Tag Archives: tents

How to Host Thanksgiving Amid a Pandemic

As COVID-19 continues to pose a risk to gatherings, many people are trying to reimagine their holiday plans. According to a recent survey, 21% of 1,000 adults confirmed that they do not know what they will be doing for Thanksgiving this year. When making your plans this year, make safety a priority by determining logistics such as cleanliness and spacing ahead of time.

Check State Regulations

First thing’s first, many states have restrictions on how many people may gather. Make sure to follow any state regulations set in place. While Florida may not have any state-mandated limits on gatherings, Florida Health suggests that you avoid congregating in groups larger than 10. If your guests are traveling from out of state, make sure to take note of any travel restrictions the state has set in place. As of right now, Florida does not have any traveling restrictions in place.

Measure Your Space

Social distancing is still encouraged, even during holiday gatherings. A great way to determine how many guests you can safely invite is to measure your space ahead of time. Keep in mind that while people are eating, their masks come off. Make sure that there is enough space to keep everyone at least 6 feet apart.

Alter Agenda, Location, and Serving Style

If you need more space, consider hosting Thanksgiving dinner outdoors! Not only does it allow for flexibility with spacing, but better airflow also increases overall safety. At Grimes Events and Party Tents, we can provide you with additional equipment such as tables, chairs, tableware, and linens. We also have 10×10 DIY tents that will keep your guests comfortable all day long.

Properly Prepare Your Guests

Make sure that all your guests are aware of what the plan is. Encourage all guests to observe a 14-day quarantine prior to Thanksgiving Day. Ask your guests to wear a mask whenever they are not eating or drinking. Remind your guests that if they are feeling ill, they should stay home. For those who are considered high risk, do your best to include them by video-chatting with them on the day of.

Observe CDC Guidelines

You and your guests should follow all CDC guidelines set in place. These include social distancing, mask-wearing, frequent hand washing, and limiting the number of people you come in contact with.

The holidays are a joyous time to gather with friends and family. However, this year, it is especially important to do what you can to ensure everyone’s safety. Grimes Events and Party Tents is here to support you during this time by providing social distancing solutions, tent, and table rentals. Contact us today for all your Thanksgiving rental needs!

How to Host a Backyard Wedding

The world is an unpredictable place in which COVID-19 has uprooted the plans of many extravagant weddings. As the pandemic continues to pose safety hazards, many couples are choosing to pause or postpone their weddings. Others are choosing to pivot their original plan and host a more intimate ceremony in their own backyard.

Advantages of a Backyard Wedding

There are several benefits to having your wedding in your backyard, including:

Flexibility. There is no longer a need to abide by the wishes of the venue. Choose the date that works best for you, decorate however you want, include your family pets in the event. Your options are wide open!

Cost. Without the need to book a venue and by downsizing your guest list, you will end up saving money.

Intimacy. For safety concerns, limiting the number of attendees is necessary. However, this allows for more one-on-one time with those closest to you.

Permits

Depending on where you live and how large your wedding will be, you may be required to obtain a permit.

  • Reach out to your city about noise ordinances, fire codes, health department regulations, parking permits, and zoning issues.
  • Talk to your officiant to ensure they are willing to perform the ceremony. Some officiants are not allowed to perform ceremonies outside their place of worship.
  • Lastly, it is a good idea to forewarn your neighbors. The last thing you want is a disgruntled neighbor crashing your big day.

 

Logistics

When you no longer have someone else to do all the planning for you, details can begin to slip through the cracks.

  • Consider where the ceremony and reception will take place. Wedding arches create a beautiful frame for your ceremony.
  • For the reception, you will need tables, chairs, linens, and tableware.
  • Putting up a tent will protect you and your guests from rain, sunshine, and wind.
  • Instead of having your guests meander in and out of the house to use the restroom, consider renting one of our new, luxury restroom trailers.
  • If you want to preserve your grass and make it easier for your guests to walk or dance, consider having temporary flooring installed over your lawn.
  • Are you providing the food yourself? We offer catering rentals to keep your food fresh.
  • Cooling and heating system rentals will keep your guests comfortable no matter the weather.
  • Help keep your guests health by renting any number of our social distancing solutions. These include tents, restroom trailers, pipe and drape, hand sanitizing stations, and stanchions.

 

Décor

Decorations set the tone for your event. Some elements you might consider include:

  • Lighting such as string lights or chandeliers
  • Additional furniture to make sure your guests are comfortable
  • Pipe and drape for an added element of elegance

 

Hosting a backyard wedding can make your special day that much more wonderful. Get in touch with us today to secure any rentals you may need to transform your backyard for your special day.