The Quest For The Perfect Location

Selecting a venue is typically one of the first items that planners and party hosts decide upon when planning an event. This can potentially help you finalize a date, set a theme, or confirm a guest count. When you visit potential venues, it is in your best interest to be prepared, and have your preliminary requirements thought out. By doing this, you should be able to select a setting that works with your vision, and will hopefully help you save time in the end! Although you may absolutely fall in love with a space or setting immediately, it is best to do a little investigating before you sign on the dotted line. Here are some suggestions as you begin the pursuit!

Time restrictions – This can be an issue if you are buying out a restaurant or holding a reception at a popular banquet hall. Knowing ahead of time when vendors or guests can arrive can help you plan and schedule accordingly. I recently visited a site that allowed small items to be dropped off early in the day, but the venue would not look out for them. Not ideal. Especially if you are planning an elaborate celebration or foresee a lot of deliveries, discuss this issue with a manager or supervisor. If you can work this out ahead of time, it will definitely save you headaches later on!

Vendor Parameters – Some sites have a list of preferred or authorized vendors they often work with. Be sure to ask for this before you have your heart set on a particular florist. Alternatively, if you are the very beginning of your planning process, this may help you select vendors. These people know the space very well, and can possibly offer suggestions to help enhance your ideas.

Permits, Zoning, and Public Restrictions – Nobody wants his/her function to be shut down by the local authorities! Each town and municipality usually has parameters that hosts and function have to adhere to when throwing a bash. Go online or visit your town’s building department to find out if you need to file paperwork, what needs to be included, and how much the potential permit fees are. In some places, such as New York City, it is best to file early since it can take several weeks to have all paperwork authorized and approved.

Local Amenities & Accommodations – If you plan on having a lot people in from out of town, make sure that there is appropriate parking or public transportation near by, as well as hotels and restaurants. If parking is an issue, decide if you want to provide a shuttle service from Point A to Point B. This is actually a great way to make sure that no one gets lost getting to the space and for guests to meet each other in a casual, celebratory environment.

Though it may require some homework, being prepared will hopefully result in an enjoyable, memorable occasion for all! Happy searching! 

by Meredith Darts

A Beautiful Day in the Park

Spring has arrived! The Women's Committee of the Central Park Conservancy held its annual Frederick Law Olmsted Awards Luncheon yesterday at the Conservatory Garden. Proceeds from this popular luncheon go directly to preserving and maintaining Central Park. And what a perfect day they had for their annual event! Stamford Tent has been working with the Conservancy for years, and was happy and honored to once again be a part of this wonderful celebration!

As the photos below highlight, the event has also become known as the "Hat Luncheon." Although hats are not required, the majority of attendees wore a celebratory topper for the occasion. Be sure to share your favorite fascinator with us!

by Meredith Darts

The Sweetest Decision

As I start planning a party, a to-do list quickly develops as ideas and tasks come to my mind. One has to decide a theme, buy party supplies, invite guests, etc. However, for me the most important decision is dessert. I will admit it. I love sweets, and always want to offer my guests the most delicious treat I can find. I recently became engaged, and am now faced with the ultimate decision – what dessert do I serve at my wedding reception?

Wedding cakes are to the traditional go-to wedding dessert option. Elaborate, gorgeous structures that have delicate detailing are often the centerpiece of the entire reception. Guests immediately gravitate towards it (often bypassing the newlyweds) in order to sneak a peak as soon as they enter the room. Any flavor combination that you could desire (vanilla buttercream frosting with a passion fruit filling or German chocolate with a hazelnut ganache) can be created by an expert baker who spends months creating your confectionery dream. You envision intricate sugar tulips cascading down the cake. No problem. Or maybe a navy blue trim that delineates each tier. Done and done.

However, more and more couples are opting to blaze new trails and venture into the endless world of desserts to find one that suits their personalities.  Throughout my time on the wedding reception circuit, I have seen (and tasted) everything. Each was delicious and presented in a beautiful way that matched the overall feel of the day.

Do you have a soft spot for cupcakes? Then create a cupcake tower with a separate small cake on top if  you want to preserve the traditional first cutting. Or are you more of a macaron lover? Pick out shades and flavors that compliment your wedding colors. Is Italy one of your favorite places to travel to? Then set up a gelato bar with all of your favorite toppings.  And what if you are more of a pie lover? Then have your favorite bakery create its famous blackberry raspberry pie.

So all of this begs the question: what dessert are you? Thankfully, this is one of the sweeter choices you get to make throughout the planning process. For me there are only two major criteria – what looks great, and more importantly, what tastes amazing! And for those of you who are still worried that you won’t pick the right dessert, take a look at some of these creations. Trust me – at the very least, it will give you a good laugh!

by Meredith Darts

Get your Zen on in Dutchess County, NY

Tucked away in a beautiful region of Millbrook, NY is one of the true hidden gems of the state.  Innisfree Gardens is one of the most recognized and respected gardens in the world! 

