Christmas time!

It has been an extremely busy and productive fall here at A Party Apart.  Winding down later in summer were great outdoor weddings, ceremonies and events.  With the warmer weather, we have continued setting up tents late in the season.  Just last weekend we did a 40' x 120' for a wedding in Ohio.  No matter what time of year, let us know what you want and we will try and make it happen.  The Christmas season has also been jammed packed with company parties.  Awesome events at the Coliseum, Grand Wayne, Eddie Merlot's and all over town! Casino's have also remained popular for company themes.  We can provide tables, chips and also dealers. Providing a complete casino experience at any venue.  Making a trip to Chicago was also in order.  Cheryl was a finalist for Event Designer of the Year at the BizBash IdeaFest in Chicago.  While she didn't win, being nominated was great recognition.  Be sure not to miss us in a few weeks at the Fort Wayne Bridal Spectacular.  The event is held at the Coliseum on Saturday and Sunday, January 5th & 6th from 12-4.  This two day show is a great chance to talk to our designers face to face.  We typically run specials at these shows on popular wedding rental items.  January also marks the 10th anniversary of A Party Apart.  So be on the lookout for fun events marking this grand occasion!  As always, be sure to checkout the links below for the most current news, photos and ideas.  Merry Christmas, Happy Holiday's and Happy New Year from A Party Apart!

http://www.facebook.com/apartyapart

http://www.twitter.com/apartyapart

http://www.instagram.com/apartyapart

 

Summer! Summer! Summer!

It has been an extremely busy and productive summer here at APA!  We have had the opportunity of working on great events like the IPFW Riverfest, Three Rivers Festival, numerous graduation parties, weddings and Matilda Jane events.  From decorating pirate ships, to blowing up balloons, to setting up chairs, it has been full of action.  The hot items of the summer have definitely been Mason Jars and Harvest Tables.  We like to call the theme "Grandma's Attic".  It is an eclectic mix of different items that do not necessarily match, but bring together a unique and one of a kind experience to individual wedding receptions.  We have also dove more into Social Media which has given us the chance to get examples of our work out much quicker.  Channels such as Instagram, Facebook and Twitter have been a great tool to showcase our events.  We also got a few nods from BizBash on our posts.  BizBash is one of the leading publications in our industry in markets like New York, Chicago and Miami.  That was very exciting!  We invite you to take a look at our different Social Media avenues.  The plan is to update our blog more on a quarterly basis and let you know about specials or shows that we will be attending and exhibiting.  Typically Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are updated multiple times a week.  Thanks for stopping by today and don't forget to call and ask how A Party Apart can set your next event APART! (260) 969-0999
http://www.facebook.com/apartyapart - Facebook

http://www.twitter.com/apartyapart - Twitter

http://t.co/NP8085AE - Instagram

Vera Bradley Classic Tennis Dinner

This past weekend we had the opportunity to work on a great project with the Vera Bradley Foundation.  Each year they have the Vera Bradley Classic Golf and Tennis Fundraiser.  The golf outing was held at Sycamore Hills and the tennis event was held at Wildwood Racquetball Club.  Incorporating some of our new lighting, we were able to transform the Wildwood space into an intimate and inviting cocktail and dinner space.  Since pink is the theme, the room was washed in pink lighting.  The Foundation logo was also projected onto one of the walls in white.  One of the best additions was the projection of a new Vera Bradley pattern in color that spanned about 50 feet wide by 15 feet tall.  The cocktail and dinner tables were also covered with this matching pattern.  This type of complete transformation is something you can rely on us to take care of.  Let us know how you want your venue transformed and we can make it happen.

THAT Space is a Gymnasium? I Don't Think So!

Sometimes a special event is special because of the venue it is held in; sometimes you don't have a "party" space and transforming unusual space into a magical environment takes a bit of work. Here's three recent examples - all with good "bones" in school environments - all with very different results...

"Vintage Concordia"
The challenge for "Vintage Concordia" — a recent silent auction, dinner and fundraiser at Concordia Lutheran High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana was not only to transform the entry through the hallway and into the gymnasium, but the gymnasium itself. This was a large event with over 400 guests and a variety of spaces to create. Hallways and entry ways became pathways to Italian wine country, complete with colorful backdrops of the Tuscany region. Wine barrels and grapevine arches created registration areas and check out tables. Silent auction displays surrounded and helped define an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere reminiscent of the Italian countryside, complete with candlelight, views, hanging chandeliers, billowy draping overhead, and the feeling of dining al fresco in a vineyard. La Dolce Vita! Click here to see more photos.

"Winter Wonderland"
Maple Leaf Farms, of Leesburg, IN, recently purchased and completely renovated the former Leesburg Elementary School into a modern world headquarters with offices for more than 80 employees. The $4 million renovation kept the former gym intact, painting only the walls and bleachers, and refinishing the floor. To transform this space into a truly "winter wonderland," we first protected the floor with carpet (thank you Hamm Event Services) to quiet the space (think how that first snowfall sounds late in the middle of the night). Next, all the lighting was turned off — creating atmosphere, intimacy and a big-city holiday feel for the 200+ guests using uplighting and gobo projectors of snowflakes. Lounge areas and cocktail tables around the lounge area were all lit with LEDs – creating a hip, clubby, upscale and "techy" vibe. The tables and chairs were "dressed" for the evening with glittery silver, pewter, and white; with glowing snow-white bright centerpieces. Guests were in awe and amazed that the space could be transformed so dramatically.

