Last-minute party planning guide

You can plan a last-minute party in a few days: book your frozen drink machine online at least 2 days ahead, settle the guest count, place, and flavors fast, and shop from one short list. Here's how to pull it off without stress.

Check the date first

Online booking needs at least 2 days' notice, so book the moment you have a date. Machines are booked out Oct 29 to Nov 2, 2026; Nov 21 to Dec 3, 2026; and Mar 8 to 16, 2027, so check your date against those windows before you send invitations.

Decide these five things fast

1. Guest count

Make a quick estimate and round up. One machine serves up to 100 guests, and one mix serves about 20 guests. For 40 guests, plan 2 mixes; for 60, plan 3.

2. Place

Choose a spot with:

• A standard 110 volt outlet on its own circuit
• A sturdy table, or our rolling machine cart
• A flat surface that isn't rock or gravel
• A garden hose and water source

At a public park, you need a generator of at least 3,500 watts per outlet, so a backyard or patio is usually the easier last-minute pick. Not sure about your outlet? Read power for a frozen drink machine.

3. Flavors

Don't overthink it. Lime margarita was in about 63% of 2025 orders, so it's a safe pick for one bowl. For the second bowl, choose strawberry margarita for adults or a kids favorite like Blue Raspberry or Cherry Limeade. Every mix is alcohol-free until you add alcohol, so label each bowl. Browse all flavors if you want more.

4. Drop-off and pickup

We deliver and set up 2 to 3 hours before your party. Choose standard timing or same-day drop-off and pickup when you book.

5. Food

Pick one easy theme, like a taco bar or BBQ, and stick to it. Our party food menus include amounts for 50 guests.

Last-minute shopping list

Drinks

• [ ] Tequila: 1 to 2 bottles (1.75 liter) per margarita mix
• [ ] Rum, if you choose a daiquiri or piña colada
• [ ] Bottled water
• [ ] Ice for an ice chest of other drinks (the machine needs no ice)

Add these when you book

• [ ] Extra cups and straws, in packs of 50 (the Party Package includes 50)
• [ ] Rim salt or sugar (each 4 oz package rims about 40 drinks)
• [ ] Rolling machine cart, if you don't have a sturdy table
• [ ] Ice chest (120 to 150 quarts)

Supplies

• [ ] Plates, napkins, and forks
• [ ] Trash bags
• [ ] Garden hose, if you don't have one
• [ ] Tape and a marker to label the bowls

Food

• [ ] Your one-theme menu, plus chips and salsa as an easy backup

The day before

• Clear the table or counter for the machine.
• Test the outlet and move other appliances off that circuit.
• Set the garden hose where it reaches the machine spot.
• Prep food you can make ahead.

Party day

Have the table, outlet, and hose ready before we arrive. The first batch takes 2 to 3 hours to freeze, so if your party starts at 6 p.m., plan for us to arrive between 3 and 4 p.m. We show you how the machine works, and after the party we pick up and clean. Hand us any unopened mixes for a refund.

Shortcuts that save time

• Invite by text. Short and fast works. Borrow a line from our party invitation wording ideas.
• Let the machine be the centerpiece. Two bright flavors spinning in the bowls make the drink station the decoration.
• Skip the bartender. Guests serve themselves, so you can host.

Ready to plan? Check dates and book online in minutes, or get a quick estimate first.