Nothing excites me more than the prospect of hosting a party. From creating menus to dreaming up goodie bags, I can’t get enough. Half of this enthusiasm comes from living in a city that makes party planning so easy. Last year as a maid of honor, I convinced an entire bridal party to come to Austin because of all the bachelorette party potential!
Though I find the role of hostess exhilarating, I realize I might be in the minority. So let me be your hostess with the mostest, and introduce you to a few local Austin companies that can make any party a success. From birthday bashes for tiny tykes to bachelorettes for blushing brides-to-be, I’ve got ideas for everyone.
For the Animal Lover:
Tiny Tails to You Traveling Pet Zoo
I don’t think it’s possible to outgrow an appreciation for cute animals. No matter how old your party guests are, everyone is sure to enjoy cuddling with a fluffy bunny or ogling over a baby hedgehog. Through Tiny Tails to You, trained animal handlers will show up at your house or party location with animals, a pen and stools.
Each zoo comes with at least eight animals–with more available depending on party size. You’ll get to play with one guinea pig, two bunnies, three chicks, one hedgehog, and one reptile (tortoise or lizard). You can add a chinchilla or tongued skink for an additional fee. Sign me up!
Age recommendation: all ages. The tagline of Tiny Tails’ hoppy hour is “not your toddler’s petting zoo.” Clearly they realize all Austinites love to get in touch with their inner child!
Occasion: birthdays, bridal parties, office bonding.
For the Foodie
Baked by Amy’s Cake and Cookie Decorating
Amy’s isn’t just about ice cream anymore. Baked, the bakery that makes all the cookies, brownies and cake crumbs that get crushed into scoops at Amy’s Ice Creams locations, opens its doors to anyone who wants to keep celebrating their sweet tooth. Party guests will watch a master baker decorate a cake and then try their hand at cookie decorating. Best of all, everyone gets to wear a chef’s hat!
Age recommendation: 6-106 (suggested by Amy herself).
Occasion: birthdays, bridal parties, holiday parties.
Private Sushi Classes
There’s something magical about sushi. Maybe it’s the fact that each bite is like a small present, or maybe it’s because sushi seems impossible to make. Why not have a sushi-making party to dispel the mystery? Expert Mary Helen Leonard of Mary Makes Good will come to your kitchen with all the fixins and tools needed to get the party rolling!
Age recommendation: 14+.
Occasion: dinner parties.
For the Bar Hopper
Sourced Craft Cocktails
Sourced delivers local ingredients for craft cocktail-making (Credit: Sourced)
Want to dazzle your guests with delicious cocktails without having to stock your bar cart or fight traffic to get to happy hour? Sourced Craft Cocktails will deliver a barrel filled with everything you need to host a home cocktail party–from barware and alcohol to freshly-picked garnishes. A trained mixologist will even show you and your guests proper mixing and shaking form. You’ll be happily tipsy while learning a new skill!
Age recommendation: 21+.
Occasion: whenever drinking with friends is appropriate!
Hipside Peddler
Who said you can’t turn a bar crawl into a party? You and your guests will have a blast (and blast calories, too) peddling around the streets of Austin on a German-inspired bar on wheels. Now you can see the sights and hit up a few of your favorite breweries and food trucks all in one afternoon!
Age recommendation: 21+.
Occasion: bachelor or bachelorette, going-away parties, birthdays.
For the Inner Diva
Coco Coquette Wig Party
Want to empower your guests to let their inner divas shine? Have a wig party! The team at Coco Coquette will make your party-goers feel like stars with outrageous wigs, make-overs and photos of the transformation. Sounds like an excellent confidence booster before a night on the town.
Age Recommendation: 14+ (guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult).
Occasion: birthdays, bachelorette (or bachelor–we’re not judging), girls night out, retirement parties.
Brass Ovaries Pole Dancing
I have yet to try my hand at a pole dance class, but I’ve heard it’s incredibly empowering and a killer core workout. Brass Ovaries offers you and your lady friends a chance to “bring out your naughty side” in a safe space. Choose from pole, aerial hoop, strip tease and twerk classes to get your groove on.
Age recommendation: 18+.
Occasion: birthdays, bachelorette.
For the Yogi
Yogapeutics Aeriel Yoga and Mindfulness
Can’t handle a roomful of screaming kids or hormonal teens? Let the instructors at Yogapeutics guide them through an ariel yoga and mindfulness class. Your littles will be so zen that other parents may start asking what your secret is!
Age recommendation: 4-16.
Occasion: birthdays.
For the Time Traveler
The Marvelous Vintage Tea Party Co.
The Marvelous Vintage Tea Party Co. (Credit: Bonnie & Lauren Photography)
Wish you could transport your guests to the roaring 20’s or Wonderland, or perhaps a steampunk showcase? The Marvelous Vintage Tea Party Co. allows you to do just that. Choose from different party packages and themes, and your guests will be whisked away to another world where they can sip tea from fine vintage china, sneak moonshine at a speakeasy, be entertained by burlesque dancers, have drinks poured by aeriel silk artists, or type out poems on vintage typewriters. Best of all, they bring the party to you.
Age Recommendation: all ages.
Occasion: your wish is their command. This is a build-your-own-adventure kind of company that caters to your every desire!
Whatever type of party you plan to host, with the help of these local Austin companies it’s sure to be one for the books.
@theAustinot wants to know:
What’s your dream party theme?