For the following weekend, carpet, tables and chairs were removed, and the space became party central for a 16th birthday party. The kids used the bar and lounge areas for snacks and beverages, and played basketball in one end of the gym. Not one, but two unique transformations — to satisfy all ages! Click here to see more photos.

"Red Carpet"
Homestead High School's 2011 winter dance was the talk of the town — if you count the backdrop paparazzi flashing cameras and the buzz of excitement from the "local" celebrities when they walked into the transformed space. Each year, A Party Apart comes up with unique themes for both the winter dances and Homestead's annual proms. This year's "Red Carpet Night" had all of the glitz and glamour of the Hollywood version — lights, cameras, action, the red carpet walk, a staging area for "celebrity" photos, and a trendy hot setting that rivaled any awards show. Be a "star" in your own setting! Click here to see more photos.

Time to De-Stress Your Holiday Planning

December kicks off this magical season - the spirit of Christmas, holiday parties and festivities with family and friends – isn’t that what this time of the year is for when we entertain? Why then do so many people get stressed out for planning a party?

Gone are the days when most people would just quickly plan a get-together; or call a few friends on the spur of the moment, make some easy snacks and have a casual evening. Times have changed, and today, society demands it is all about the type of food, the look of the party and getting the right group of friends together at the same time, instead of just letting everyone mix and mingle.

Everyone has their idea of what the perfect party will be. Holiday parties are no different than any other special event, including weddings. Houses are decorated from traditional to ultra-modern and contemporary to the current popular "rustic elegance." Look at the décor all around us — anything goes. And the most common request? A "wow" factor when guests walk through the door. Today's holiday decor knows no right or wrong. It's hard to even remember when turkey was ONLY for Thanksgiving and Christmas — or shrimp cocktail was a New Year’s Eve or day treat? And Christmas colors were ALWAYS red and green?


Here's a couple of our favorite looks for this holiday season:
Winter Wonderland – all white and glitzy, full of crystal and snow. Centerpieces include white floral, candlelight; refreshments include sparkling champagne with butler-served appetizers.
Rustic Elegance – plenty of natural fabrics; centerpieces with cranberries, nuts, and greens; comfort foods and spiked wassil.
Timeless Traditional – familiar reds and greens as color scheme; evergreens and pine cones; buffet with a variety of timeless favorites like wings, meatballs and creamy dips.
Modern Sophistication – Contemporary blacks and chrome with a strong pop of color (think turquoise or lime green); spandex table coverings; martinis and tapas food stations; centerpieces of vases filled with shiny ornaments and metallics.


Our tips for having a stress-free, enjoyable event?
#1 - Have the party that makes YOU comfortable; when you are relaxed, your guests are going to enjoy the evening as much or more because they'll take their cue from you.
#2 – If you aren’t the person that loves to prepare food - call on your favorite caterer – there are many out there offering items to fit every like and taste. Pick the perfect menu and check it off your list.
#3 – Whether it is a decorator, a party rental company or extra servers to help you – depend on someone you trust for their expertise, knowledge and advice. Don’t cause any additional stress by wondering if the linens are going to be perfect or the delivery on time.
#4 – If you are using a rental company – schedule the delivery early and request set-up of items instead of just drop-offs.
#5 – Renting makes sense - it saves you time and energy – and at the end of your party, you pack it up and send it back (no storing and less trash and clean-up).

Most importantly, create a comfortable, warm inviting environment where guests will have fun and enjoy themselves, with you doing whatever makes you comfortable. With the right help and approach, you'll enjoy your party from the beginning to the end — and that's what entertaining this season is really all about.

Fall/Holiday Party Planning - in full swing!

As the weather turns colder, colors go bolder and color is everywhere this season for both fall and winter. Use traditional colors, but add a bit of sparkle, or go for it with a bit of bold (either size, color or both) for added punch and drama.

For table-settings, add a bit of shine when you dine - what about pumpkins or gourds with colored glitter, or glazed white with a hint of silver? Combine bold oranges, reds, yellow-golds with a strong touch of silver, gold, or bronze.

Use elements of nature - leaves, sticks, stones, natural river rocks - or textures like burlap - for tablecloths, centerpieces or individual table settings. Be sure to incorporate candles - high or low, votive or a cluster - candlelight makes everything and everyone look better and the flicker of a candle catches that sparkle and makes everything a bit more bright and festive.

Anything natural with a bit of metallic and color is very modern and very "now" and will immediately turn "ho hum" into "how fabulous!"

Corporate event planning made simple

Sometimes corporate event planning can be hard — paying attention to all the details, shopping price, working with various vendors, and picking the best venue.

Did you know we can help with:
• Customer appreciation events
• Employee events
• New Product Launches
• Fundraisers
• Festivals
• Sales Training Meetings
• Board Meetings
• Investor Meetings
• Trade Shows

Maybe you just need ideas for a theme and the décor. Or maybe you've always held your event at the same place, and want help with a new venue selection. Having help with the pre-event planning AND managing the on-site logistics can free you up to concentrate on what you need to pay attention to - before and during the event. And knowing where you are in terms of budget is always important.

Let the blogging begin...

Welcome to the new A Party Apart blog!

We are the largest and most diversified rental and event planning company in the area, and have had wonderful opportunities to work with many different individuals and organizations over the years.

Our continuously growing inventory and innovative ideas keep our clients coming back again and again.

We would love to give you a tour of our showroom, complete with up to 16 themed event settings. Or visit and browse our online galleries and rental catalog at APartyApart.com.