Anyone looking for modern party supplies in Columbus can rest easy! Soon there will be a new party store in the Short North, carrying all sorts of fun for your next party. Surprise! Modern Party + Cocktail Goods will open at 941 N. High Street, later this summer.
Wholly Craft owner Olivera Bratich wanted to open the store after being “shocked at the lack of non-cheesy supplies available.”
“We really respect party planning as a creative endeavor,” says Bratich. “I’ve always had an affinity for parties and entertaining and that vintage cocktail party vibe, so building this concept is exciting for me on a creative level as well.”
Bratich had added a party supply section to her original store, Wholly Craft, to allow last minute party throwers a quick and local option to get the modern, fun look many are looking for today.
The Surprise! concept also builds on the Rumpus Room vintage popup parties she held at Wholly Craft last year.
“Through the vintage pop ups, we really amassed a lot of glassware and cocktail accessories so we’re excited to share that collection at Surprise!,” she says. “I’ve been a long-time collector of vintage party books and pamphlets, so I’ve always drawn a lot of inspiration from there. Plus the crafting world is always making something new for parties – after all, Martha Stewart’s first book was Entertaining, so the party world and the craft world can sync up quite nicely.”
What you can expect to find at Surprise!: party decor, paper tableware, balloons, gift wrap, new and vintage glassware, and bar accessories…basically everything you need for a stylish, swanky party. Bratich is also excited to announce “a Surprise-made and branded line of goods, and the tools and supplies to make party decor yourself.”
“When it came to developing our house brand of party decor, we immediately hired the best crafter we knew – Amy Murphy of AmyD,” says Bratich. “We’re excited to work with her on this new venture and that part of the business keeps us grounded in our handmade roots.”
“I’m so excited to be a part of Surprise!” says Murphy. “The house brand includes party decor items built to create a stylish and cohesive theme to help make parties visually memorable.”
Surprise! is a sister store to Wholly Craft although it will offer manufactured supplies in additional to some handmade items and the signature Surprise! line. Murphy notes to look for product previews as the opening date to the shop nears.
“Most party supplies are manufactured and there’s little way around that in some cases,” says Bratich. “We do plan to have the largest available selection of sustainable and made in the USA supplies plus a hearty helping of non-disposables like glassware. And of course, everything we do is DIY-inspired, so we’ll definitely have handmade party goods.”
Prices will range from $3 party picks to $150 glassware sets. Additionally, while everything in the shop will be available for individual purchase, Surprise! will also offer party box bundles with everything you need to host a themed party.
Bratich often credits the support of the Clintonville neighborhood to the continued success of Wholly Craft and she looks forward to opening her second store in the Short North and joining the fabric of the area.
“We are thrilled to learn about the upcoming opening of Surprise! Modern Party + Cocktail Goods in the Short North Arts District,” says Betsy Pandora, Executive Director of the Short North Alliance. “Olivera is an established, creative entrepreneur and we know she’ll bring a collaborative and creative spirit to the neighborhood.”
Surprise! will be located next door to Pursuit, a modern suit store, and Bratich looks forward to partnering with her neighbors.
“Party planning may be fun, but it’s certainly not easy!” says Bratich. “We’re there to support a host and supply them with everything they need to throw the party they want. Our goal is pretty simple: good times for all!”
Surprise! Modern Party + Cocktail Goods will open at 941 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43201 in the Summer of 2016. Hours are to be determined. For more information, visit surprisemodernparty.com.