Tenting, It’s a Spring and Summer Thing

The snow’s almost fully melted in Saskatoon and spring has finally sprung— or at least we can all feel that it’s spring more and more each day. Outdoor events are a must for the next two seasons that we’re having and we need to make the most out of them! Tents will definitely play a big role in keeping most of our events going as it serves as our protection from the elements. It’s what bridges your special event’s space to the landscape and weather!

We’ve highlighted the importance of tents and the factors that you must consider in our previous entries (Part 1 and Part 2). In this entry we’d like to focus on the other factors you might want to take into consideration when planning for an outdoor special event this spring and summer!

One of the most important, if not the most important consideration when having a tented special event is having an external power source or generators to provide electricity for the event space. This is especially important for weddings or any special event for that matter which require lighting for decor and a sound system. Power will also be instrumental for heating should your event be held in the evenings during the early stages of spring and summer where it does get a little chilly and even air conditioning or fans when your special event is held in the middle of a hot summer day.

You should also consider portable washrooms or trailers. If you’re setting up your tent event having portable washrooms on site is a necessity. Sure, there may be establishments or buildings that may be close by for your guests to use as washrooms but not all of them will be as accommodating as you’d like them to be. Having mobile washrooms becomes even more important if you’re holding your special event at a remote location. Some portable sinks will come in handy too at your tented event for sanitary purposes.

Lastly, if you’re holding a special event under a tent, much like any other event, you’re most likely to have food and beverages for your function. Keeping your food warm and your beverages (and even other food items) chilled is important too. You may want to consider getting warming ovens, freezers or fridges on site for the purposes of warming and chilling your food and beverages.

Lights… Curtains… and Sparkle!

Lighting can easily be the differentiating factor when it comes to any kind of special event whether it be a wedding, gala/fundraiser or or even a birthday. There’s really just something about those twinkly lights that adds an extra dose of gorgeousness especially when it’s done properly. It can easily transform any venue and add the glamorous or dreamy ambiance that your special event needs.

In a majority of special events and celebrations nowadays, we can see a growing popularity for light curtains. They are fabulous additions to an event’s entrance or as backdrops for a wedding’s head table. Sometimes these are even used to screen an area of a venue.

Basically, what you’ll need to create this light curtains are two base plates, two telescopic uprights, three crossbars, two valence hangers, some net lights, one solid drape and one sheer drape. 

Installing light curtains is fairly straightforward as well! All you have to do is place your telescopic uprights onto the base plates with the slotted ends at the top. Next you have to attach the valence hangers on top of each upright, one in the front slot and one in the rear slot. Then you’ll have to take one cross bar and slide the solid drape onto it, you’ll be hanging this to the rear valence hanger. You then hang the crossbar containing your net lights and hang it on the centre slots of your uprights. Finally, you’ll have to slide the sheer drape onto the remaining crossbar and hang it onto the front valence hanger.

It is important to note that when you’re using curtain lights by themselves, they can sometimes be too bright or harsh. This is why you’ll be needing the sheer drapery in order to reduce the brightness/harshness of the light curtains.

When setting a light curtain up, you would probably also need to have one or two extension cords for the lights just in case your wall outlets aren’t as accessible. Do remember not to plug more than one crossbar of lights in the same plug-in as these may blow the light fuse.

Another important consideration, especially for safety purposes, would be to make sure that you use flame retardant fabric or LED bulbs that don’t generate heat. We probably wouldn’t want to light up the entire occasion in flames— unless that’s the kind of ambiance that you’re seeking for your special event. Kidding aside, this is most certainly the consideration that you should give special attention to.

The Importance of Staging

A key component that must be considered for several types of events is staging— whether it be a gala, wedding, concert/performance or fashion show. Aside from stunning decor and a well-organized program, stages are also key to what make or break any special event. Let us give you some very good reasons!

Stages are used to highlight certain (if not a majority) of the segments that are a part of your event. It is through these stage set-ups that your guests are given a much better viewing experience of whatever it may be that’s happening in your program.

