Category Archives: Entertainment

6 tips for a smooth funning Christmas Party

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Christmas is all about enjoying time with your family and friends and having a jolly good time!

All the team here at Red Masque LOVE this time of year. Throwing a party should be an enjoyable experience and what better way to celebrate than with some fun Christmas event entertainment. But we can’t forget the mistletoe of course!

To make sure you don’t get bogged down with all the boring stuff, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to hosting the perfect Christmas Party. So sit back, relax, and here are 6 top tips for hosting a stress-free, FUN event:

1. Don’t try to be too complex on the dinner menu

When it comes to food, it all depends on what kind of party you are throwing. Is it a sit-down meal or simply a buffet-style one? Casual cocktail parties tend to be the easiest and guests can just help themselves to finger foods.

2. Send the invites out nice and early

Christmas can be a busy time in the social calendar, so to ensure your party is well attended and has a lively atmosphere, send out your guest’s invitations well in advance. Include the date, time and venue and if you need to know numbers for booking food, ask for a RSVP.

3. As Santa would say, make a list and check it twice…

Make a list. It’s a fantastic way to stay up-to-date with what needs to be done and it can remind you of all the little jobs that often go amiss.

There are bound to be things that don’t quite go to plan, but if you have a list and you have checked it twice, it can give you some peace of mind that all aspects are taken care of accordingly.

4. Make the venue pretty and all that jazz

What better way to get all your guests in the mood for a fun-filled evening than with Christmas themed decorations? The bigger the better we say.

Why not adorn the venue with cute reindeers, snowmen and a Narnia-inspired lamp post that comes complete with fake snow? And what about featuring an elaborate wooden throne as a truly eye-catching piece of furniture for your guests to sit on?

Don’t forget about the most important piece of decor though- the tree!

5. The Drinks

No Christmas party is complete without refreshment for your guests. It’s always best to get both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and a wide range to choose from for both adults and children.

Make sure you have enough glassware, ice and cocktail napkins and always buy more just in case your guest brings a plus one!

6. Keep your guests thoroughly entertained

There are various Christmas party games that can entertain both young and old alike. It’s important to keep your guests busy and entertained for the whole evening and we have a vast range of fun entertainment ideas that are ideal for everyone including rodeo, reindeers, casino tables, photo booths, Christmas Cash Grabber and more.

Now you know all the ins and outs of hosting a Christmas party. Remember, if you’re having a good time then your guests will too. So if you are throwing a party this season, don’t forget to arrange your entertainment and party ideas with help from Red Masque.

Check out our vast range of Christmas entertainment hire that can make your party the best one EVER!

Baby shower ideas

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If you pick the right games, guests will enjoy and there will be lots of laughter, so if you are stuck for party ideas here are a few to keep you going.

1. Guess the Baby Game.

This game brings a very personal touch to your gathering as guests relive their childhood days. The planning starts at the invitation stage — ask everyone to bring a baby photo of themselves (preferably under age two). As guests arrive at the party, discreetly collect their photos. Create a poster display of all the photos with corresponding numbers and give each guest a sheet of paper for their guesses on who’s who. Whoever guesses the most babies correctly wins a prize. Alternative: Try a celebrity baby guessing game.

2. Baby Food Taste Test.

We’ve all wondered what some of those interesting combinations of baby food taste like (turkey and pear puree, anyone?), so here’s your chance to find out. Purchase seven to ten jars of baby food, put a number on each lid, tear off the label — and let the tasting begin! The guest with the most correct responses wins a prize.

3. Ask Mum the Answer.

Provide a piece of paper to each guest and ask her to write a baby-related question on the front. Once the guests have written their questions, they pass the card to their left facedown. Then that guest writes the answer to her own question on the back. Have each guest read the front and back of the card aloud — the Q& A’s will be hysterically mismatched.

4. Nappy Relay Race.

Divide up teams in whichever way you choose — as individuals or groups of four with each person having a “job” in the baby-changing process. Each person or team gets a doll with a nappy, fully clothed and swaddled in a blanket. The goal is to undress it, change its nappy, re-dress it and swaddle it back up. Shout “Go!” and whoever finishes first is the winner.

