private events Archives - Novelty Hill Januik

It’s the Little Things: How to Make Every Event Unforgettable

Posted on May 26, 2025 by NHJ

Novelty Hill-Januik’s event manager, Liz Rich, has learned that the most memorable events don’t just happen—they’re curated through dozens of thoughtful decisions, big and small. Whether it’s a corporate celebration, a wedding, or a milestone birthday, the goal is always the same: to create an experience that feels effortless, fun, and totally personalized. Here, Liz shares six tips to help bring your next event to life.

Start with a Warm Welcome

Every memorable event at our Woodinville winery begins with hospitality. That first moment sets the tone, whether it’s a welcome glass of wine, a friendly greeter at the entry, or a thoughtful takeaway gift. Make guests feel relaxed, appreciated, and ready to enjoy what’s to come. In wine country, a refreshing Rosé and a warm welcome go hand in hand.

Add Personality with Interactive Experiences

A well-timed surprise can transform an event from lovely to unforgettable. We enjoy helping clients infuse their celebrations with creative, engaging elements—like a live band, a roaming photo booth, a painter capturing the scene, or curated lawn games that invite guests to mingle. These thoughtful activities make private events at our winery feel one-of-a-kind.

Design Seating to Match the Mood

Layout and flow are crucial to the guest experience. Whether the event calls for a seated dinner with formal place settings or a more open, reception-style gathering, design the space to fit the occasion. At Novelty Hill-Januik, our flexible indoor and outdoor event space allows guests to create a layout that enhances conversation, connection, and comfort.

Create Menus That Welcome Everyone to the Table

Guests always appreciate menus that are seasonal, delicious, and inclusive. Thoughtful menu planning means accommodating dietary needs without making it feel like an afterthought. Gluten-free, vegetarian, dairy-free—whatever the preferences, our Woodinville winery aims to make every guest feel like the menu was created with them in mind.

Make Every Detail Count

Sometimes the smallest details make the biggest impression. We help clients choose finishing touches that bring their vision to life: napkins in a company’s brand color, uplighting that brings warmth to the space, floral accents, or elegant place cards. These details may not always be noticed individually, but they create a cohesive, polished look that guests feel instantly.

Work with Trusted Partners Who Know the Space

We’re proud to work with a network of preferred vendors who understand our winery venue inside and out. From photographers and florists to AV teams and rental pros, our vendor partners bring experience and creativity to every event, helping things run smoothly from setup to final toast.

Let’s Bring Your Vision to Life in Woodinville Wine Country

The goal is to make an event feel effortless and extraordinary. From welcome wine to the final details, we’re here to help you create something personal, polished, and filled with joy. If you’re planning a private event in Woodinville, we’d love to help make it unforgettable.

Ready to start planning your event in Woodinville Wine Country? We are here to help bring your vision to life. Reach out to our events team here: https://bit.ly/4c9LuiJ

5 Budget-Savvy Tips for Planning a Memorable Event

Posted on May 1, 2025May 1, 2025 by NHJ

Event planning on a budget doesn’t have to compromise the guest experience. By thoughtfully selecting your venue and making smart planning choices, you can create a polished, professional event that stays within budget. When searching for a Woodinville event venue or affordable venues near Bellevue, consider these five essential tips to help maximize your resources and delight your guests:

Prioritize What’s Important

Clearly define your “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves.” Allocate budget to impactful areas like presentations, food, and comfort.

Choose a Venue with Transparent Pricing

Hidden fees can quickly derail your budget. When researching Woodinville wineries for events, look for venues with transparent, upfront pricing. At Novelty Hill-Januik, our transparent pricing includes venue use, standard furnishings, audiovisual equipment, staffing, and setup and breakdown services, ensuring no surprise fees.

Opt for Seasonal and Local Menus

Menus featuring seasonal, local ingredients are fresher, tastier, and often more affordable. Partnering with a venue that builds its menus around what’s in peak season can help maximize flavor while minimizing cost. It also supports local farmers and reduces transportation costs, making it a smart financial and environmental choice.

Leverage Existing Venue Décor

Reduce décor costs by choosing a venue with built-in beauty and appealing architecture. A thoughtfully designed space can eliminate the need for extensive floral arrangements, lighting upgrades, or rented backdrops. At Novelty Hill-Januik, the modern architecture and lush, landscaped grounds create a polished atmosphere that impresses guests on arrival.

Schedule Strategically

Consider hosting events during off-peak hours or weekdays for favorable pricing.

By managing these details carefully, you can create a memorable, budget-friendly event that guests will remember.

Ready to start planning your next event? Contact our events team today to discuss your vision and budget.

