5 Proven Ways to Get Your Picnic Guests to RSVP
Posted on April 16, 2018
One would think that it is common etiquette to RSVP, but many are wondering if the days of the RSVP are long gone. More than not these days those four little letters go unnoticed leaving party hostesses scratching their heads and biting their nails before the big event.
Thankfully, there are several ways that you can encourage your guests to RSVP.
Here are a few tips to make sure that you get the response you need when sending out invites.
1. Send them out on time.
You can’t blame guests for not responding if you send out your invites right before the event. That is why it is important to send them out well in advance. Of course, this time varies by the event type. For company picnics, as soon as you have a date and time, send out a save-the-date. To get the best turnout, at least eight weeks notice is recommended. In addition to invites, post flyers around your workplace and send out reminder e-mails leading up to the event.
2. Utilize an online invitation service.
Online invitations such as Evite are much easier for guest to RSVP to and perfect for company picnics. Facebook events work great too, however not everyone is on that platform. Most of these online services are free, so you can even send them in addition to a paper invite with no extra cost.
3. Provide alternate ways to RSVP.
Instead of just responding by phone, provide e-mail addresses or even a website where guests can RSVP (e-vites make this easy!). You can even include “Text or Call [phone number] to respond.” Many guests might hesitate to text at first, but if it is clearly stated on the invitation then they will find it okay. In a workplace setting, you can even have an RSVP form where they can respond. Remember, the point is to get the responses no matter how they do it.
4. Make the RSVP date prominent and urgent.
On many invitations, the reply date is tiny and in the corner where it is easily overlooked or seems unimportant. Choose to make the date prominent on the invite. It is also a good idea to provide a date as well as a sense of urgency to RSVP’ing. For example, instead of just “Please RSVP” say “Please respond by June 11th so there isn’t a BBQ shortage!” Our brains respond to scarcity, so phrases like this are more likely to get a response.
5. Provide an incentive for those that RSVP early.
People love to win things. Phrases like “The first 25 people to RSVP will win a $25 gift card” or “RSVP by July 8th to get entered into the drawing to win a flat screen TV!” provide a great incentive.
Now that you don’t have any worries about getting your guest to RSVP, it’s time to book your event at Faulkner’s Ranch! Check out our 2018 Picnic Package Flyers, then give us a call today to see how we can make your dream party come true!
Cargill Picnic
Posted on September 16, 2013
Recently we were privileged to host the fine people of Cargill for their company picnic. Cargill is an international producer and marketer of food, agricultural, financial and industrial products and services.
Since Cargill is all about providing food, it was fun that day to turn the tables and feed them.
And feed them we did! Just take a look at their buffet. Everyone was really excited to dig in…
One great idea that anyone can take from this picnic is that they made sure to provide a vegetarian option. This is always good idea. Even if none of your employees are known to be vegetarians, their guests might me so it is always courteous to provide at least a few meals.
Speaking of courteous, the next thing they did just blew our mind. They requested to have to-go meals prepared for the employees that couldn’t attend due to having to work. Isn’t that awesome? That is truly a great way to show employee appreciation.
By the way, did we mention that it was really hot that day? Well, this group had no problem staying cool with all of the fun water games and activities. Just check out the line for the dunk tank:
It was to dunk their manager. Everyone wanted a chance at that!
Of course, there is no better way to stay cool than some yummy ice-cream. There was no shortage of that with this awesome ice cream bar. It had everything you needed to made a delicious sundae.
Talk about a great day! Thanks again Cargill for choosing Faulkner’s Ranch to treat your employees!
Did you know that we have special Fall Picnic Packages for Pumpkin Season?
Have a great day, ya’ll!
The Kona Ice Experience
Posted on September 9, 2013
Have you heard about one of the coolest new amenities we have for our company picnics?
It’s the Kona Ice Experience!
What is the Kona Experience? One word: awesome.
Okay, okay, we’ll expand!
Kona Ice is a one-of-a-kind experience that serves a premium tropical shaved ice. Basically, it is a fancy and super delicious snow cone. This is not your typical snow cone, folks! The flavors that they have are bold and so scrumptious!
