49 guides

Parties

Birthdays, showers, graduations, holidays and backyard parties.

3D render of a backyard birthday party with a pop-up canopy over a kids' table, a castle bounce house and a popcorn machine

Parties

21st Birthday Party Planning: Ideas, Budget and Timeline

Plan a 21st birthday party with a clear budget split, timeline, guest list rules, alcohol basics for Illinois and layout tips for a home, bar or rented space.

7 min read

3D render of party rentals: a red popcorn machine, a pink cotton candy cart, a neon sign and giant tumble tower blocks

Parties

50th Birthday Party Planning: Ideas, Timeline and Budget

Plan a 50th birthday party with themes, guest list advice, seating for mixed ages, a timeline and a budget split, including Chicago-area venue and rental tips.

6 min read

Parties

80th and 90th Birthday Party Planning: A Comfort-First Guide

Plan an 80th or 90th birthday party with comfortable seating, a shorter timeline, accessible layouts, memory displays and a multigenerational guest list.

6 min read

Parties

Adult Birthday Party Ideas in Chicago for Any Budget

Adult birthday party ideas in Chicago, from backyard cookouts and rooftop cocktail hours to dinner parties, with headcounts, costs to ask about and setup tips.

7 min read

3D render of a gold and ivory throne chair pair in front of a blush and ivory rose flower wall for quinceaneras, sweet sixteens and showers

Parties

Anniversary Party Planning for 25th and 50th Celebrations

Plan a 25th or 50th anniversary party with guest list, timeline, budget, toasts, seating and a photo display, plus tips for Chicago-area venues and rentals.

6 min read

Overhead 3D render of a reception floor plan: five 60-inch round tables with gold Chiavari chairs around a 16 by 16 foot dance floor

Parties

Anniversary Party Rentals and Layout: 25th, 50th and Vow Renewals

What to rent and how to lay out an anniversary party, from a 25th dinner to a 50th with family, with a head table plan and counts for 40 to 120 guests.

4 min read

3D render of a baby shower setup with blush linens, clear ghost chairs, a rose flower wall, a cake table and an ivory armchair

Parties

Baby Shower Games and Timeline: A Simple Two-Hour Plan

Plan baby shower games and a two-hour timeline that keeps guests comfortable, including game ideas, prizes, gift-opening flow and tips for any group size.

6 min read

3D render of a corporate event setup with rows of black padded chairs facing a skirted stage, ivory pipe and drape and cocktail highboys

Parties

Baby Shower Rentals and Seating: Tables, Chairs and the Gift Corner

Plan baby shower seating with the right number of chairs, tables, a mom-to-be chair, a gift corner and a games layout, for 20 to 60 guests in Chicago.

4 min read

3D render of an 8-foot tripod projection screen with a black border for slideshows, ceremonies and corporate events

Parties

Backyard Movie Night Seating: Screen Distance, Chairs and Blankets

Set up backyard movie night seating with the right screen distance, tiered chairs, a snack table and a plan for darkness in Chicago. Counts for 10 to 60.

4 min read

Parties

Block Party Rentals in Chicago: Tables, Tents and the Permit Steps

Plan a Chicago block party: how the CDOT permit works, what tables, chairs and tents to rent for 50 to 150 neighbors, and a street layout that keeps cars out.

4 min read

Parties

Bridal Shower Planning: Who Hosts, When and What to Do

Bridal shower planning made clear: who traditionally hosts and pays, when to schedule it, who to invite, a timeline, a budget split and Chicago-area venue tips.

6 min read

3D render of a complete wedding place setting: gold beaded charger, white china dinner and salad plates, stainless flatware and crystal stemware on ivory linen

Parties

Bridal Shower Table Setup: Layout, Place Settings and Rentals

Set up a bridal shower with the right tables, place settings, a seat of honor and a brunch buffet. Counts and a layout for 20 to 60 guests in Chicago.

5 min read

3D render of a catered buffet line with chafing dishes on ivory linens, a beverage station with a lemonade dispenser and coffee urn, and a cake table

Parties

Brunch Party Rentals for 20 to 50 Guests: Tables, Chairs and Buffet

Host a brunch for 20 to 50 with the right tables, chairs, a buffet or station plan, mimosa bar and place settings. Counts, a floor plan and a timeline for Chicago.

5 min read

3D render of a clear-top frame tent glowing at twilight with string lights, round tables and gold Chiavari chairs on a lawn

Parties

Celebration of Life Reception: Seating, Tables and Rentals Done Gently

Plan a celebration of life or memorial reception with comfortable seating, a memory display, a quiet area and food service. Counts for 30 to 150 guests.

