Page 17 - Indulge October 2017

Let’s be honest: No matter how
together we seem to have it, at
some point in the coming months we all
look at the calendar and wonder how it
goes from Halloween to New Year’s Eve
in the blink of an eye.
This is the time of year we want to feel
festive instead of frantic, but the stress can
start to creep up the more we add to our
to-do list — and in the hustle of the holiday
season, it can be easy for some tasks to fall
by the wayside. Whether you’re in charge
of decking the halls, having the family
for dinner, finding the perfect location for
a seasonal celebration or simply trying
to conquer your day-to-day tasks, we’ve
rounded up the Valley’s experts in event
venues, rentals, catering, decorating and
organizing to help you truly make this the
most wonderful time of the year.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
Whether the bash you’re overseeing is
for business or pleasure, part of ensuring
a successful gathering is choosing the
perfect place from a variety of potential
venues. Picking a location with the right
vibe, enough space and great amenities is
guaranteed to make the event a success.
The Valley has unique venues that range
from dramatic to rustic, such as the
State Theatre in Easton (where you can
actually hold your party onstage), and Bell
Gate Farm, a restored barn on acres of
HERE’S HOW holiday lighting, the Theatre looks
TO AVOID its best,” says Cook. “For an added
HOLIDAY STRESS dramatic flair, we can even make it snow
on stage for some extra holiday magic.
It’s always nice to see a gorgeous facility
all decked out for the holidays!”
By Shannon Sigafoos RENTAL EQUIPMENT:
ADD ONE MORE TO THE TABLE
You’ve got the fridge stocked and all
beautiful greenery. One of the first things of the trimmings purchased when you’re
you need to do to secure both the venue suddenly notified that someone who never
and space is to book early. RSVP’d to the family holiday gathering is
“I would recommend getting started actually planning to show up. If you’re going
after Labor Day, and having a date locked to need a larger table, additional seating,
in by the first week of October at the latest,” place settings or linens, your best bet to get
said Mike Cook, the State Theatre’s artist the items you need on time is by calling an
hospitality manager and event coordinator. equipment rental and party supply specialist.
“You’ll also want to consider the schedule of “Thanksgiving is actually a bigger holiday
outside vendors like a DJ or caterer, whose for us than Christmas is. Thanksgiving is a
schedules fill up quickly, as well, so again ton of linens and people looking to make
the sooner the better.” their dining table just a little bit bigger.
Cook works with the event organizer on People need linens, napkins and chairs,”
what they are allowed to use from the State says Scott Robertson, assistant manager
Theatre and what things will need to be at Taylor Rental Party Plus of Allentown.
brought in, and works with outside vendors “We do get some people who ask for china
to make sure they know the intricacies of and glassware. Some people have cocktail
the venue. He is also on-site throughout the parties at their homes and we’ll see an
event should any problems arise. The main increase in wine glasses or cocktail tables.”
focus is making sure the event is the best The key to working directly with an
it can be. equipment rental specialist is planning in
“The holidays are always a lot of fun advance. Even if you don’t know the exact
and the Theatre is no exception. With number of people you’re hosting for any
our wonderful decorations and special particular event, you can call the rental store
— continued on page 18 —
OCTOBER 2017 • INDULGE | 17