You just get your base snow cone and then head on over to the flavoring station where you can go with one flavor or get experimental and mix a few of your faves. (Our favorite is Wild Wild Watermelon – yum!)
Oh, and did we mention that they are dairy-free, gluten-free, and even offer flavors that are sugar-free and dye-free? A perfect, people-pleasing option to consider for your event.
They sure helped us “kool” down during this hot summer and made our company picnics even more fun!
Now we wanna know: what flavor(s) would you choose?
Have a great day ya’ll!
PS – Did you know that Kona Ice even has an app that you can download where you can guide their mascot penguin”Kona” on his way around Gooba Jooba Island? I know! Too much fun!
5 Ways to Have a High Flying Picnic
Posted on June 18, 2013
B/E Aerospace is the world’s leading provider of interior products and solutions, and the world’s leading distributor of aerospace fasteners and consumables for the commercial, business jet, and military markets.
They manufacture two things that you can find on any airplane. One you never want to see and one you always want to see. Oxygen masks and beverage stations!
This company wanted to show their employees a good time with a company picnic and that is exactly what they did!
Follow their lead with five ways that you can have a high flying company picnic!
1. Enjoy the Great Outdoors and Sunshine!
We just love the ranch on a sunny day! Guests can enjoy the beautiful scenery as they play on obstacle courses, eat delicious BBQ, and mix and mingle.
Don’t worry though – if it rains we’ve got a backup plan!
2. Turn Up the Jams!
Our Ranch J’s can help you out with that! They’ll keep the party going with only the best tunes! They also are great at leading games, activities, and drawings.
3. Play Some Games!
How does cooling off with the dunk tank sound? Even better – how does dunking your execs in the dunk tank sound? We heard a lot of “man, that felt good,” as well as lots of laughs during this picnic as employees got a chance to dunk their boss!
4. Play Some More Games!
What can we say? You can never have enough fun at a company picnic! We’ve got games galore for guests to enjoy!
5. Enjoy lots of yummy food!
This year we are pardnerin’ up with Kona Ice to bring some cool treats to our summer picnics! It looks like this little kitty cat was enjoying hers! In addition to our sweet treats, we make our own BBQ. There’s nothing like some smoked ribs to really show your employees that you appreciate them!
As Cowboy Bob always says, a good party is all about good food, good music, and fun company!
Looks like B/E Aerospace nailed it!
Looks like B/E Aerospace nailed it!
Treat your company to some fun in the sun with one of our three company picnic packages! They make planning your big event stress-free!
Have a great day, ya’ll!
Picnic Tips: Selecting Music That Will Please Everyone
Posted on August 3, 2012
Music plays a very important role in the atmosphere of your picnic. Selecting the right music can affect the entire dynamic of your event. Upbeat music is very key to a fun picnic and is very effective if done right.
That is why today’s edition of Picnic Tips is:
Check out our helpful tips below to make sure that you are blaring the right tunes at your big get-together.
1. First things first, hire a professional.
Leave it to a DJ to bring a wide variety of licensed and edited music. If a DJ is not in the budget, then you will either want to rent or bring a PA system. With this option, you can make your own playlist and DJ yourself, or just let the tunes play as background music. Remember, you will also want a microphone for important announcements and awards.
Leave it to a DJ to bring a wide variety of licensed and edited music. If a DJ is not in the budget, then you will either want to rent or bring a PA system. With this option, you can make your own playlist and DJ yourself, or just let the tunes play as background music. Remember, you will also want a microphone for important announcements and awards.
2. Mix It Up
Remember, especially if you have different age demographics in the group, to include everything from today’s top 40 to the classics and the oldies.
3. Theme It Up
Songs like “Wipe Out” are super fun during games like water balloons. “Twist and Shout” is perfect during hula hoop competitions.
At Faulkner’s Ranch, we have two main playlists.
