Picnic Spotlight: Guest Appreciation

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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: Creative Ways to Serve Food

Company Picnic Season is in full swing!

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 

Beat the Heat at Your Company Picnic

and given you the lowdown on 

What To Bring to Your Company Picnic.

We’ve also discussed some very important

Picnic Food Safety Tips.

Now that you know all about how to keep your food safe, let’s talk about the fun ways that you can serve it!

Who says that you have to use just plain old plates to serve your food? The ways that you serve food at your company picnic can let your company’s creativity shine though.

See below for some of the fun ways that you can serve your picnic meal!

1.  Frisbees

Serving your food on a frisbee has three huge benefits!  It starts out as a plate, turns into a game, and ends up as a party favor! Nothing like getting more bang for your buck.

2. Buckets and Pails

These are great for adding that rustic vibe to your party.  Just make sure that they are sanitized before any food is placed in them.

3.  Mason Jars

Just like the frisbees, these act as an awesome party favor at the end of the day!  They also serve as a unique way to store utensils.

4. Cones

Whether they be paper cones or actual ice cream cones, cones are an excellent way to serve snacks and appetizers.  Plus, they are easy to carry around!

5.  Pre-Made Veggie Cups

These treats not only look cute, but they are super functional as well! Just fill the bottom of a cup with dressing and place slices of veggies in it for a snack on the go!

6.  Using the Food Itself

Wanna get really creative! Carve a watermelon to use as a fruit bowl or carve one out to use as a drink dispenser! Your guests will be very impressed at this extra creativity!

We hope that you enjoyed these helpful picnic tips!

If you are interested in booking a picnic at Faulkner's Ranch or would like to learn more about what we offer at our Company Picnics, click here!

Have a wonderful day!

~ Your Friends at Faulkner's

Happy Father's Day!

Here's to all of the great dads that make our lives so wonderful!

Happy Father's Day,

~ Your Friends at Faulkner's Ranch

Picnic Tips: Food Safety

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 

Beat the Heat at Your Company Picnic

and given you the lowdown on 

What To Bring to Your Company Picnic.

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.

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:

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!

~ Your Friends at Faulkner’s

Picnic Planning Tips: What To Bring

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 

Beat the Heat at Your Company Picnic.

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!

~ Your Friends at Faulkner’s

Picnic Planning Tips: Beat the Heat

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!

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.

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!

~ Your Friends at Faulkner's

Meet Our New Babies

It's springtime here on the ranch!

How do we know?

We've got babies everywhere!

Meet the two newest members of the Faulkner family...

Aren't they adorable?

Stop on by our Facebook page and help us think of some names for this adorable twosome!

Have a great day ya'll!

Your Friends at Faulkner's