In planning a special celebration or gathering, we all agree that the proof, at least for a bride or mother-to-be, is in the presentation. Most will concur that, regardless of whether the event is an intimate dinner, wedding, rehearsal dinner, shower, or even a corporate soiree, the more unique the venue, the better.
 Upon visiting a number of area banquet destinations, the realization of cookie-cutter halls and crisp, white tablecloths, and bone china is dulling. After the first couple stops on a tour of average ballroom facilities, any delineation from one to the next quickly fades and the ultimate decision inevitably rests with the price and/or menu. Looking for a more memorable alternative? Look no further.
The refreshing character of The Colonnade, on Jefferson Avenue, in Scranton, greets each guest with an enveloping aura and a warm welcome. Partners Joshua Mast and Paul Blackledge have painstakingly restored this 1870’s-era mansion to its historic grandeur, including high ceilings and beautiful chandeliers, but have also applied a more modern flair, as well. For example, the Music Room boasts an antique piano that is reminiscent of the original owners, but the walls reflect a tasteful, yet whimsical, palette and decor.
The Colonnade is located mere steps from the University of Scranton and boasts a number of rooms that can accommodate a range of party sizes, from a small, intimate gathering to a grand affair of up to 200 guests. For those out-of-town guests, there are rooms and suites available with modern accoutrements such as a flat screen TV, free WiFi, and a special continental breakfast.
A recent visit to The Colonnade for the baby shower of Lynn Klein, wife of IndependentNEPA magazine publisher Danny Klein, asserted that this is, undeniably, a detail-driven destination. Upon approach, the large entry door was opened and gifts were ushered into a special room where they were displayed prominently on tables, with the name(s) of their respective guest(s) attached.
The gift room flowed succinctly into a drink station in which beverages were prepared for each guest, who then entered a spacious drawing room to retrieve her seating card. Trays of shrimp cocktail; puff pastry pinwheels with prosciutto, Gruyere, and basil; bacon-wrapped scallops; and cranberry- glazed meatballs wove their way through the gathering of guests, piquing even the most particular palate.
Onward, we made our way into a bright and charming great room, set immaculately with linens and breathtaking flower arrangements by Blackledge and his design team. The welcoming atmosphere, decorated in a tasteful, yet bright yellow hue, imparted a cheerful ambiance that typified the celebratory nature of the event.
Color was not the only palette created at The Colonnade. The luncheon, a rich display of colors and textures, featured signature stations arranged with Caesar, Greek and antipasto salads and assorted sushi rolls. Nearby, an arrangement of classic tea sandwiches included egg salad, with fresh dill, and chicken and shrimp salads on gourmet breads. Following lunch, as if on cue, an afternoon tea station appeared– almost magically– fashioned by tiered racks mounded with assorted fresh scones, muffins, and pastries.
From the ambient charm of the estate, to the pleasant, yet professional demeanor of the owners and staff, nary a detail was missed in preparation for this joyous occasion.
If a special event is on your horizon, experience the grandeur of The Colonnade, located at 401 Jefferson Avenue, in Scranton. For more information, visit www.thecolonnade401.com or call (570) 342-6114.
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