1. All-American
This playlist includes such songs as Party in the USA (Miley Cyrus), All American Girl (Carrie Underwood), Proud to be an American (Lee Greenwood), Born in the USA (Bruce Springstien), Independence Day (Martina McBride), Courtesy of the Red White and Blue (Tobey Keith), American Honey (Lady Antebellum)
and
2. Wild Western
2. Wild Western
This playlist includes songs such as Country Girl Shake It For Me (Luke Bryan), Life’s a Dance (John Micheal Montgomery), If You’re Gonna Play in Texas (Alabama), Sweet Home Alabama, Cadillac Ranch (Chris LeDoux), Save a Horse Ride a Cowboy (Big and Rich), Redneck Woman (Gretchen Wilson), Whatcha Gonna Do With a Cowboy (Chris Ledoux)
In addition to our two main playlists, we also have three playlist for special party events:
1. Our Dance Floor Games for Kids playlist includes songs like the limbo, the hokey pokey, the chicken dance, and top 40 pop songs for musical chairs.
2. Our Specialty Dances playlist includes songs such as the Cha Cha Slide, the Electric Slide, the Cupid Shuffle, Cotton Eyed Joe, and our very own Faulkner’s Ranch Boogie!
3. Lastly, we also have a playlist called Jock Jams which is perfect for playing in the background during games like tug-of-war, pie eating contests, and potato sack races.
And of course, every event ends with Happy Trails!
So, as you can see, to cover the music for an event it requires a wide variety of all different kinds.
The final way to ensure that your guests enjoy the music at your event is to take requests.
This can be done by sending out an e-mail and having employees reply with their requests.
Or, if you have hired a professional DJ, many provide websites where your employees can go to submit requests ahead of time.
Taking requests does more than just make sure that your guests get to hear the music they enjoy. It also helps to create a buzz around the office about the company picnic. Just one more useful tool to help increase attendance!
We hope that you find these tips helpful as you go about getting the music ready for your company picnic.
For more Picnic Tips, click here.
To learn more about having a company picnic at Faulkner’s Ranch, click here.
Have a great day ya’ll!
~Your Friends at Faulkner’s
Picnic Spotlight: Guest Appreciation
Posted on July 2, 2012
One of the favorite parts of our job here at the ranch is all of the awesome people that we get to meet.
Recently, we had the privilege of hosting the company picnic for a really awesome group.
The company was called Shick Company and they make parts for assembly lines for the milling industry.
What we loved most about their event was how personal they made it. They also did a fabulous job of showing just how much they appreciate their employees.
What we loved most about their event was how personal they made it. They also did a fabulous job of showing just how much they appreciate their employees.
Here are a few of our favorite details from their picnic!
Shick Company didn’t just have a picnic, they had what they called “The Shicknic.”
How fun is that?
By giving the event it’s own unique name instead of just “the company picnic” it made the event way more personal. In fact, their employees have come to call it by that. Giving your event its own name also helps to create buzz around the office which means that even more people will attend!
How fun is that?
By giving the event it’s own unique name instead of just “the company picnic” it made the event way more personal. In fact, their employees have come to call it by that. Giving your event its own name also helps to create buzz around the office which means that even more people will attend!
They even took the theme to the next level and enlisted one of their associates to design the logo and t-shirt for The Shicknic. Didn’t they do a fantastic job?
By utilizing ore people to help prepare for the picnic will also give them a bigger buy in or an even greater reason to attend.
By utilizing ore people to help prepare for the picnic will also give them a bigger buy in or an even greater reason to attend.
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| Loving the belt buckle! |
This group had a lot of prizes to hand out.
For one of their prizes, they designed a trophy out of the parts that they make. They said that it was actually pretty simple to make. They just stained the board, attached the parts, and put an engraved plaque on it.
For one of their prizes, they designed a trophy out of the parts that they make. They said that it was actually pretty simple to make. They just stained the board, attached the parts, and put an engraved plaque on it.
Each year at the annual Shicknic they will have department showdowns or challenges and the winning department gets the plaque each year.
Simple and fun ideas like this help to build department pride and create cohesiveness.
Everyone was a winner at this event. For example, the box of toys above from Oriental Trading Company and US Toy was given to the DJ to hand out to children as they were eliminated from games like musical chairs and limbo.
Toys like water guns, frisbees, bubbles, and balls can be used at the picnic for even more added fun.
Speaking of prizes, vendors are a great resource for some awesome prizes. This company had some generous vendors that donated some awesome prizes.