Located on 185 acres of wooded land, sculpted rock, intimate nooks and a beautiful lake, you will find spectacular views from endless locations at this incredible piece of rural Americana.  A completely unique and charming approach to Asian-inspired gardens, waterfalls and carefully planned architecture; this is one of the most breathtaking venues in the Northeast.

The once private property is now available for day trips, romantic picnics, a peaceful stroll and/or a splendid wedding venue, I recommend a trip to Innisfree Gardens in the coming weeks and months.  Just bring a comfortable pair of walking/hiking shoes and absolutely remember your camera in order to take better photos than I was able to come up with today, as we walked the property on a brisk 40 degree afternoon. 

Below are a couple of humble photos taken today, in mid March, but I can't wait to go back in the Spring when Innisfree truly shines in all its splendor!!  Click on the images for a larger version.  In fact, you can check out some of the more impressive seasonal images here - Innisfree Gardens -High resolution photos and brochure.

I'll see you there!!

(last photo shown above) Reserved for misbehaved Stamford Tent employees.  

Too Big? Too Small? Just Right!

Spring has finally sprung, and weekend events, summer parties, and outdoor receptions are making their triumphant return. When potential clients contact us to begin the planning process, they often have a general idea of what type of party they are interested in – cocktail, birthday, graduation party, wedding ceremony, reception. However, they usually need assistance in creating an environment that will truly make their celebration a stunning success. As one begins to consider and work through all the possible ideas, items and details that you never considered start popping up. Believe me… It is better to work out these specifics early on in order to avoid waking up in the middle of the night two days before your event in a complete panic!

One of the first questions we ask our customers when discussing their event is, “How many people are you thinking of?” While it may seem like a simple question, the answer is the launching point for the entire process. It provides a baseline of how much space will be minimally required for your party. If you are like me, visualizing an open area has never been my strongest suit. But with a preliminary headcount, you begin to decide how large or small of a marquee you will need.

From there, you contemplate what type of style you want. Are you thinking of cocktail tables located throughout with passed hors d'oeuvres? Or will you have buffet stations line one side of the tent?  Maybe you are considering a seated affair with round tables, and handsome servers easily navigating through the space. In order to provide your guests a comfortable and enjoyable experience, choosing a general layout and style will help give your party a good flow, and hopefully prevent guests from developing bruised elbow syndrome!

Then you can move onto the fun part – entertainment! Are you going to have a DJ or a string quartet or maybe even a full swing band! (My vote is for the swing band by the way.) Each of these options requires you to think about the size of the bandstand or platform you will want to include in order to showcase “the talent.” And if you are going to have music, you absolutely need a dance floor! Based on how many people you are planning on inviting (and how many you think will truly party down!), you can then select a size that is appropriate. No one wants a dance floor that is either too crowded or too empty!

If you need some help getting started, be sure to look at our website. We provide general sizing information and a Wedding Timetable to keep you on track. Though you may not have all of these decisions set from the beginning, having an idea of what you want allows the conversation to begin. Details may change, but at the end of the day, the most important part is that you are celebrating a special occasion. That - and that you have an amazing time at your own party. Good luck and happy planning! 



by Meredith Darts

Happy February 14th!

Happy Valentine's Day from Stamford Tent!

"All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt."
Charles M. Schulz

Brrrrr. It's Cold Out There!

There is always an element of stress, worry and anxiety when planning a party or major event. Did I invite the right people? Will everyone get along? Did I order enough food? More importantly, did I order enough wine? Yet during the winter, new levels of stress and worry begin to come into consideration.

Your spouse’s birthday is coming up in mid-February, and you decide that a nice gathering at home would be the perfect way to celebrate. You recall the anniversary party you hosted last June, and start searching through files to review the invite list – 200 guests. There was plenty of room as people mingled around enjoying themselves. And then you realize – because it was a perfect 70 degree afternoon instead of the chilly 35 degrees that has dominated the forecast over the past few weeks. The patio, the pool area - no longer viable options.  Panic starts to creep in.  “Unless my house suddenly triples in size, there is no way that I will be able to fit 200 people in my home!”

But what if you could? During the winter months, porch enclosures and outdoor tenting provide homeowners with the additional space they desperately need for a large gathering. By attaching heaters to these structures, extra rooms are created within hours, without the fuss or muss of a renovation crew.  Hanging strings of lights around the perimeter or poles help create a cozy area where guests can chat or catch up. Once you add a few cushions or benches, you have created an intimate lounge in your backyard!

While you still may worry if the music is too loud or if your guests get lost even with your directions, you do not have to worry about overcrowding in your living room.

Don’t hesitate to ask us about maximizing the space on your property by taking advantage of winter tenting…and winter pricing!

by Meredith Darts