These are necessary to divide or establish area restrictions— allowing for the flow of your event to go uninterrupted. It simply makes your event’s flow more effective and according to plan. Stages provide more space (in the cases of performers) to move around much easily without having to worry about making unnecessary contact with the spectators.

When choosing a venue, the availability of staging is also something to consider. Most established auditoriums or halls in cities already have them in place along with the lighting and backdrops necessary for the said stage. However, modular storage options are also available in the market. There are a number of companies that sell modular staging sets and there are also a good number of companies that are great suppliers for renting these kinds of staging units.

The best part about these modular staging sets is that they can work both indoors and outdoors and are relatively easy to set-up and take down. They can be laid out on an even surface, are retractable and customizable to cater to your events’ needs. Furthermore, these modular stages can be set-up fairly quickly depending on the size needed and the team that’s doing the set-up. Just remember to plan accordingly so that your modular stage set-ups are up and ready to go way before your event starts— these set-ups are usually the first to be done anyway as they usually have to be decorated.

Last but not the least, safety must always be factored in when planning on using a modular staging set. Whether you are buying or renting these modular staging sets, always inform the representatives that you’re dealing with what type of platform you will need, what size and what strength is necessary for your events’ purposes. This way, they can give you a proper recommendation on the appropriate modular staging unit(s) that you will be buying or renting.

As an additional resource, it would be highly advisable to consult with the Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Committee of your province for standards and regulations regarding setting up modular staging for events. As a quick reference, here in the province of Saskatchewan, you could refer to the OH&S Regulations 121, 122 and 123 for more detailed information on staging at special events.

There Ain’t No Party Like A 70’s Party

We’ve talked about and emphasized on the importance of themes in our previous entry before as these tie in every single element of your special event. The best part about hosting themed parties is that they’re popular all year round and that there’s always a theme that’s readily available for any given season.

One of the themes that are really fun to utilize for any special event is a “70’s Theme”. What better way to get in the groove of planning an event with this theme than to whip out some tunes from the disco dancing era!

Let’s start off by talking décor. The 70’s can very well be associated with an abundance of colour and sparkling patterns. This being the case, a 70’s themed event will probably never be complete without disco balls. Disco balls are usually the staple for your ceiling décor for a 70’s themed party so make sure that you have these on your ceiling. Strobe lighting and a fog machine would be the perfect companion to these disco balls.

You can add more 70’s texture to your event space by putting up beaded curtains and utilizing glow sticks. Mind you, those glow sticks also make for awesome accessories to anyone’s 70’s costumes whether your guests decide to show up in their hippie outfits, bell bottom jump suits or even the classic tie die shirts!

Decorate your tables by putting on some colourful patterned linen and then use lava lamps for your centrepieces or even mini disco balls. Another creative idea for tables would be to use old vinyl records as plate chargers!

On top of having your guests come in their favorite 70’s outfits, having a retro photo booth for your event will add more flare to your 70’s themed party! This will surely increase the level of fun experienced by your guests especially if you supply neat little 70’s props for them to utilize for the booth.

Here are just some of our ideas for throwing a 70’s themed party! So if you’re planning one anytime soon, hustle up! 

Creating an Easter Bunny Napkin

Now that Easter’s just around the corner, let us show you how you can turn any simple napkin into an Easter bunny for your table decor.

We start off with a napkin— choose any colour of napkin that you wish to have on your table. This works best with a starched napkin however and shows off better when it’s folded the day before your Easter festivities.

Step 1: Lay the napkin flat on any surface.

Step 2: Fold the napkin into three. Start with either the top portion or the bottom portion.

Step 3: Then take the other end of the napkin and fold it on top of the other half.

Step 4: Now take one side of the folded napkin and fold it diagonally. Do the same for the other half.

Step 5: Take one corner of the diagonally folded napkin and fold it upwards. Do this for the other corner until you get a diamond shaped napkin.

Step 6: Fold one corner of the diamond shaped napkin now in half and do the same for the other corner.

Step 7: Flip the napkin over and press down on it.

