DIY Network

Australian Outback Party: Party Advice and Centerpieces From "Weekend Entertaining" episode WKE-210

This party is rated 3 on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the most difficult, and is geared toward the skills of a frequent entertainer.

Hourly Breakdown

Total Prep Time -- 20 hours
Centerpieces -- 1 hour

PDF Download the DJ worksheet.

Advice on Equipment Rental and Hiring a DJ

Note: Click on the PDF link, right, to download a DJ worksheet.

• The party hosts decided to rent a tent so they could have the party outside, come rain or shine. They rented a 15' x 30' tent for three days and it took the professionals two hours to set it up.

  
  

• A tent gives you a natural gathering spot and it also allows you to create almost any kind of event you want -- from a festive event to an elegant event.

  
  

• Make sure you get in writing when the tent will be set up and taken down, and how much the cost will be.

  
  Expert Tip: There are so many things you can do in tents these days. You can use carpeting, furniture, a lot of things to make it more comfy and cozy for your guests. This makes it feel like you are in someone's living room.

  
  

• When hiring a DJ, there are several things you need to know: if they have a contract, if they will be at the party, the cost, what type of music, etc. It is a good idea to go to one of their shows to get of idea of how they perform.

  
  Expert Tip: When programming music for your party, keep in mind one rule: you will never please 100 percent of the people 100 percent of the time. Keep music that is consistent with your theme -- especially at the beginning of the party. In the later part of the party, allow your guests to choose some music so you can customize to some of their preferences.

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Use the decorative dot-art pots to display flowers and eucalyptus.

Centerpieces

Materials --

Painted terra cotta pots
Masking tape
Sand
Bowl
Measuring cup
Eucalyptus stems
White and yellow spider mums
Scissors

1. Cover drain hole of pot with masking tape to keep the sand from spilling through.

2. Fill pot with sand almost to the top.

3. Cut eucalyptus stems to lengths varying between 10 to 15 inches. Push the stems into the sand until secure.

4. Cut stems off spider mums and place the mums in the sand .

5. Store centerpieces in a cool, dry place until party time.

   Expert Tip: A good time to use potted plants as opposed to fresh flowers as your centerpiece, would be when you want a longer lasting arrangement, or you want to give it away as a gift.

RESOURCES :

Tool, Equipment and Special Event Rental (HSS RentX)
HSS RentX
Denver, CO 80222
Website: www.hss.com/usa.shtml

Fabric.com
Website: www.fabric.com

Quality Wholesale Florist
115 E. 4th Ave.
Knoxville, TN 37917
Phone: 865-546-4610

Busy B's Mobile DJ
Branden Kimsey
PO Box 1121
Alcoa, TN 37701
Website: www.busybsdjs.com

Colorado Boomerangs
2530 S. Ouray Way
Aurora, CO 80013
Website: www.coloradoboomerangs.com

Hamilton Beach
234 Springs Rd.
Washington, NC 27889
Toll-free: 800-851-8900
Website: www.hamiltonbeach.com

GUESTS :

Harry Schwartz
Culinary Expert
PO Box 1320
Yarmouth, ME 04096
Phone: 207-846-8881
E-mail: chefharry@chefharry.com
Website: www.chefharry.com

Jorge Lopez
Technical "WOW" Director
President
J and M Entertainment
26027 Huntington Lane, Units D and E
Valencia, CA 91355
Toll-free phone: 800-585-4235
E-mail: jorgel@jandmentertainment.com
Website: www.jandmentertainment.com

Branden Kimsey
Busy B's Mobile DJ
PO Box 1121
Alcoa, TN 37701
Phone: 865-681-8901
Website: www.busybsdjs.com

Wendy Dodds
Decor Expert
Indigo Moon
498 Main St., Suite 3
New Rochelle, NY 10801
Phone: 914-712-2690