Manna and Monica's Party PlaceBy Susan Bush - January 07, 2006
 | | Manna Mason, co-owner of "The Party Place" |
North Adams – When planning a good time, visit Manna Mason or Monica Wisman on Ashland Street.
Birthday and anniversary parties, bridal showers, baby showers, and other festivities should be easier to pull off with help from the duo’s “The Party Place” store.
Mason and Wisman, who live in Florida and have four children each, have partnered to operate the 195 Ashland St. host or hostess paradise. The store opened in November, and Wisman and Mason are regularly adding new items to the aisles.
Celebration Supplies
The store sells several varieties of pinata. |
During a Jan.7 interview at the store, Mason said that she and Wiseman considered several entrepreneurial options before choosing to enter the party business.
“We had been tossing lots of ideas around,” she said. “We wanted to start our own business and we fell in love with the idea of a party store. We felt that with Sofco [a city-based party supply shop that closed] gone, there was a need. People are telling us how happy they are that we opened.”
The store interior is very clean and bright. Paper products, such as plates, cups, napkins, and tablecloths, are available in many colors or as themed items. Heavy-duty disposable foil cookware, plastic cutlery, crepe paper rolls, and serving containers are offered. The store stocks a generous selection of traditional and mylar balloons, including a large “footprint” balloon for birth celebrations. A selection of party cake specialty and standard candles is available, as are several styles of piñata. “Jello shot” containers, hanging decorations, and paper doilies are also offered at the shop, as are several types of party invitation.
Paper products are available in many colors and themes. |
Mason said that a shipment of special baking pans, candy molds, decorating tips and frosting bags should be arriving at the store soon. The items are popular with those who bake and decorate party cakes and pastries.
“We’re trying to do wholesale for restaurants and caterers,” she said.
Never Too Old To Party
These items are part of an "Over the Hill" party supply collection. |
An “Over the Hill” party collection has become a shopper favorite, Mason said. The collection includes black balloons, humorous faux walking canes for men and women, a selection of shot glasses that boast wording such as “Got Prune Juice?” and paper napkins printed with phrases including “I’m Still Hot – It Just Comes In Flashes.”
Party hats, noisemakers, and other celebratory items are sold at the store.
“We’re getting new things all the time,” Mason said. “We are doing pretty well and we hope to add a lot more things.”
“The Party Place” is open Tues.-Wed. 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Thurs.-Fri. 9:30 a.m.- 6 p.m., Sat., 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.. The store is closed on Sunday and Monday. The store telephone number is 413-662-2199.
Susan Bush may be reached via e-mail at suebush@iberkshires.com or at 802-823-9367.
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