OK everyone; here's the reason parties sometimes are a dud; it's not because you're a bad host or…read moreyour friends are dull; it's because the lighting isn't right. Mostly, it's too bright, but occasionally it's too dim and nobody can see who they're talking to. Too bright and people will want to get away from it. If you want to sort your party lighting out, go to Party Direct, where you can hire everything you might need, including a LIGHT UP DANCE FLOOR. Yes. Pretty exciting right? These guys are also super helpful; I needed to hire some lights urgently, and they not only gave me a great price, they also pulled stuff out in the middle of moving warehouses. That's impressive; I can imagine most people would have just said it was too much trouble.

Carlton is a big player in the party hire business. They have lots of stock, but have become…read moreobnoxious to deal with. Our most recent order was very large, worth several hundred dollars. After returning everything carefully cleaned, counted, and in good order, they alleged one fork was missing -- and sent us an additional invoice for $6.32 for that single fork. This plainly overstates the replacement value and will strike most people as petty in the circumstances. In the end, we decided to pay up to avoid further unpleasantness. Although we have used this company often in the past we will not do so again.

I've seen these lovely ladies painting everyone in their team colours at the Eden Park rugby games…read more They paint you in whatever teams stripes and the added glitter option, makes them really popular. This is all free at the rugby games which is awesome as it really helps you get into the spirit. No one trick pony however, Rainbow Rascals and their team of staff are also able to do full body paining, balloon twisting, offer magicians, clowns and other entertainment, and sell face painting supplies. A talented team, give Jane a call and she'll ensure that you or the kids at your childs birthday party / event look the best!

This is seriously one of the best professional face painting service around. Such lovely people…read moreaswell. No job to small or big. Jane (artist and owner of RR) did a belly paint on me while I was pregnant and it was such a relaxing experience did me and the painting was beautiful. I know they also does children's parties and corprate events and does a lot of event planning aswell. They are your one stop shop!

rude service. helium balloon for baby shower didn't even last the car journey home. when I asked…read moreabout the colour confetti inside a party popper that said it was gold, the staff reassured me it was gold and not blue or pink. we found at the time of the gender reveal it was actually pink not gold. super disappointed, don't recommend

Look Sharp is fantastic! It is the ultimate 'go to' place when you are in need of anything!…read moreAbsolutely perfect if you have a costume party coming up, if you need storage containers, baking tins, hair accessories, material, art and painting supplies, ANYTHING! I could spend so much time and money unnecessarily in this store! I have had a decent look around the store and I am yet to find something that is unreasonably priced. Look Sharp are great at being up today with 'festive' events coming up. Christmas, Easter, St Paddy's day, even valentine's day! Look Sharp is your one stop shop! Pop on it and check it out! EVERYTHING is there!

I met Amanda from The Vintage Table when I was sourcing vintage supplies for my wedding a while…read moreback. We've become firm friends and I am so happy to be able to give her a bit of promo for her amazing work which has been featured in magazines and at regular events around Auckland. Like me, her love of "nana chic" precedes the current craze and it's great that so many people now appreciate the vintage aesthethic and appreciate her beautiful stuff. The Vintage Table supply everything from glassware, china, antique birdcages, linens, cutlery and even the odd piece of furniture - all available to hire for your event. She also does High Tea, all-inclusive for a sophisticated way to celebrate a special occasion. Her collection is truly amazing and the service and pricing excellent (in fact, I reckon she could charge more!). I was like a kid in a lolly shop going through her things and deciding which bits I wanted to borrow - I would have taken all of it if I could but the favourite pieces I used were the glass bottles as vases and the tealight holders. Instant vintage glamour and perfect for my mismatched home-made-with-love wedding.