The Sisu Edit
Notes from the people who throw events.
Real events, real costs, real venues — written by the people who actually pulled them off.
Featured · Just published
Borrowed in Real Life: Ellie’s Bluey 5th Birthday in Manhattan
36 kids. A full-on Hammerbarn shop. A bunny adoption station. Beach towels in place of chairs. See how one host pulled off a Bluey-themed 5th birthday at home using rentals from Collect Sisu — with a full cost breakdown.
May 2, 2026 · 11 min read
The Best Birthday Party Ideas in NYC for 9-Year-Olds
The forgotten birthday age. Too old for the typical kids’ party, not quite the 10-year-old upgrade. Here’s every venue in NYC that actually works at 9 — and a few nobody’s doing.
Apr 9, 2026 · 7 min read
The Best Birthday Party Ideas in NYC for 10-Year-Olds
Laser tag, escape rooms, cooking classes, private venues, and park parties — what works at this age, exact venues with booking links, and what to add to make any of them feel like a real event.
Apr 7, 2026 · 9 min read
Borrowed in Real Life: Apres Ski Girls' Night
A fondue dinner for 13 in a Manhattan townhouse — cheese, chocolate, mulled wine, and every piece of tableware from Collect Sisu — for $39.75 a head.
Mar 19, 2026 · 9 min read
Behind the Borrow: Roxy's Glow Party
A blacklight birthday in a Manhattan apartment — ball pit, glow art, parachute games, and a swag table — for around $552. Full cost breakdown included.
Mar 17, 2026 · 10 min read
Borrowed in Real Life: Sue's 70th
A cocktail party for 35 in a friend's home — grazing table, martini tower, and a neon sign — for $3,725. Every borrowed item listed with rental prices.
Mar 15, 2026 · 11 min read
Behind the Borrow: A Frozen Birthday at 16 Handles
Two best friends, both turning four, both obsessed with Frozen. One party, two families, one Elsa — and $686 each. A full cost breakdown of a joint birthday at 16 Handles.
Mar 13, 2026 · 9 min read
Behind the Borrow: A Dinosaur Birthday in a Manhattan Playroom
25 kids, a building amenity room, a live musician, and a room full of dinosaurs — under $1,900. How one family turned a building playroom into a ROAR-worthy third birthday.
Mar 13, 2026 · 12 min read
Borrowed in Real Life: Ellie’s Princess Tea Party Birthday in Manhattan
20+ kids, porcelain tea sets, five princess performers, a candy bar with gold castle favor boxes — and a full cost breakdown. See how one host styled a princess tea party birthday at home with rental items from Collect Sisu.
Mar 10, 2026 · 10 min read
How to Host a Dinner Party in a Tiny NYC Apartment (And Actually Pull It Off)
Rick Cohen has hosted dinner parties for 8 to 35+ people in 600 square feet for over 20 years. His playbook for borrowing furniture, extending tables, and turning any NYC apartment into a supper club.
Mar 5, 2026 · 12 min read
Borrowed in Real Life: An Elegant Baby Shower in Manhattan
25 guests, rented serveware, catered food, handmade details — and a full cost breakdown. See how one host styled an elegant baby shower at home with rental items from Collect Sisu.
Mar 1, 2026 · 8 min read
The Ultimate Guide to Hosting an Event in Central Park
Everything you need to know about permits, picnic setups, food, decorations, and logistics for throwing an unforgettable celebration in Central Park.
Feb 15, 2026 · 13 min read
How to Throw the Perfect Cocktail Party (A Complete Guide from First Idea to Last Guest)
Grazing table or passed hors d’oeuvres? Signature cocktail or full bar? Your complete playbook for a cocktail party people actually talk about afterward.
Jan 18, 2026 · 15 min read
How to Throw a Kids’ Birthday Party in NYC (Without Losing Your Mind or Your Budget)
Activity venues, event spaces, apartment parties, and park parties — every realistic option with honest costs, limitations, and how to make each one special.
Jan 4, 2026 · 18 min read
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