Dare we mention Christmas?

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It will soon be almost that time of year when you dig out your fluffy jumper, drink mulled wine and enjoy the holiday with friends and families.

Did you know that almost 11 million Brits will go to their works’ Christmas party this year? It is an annual event to let your hair down and have fun and what Christmas party would be complete without some embarrassing dancing?!?

If you haven’t yet started thinking about how you will celebrate this year, now is definitely the time to get brainstorming. Restaurants and venues will start getting booked up and before you know it will be just a few weeks away and you’ll have nothing planned.

So without further ado, here are 10 fun ideas for your work party in 2016:

1. Santa’s Grotto

This can be a truly magical way to bring some fun into the office! Why not get the boss to hand out everyone’s Secret Santa presents in a grotto whilst dressed like Father Christmas himself against a Winter Wonderland backdrop?

2.Snow Machine.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Add some festive spirit to your event with fake snow. Activate it to sprinkle soft snow drops over everyone as they arrive to the party. Everyone loves snow and it can transform the venue into a magical wonderland.

3. Rodeo Reindeer

Who can resist having a go on a bucking, spinning and twisting bronco reindeer? Everyone in the office will have a barrel of laughs trying to stay on as long as possible. The question is, who out of the team will win?

4. Santa and Elf hire

If you don’t want to dress up, why not hire a Santa and Elf characters? They are the perfect addition to your Christmas event and can help liven up the crowd to create a fun, memorable evening.

5. Santa’s Thrones

What better way to surprise the boss than hire an Elaborate Santa throne? Fit for a King (or Queen), these beauties would look amazing in your office and definitely create a festive feel to get everyone excited for the holidays.

6. Christmas Prop Hire

If you just plan on throwing the work’s do at the office during work hours, go to town with Christmas decorations! We have a fabulous range of props that you can hire including a cute frosty snowman, beautifully decorated presents to put under the Christmas tree, reindeer ornaments and much more.

7. Christmas Cash Grabber

Take your mind back to The Crystal Maze and ever wondered how you would do in the final trying to grab all that cash quickly? Well you could find out for real with our fun Christmas Cash Cube Grabber. And you decide what the flying paper targets are be it vouchers, funny money or stickers! They can be perfect for office promotions.

8. Photo Booth

A better way to get all the staff together and have fun than in front of a festive background, wearing funny props and making fools of themselves? Hiring a photo booth can be the perfect entertainment idea and the staff can even record their own holiday cheer messages to each other with a video option.

9. Casino Tables

From poker to blackjack to enthralling roulette, casino tables offer a thrilling and addictive experience that will leave the entire office wanting more! Even if gambling isn’t your forte, we guarantee everyone will have an amazing time and our authentic casino tables will definitely impress.

10. Christmas Tree Buzz Wire

Have you got nerves of steel to take on the Christmas Tree Buzz Wire challenge? Who in the office has the steadiest hand and who will crack under pressure? This simple but fun entertainment idea will have everyone biting their fingernails in anticipation. With the timer counting down and your heart beating out of your chest, will you be able to withstand the tension to come out victorious?

So there you have it; 10 sure-fire ways to make your office Christmas party that little bit different this year! After all, who wants just boring party with a DJ and food when you can have a bucking bronco reindeer and a photo booth.

The new Selfie Mirror

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Have you heard of the new ‘Selfie Mirror?’

Featuring a new twist on the ever popular selfie pod / mirrors that have come before, this new addition to a new range of Hi-Tech equipment for corporate events and parties and is sure to entertain, as well as capture, the fun at your event.

The Magic Selfie Mirror not only takes your photos and prints them out instantly, but also features new software that allows the mirror to interact with some fun randomised responses, both verbally and animated on the mirror itself! You can even personalise your photos with a message across all the prints!

A standout at any event including weddings, corporate functions and exhibition / promotional events, the Magic Selfie Mirror will attract the eye of any guest and entertain as they can pose with friends or family for four photos. Choosing from a fantastic selection of fun props, strike and check your pose in the mirror – or check your make-up if there is a queue for the bathroom – and have fun as the mirror decides if you’re a beauty or just maybe, you’ll crack the screen!

