Party Tip # 1 - Advantages of a Marquee Wedding

One. It’s a blank canvas – no wood panelling, face brick, paisley tiles or outrageous wall colours. With the marquee being pure white, any colour that is introduced has a greater impact. Make sure you use a reputable hire company to ensure the marquee is clean to avoid disappointment on the day.

Two. You can create your own vibe – will you go cocktail lounge with ottoman seating, cocktail tables and bar stools? Will it be a traditional sit down at round tables or a long table banquet? It’s your space – do with it as you please.

Three. Celebrate well into the night – want to dance with your guests until 4am? A marquee on a private property offers unlimited time frames. No ushering everyone out at midnight.

Four. Want to save some money? You can use a marquee and save in other areas – DIY catering, purchase your own alcohol etc. Control your cost per head.

Five. Control the size of your venue – marquees come in a range of sizes to suit any amount of guests – no squeezing people in or feeling like you are in a massive barn. You can also put the door and windows wherever you like!

Six. Making it memorable – every wedding is memorable, however being able to celebrate your day at a location with emotional significance, such as a family farm, leaves an imprint on the families and guests that lasts a lifetime.

Seven. Lighting – no blaring fluorescents or spotlights. Go with romantic chandeliers, a basic round sphere or drum. Reputable hire companies will provide lights on a dimmer line so you can control the mood. Turn the lights down and let the dancing begin....

Christmas in July - A great excuse for a party...

Christmas in July is not embraced enough in Australia in my opinion. What better way to liven up winter than with a celebration that gives us a taste of what Christmas is like in the Northern Hemisphere? Although we dont have snow (however it feels like is should be snowing in July in Albany!), get a group of people together and challenge yourselves to a Christmas cook up. Put on your winter coat, hire some outdoor heaters, light some candles. Mull some wine. Open a great bottle of red. Give it an American feel. Cook something you have never cooked before. Make it warm, wholesome and comforting....
I loved the look of this Roasted Fennel and Pepper Lamb Rack with a warm Mint and Burghul Salad. Yum.


Ingredients (serves 4)
2 tsp fennel seeds
2 tsp coarse black pepper
2 tbs honey
4 (about 900g-1kg) 4-cutlet lamb racks, French trimmed
1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
1/2 cup (90g) burghul
2 tbs lemon juice
1/2 cup shredded mint
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
2 tbs natural almonds, coarsely chopped
80g Persian feta, drained, crumbled
Baby spinach leaves, to serve

Method
Preheat oven to 200°C. Place fennel seeds and pepper in a mortar and gently pound with a pestle until lightly crushed. Combine fennel mixture and honey in a small bowl.

Sprinkle lamb with salt. Heat 1 tbs of the oil in a large heavy-based frying pan. Add the lamb and cook, turning, for 5 minutes or until brown all over. Brush half the honey mixture over the lamb. Place lamb on an oven tray lined with baking paper and bake for 20 minutes or until cooked as desired. Remove lamb from oven and stand in a warm place for 5 minutes to rest.

Meanwhile, place the burghul in a medium heatproof bowl and cover with boiling water. Set aside for 10 minutes to soak. Drain well, then spread burghul on a clean tea towel to dry. Combine remaining honey mixture in a small bowl with lemon juice and remaining oil. Season with salt. Combine burghul, lemon mixture, mint, onion and almonds in a medium bowl. Toss gently to combine and sprinkle with feta. Serve lamb with mint and burghul salad and baby spinach leaves.

The Waifs at Castelli Estate

The talented Waifs played at Castelli Estate on the long weekend in March...



Dear Lee

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your assistance and support in relation to The Waifs at Castelli Estate concert.

Despite your busy schedule, your help and advice was willingly given and undoubtedly aided the arranging of an event which by all accounts was enjoyed by the community at large and was an overall success.

Sincere thanks from the Castelli family, staff and Castelli companies involved. We look forward to working with you again in the future.

Luca Castelli.

Thanks Jo

Albany Party Hire were the chosen hire equipment providers for my daughters recent wedding at my property at Torbay. From the moment we made contact with Lee, Jodie and their friendly staff in January 2011, they were the epitomy of friendliness and professionalism. Their range of products was amazing, especially when we learnt they provided a bar service. Even when providing Lee, on his first 'on-site visit' with an extremely challenging 'marquee site' situation, he immediately came up with a few suggestions to overcome the challenge. Their set up the day prior was both efficient, professional and speedy, backed up with their on-going friendliness. This was continued on the wedding day, where Lee doubled as our 2nd barman. I would highly recommend them to any potential client considering using their professional service. Jo Pearce, Torbay