9 Houston Resources To Create A Fab Party

Whether you’re planning a holiday party, baby shower or just having friends over for dinner, Houston has plenty of soiree-savvy retailers that can help make your special occasion memorable. From custom piñata makers and stationers to balloon retailers and furniture rentals, we’ve rounded up our go-to resources for executing the perfect party.

Need a hand with catering? Click here for a list of area resources.

The volume of party supplies that unfolds in Arne’s expansive, two-story warehouse is staggering, but it’s well organized and well priced, which makes it a must for party planning. From faux flowers, glassware and baking supplies to balloons, themed party decor and favors, Arne’s has just about everything under the sun. 

With more than 25 years of experience, Aztec Events and Tents is one of the city’s most popular places to rent party decor. Lighting and tent set ups are just a couple of service Aztec offers, along with industrial fans, linens, tabletop items and fine furniture. The company has a large delivery fleet, too, so getting merchandise to your venue or home is a breeze.

Located in Rice Village, along Rice Boulevard, the carefully curated Emerson Sloan boutique is full of everything that Pinterest dreams are made of. Inside, the cheery space is adorned in celebration-ready banners and pennants, birthday party materials and everything needed to outfit parties and other festivities. Beyond the tablerunners, twine and fringe, guests can also find favors and clever gifts.

For decades, EaDo’s Frankel’s Costume Co. has been a mainstay for Houston’s Halloween costume rental needs, but with more than 60,000 costumes in stock, it’s also a handy place to go for themed events throughout the rest of the year. Need to dress like Santa for a holiday party or find a wench costume for Ren Fest? Frankel’s is your place. The store also carries a solid array of special effects make up.

Just because your friends can’t meet you in Vegas doesn’t mean you can’t bring the blackjack tables to Texas. Houston’s iHostPoker Casino Parties has offered professional casino services in the city since 2005. With more than 150 dealers, clients can choose from roulette, craps and poker to horse racing, Wheel of Fortune, slot machines and more.

If you don’t want to spend your entire party manning the blender, consider renting a frozen drink machine from Island Breeze Frozen Drink Machine Rentals. The company’s margarita machines are commercial grade, not the cheap plastic variety offered by some other companies, which ensures that their more than 40 flavor mixes freeze faster and work more consistently in hot weather. Island Breeze also offers ice cream machines, chocolate fountains and concession equipment.

Washington Avenue’s Katie & Co. stocks adorable greeting cards, stationery, invitations, gift items and better-than-the-present-itself wrapping paper. Pick out a $2.75 sheet—some are double-sided for double the fun when tearing into—and the store’s staff will wrap up your gifts, chic ribbon and all, for five bucks a piece. Hosting a shower or tailgate? The shop can also help with personalized Styrofoam cups, adding an unexpected touch to any party.

While there are plenty of places to pick up a piñata in Houston—from Fiesta grocery to Food Town—sometimes, you need something specific and that’s where Pinatas Etc. comes in. The Bellaire-area party shop carries a wide range of the papier-mâché creations including classic Disney, Sesame Street and donkey characters, but the shop is also happy to create something one-of-a-kind for customers, too.

With more than two-dozen local stores, Spec’s is an obvious stop in a party-planning checklist, but if you really want to take it up a notch, swing by The Warehouse Store in Midtown. The crown jewel among the company’s locations stocks more than 40,000 labels of wines, spirits, liquers, beers and fine foods. There’s also a walk-in cigar humidor, fresh caviar, a deli and impressive cheese display.