Using state of the art software as with our range of Photo Booth’s and Graffiti Walls, the Magic Selfie Mirror is a great way to keep guests entertained and allow them to take a little something away from your event.

And remember … The mirror does not lie!

How to select the right music

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It’s good to choose your music when hosting a party. This is very important when you’re using the services of a DJ or when you’re hiring a band. You don’t just allow them to play any type of music they want. You can offend your guests if you allow them play as they wish. Selecting music at events is never an easy task. Here are simple tips to follow:

Engage a Live Music Band

You can engage a live music band for your party event. You still have to pick specific music files for the band. You have to arrange a meeting with the band ahead of time. You need to iron out some issues before hiring the band. You have to ask the managers some questions regarding the band’s instruments, attires, songs and other aspects.

Consider the Party Theme

You need to consider the theme of the party before selecting the music. The theme depends on the type of party you’re hosting. If for instance you’re hosting a Christmas party, you may consider selecting music pieces or songs that depict that season. If you’re hosting a cocktail or dinner party, you should also choose music files that will suit the occasion.

Hire a good DJ

You can hire a good DJ for your party and also select specific songs for him. You have to give the DJ specific instructions regarding the songs he will play. You should try as much as you can to hire a professional DJ who can render quality services.

Meanwhile, there are different kinds of songs you can choose when thinking of selecting music at events. You can go for gospel songs, rock music, jazz, disco, and so on. The type of party you’re hosting determines the kind of songs to select.

If you’re using the services of a DJ or a live band, you have to be very careful. You need to ask questions before choosing any band or DJ. You can make inquiries from a reliable entertainment directory such as Red Masque.

Before you choose any band or DJ, you need to get in touch with them at first. You can arrange a special meeting to iron out things with the professionals. You’ll end up making the right choice when you invest enough time in selecting the best musical pieces.

Comedians and Hosts

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We all have our favourite podcasts. At Red Masque we often get a lot of bookings for comedians who are often a lot more expensive than people expect. If only there was a way to combine these two difficulties and find out about incredible up and coming comedians for your event…

Thankfully we have many comedians advertising on our Website which will cater for absolutely everyone, from drag queens to comedian duos or just a good ‘stand up’ guy. You will know that they are all on ‘top form.

But why are we telling you all this? Well, unless you’re a big fan of comedy and the live stand-up circuit, you may not be aware of some of the names you see advertised on Red Masque directory, but rest assured they are just as funny as the hired comedians you have heard about and are wanting to compare your event and the best bit is that they are often a fraction of the price! Why spend £25,000 when you can spend £1,000? Comedians and hosts are by their very nature fairly expensive – they have to hold an entire event together – but many of the newer folks on the circuit are both passionate and eager to please, so do consider saving some of your budget for other forms of entertainment (including live awards stings) and featuring a fab new comedian at your event!

If you’re wanting to hear exactly what some of these comedian’s sound like before booking them then feel free to ask them and they are sure to have dvd’s that they can send you of past gigs. Younger comedians are cheaper and some are even better than the established names you know so get in touch now to make your event a budget friendly but frequently funny affair!

And just think… A few years from now you can brag to your friends and colleagues that you hired wonderfully famous awards hosts and hilarious comedians to hire for your awards before anyone knew about them!

The top event trends for 2016

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By combining the hottest corporate event trends for 2016 and some very special entertainment, you can create a corporate event entertainment that’s still talked about long after.

For all 2016 corporate event entertainment, décor will be key. Your venue needs to wow your guests from the moment they walk in, creating a special and uniquely defined space for your event. Two highly contrasting themes are high tech interactive and natural materials, enabling your company to show off its tech prowess, or boost its eco credentials.

If you choose a high tech theme, your party entertainment must be 100% integrated to the whole tech ambience. Look for entertainers that offer a tech twist in their act, such as iPad illusionists, LED Light entertainers and street magicians that work with the latest phones and mobile gadgets.

Choose musicians that blend performances with tech, such as our interactive VJ’S, or a live DJ. Get your guests interacting with each other playing giant games with your very own theme.