4 min read

Parties

Class Reunion Planning Guide: Timeline, Budget and Tips

A class reunion planning guide covering committee roles, finding classmates, timeline, ticket pricing, venue choices, food amounts and Chicago-area logistics.

6 min read

3D render of a rustic farm table dinner with walnut crossback chairs, a sage runner, rattan chargers and string lights

Parties

Dinner Party for 12 to 24 at Home: What to Rent and How to Seat It

Host a dinner party for 12 to 24 at home with the right tables, chairs, linens and place settings. Layouts for one long table or several rounds, plus a count chart.

5 min read

Parties

Easter Brunch and Egg Hunt Planning for Chicago Families

Plan an Easter brunch and egg hunt with a timeline, menu amounts, egg counts by age, seating for a crowd and a rain and cold plan for a Chicago-area spring.

6 min read

Parties

Family Reunion Seating and Rentals: Tables, Chairs and Shade for 50 to 150

Plan a family reunion with seating by family branch, shade, a long buffet line and activities for all ages. Counts for 50 to 150 relatives in a Chicago-area park.

5 min read

Another angle: 3D render of a gold pedestal cake stand holding a two-tier white wedding cake with blush roses

Parties

First Birthday Party Rentals: Seating, Tables and a Smash Cake Spot

What to rent for a first birthday party: adult seating, a kids' table, a smash cake setup and a high chair spot, with counts for 20 to 50 guests in Chicago.

5 min read

3D render of an outdoor cocktail hour with white spandex highboy tables, an ivory velvet lounge sofa and bistro string lights at dusk

Parties

Four Hour Party Timeline: A Run of Show You Can Copy

Use this four hour party timeline for a birthday, graduation or celebration: arrivals, food, activities, cake, cleanup and who handles each part.

6 min read

Parties

Fourth of July Backyard Party Rentals: Shade, Seating and Fireworks Time

Plan a Fourth of July backyard party in the Chicago area with shade, cooling, seating for 30 to 80 and a layout that holds up until the fireworks.

5 min read

Parties

Friendsgiving for 20: Tables, Chairs and a Buffet That Works

Host Friendsgiving for 20 with a long-table layout, buffet flow, kids table and the rentals you need. Counts for 12 to 30 guests and a Chicago November plan.

4 min read

Another angle: 3D render of a slatted teak wood garden folding chair for outdoor ceremonies

Parties

Garden Party Rentals and Layout: Chairs, Tables and Shade on the Lawn

Plan a garden party with lawn-friendly chairs, long and round tables, shade and a flow that suits flower beds. Counts and layouts for 20 to 80 guests.

4 min read

Parties

Gender Reveal Party Setup: Layout, Seating and Reveal Moment

Plan a gender reveal party with a clear sightline to the reveal, seating for 25 to 60 guests and safe, village-friendly ideas. Layouts and rentals for Chicago.

5 min read

Parties

Going Away and Farewell Party Planning: A Simple Guide

Plan a going away party or farewell with a short timeline, budget, guest list, food and toasts, plus tips for Chicago-area venues and spaces.

6 min read

3D render of a graduation party under a 20 by 20 foot frame tent with banquet tables, white folding chairs, string lights and yard games

Parties

Graduation Party Rentals Checklist: What to Rent and How Many

A graduation party rentals checklist with counts for chairs, tables, linens, tents and food service, built around the Chicago-area open house style party.

6 min read

Parties

Halloween Party Planning Guide: Ideas, Food and Layout

Plan a Halloween party for kids or adults with themes, food amounts, spooky decor, a simple layout, safety tips and Chicago-area weather and rental advice.

6 min read

3D render of a winter-ready frame tent with cathedral-window sidewalls, patio heaters and a forced-air tent heater for cold-weather Chicago events

Parties

Holiday Party at Home: Rentals, Layout and a Winter Plan for Chicago

Host a holiday party at home for 30 to 60 with the right chairs, tables, coat storage and bar setup. A Chicago winter plan with layouts and a rentals checklist.

4 min read

Parties

Hosting a Party at Home Checklist: Space, Seats, Food, Cleanup

A hosting a party at home checklist covering guest count, seating, food, drinks, bathrooms, parking, rentals and cleanup so your house works for the crowd.

6 min read

3D render of an event lounge vignette: ivory velvet sofa, matching armchair and gold glass coffee table

Parties

Housewarming Party Seating: How to Host a Crowd in a New Home

Seat a housewarming party without buying furniture: how many chairs to rent, where to put them, tours, food stations and a flow plan for homes and condos.

