow rules, play fair, and how to win/lose graciously. Other popular options are sets that enable children to emulate their parents and role play. Non-motorized ride-on toys provide fun while developing motor skills.

6-9 Years Old

This age group can enjoy playing by themselves and creating their own narratives. There’s a variety of drawing tools for self-expression and options that encourage children to write their own stories. Books are always great gifts that enable children to explore new worlds and far away places. They’re especially welcome by those ages 8-9.

For kids that have access to a tablet or gaming system, there are dozens of age-appropriate games that will keep kids occupied for hours while stimulating their imaginations. Parents can also choose from a variety of robotic toys for youngsters. The toys move, speak and are programmed with their own personalities.

Judgement Call

These are just some of the options available for parents that want their child to learn, create, and develop their mental and motor skills. Parents know their children better than anyone and should use their own judgement when choosing holiday gifts for their children.

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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Blog, Event Planning

Kids in the Kitchen for the Holidays

Some of the fondest memories people have as adults are the times spent in the kitchen with parents and grandparents. Those traditions can be recreated for the current generation by letting them help in the kitchen during the holidays. There are numerous opportunities for kids to help out. Some include:

  • Rolling dough
  • Measuring
  • Stirring ingredients
  • Reading recipes
  • Using cookie cutting tools
  • Decorating holiday treats

Plan for Extra Time

It will take longer when children help in the kitchen so it’s important to set aside extra time. That will enable everyone to enjoy the experience and not feel rushed or frustrated. Don’t be surprised if children wander off at any point, depending upon their age and attention span. The time spent together is the important thing.

It’s Going to be Messy

Expect to break a few eggs – and not necessarily in the bowl where they belong. Children learn by doing and making mistakes. Likewise, there’s no sense in crying over spilled milk, tipped over flour or other mishaps.

Choose Small Projects to Start

Don’t attempt to make every holiday treat at once, choose one or two. Save those that are most complex for a different time. Select cooking projects that have a high degree of success for the child, especially if they’re not accustomed to helping out in the kitchen.

It Doesn’t Have to be Pretty

Don’t expect children to reproduce projects that look like an adult made them. The food doesn’t have to be “pretty” to be delicious. Children want to please and it’s critical that they know their efforts are appreciated. Serve the child’s cookies or other culinary efforts with pride.

The Modern Cook

Making treats from scratch isn’t for everyone and in the interest of saving time many families purchase pre-made cookie dough, pie crusts, and box cake mixes. That’s absolutely fine. There are still ways for children to help in the kitchen and those memories will be equally treasured for years to come. Don’t forget to snap a few photos – they’ll be a cherished reminder.

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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Event Planning

Big Fun for your Small Gathering

Small gatherings deserve the same amount of care and a fun factor equal to major events and you can achieve that goal in a variety of ways. There’s a myriad of methods to liven up a small gathering that’s as much fun for adults as children. The following are some suggestions in no particular order.

Costume Party

You don’t have to wait until Halloween to hold a costume party. The best part is that you can choose from dozens of themes ranging from spooky to historical. The Wild West, pirates, zombies, and themes derived from TV shows and films are especially popular.

Escape Room

These are great for groups of 10 or less. A word of warning – while they’re great fun, some are not appropriate for children under a certain age or those that are impressionable. Different themes are offered and each adventure typically lasts for an hour as you put together clues and solve puzzles to escape.

Inflatables

There are rentable inflatables to accommodate any space requirement. The range of inflatables encompasses water slides, bounce houses, and full-size board/lawn games, along with inflatable options for carnival fun.

International Potluck

If you don’t feel like fighting the crowds for a dinner out, have guests each bring a dish from a different country. It doesn’t matter whether they make it themselves or bring pre-made restaurant food – bonding over food is a worldwide custom.

Mechanical Rides/Games

If you’ve ever had a yearning to try your hand at bull riding, you can rent one of the popular rides for your gathering. Bungee trampolines, rock climbing walls, interactive experiences, and robo surfers are other options that can be rented.

Movie Night

It’s easy to hold a Hollywood premiere night in your backyard. You’ll need a projector and if you don’t want to spare the money for a screen, a large white sheet makes a serviceable alternative. The same idea can be repurposed for a football party and there are food machines that can be rented for the event that includes popcorn, hotdogs, and sno-cones/shaved ice.

