Creating the party that works for you....

I've been spending allot of time party planning this week - both for my own family as well as a couple of our wonderful customers. It's fun work! The fall brings not only cooler weather at our house, but the birthdays of my four oldest children. Whew! Between the holidays and birthday parties, I am wiped by January!

There is so much to consider when planning your party, but I was reminded this week about the single most important decision you need to make. What works for you? We spend so much time on what the guest of honor wants, what the guests will need, what will look/taste/sound/feel wonderful - what we can handle often gets lost in the shuffle! Nothing can ruin a party faster than a totally stressed out host/hostess!

Because of that, I am "stealing" an idea from one of my customers this week that she is using for her children's parties - because it is pure genius! This lovely lady (ROSE!!!) has three children of different ages, but their birthdays are very close. Although her friends thinks she is nuts, she is going to have all the parties on the same day, by just staggering the times! The ages of her kids range from elementary school to high school, and mixing the guests just won't work. But setting up/paying for/breaking down for three separate parties would make any mom weak! So she decided that she would rent the items she needs once, stagger the parties throughout the day, and just dedicate one day to the complete party day! BRILLIANT! She's going to be saving time, money and sanity! I've already told my kids #3 and 4 that's what we are doing this year and they are pumped! They can have all the fixings for a great party ( dunk tank, obstacle course, bouncehouse, concessions, etc !

Don't forget, if you live in Sarasota or Manatee counties, call Party Jumpers at 941.343.0370 to help you save your sanity too!

Thanks Rose!

Great Party....Bad Weather.....

This weekend reminded me of what a bummer Mother Nature can be when you have planned a party. Establishing a "Plan B" ahead of time can really help make your life easier. Allot depends on your venue and the number of guests you have....but here are some options to consider....

1) Could you move the party indoors? With some changes in activities - many parties can move inside your home without much problem ( I recently had to move my middle schooler's back-to-school party inside with 15 guests...we put on the Wii - ordered pizzas - and they had a blast!)

2) Depending on the type of weather, how about renting a tent? Or perhaps another venue? I keep a list of additional venues handy for party rentals - inside AND outside. Contacting them for general information well ahead of time helps lower your blood pressure. They may not be available that date, but many places will be happy to rent it out on a day or two in advance if not already rented!

3) Maybe changing your theme? Tropical Storm? Have everyone meet at a movie theater and pizza afterwards! Or at an indoor theme park! A spa party or skating rink? Get creative!

4) Rescheduling is always an option - although my last one. Sometimes if you are heavily invested (emotionally OR financially) in a particular party - rescheduling is the best option. Make sure that you have every ones contact information for last minute changes!

At Party Jumpers, we understand that you can't control Mother Nature! We don't take deposits, and will happily reschedule your party in advance (for ANY reason!) In the event that the item you have reserved is not available on your new party date, we do our best to substitute for an item of greater value (but at the same cost to you!) When it looks like the weather is not going to be conducive to your party, we contact you directly and discuss your preferences.

That's just ONE of the Party Jumper differences!