MAKING THE HOLIDAYS SPARKLE… more important than ever in 2020

The holiday season has arrived and it look a little different in 2020. In light of large gatherings & events being canceled, we all have an opportunity to make our personal holidays something truly unique & extra special, right in our own homes.

DECK OUT YOUR TABLE– With fewer guests to cook for, why not spend your energy making the table extra special. If you need some additional spacing, you can add tables or chairs to your mix. Spice up the décor by renting specialty linens, napkins, unique china & glassware.  You would be surprised at how much this creative atmosphere add to everyone’s enjoyment. I swear the food will even seem tastier. Plus… when you rent, it makes for easy clean-up! All you have to do is rinse for return and you can get back to the family game of charades or cozy up for a movie. 

GET CRAFTY–Create or order place cards for your dinner guests (you can even include a place holder for those celebrating from afar). This could be a fun activity for the kids too. So many ideas from using leaves from outdoors, coloring or printing a festive shape to cut out, writing a riddle or description to guess of who this seat is saved for…

ADD A TENT– You want to have more space so your family can spread out or for your guests that aren’t comfortable being inside. A perfect extension of your home that affords you space to spread out. Make it your own, complete with heating, seating, lighting and décor options.

VIRTUAL DINNERS & FRIENDSGIVINGS– Coordinate simultaneous dinners the same table décor with family/friends from afar and then connect virtually. No holiday celebration would be complete without party games, which are just as much fun as they are in person. Virtual games, such as QUIZ UP or JACKBOX are perfect options to entertain your guests. You can even make your dinner a bit of a competition where you must use a certain color or theme – awards could be “most festive”, “most like Martha”, “most creative use of _____”. All for bragging rights, of course. If you are looking for a simple way to engage your guests, simply have each describe a grateful memory they have of someone present on the call. The holidays are all about quality time with friends & family, so make it fun for you and your loved ones.

Spread Love, Not Germs

Celebrating Life’s Milestones During a Health Pandemic

2020 kick offed of a new decade and the event industry was booming & ready to help their clients celebrate milestones- big and small.

Then…  COVID hit. This “unprecedented time” has not been seen in many in our lifetimes, nor did anyone ever anticipate a health crisis of this magnitude. The effects have been felt world-wide by individuals, businesses & governments alike. It is varied how this has touched, changed and endangered various industries.  For the Event Industry, the past six months have been a rollercoaster.

With countries & states starting to open with updated health and safety information from the CDC, we are slowly starting to host events again with new protocols. 

As of today, in the State of Connecticut, we are currently allowed to have events outside for up to 100 guests and 25 for inside. Event Tents are in higher demand than ever before and people are eager to pivot their celebrations safely and within the current guidelines, rather than delay or cancel. Abbey Tent & Party Rentals has rolled out new products and procedures to meet the states standards. 

Seated dinners are recommended, but for clients who want to have a buffet we can provide Buffet Plexiglass Dividers for safety. Masked & gloved catering staff can plate your meal, as you point out your choices. This helps prevent cross contamination on the serving utensils and the food. A single table can move through the line at a time, to maintain social distancing. 

Hand Sanitization Stations are also required at an event. We think the phrase “Spread love, Not germs” is a cute way to greet your guests and remind them to sanitize upon arrival. We would be happy to provide you with a framed sign and sanitizer pumps, or you can customize your own. Remember to rent an additional table and/or tablecloth for this station. 

Lastly, our staff has been certified “Clean, Safe, Essential” through the American Rental Association to assure we are maintaining an already high-level of sanitization of our products, warehouse, and showroom. 

To further protect our staff and you, we welcome clients to our showroom by appointment only. We feel confident we can help you safely celebrate your life moments!

Abbey Tent & Party Rentals Announces Acquisition of County Chair Party Rentals

Abbey Tent & Party Rentals of Fairfield, CT officially announced the acquisition of County Chair Party Rentals of Mount Vernon, NY on June 1, 2020.

The two companies have an interesting collaborative history. Both are family owned and operated from the beginning. Over the years Fred & Marie Yannantuono of County Chair [est.1934] & Steve & Helen Szondy of Abbey Tent [est.1956] supported one another in building their prospective successful businesses through collaboration & sub-renting equipment. 

Similarly, both owners were lucky enough to have their children join the team and eventually take over the businesses– Anne Yannantuono [1971], Paul Yannantuono [1975]  & Fred Yannantuono [1973] of County Chair and George Szondy [1976] & Steve Szondy [1982] of Abbey Tent. Third Generation, Matthew Szondy has worked alongside his father George since childhood and continues to take on more leadership roles within Abbey Tent & Party Rentals.  

When County Chair made the decision to “retire from rentals” to concentrate on the other family businesses, Abbey Tent  was the first call they made. The acquisition brings an expansion of their client base, as well as current inventory assets including;  china, flatware, serving pieces, catering equipment, tables, chairs, and many New Products 

  • 5 New China Patterns
  • 3 New Flatware Patterns
  • Natural Wood Ballroom Chairs

Abbey Tent and Party Rentals has been supplying tenting and party rental equipment to the Tri-state area for 60 years. Since 1956, Abbey Tent & Party Rentals has been a full service party & special event rental company. Quality and value remain the cornerstones upon which this family owned and operated business has built its reputation and foundation.

Media Contact: Lindsay Smith |(203) 368-6111 ‬ | lindsays@abbeytent.com

The Power of Linens

What better way to make your event distinct, than through linens. Rich colors, unique textures, and specialty patterns… 

Solid, Sequin, Pintuck, Burlap, Damask, Neon, Stretch, Shantung, Satin, Burlap, Chevron, Tissue Lame, Lace, Organza…

There are literally endless options when it comes to linen choices. Because of this, it is helpful to think about what kind of feel you want for your event.

Classic In White

No matter what your event color palate is, you can of course rely on a traditional and classic white or ivory linen as your base. This enables you to work in any space or venue without competing with elements that may be out of your control and clean lines & look of a white tablecloth, complements any palate or centerpiece.  

Color-Blocking

A simple concept but can create quite a dramatic effect. Choose a solid tablecloth and bring in a second color, in the napkins. Or select a 2-3 different linen colors and use them evenly disperse or color-block sections of the room. Think about the room as a whole- not just a single table.

Specialty Linen

A broad name for specialty textures, patterns, fabrics. These linens bring you to the next level and give you the ability to make your event unique to its own. Use them in combination with solids to create a design with surprise and delight. Or luxe it up with a room full or lush pattern & texture. Your combination will set the signature for your space.

There are so many choices but don’t get overwhelmed yet – breathe! Think about what “feel” you want for your event…  bright, fun, traditional, elegant, natural, casual. Make an appointment with one of our event rental professionals. Nothing replaces being able to see & feel the fabrics in person. You can play table dress-up, touch the fabrics, and compare looks. We would love to help you select the perfect complements for your dream event. 

Photo Credits: Brook Allison Photography