Bingo is a great way to give out prizes and they gave out some really cool ones.
At The Shicknik the owner of the company was the Bingo caller – nice touch!
It also helps that they had two adorable assistant to help hand out prizes.
It also helps that they had two adorable assistant to help hand out prizes.
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| One happy guest! |
And you didn’t even have to play a game to win a prize! You could just show up!
Check out the door prizes above. Talk about an incentive to come join the fun!
Did you know that the best time to give out door prizes is at the end of the picnic because it gives the attendees an incentive to stay?
Shick also did a neat thing with their door prizes. On the agenda they scheduled a one-hour time period that associates could come to the Ranch J/table and draw a number. That number corresponds with an envelope and in the envelope was a gift card for places like Quick Trip, Best Buy, Walmart, etc
To learn more about hosting a company picnic at Faulkner’s Ranch please visit our website.
To find out more useful tips on throwing an awesome company picnic CLICK HERE.
Hope to see you out at the Ranch soon!
~ Your Friends at Faulkner’s
Picnic Tips: Food Safety
Posted on June 8, 2012
Company Picnic Season is just around the corner!
Here at Faulkner’s Ranch we are experts on throwing the perfect company picnic and we have plenty of picnic planning ideas for those of you in the Kansas City area.
That is why we have compiled all of our tips and tricks into this bonus series:
Picnic Planning Tips!
So far we’ve shared with you all about how to
and given you the lowdown on
Now we want to talk about something that is very important:
Picnic Food Safety Tips.
While the idea of a potluck may be fun, there are many benefits to having food that is supplied by a licensed and insured caterer.
As the U.S. Food and Drug Administration points out:
Picnic and barbecue season offers lots of opportunities for outdoor fun with family and friends. But these warm weather events also present opportunities for foodborne bacteria to thrive. As food heats up in summer temperatures, bacteria multiply rapidly. To protect yourself, your family, and friends from foodborne illness during warm-weather months, safe food handling when eating outdoors is critical.
One very common food-borne illness is Salmonella.
The chart below illustrates it’s causes and symptoms.
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| Image Via |
Let’s just say, it’s not fun at all!
However, food borne illnesses can be prevented.
Here are some measures that you can take to make sure that your guests stay safe:
Here are some measures that you can take to make sure that your guests stay safe:
1. Make the grocery store your last stop before the picnic. If you leave perishable items in your car while it is hot, you increase the chances of bacteria multiplying.
2. Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold.
Do not keep cold foods at room temperature for more than two hours (one hour if it is hotter than 90 degrees Fahrenheit). Throw out the food if this is the case.
3. Be extremely cautious when cooking with meat. Make these items the same day as your picnic. Thaw frozen meat by putting it in the refrigerator. And never put cooked meat back on the same plate it was on when it was raw.
4. Thoroughly wash fruits and veggies, as well as any countertops that they sit on.
When preparing salads, fruit tends to get mushy or turn brown if you cut it up the night before.
If it is an absolute must, squeeze lemon juice over your cut-up fruit. It helps the fruit retain its natural coloring and slows down the browning process. Remember to keep the fruit refrigerated after cutting.
5. But by far the easiest way to avoid all of the hassle and risk serving contaminated food, is to to save yourself a work and have your company picnic catered by certified professionals.
While the list above can get pretty lengthy, you don’t have to worry about it when you have a company picnic at Faulkner’s Ranch! We have thought ahead and taken care of all of that for you. All you have to do is come dressed to have some fun and we’ll provide everything that you need from extra water to horseshoes to shady areas!
So give us a call today and book your company picnic or visitour website for more information.
Have a great day ya’ll and we hope to see you out at the ranch soon!
Picnic Planning Tips: What To Bring
Posted on May 30, 2012
Company Picnic Season is just around the corner!
Here at Faulkner’s Ranch we are experts on throwing the perfect company picnic and we have plenty of picnic planning ideas for those of you in the Kansas City area.
That is why we have compiled all of our tips and tricks into this bonus series:
Picnic Planning Tips!
Last week was all about how to
Today we are going to give you the lowdown on
What To Bring to Your Company Picnic.
Ready, Set, Go!