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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Blog, Event Planning

What Equipment to Consider for your Outdoor Event

Outdoor events are becoming increasingly more popular for a number of reasons. Most people worry about “a million details” when planning their event, but there’s really just a few basic things you need to worry about to hold a highly enjoyable gathering.

Food

The food to be served is an area in which people have the most problems. They want to make sure everyone has enough to eat and be able to stay within a specific budget. Then there’s the question of what to offer. You may not realize that catering is an option that has multiple benefits and can actually be less expensive.

The food is cooked to perfection, the catering company delivers, and staff is often on duty to serve. They can handle anything from burgers and BBQ to smoothie bars and international cuisine. Catering companies can also provide table service and the best of all – they provide all the clean-up afterward.

Venue

The event’s location will largely depend on available venues, the purpose, and the number of guests. You can hold the event in your back yard, a rented hall, or an extravagant destination location.

Seating/Tables

Enough seating and table space to accommodate each guest is essential. For informal gatherings, there are multiple rental companies that will provide the tables and chairs you need. Some will even set them up for you. Formal events at destination venues typically provide everything required.

Shelter

This isn’t something most people consider when planning an event, but it’s essential in the South Florida climate to protect guests from heat, humidity, and the threat of rain. Tents and canopies can be rented to accommodate that need and there are also portable air conditioners that can be attached to tents for a cooling respite.

Entertainment

You may want some form of entertainment, whether it’s lawn games, a DJ, or a full-fledged band and dancing. You’ll need a solid stage or area similar to a patio for entertainers to set up their equipment. Expect dancing if a DJ or band is involved and have a dance area ready – they can be rented. If lawn games are the order of the day, just let guests loose in the yard to have fun.

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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Blog, Event Planning

Kid Crowd-Pleasing Appetizers

Children like unique snacks just as much as adults and it’s a great way to introduce youngsters to new foods and tastes. There are dozens of ways to turn ordinary foods into crowd-pleasing appetizers that kids will love. The following are just some of the ways people are feeding their youngsters during parties and playdates.

Kabobs

There’s something innately appealing about any type of food on a stick. Fruit and cheese kabobs are healthy and individuals can combine multiple types of cheese with grapes, strawberries, melon, avocado, pineapple, and apple pieces in any combination. Use fancy toothpicks rather than full-size skewers for safety and extra appeal.

The same technique can be used to create burger kabobs. It uses the same ingredients as an ordinary burger, only in bite-size pieces of burger, lettuce and cheese. A small piece of bacon can also be added to create a bacon burger.

Grilled Cheese Strips

Simply take an ordinary grilled cheese sandwich and cut it into strips. Add a small cup of tomato soup or a favorite dipping sauce.

Veggie Cups

Use a small, short cup or glass and fill it ½ full of a favorite dressing. Cut carrots, celery and peppers of multiple colors into small strips and stick them on end into the dressing. Green beans and cucumber strips can also be added to the mix.

Mini Meatballs

Simply make meatballs and cook them in a crockpot. Individuals can cook them with their favorite BBQ, teriyaki or other flavorings/sauce. Place on a small wooden fork and they’re ready for any occasion.

Bacon Wrapped Anything

Take a cocktail wiener or whole-grain cracker and wrap a strip of bacon around it for a tasty snack. These are easier to make using precooked bacon. Microwave the bacon and wrap it around the cracker or other base. Do small batches of bacon at a time to ensure it doesn’t become stiff and remains easier to manipulate.

Go Mini

Mini snacks of any kind are ideal for kids since they fit their smaller hands and adults appreciate the novelty. Mini chicken and waffles, mini corn dogs, or mini pancakes are just some of the options available for kid-pleasing appetizers.

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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Blog, Event Planning

Budget Birthday Planning

A budget when it comes to your child’s birthday party seems like a very good idea. Parents seem to go overboard for their kids especially for their birthday. But you can easily rack up some unwanted debt if you don’t set a budget.  Here are some tips to help you plan.