If you are thinking about a winter corporate event into a natural winter wonderland with ice sculptures and decorated living statues, walkabout characters, and seasonal winter menus. Welcome guests with the warming aromas of mulled wine, or entice people out into the crisp winter air with heated seating areas, piles of rugs and sweet chestnuts roasting on a real coal brazier.

You could extend the theme beyond décor and food into acoustic musical acts, for a more ‘natural’ sound. Entertain with a gospel singing Christmas songs, or a trendy a Capella groups, or guitar and sax soloists.

When you want your corporate party to finally hot up, keep the theme with classic tracks that really evoke the sights and sounds with top UK function and party bands who know their Farrell and their Ed Sheeran.

Take lighting to the next level and illuminate your event to create spectacle and visual interest. Any venue can be transformed with clever and creative use of lighting even on the more limited of budgets. Use lighting to throw unusual shadows, to colour tables rather than using flowers, and use wireless technology to alter lighting states to reflect the various stages of your event.

Your entertainment should be equally well lit! Look for party DJ’S with their own light shows, rock and pop function bands that provide their own lighting, and artists that use light in imaginative ways.

For larger events, book artists that have a strong visual impact enhanced by theatrical style lighting, such as dance troupes, ballet dancers or aerial artists.

Find ways to make your entertainment a pleasure for everyone by choosing acts that blend superb musicianship with accessible humour, such as a comedy string quartet. Or present musical acts with an international flavour, such as 1920s swing band just make people smile!

The last day of freedom

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If you have the task of organising a Hen or Stag night, you are going to have to ensure it is a memorable one – in a good way! Of course you will know the Bride or Groom well and you’re aware of what they possibly would like to have. You probably have a list of ideas already bubbling away and you may even have some possibilities of a venue. However, if you aren’t sure what to do or you want to add something different into the mix, Red Masque entertainment directory may be able to help take some of the strain away as we have some great suggestions for Hen & Stag night themed evenings. Before you start you might want to consider the following factors:

Before you book anything, firstly, you need a good idea of guest numbers. Ask the Bride or Groom who they want to be invited and show them the list of names before you fire off an email so you are sure everyone who needs to be is included.

Theme – When deciding on the theme, try not to surprise the Bride or Groom too much of course, there should be an element of surprise but make sure that what you choose is something they will enjoy. For an example, your shy, retiring Bride might not want a male strip-o-gram or similarly a Groom with a love of opera may not want to spend the weekend riding on a bucking bronco.

Budget – the money that is spent is very important. Canvas the guest list and find out what everyone wants to spend. Don’t start sharing amounts with all the guests as some can afford more than others. Take an average and suggest that be the limit. It’s normal for everyone to contribute (if they can) but the Bride or Groom should not have to pay. At the same time as organising the budget, suggest suitable dates in advance. Once you have decided the guest list, date and budget you are ready to decide what to do! A good tip is not to make the hen or stag night too close to the wedding; leave at least a week for recovery time!

You could include some extra entertainment ideas you can have a real point of difference… How about some gorgeous female or male singers who will waltz into the venue, maybe posing for a few pictures and bursting into song! Or think about have a celebrity lookalike to join you, especially if you know the Bride has a thing for Brad Pitt or perhaps the Groom likes Jennifer Lopez or Kim Kardashian? All can be organised to make the Hen or Stag one he or she will talk about for years to come!

Make it a night to remember with a Cocktail Night, which are just perfect for Hens or Stags! You can either decide to head into town or visit the best cocktail bars or pubs in the area. Or hire a cocktail waiter. As an example, enjoy a plush venue and spend the evening with a few cocktail games. Blow all the budget on champagne or even consider a cocktail making masterclass where you will be taught by a mixologist how to concoct great tasting, potent cocktails before drinking them! Don’t just turn up at a series of bars or pubs, do the research first so you have an itinerary to avoid not knowing where to go next.

As far as entertainment goes, you could hire a caricaturist to draw a group caricature of all the hens which can be then be framed as a lasting memento. Or the Stags might enjoy a cool, contemporary mind reader or a magician/illusionist to keep them entertained and completely blow their minds!

SAMBA!!