Why Transparent Private Event Pricing Matters

Posted on February 28, 2025February 28, 2025 by NHJ

One of the biggest challenges event planners face is hidden costs that surface after the initial venue quote. Some venues advertise an attractive per-person rate, only to add fees later for essentials like:

Linens, tables, and chairs – Sometimes itemized as rental fees, even though they’re required for the event.
Flatware, glassware, and plateware – Basic dining necessities that may come with an unexpected upcharge.
Service fees and gratuities – These can add 20-30% to your final bill if not disclosed upfront.
Setup and breakdown costs – Some venues charge extra for staff to handle these event-day logistics.
Venue access time restrictions – Need extra setup or breakdown time? Some venues charge hourly rates beyond the standard window.

Why This Matters: Unexpected costs can strain a budget and create last-minute stress, especially when approvals or budget adjustments are needed.

Why Novelty Hill-Januik is Different

At Novelty Hill-Januik, we believe in private events with transparent pricing and no hidden surprises. From the moment you book, you’ll know exactly what’s included in your event package—no hidden rental fees, no unexpected service charges.

All essential event elements are included – Linens, flatware, tables, and glassware are all part of your event package
Clear, upfront pricing – Our team walks you through the full cost breakdown so you know exactly what to expect.
Seamless execution, no last-minute fees – The price you’re quoted includes everything needed for an effortless experience.

When you book a corporate meeting or private event with Novelty Hill-Januik, you’re not just reserving a venue; you’re securing a stress-free, beautifully executed event with no surprises on the final bill.

Six Essential Questions to Ask When Booking a Private Event to Ensure a Seamless Culinary Experience

Posted on February 11, 2025February 11, 2025 by NHJ

Great private events start with great food.

When planning a private event—whether it’s a corporate gathering, milestone celebration, or client appreciation dinner—the menu is one of the most important details to get right. Food isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that sets the tone for your gathering and leaves your guests with a lasting impression.

Before booking a venue, asking the right questions about food service and menu options can help ensure a seamless, memorable experience. Here are six key questions to consider:

1. Is the catering in-house, or must I work with an outside vendor?

Some venues require outside catering, which means coordinating additional vendors, logistics, and approvals. A venue with an in-house culinary team, like Novelty Hill-Januik, ensures a cohesive, expertly paired menu without the extra legwork.

Why this matters: In-house catering means seamless service, better food and wine pairings, and fewer moving parts for you to manage.

2. Is the menu customizable?

No two events are the same, so flexibility in menu planning is key. Ask if the venue offers:

· Seasonal, chef-driven menus

· Options for plated meals, buffets, or passed appetizers

· Customization menus based on dietary needs

At Novelty Hill-Januik, our menus are inspired by the fresh, locally sourced ingredients of the Pacific Northwest, ensuring every dish complements our wines beautifully. We work with our private event clients to design a menu that meets the needs of their group.

3. Can the venue accommodate dietary restrictions?

Today’s guests often have various dietary needs—vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and more. Before booking, ensure the culinary team can provide delicious alternatives without sacrificing quality or presentation.

At Novelty Hill-Januik, we specialize in crafting thoughtful, inclusive menus that cater to all guests while maintaining the integrity of the overall dining experience.

4. How does the venue price its wines for private events?

Wine pricing can vary widely, with many venues applying markups that significantly increase the cost of wine. Before booking, ask how the venue structures wine pricing for private events:

· Is event wine priced differently than standard restaurant pricing?

· Are there curated pairings available at a set price per guest?

· Can you select wines in advance to better manage costs?

At Novelty Hill-Januik, private event groups enjoy retail pricing with no additional markup. This allows for thoughtful pairings to create a seamless dining experience without unexpected costs.

5. What is the kitchen-to-table timeline?

The flow of an event depends on precise timing between courses. Ask how the venue ensures that meals are plated and served efficiently, keeping the energy of your event just right.

· Does the kitchen operate onsite, or is food transported from another location?

· How does the venue efficiently serve large groups?

A well-run kitchen and service team ensures that guests receive their meals at peak freshness, with the right pacing for the event.

6. What is the signature dish or must-try item?

Every great culinary program has signature dishes that showcase its strengths. Ask about a chef’s favorite recipe or a dish that best represents the venue. It can give you insight into the type of culinary experience your guests will have.

Final Thoughts: A Great Event Starts with Great Food

Choosing a venue isn’t just about the space—it’s about the culinary experience that brings people together. Asking the right questions before booking your event ensures that guests leave with an unforgettable dining experience.

Looking for a venue where thoughtful cuisine, exceptional wine, and seamless hospitality come together effortlessly? We’d love to share more about our culinary program at Novelty Hill-Januik. Complete a short form to request more information, and our events team will follow up with you soon.