There are all sorts of reasons for a get-together. Holidays, the big game, major life events, reunions — or just because it’s fun. Whatever your reason, don’t be afraid to jump in and plan an unforgettable party. It’s easier than you might think. Take it from Loving Life as Megan. We partnered with her to show you just how easy hosting can be with the help of a trusted rental partner. Check out Megan’s experience hosting a Friendsgiving party.

Megan’s Friendsgiving ideas apply to any event. From a bridal shower to birthday parties to “galentine’s day” gatherings, use her tips on how to host a party to ensure success.

Party Hosting Essentials

The planning process starts with information and ideas. Begin with the basics. Is the event for a specific occasion, such as a graduation party or a baby shower, or is it simply a fun gathering like Megan’s Friendsgiving event? How many people do you expect to come? Will it be a small dinner party or a big backyard barbecue? Do you need to think through how to host a party in a small house, large home, big yard or maybe a park? Will it be formal or informal? Will you need to keep kids occupied and entertained?

Once those initial decisions are made, you can start exploring the many possibilities for turning your party dream into reality. As you saw in the video, Megan went to RentalHQ.com to get ideas and make her gathering great. The site also connected Megan with a local rental store for the items and support she wanted so that she could enjoy her party along with her friends.

More Fun. Less Stress.

It’s ironic that planning a fun party can be stressful, but it’s natural because you want everything to be just right for your guests. Megan knew that her party would be outdoors and that she wanted a bounce house for the kids. That gave her a great starting point. Utilizing RentalHQ.com helped her find the specific items she wanted and also inspired ideas that helped make her event even more special. Best of all, finding the things she wanted and knowing that the rental company would handle the delivery and setup helped take the stress away.

Some of the items Megan rented include:

• Party Tent — The large tent provided a great gathering space, gave guests a place to get out of the sun (or to stay dry if it had rained that day), and created a dining area where the food and people were protected from weather, wind and insects. The tent included windows to help with lighting and two entrances so that people could come and go easily.
• Tables and Chairs — It’s a great money-saver to rent seating and surfaces. You can order exactly what you need, and you don’t have to worry about storing the items when the party is done. The rental company helped Megan arrange the tables and chairs so that people could eat and visit comfortably without interfering with the flow of those coming in and out of the tent.
• Linens, Lighting and Décor — The tablecloths and decorative pieces that Megan chose helped to make the tent area even more inviting and festive. The ambient lighting arrangement also contributed to the warm mood of the setting, plus it helped keep the party going into the evening.
• Cotton Candy Machine — Nothing beats delighted children (and sugar-loving adults). The rental company included all the supplies needed and showed Megan how to operate the cotton candy machine. All she had to do was let the kids have fun.
• Bounce House — What a great way for the kids to burn off that cotton-candy energy! The rental company helped her select the ideal size for the ages of the kids at the party. Along with the delivery, they set up the bounce house and connected it to a power supply. Megan didn’t have to do anything but flip a switch to inflate the unit shortly before the party.

The rental company helped make the event as stress-free for Megan as possible. They offered suggestions that helped Megan get the party she wanted. They delivered all items and set everything up. And they returned after the party to pack it all up and take it away. With the party rental supplies and support she needed, Megan was free to host and be with her guests.

Host Your Party

For your event, using Megan’s experience as a starting point can help ensure success. Just adapt her plan to the likes and interests of your guests. For instance, rentable alternatives to a bounce house include amusement rides like a small carousel. Or you might swap in a popcorn maker for the cotton candy machine. If your guest list is all adults, you could add an ice chest for drinks, a jukebox, a fire pit — the list goes on and on.

Use our rental store locator above to find a great rental partner near you. Plus, get more inspiration from Megan by visiting her YouTube and Instagram channels.