To distinguish your party from all the others, consider splurging on over-the-top gear, such as:
A Champagne Fountain: Two-tier stainless-steel-finish fountains are $75 for a day from TriServe Party Rentals (718-822-1930). Party Rental Limited (201-727-4700) offers three tiers, in silver, for $120 for 72 hours.
Ice Sculpture: Okamoto Studio (212-842-0630) makes tabletop centerpieces from $100. Most life-size sculptures take two to four ice blocks, at a cost of $500 a block. Whatever design you choose, you’re likely to have a one-of-kind object; the company avoids making the same design twice.
Chandelier: At City Knickerbocker (212-586-3939), you can select from 1,000 types of chandeliers, starting at $75 a week and going much higher. A six-foot-wide crystal number rents for $1,500. Delivery and installation is not included. Hiring their technician costs $75 to $100.
Air-Hockey Table: To re-create that frat-house experience, Scott’s Magic & Entertainment on Staten Island (718-556-3430) rents out machines at a cost of about $100 an hour, including delivery and pickup. The company can also arrange more refined, if still masculine diversions: A professional cigar roller can be engaged for $1,500 for two hours.