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Rio 2016 just a few months away, we thought it might be prudent to go a little more in-depth on exactly what you can look into for Brazilian party hire this year. From music to dancers, we have some great ideas for your corporate event or private party!

Brazilian Samba Dancers

Perhaps the first thing that people think about when they picture a Brazilian party, the Brazilian dance troupe actually specialise in a whole lot more than just samba, also able to dance Baile Funk and Brazilian Axé to get the party started! Their high energy routine can be presented as a stage performance or in a wandering Brazilian carnival style. Oh and to put you at ease, hiring Brazilian carnival dancers for your event doesn’t mean you have to dress like them, though we think you’ll agree that they look fabulous!

Bateria Drums

You could just have your colourfully costumed dancers jiving, but to really ramp up the Brazilian energy in the room, we recommend bringing in a few Bateria drummers or a Latin band to enhance the flavour of your party. With a multitude of instruments to choose from, the percussion will wow the crowd. Do you want a Surdo? A Repinique? How about an Agogô? There’s so much choice that the Rio 2016 opening ceremony will feel like it’s happening right in front of you!

Although it’s Rio 2016 we are celebrating this year, the sport most associated with Brazil and a number of countries in South America is undoubtedly football (or soccer if we want to use the local lingo.) Having a ‘freestyle footballer for hire’ – is sure to be a match winner!

To end your evening, why not indulge in a little Capoeira dancing? An Afro-Brazilian art form that combines elements of martial arts, music and dance is technical and graceful in equal measure. Incredible performed to live drums, the act can also perform to any music style desired. Though if you’re going for a Brazilian party evening, we recommend you steer away from the slow Classical numbers!

Outdoor music events

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Outdoor music events are some of the most engaging and lively performance opportunities for any entertainer. The thrill of being in front of a huge crowd in an open space is enough for most artists to eagerly agree to a performance. But as every outdoor event environment comes with a unique set of challenges, an open air performance is an animal of its own. It’s crucial to be properly prepared and maintain good communication with your client. Here are a few things you’ll need to discuss prior to the event.

Mother Nature

Mother Nature is a fickle lady you’ll want to keep your eye on. Because this element is completely out of your control, you’ll need to check the forecast well in advance and all the way up to the day of the event. Include a plan for inclement weather in your booking agreement that clearly outlines what is to be expected in these cases. Whether it’s an alternative venue or rescheduling the event altogether, make sure you and your client agree to the specifics.

If there is a performance stage at the event, make sure it’s covered. A covered stage not only protects against rain, but it keeps the equipment and performers cool and out of direct sunlight. Stay hydrated, take advantage of the break times you’ve discussed with your client, and keep extra gear with you for unexpected hiccups.

Power

Always make sure your power needs are communicated with your client in advance. Getting power may be as simple as running a few extension cords, but be sure to ask the important questions to make the event organizer aware of any details that might have been overlooked.

Will a safety-certificated power supply be provided close to the performance area?
If power is supplied by a generator, will it be located at a distance far enough away as to not affect the performance?
What limitations exist regarding the running of cables within the site?
Will a PA system be available or provided by the talent?

Extra Equipment

​At every outdoor event, you’ll want to bring extra gear, but outdoor parties and events make it necessary to bring things that are not ordinarily needed.

Extension cords. It’s typical that you have to stretch our reach when playing outside.
Power generator. This can also be a big help if playing where you’re not in proximity to a building or power source.
Drum rug. This helps prevents music kits from “crawling” on a slippery surface.
Water for hydration.
Sunscreen; playing guitar in 3 hours of afternoon sun (it’s a no brainer!!).

City or Area Restrictions

When performing or planning outdoor events, be aware of any local sound ordinances. Many communities have a specific time of the day when the sound should stop, and a certain decibel level that the noise should not exceed.

Make sure that the client has contacted the appropriate council offices for rules and information according to their local guidelines. You don’t want to run into an issue that prevents you from being paid for a full set.

There are many things to consider when playing at an outdoor venue. Be sure to ask your client the necessary questions, and once you’ve got all the specifics, list all of the details in the booking agreement.

Happy outdoor eventing!