WELCOME TO LIDIA'S PLAY CAFE Parties PAGE

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1. I know Lidia’s offers menu options, but can I bring my own food? 

Yes, absolutely. Host may cater food, bring their own beverages, cake, cupcakes etc. We do ask that the food is prepared by a health approved establishment. 

2. I’d like to bring some of my own décor. What am I allowed to bring?

Yes, you can absolutely bring your décor and make it as elaborate as you wish. However, all décor items should be discussed with management to ensure they can be incorporated into the display as intended. For example, items that require heavy taping to the walls are not permitted. All else is pretty much a go.    

3. I have quite a few decorations. How far in advance can I arrive on event day to help set them up?

Lidia’s staff begins setup well ahead of host arrival and much of the setup will be done by the time party host arrives. Host may arrive no more than 30 minutes prior to event start to give their décor input and make last minute changes. As a general rule, decorations that are brought in should be pre-assembled – this is recommended in order to save time. 

4. Can I bring my décor ahead of time to make it easier on the amount of stuff I have to carry on event day?

Yes, absolutely. We recommend that décor is brought in at least one day in advance so we can discuss what’s involved to set it up as well as placement. Lidia’s staff will conduct the setup for you.

5. I plan to bring my own balloons. Do you have the ability to inflate them with helium?

We do not have a helium tank on site. However, we are located two blocks away from a convenience store that fulfills this service for us when needed and they are happy to do it for you as well. We do have an automatic air pump on site that can be used to inflate balloons with air.  

6. Does Lidia’s provide serving utensils for catered food? What else do you offer to help with the menu serving necessities? 

Yes, we provide serving spoons/tongs for salads and other buffet style dishes. We also offer a 10 inch cake stand if needed, a 3 tier cupcake holder, cake cutting set (we’ll cut cake for you if you'd like), ice buckets for beverages and we provide the ice itself. We also offer tray holders for food warmers.  If you need something to complete your menu serving necessities chances are we can provide it.  If there is something in particular you are looking for please ask us and we will do our best to accommodate you. 

7. What dining setup options are available for a typical birthday event? 

Party host has the option to designate a kids section within the dining area that’s separate from the adults. The other option is to create a mixed setup. A separate kids section is typical for birthday events with older child guests, while the mixed setup is typical for parties with child guests on the younger side (1-2 years of age). 

8. I'd like to hire some entertainment, like a balloon artist or a character dress up. What are the rules about outside entertainers? 

Host may hire outside entertainment. However, we ask  that they represent a reputable company that carries liability insurance. Proof of insurance is required for entertainers offering services on our premises. Also COVID rules apply so services that conflict with our safety guidelines are not currently allowed (i.e. face painting) . 

9. Do you follow COVID guidelines for private events?

Yes. We generally follow the safety guidelines recommended by the CDC. Please ask us about our latest protocol as local guidelines are frequently changing.   

10. I know you offer private event time slots at 10:00AM and 2:00PM on the weekends, but can I book a later time? 

Later time slots are available in the event the 2:00PM time slot is already booked for the day you wish to celebrate.  If you’re looking for a later time simply due to preference, we are happy to work with you on a case by case basis.

11. Can I book a weekday birthday party since my child’s birthday falls on a weekday and I prefer to celebrate on the special day?

Yes, absolutely. Weekday event celebrations can be arranged on days/times that do not conflict with our other ongoing programs.

12. Two and a half hours does not seem like enough time for my event. Can I extend and is there a limit to how much time I can add to my event?

We offer party extensions by half hour increments.  We don’t designate a limit on how long you can extend an event but the maximum anyone has ever extended when hosting with us was 2 hours. There is more flexibility to extend afternoon events since we generally close with your event and can simply extend without conflicting with any scheduled services. Extensions for the 10:00am morning slot is limited to 30 minutes.  Extension time can also be used to add more time towards the setup process and increase a setup duration from 30 minutes to one hour. 

13. DIY Party Package Specific Rules

Lidia's Play Cafe creates the party setting, such as putting the party tables and chairs together. Host is then responsible for bringing and setting it up décor as well as cleaning up. DYI setups like other packages allows 30 minutes for decorating. If more time is needed, it must be purchased in 30 minute increments as a setup extension. No early entry allowed without additional time purchase.