I bet you didn’t know…
…when I graduated from college, I wanted to start my own event planning business. It was called (only in my head because it never came to fruition) Ever After Weddings and Events. I loved event planning and went as far as creating a business plan for my company. I looked into getting my Masters in Hotel Management which was a degree with a strong Special Events focus. Then I landed a job doing just that…event planning, but on a much smaller scale. We’re talking ice cream social events, not big anniversary parties or weddings. On a monthly basis I was coordinating over 30 events per month, some smaller than others. My favorite activities were the huge Halloween Carnival, Murder Mystery Dinners and Pet Fests.
After a few years of playing and partying, some 20 lbs heavier than when I started (not surprisingly), I was offered a “grown up” job and left the special events for other work. I still love parties, though. I love hosting parties, planning parties and especially decorating parties. With the explosion of pinterest, parties have become so much more unconventional than they used to be, allowing knot too shabby to meld itself into the party planning scene…at least on a small scale.
Shortly after we opened our doors for business, a customer walked in and asked if we rented out our furniture. I exubertantly said “Yes!” Why not? (I seriously make this stuff up as I go along). Thus starting our furniture rental side of the business. It’s not something I’ve ever promoted until this year.
When my oldest turned seven a few months ago, I embraced her little birthday party as an opportunity to showcase some of our rental options.
The theme was a spa party. Hot tubbing, swimming, facials and manicures. I created a shabby chic style manicure station with a rustic desk that was in the shop.
The doll cabinet was ideal to set up all of the nail polish and glitters.
We’ve started gathering a supply of mason jars, lids, beverage cannisters and vintage serving ware specifically with rentals in mind.
Who wants to have to buy and store all of this stuff, anyway?
I know what you’re thinking. How much does it cost to rent supplies for an entire party? To replicate Samantha’s 7th birthday, the desk/maniucuring station, chair, nail polish cabinet, mason jars (for drinking and candles), daisy lids, paper straws, beverage canisters, wood crates and boxes and serving dishes were under $100.
When it was all said and done, she didn’t give a hoot or holler about how it all looked.
I love the idea that we have a revolving door of products available to rent. No two parties will ever look the same because we never have the same things. If we don’t have what you’re looking for, chances are that Repurposed Rentals by Michelle Black will have an item or two to add some flair to your party decorations.
Check out some more photographs of how knot too shabby rentals have been used for different events.