Checklist of What to Bring to a Picnic
It is important to find out beforehand what you venue supplies so that you can be prepared.
Here are a few key things to be sure to ask your venue if they have on hand…
1. Bug Spray
For your the comfort of your guests, it is a good idea to ask if the venue you are having your company picnic at has a pest control plan in place. If not, then it it is a good idea to bring several cans of bug spray for your guests so that they don’t miss out on the fun just because they are getting munched on by mosquitos.
2. Sunscreen
Does your venue supply this? If not, then just like the bug spray it is an excellent idea to bring some extra bottles for guests that may have forgotten to bring their own. No one wants their biggest memory of the company picnic to be the awful sunburn that they got.
3. Extra Shade
Be sure to ask what shaded areas are available. For example, is there a pavilion for guests to sit under? Should you rent tents to bring in as extra shade?
4. First Aid Kit
Does the venue have the necessary items to treat a scraped knee? If not, then it is a good idea to bring a small first aid kit with you just in case something happens.
5. Extra Water
You don’t want your guests to be thirsty! Make sure that they have access to water at all times to avoid getting dehydrated during all of the fun.
6. Footballs, Frisbees, Etc.
Throwing around a frisbee at a picnic is a classic pastime. Check to see if your venue provides this equipment.
7. Horseshoes, badminton, croquet, and volleyball
These are all activities that require easy set up and make for fun picnic games!
8. Fishing gear, hiking shoes, life jackets, towels
If there is a lake or if boating is available then you will definitely want to make sure that you have these items with you
9. Appropriate Attire
Of course, weather plays a huge part in this decision, but it is also important to ask your venue what attire they would recommend. Will you be playing with water balloons or getting dirty? What about shoes? Sometimes tennis shoes work better than flip flops for the games and activities that are planned. Also, jackets are recommended for late Spring, early Fall, and overcast or windy conditions. Sunglasses and hats are recommended for hot, sunny days.
While the list above can get pretty lengthy, you don’t have to worry about it when you have a company picnic at Faulkner’s Ranch! We have thought ahead and taken care of all of that for you. All you have to do is come dressed to have some fun and we’ll provide everything that you need from extra water to horseshoes to shady areas!
So give us a call today and book your company picnic or visit our website for more information.
Have a great day ya’ll and we hope to see you out at the ranch soon!
Picnic Planning Tips: Beat the Heat
Posted on May 21, 2012
Company Picnic Season is just around the corner!
Here at Faulkner’s we are experts on throwing the perfect company picnic.
That is why we have compiled all of our tips and tricks into this bonus series:
Picnic Planning Tips!
That is why we have compiled all of our tips and tricks into this bonus series:
Picnic Planning Tips!
First things first,
How to Beat the Heat at Your Company Picnic! 
It’s no secret that it can get pretty darn hot in Missouri during the summer months.
Help your guest stay cool by making use of the following tips.
Help your guest stay cool by making use of the following tips.
1. It’s All in the Timing
If at all possible, try to avoid planning your picnic when the sun is at it’s highest point. Late morning/early afternoon (10am-1pm) or early evening (5-8pm, 6-9pm) are the best times to schedule a picnic.
2. Rent a Tent
The more shade the better! Tents are great for eating under and relaxing in between activities. Be sure to ask your venue if they have tents available to rent. Most venues will at least have a tent company that they use on a regular basis.
3. Bring Out the Mist Machines!
It is no lie that kids and adults flock towards these! Not only do they provide a quick cool-down, bu they’re fun too!
4. Paddle Fans
Have paddle fans made with your company logo! These not only help make a breeze, but they serve as a nice little party favor too.
5. Dunk Tanks
Nothing cools you off faster and is more fun than getting splashed into some refreshing water. Plus, employees love this fun game, especially when they get to dunk their boss!
6. Other Things to Bring To Stay Cool
Sunglasses
Hats
Wash-Rags
Extra cool water
We hope that these tips help you beat the heat at your company picnic and have a super cool time!
And don’t forget to sign up for our
5 Important Picnic Planning Tips for the Perfect Company Picnic! There you will receive tips on determining your group size, activity, and budget!
Stay tuned for more advice on how to throw the perfect company picnic!
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