Planning

Make a list of everything you can think of that is a priority for your family to have fun. Pinterest is a great resource and has many has checklists that are extremely helpful.

Creativity

Tablecloths can easily be made with giant rolls of paper or hit up the dollar store. Don’t get the most expensive plates and plastic ware; they are most likely getting thrown out at the end anyways. A cute way to make dollar store plastic-ware more expensive is to line a small basket with a decorative napkin and place the forks and spoons in there. No one will guess you spent your money on dollar store silver.

Food

Snacks and finger foods are great crowd pleasers. Cheese and crackers, chips and dip, chicken wings, and juice boxes are great ideas.  Set your food budget and hit the big box stores for deals on quantity snacks and appetizers for large groups.

Photos

Capture the event using your smartphone. No need for a photographer! Use a selfie stick if you have one, make sure the phone is turned sideways on not up and down, and take the same picture multiple times. These things will help you stay focused.

Decorations

Keep decorations simple.  Use lots of colors, get some balloons, set up streamers and go to town. Kids aren’t interested in this type of thing. But, you can make it look festive even with a couple of bucks.

Entertainment

If you can save on everything above maybe you want to spend the bulk of your budget on the entertainment. This is what the kids remember and enjoy most. A bounce house is a great addition to any birthday and there many to fit a variety of birthday budgets.

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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Blog, Event Planning

Party at the Park

Planning your party is important especially if you project throwing your celebration outdoors. There are many parks in South Florida to plan your next party. All South Florida parks are NOT created equal, so do your research and make sure the park you choose has the amenities you require. Here are some tips for you to consider when organizing you party at the park!

Shelter

South Florida weather can be unpredictable. You may want to reserve a pavilion if you plan on hosting a large enough party. Not all parks have pavilions which can make things challenging. Give yourself ample time to locate one of these structures as they tend to get booked very fast. In most cases, there is a cost associated and the fees can vary from park to park.

Food

Plan your menu and definitely consider the South Florida heat. Anything that can quickly spoil in hot temperatures can cause your guests to become ill. Many of the caterers will supply the correct equipment to keep food cold or hot. Be sure to plan accordingly for both grilling’s. Some parks will not allow outside grills so to be sure to call ahead of time.

Critter Control

It seems strange to mention such a thing, but we should remember safety first. Snakes and alligators are present in most of the places where these natural parks are built so take the extra precaution necessary to keep friends and family safe.  There will always be nuisance critters such as bugs so prepare to cover food and have bug spray. Critters of opportunity such as birds, squirrels and raccoons may stop by as well but usually wait until the party is over.

Weather

In addition to the elements at the park, don’t forget to check the weather. We Floridians understand weather can change quickly and we must remember to take care. Be sure there are solid structures or leave the party if it becomes threatening with things like lightning.

Leave No Trace

Keep America beautiful and always clean up afterward. While there’s plenty of trash cans and other devices that will help you, do not forget to bring a few extra trash bags and leave the park like it was when you got there.

Entertainment

Parks have different rules when it comes to entertainment. Follow the rules and make sure the space you have can accommodate the party size. Bounce houses, water slides, music, face painting are all fun ideas for a crowd.

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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Blog, Event Planning

Planning your Family Reunion

Family reunions are a fun tradition and families have unique ways to celebrate this tradition. South Florida is ideal for family reunions with warm weather, plenty of sunshine and beautiful landscape it’s the ideal place for every type of party. Here are some tips for planning your family reunion that will keep you smiling in the sun!

Preplanning is crucial for this type of event and applies in particular if there will be people flying in or driving long distances. Contact the local hotels to see if they offer any group discounts. In most cases, they will allow such a thing if there are multiple families lodging at the same time.

Invite those who can attend in harmony. In many instances, these are family gatherings that allow families to reconnect and that’s the whole idea.

The food and drink are an essential part of a family reunion. Be sure to consider religious and food preferences as not everyone enjoys the same types of diet.  Set a budget for food and consider catering with a local business so you can concentrate on other things.

Games and activities are paramount to keep everyone engaged and promote bonding. Keep the party going by offering both kids, and adult themed features such as charades, twenty questions to bounce houses and waterslides. The more thought and planning you do, the more successful your family’s event will become.

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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