Step 8: Fold the current napkin in half.

Step 9: Hold your folded napkin up and fold it again vertically right down the middle.

Step 10: And voila! You have a bunny shaped napkin for your Easter themed table.

urquizah asked: Can you recommend any venue in Saskatoon that would allow you to do ceiling draping? (Specifically in May, (before tents go up) and at a venue that allows you to do your own off site catering. Thanks

Hi urquizah,

These are the venues that we’re familiar with that’ll allow you to do ceiling draping for your event. The Manhattan, Albert Community Centre and Martensville Rec Plex.

If you have any further questions or need any further advise, feel free to drop by our facility on 2642 Millar Ave. and our event specialists will be more than willing to help you out!

Bringing the Outdoors In

Summer is upon us, and with the change of seasons event planners, interior designers, and homeowners are starting to think about ways on how to bring the great outdoors in! Everyone enjoys the smell of flowers in the air, the gorgeous colours that Mother Nature has in store for us this time of year, and the unique textures that can be incorporated into décor that only come from the great outdoors.

Nature can inspire almost all aspects of your next event, including choosing your décor and venue. Try natural wood, grass, stones or birch logs to decorate your space. Adorn tables with subtle wildflowers, succulents or flower petals on natural linen runners. Or lay one wide green palm leaf at the centre of each table and layer vases of different sizes with candles to produce a unique centrepiece that is also budget friendly.

One of the many benefits of using a nature theme in your event is the calming atmosphere it lends itself to. Whether you are planning an intimate wedding, anniversary or just a dinner with friends, using nature to inspire your décor is a great way to change the mood of your event and create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere for your guests.

You can also plan to hold your event in a space that allows your guests to move from indoors to outdoors seamlessly. Many restaurants and venues offer spaces that include a patio that is directly connected to your dining space. Open the doors to let the fresh air in, and then utilize the outdoors as your cocktail reception space. Hang twinkle lights around the edge of the patio so that your guests can flow from indoors to outdoors with ease throughout the evening. By utilizing nature inspired décor you can blend the two spaces, and bring the outdoors in.

For the most dramatic effect recreate a garden party theme indoors to transform any space. Bring in small bushes or trees to line the room to create an outdoor feel. Try relaxed seating arrangements like lounge chairs and ottomans. Using fresh colors like white, yellow and green will enhance the effect.

However you decide to bring the outdoors in, use your imagination and have fun!

Fun in the Summer Sun Pt. 2

You’ve already read our post on the different kinds of summer games in our previous entry. Now it’s time to consider food, drinks and how to make any summer gathering hassle free and even more enjoyable!

There are a myriad of ways to spend the summer and a myriad more things to do outdoors. It’s the perfect time of the year to have trips to the lake, camping, gatherings/parties with family and friends in your backyard only to name a few.

We all know by now that there is quite the deal of work that has to be done when organizing and hosting these kinds of events. Coming up with checklists of what’s needed for food and entertainment alone can get strenuous. Oh and before we forget— as hosts of any given event we are also responsible for cleaning up most of the tables, chairs, linen, plates, cutlery and the list goes on! One good way to reduce the amount of stress associated with planning and hosting any given event this summer would be to consider renting!

Here are just a couple of things you might want to consider renting out instead of buying if you’re considering planning and hosting any given occasion this summer:

Just imagine being able to barbecue all the burgers, hotdogs, bacon, steaks and vegetables you want without having to worry about cleaning up the barbecue afterwards! Some rental companies even rent the propane tanks that come with the barbecues so you wouldn’t have to worry about having to buy an actual tank for yourself and refilling it every time you decide to barbecue.

Hot dog cookers will be perfect for the backyard gatherings and parties with friends and can pretty much go hand in hand with the barbecues! Cook the steaks and burgers on the barbecue and the hotdogs on the hot dog cookers and you’ll easily have a mighty meaty combo suited for the summer!

Propane burners can also be a popular and very useful cooking equipment that can be rented out during the summer and these can come in very handy when you decide to go camping. This eliminates the extra effort that you’d probably end up exerting from chopping wood to set-up a cooking area in your camp!