4 min read

3D render of a gold Chiavari bar stool with an ivory cushion for cocktail hours and bar seating

Parties

How Much Alcohol for a Party? A Simple Guide by Guest Count

Estimate how much beer, wine and liquor to buy for a party using drinks per hour, a typical beer, wine and liquor mix, and tables by guest count.

6 min read

Parties

How Much Food Per Person for a Party: Amounts by Event Type

How much food per person for a party, with amounts for appetizers, buffets, plated dinners, desserts and drinks, plus scaling tables for 20 to 100 guests.

6 min read

Parties

How to Plan a Baby Shower: A Checklist From Start to Finish

A baby shower planning checklist with a six-week timeline, budget split, guest list tips, food amounts and rentals for a home, backyard or hall in Chicagoland.

6 min read

Parties

How to Plan a Birthday Party: A Step-by-Step Checklist

A birthday party planning checklist for any age, with a six-week timeline, budget split, guest count rules and Chicago-area tips for venues and rentals.

7 min read

Parties

How to Plan a Party on a Budget Without Cutting the Fun

Plan a party on a budget with a spending split, smart cuts, the rental and DIY math, timing tips and Chicago-area ways to save on venue, food and decor.

6 min read

Parties

Kid-Friendly Event Planning: Making Space for Children

Plan a kid-friendly event with the right seating, food, activities, safety checks and quiet zones, so children and adults both enjoy the day.

5 min read

Parties

Kids Birthday Party Seating and Tables: What to Set Up and Where

How to seat a kids birthday party: table sizes, chairs per age group, adult seating and a layout that keeps cake time calm. Counts for 12 to 30 kids.

4 min read

3D render of a toddler party with a neutral soft play set, a kids' table with child-size chairs and a cotton candy cart

Parties

Kids Birthday Party Timeline and Games That Keep It Fun

A kids birthday party timeline for a two-hour party, plus age-by-age games, backups for bad weather and a Chicago-area guide to space, tables and seating.

7 min read

3D render of a 60-inch round banquet table, the most popular wedding reception table, seating 8 to 10 guests

Parties

Milestone Birthday Party Ideas: 30th, 40th, 50th and 60th Setups

How to set up a 30th, 40th, 50th or 60th birthday party: seating style, rentals and layout for each decade, with counts for 25 to 100 guests in Chicago.

4 min read

Parties

Mother's Day and Father's Day Gatherings: Plan a Great Day

Plan a Mother's Day brunch or a Father's Day cookout with menu ideas, seating, a timeline, budget tips and Chicago-area weather, venue and rental advice.

6 min read

Another angle: 3D render of a gold Chiavari bar stool with an ivory cushion for cocktail hours and bar seating

Parties

New Year's Eve Party at Home: Seating, Bar and Midnight Layout

Plan a New Year's Eve party at home with a layout for a midnight toast, a bar that never clogs and rentals for 25 to 75 guests. Chicago winter notes included.

5 min read

Parties

Open House Graduation Party Layout: Flow, Seating and Food Lines

Lay out an open house graduation party so guests flow in, eat, sit and leave without a pile-up. Zone plan, seat counts and a timeline for Chicago-area yards.

5 min read

Parties

Post-Prom Party Planning: A Guide for Parents and Schools

Plan a safe, fun post-prom party with a committee, budget, timeline, activities, food, supervision and volunteer roles, plus Chicago-area venue and rental tips.

6 min read

3D render of a corporate gala with navy linens, silver Chiavari chairs, white florals and a skirted stage in a ballroom

Parties

Retirement Party Rentals and Layout: Seating, Toasts and Tributes

Plan a retirement party that works for coworkers, family and a toast: layout, seating, a tribute display and rentals, with counts for 30 to 120 guests.

4 min read

Parties

Sip and See Party Planning: Timing, Guest List and Layout

Plan a sip and see party for a new baby, with advice on timing, who to invite, food, seating, hygiene, a simple schedule and Chicago-area venue and rental tips.

6 min read

Another angle: 3D render of a white china soup bowl for plated dinners

Parties

Super Bowl Party Seating for a Crowd: Sightlines, Tables and Food

Seat a Super Bowl party of 20 to 50 with clear sightlines to the screen, tiered seating, food stations and a plan for February in Chicago. Counts included.

4 min read

Parties

Surprise Party Planning: Rentals, Timeline and Hiding the Delivery

How to plan a surprise party around rentals: delivery timing, hiding setup, layout for the big reveal, and a day-of timeline for Chicago-area homes and venues.

4 min read