Now let’s talk beverages and stuff to cool us down when we are spending time outdoors during the summer.

Have you ever wanted to have your own frozen drink or sno kone machine for the summertime gatherings that you host in your backyard but find that it’s too expensive to have and maintain one yourself— especially if you’ll most likely only use it for the summer? Here’s an idea, why not rent these machines instead? This will definitely get all your guests excited and well, on a sugar high too so the fun never stops in your gatherings!

You might also want to consider renting ice troughs for the beverages that you intend to chill when you go camping. On a hot +26 day out in a campsite somewhere, you probably won’t be very interested in warm beverages!

These among so many other items can be rented out whether you choose to host backyard parties or go camping, you just have to look for your local rental store for these kinds of items. These among other things would definitely make your summer events a lot more enjoyable and hassle free.

Fun in the Summer Sun

Spring has been here for quite a while now and summer’s just around the corner. The smell of food cooking on the barbeque is in the air. It is an amazing time to be outdoors and bask in the sun!

This is a popular time of year for several school and community events, backyard birthday parties. Entertainment is a key element in making such outdoor events a huge success.

Providing games and other activities for both indoors and out will keep kids of all ages (even adults who are young at heart) entertained for any given outdoor event. It will all come down to the single most important element of every event—FUN!

Here are a few fun outdoor ideas and games for kids and kids at heart heading into the summer:

• Bouncy Castles- these are great for people of any age. They come in different shapes, sizes and even themes. These bouncy castles are best enjoyed outdoors in a backyard with an electrical outlet close by. Bouncy castles are very easy to set-up as they inflate in minutes and provide endless hours of fun.

• Carnival Themed Games- Create your own midway with a variety of games. 

          - Build your own ring toss using hula hoops and square boxes and give away prizes.        

          - Hi-Striker game- This is an old fashioned carnival favorite. See who can “ring the bell”. These come in both adult and children sizes.

          - Fish Pond game- you can rent or create your own backdrop. Make two “fishing poles”. Bamboo works great with a string and clip on the end for a prize. Purchase small prizes to give away (the dollar stores are great for this).

          - Toss games. Stack cans or bottles and see who can know them down. Or find a cream can or other solid container to throw soft balls into.

          - Dunk Tank- This is carnival crowd pleaser. People will love to watch your “volunteers” get dunked and soaked in water!

          - One On One basketball. This is another favorite. It is electronic with sound and a score board. Race to see who gets the most baskets.

          - Cow Milking- challenge someone to a race to fill your milk bucket the fastest.

          - Boom Blaster- race to blow up and pop your balloon the fastest.

• Frame Games for the Sports Enthusiast- These games are supported by a metal free-standing framework that can be used both indoors or out. They are great for older children and adults. Test your skills at:

          - Frisbee- Toss a frisbee through various slots

          - Golf- shoot velcro balls onto a backdrop

          - Baseball- pitch balls through a target

          - Hockey- shoot a puck through the goalies open spots

          - Soccer-  kick a ball past the goalie into the net

• Games for Younger Children:

          - Parachute- large colorful parachute is great for outdoors or large indoor spaces.

          - Duck pond- Ducks float around in a duck pond. Children pick one out to win a prize.

          - Tub Games- Toss a bean bag to knock over trolls, hook a ring on an elephant’s trunk or put a ball into a gopher hole.

There are numerous other outdoor activities available. You can easily use the games you have at home and bring them to backyard or park on a nice day. Horseshoes, Bocce Ball, Croquet, Volleyball, Badminton, Frisbee, Baseball, Football, Tug O War, Potato Sack races, relay races or scavenger hunts are just some examples to name a few. In the summer, fun outdoor activities are almost just limited by your imagination.

To complement all the fun outdoor activities you can have for the upcoming summer, you may want to consider some refreshment and snack ideas as well for all of your guests. Stay tuned for our next article on refreshment and snack ideas to go along with these outdoor entertainment ideas.