Wondering how you'll pull off the party of the year - without pulling your hair out? We're here to help. Or, more specifically, we're here to tell you who can help. With these pros in your pocket, your special event will become a special event.

DINE & CELEBRATE

Sabor Cocina Mexicana
Experience Sabor Cocina Mexicana, a modern Mexican restaurant that uses high-quality, all-natural ingredients (Organic and seasonal when possible!) like fresh wild-caught seafood, corn-fed Midwestern beef, jidori free-range all-natural-feed locally-raised chicken and Salmon Creek Farms wheat- and barley-fed pork. Taking traditional Mexican flavors and adding a modern twist, Sabor uses 100-percent agave tequila and seasonal flavors for their margaritas and handcrafted signature cocktails. Enjoy Colonial Mexican decor for a romantic ambiance. 259-9002

Marston's Restaurant
Treat yourself - and those you appreciate - to a rich, satisfying meal at one of Santa Clarita's favorite family-owned and operated restaurants. Marston's Restaurant in the Bridgeport Marketplace is the spot for seasonal eats and treats. At time of print, the oft-changing seasonal menu boasted breakfast specials like Pumpkin Pancakes and the Smoked Chicken Pesto Omelet with mushrooms, sundried tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. Lunch highlights included Tomato Bleu Cheese soup, Tempura Calamari with baby greens tossed with a soy-ginger dressing and the Blackened Chicken Sandwich on sourdough with lettuce, tomato, avocado, Swiss cheese and ranch. Match your lunch, dinner or happy hour pick with their fall cocktails: the Pumpkin Pie Martini, Orange Cosmo, Hot Toddy and SangriaTini. 253-9910

Tournament
Players Club
This Thanksgiving, we're most grateful for Tournament Players Club (TPC) Valencia - because they're willing and ready to do all the cooking! Open all day on Thanksgiving, serving Breakfast from 7am to 11am, Thanksgiving Brunch Buffet from 11am to 3pm and Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet from 4pm to 7pm, TPC will treat you and your family to a delicious meal in their warm wood-and-stone dining area. Of course, if you'd rather give thanks at home, Chef Daniel Otto and his culinary team can prepare your feast for pick up. Take Out order forms are available now via e-mail (gboersma@tpcvalencia.com) and must be paid in full by November 18. 288-1995, extension 131

Salt Creek Grille
Salt Creek Grille is located in the Westfield Valencia Town Center. Established in 1999, this community landmark has been a destination for locals, traveling families and business professionals alike. The location combines Craftsman-style architecture with warm interior designs, an outdoor patio and firepit to create a casual elegance perfect for any gathering. The rich woods and natural setting lend tribute to Frank Lloyd Wright's turn-of-the-century building style. Proprietor Greg Amsler and Executive Chef Ignacio Munoz invite you to enjoy Salt Creek Grille's signature mesquite-grilled menu items paired with gracious, friendly service in a comfortable - yet sophisticated - atmosphere.
222-9999

Wolf Creek Restaurant & Brewing Co.
Wolf Creek Restaurant & Brewing Co. is your one-stop-shop for all your party and event catering needs. Whether in their Banquet Room, your home, or the venue of your choice, Wolf Creek will make it memorable. From full catering to large do-it-yourself pick up orders, Wolf Creek has many options for every event and budget. Tired of the same old barbecue fare? Liven up the party and take the food to the next level with Wolf Creek banquet and catering.

What other catering company in SCV makes their own beer and has an on-site pastry chef? None that we know of! So make your party the best it can be and leave the work and the clean up to them. Their Banquet and Catering Manager Beth Wageman has years of experience and lists of happy customers. So let Beth show you what they can do for you! 263-9653

Valencia Laser Blast
Fun fact: A big portion of the parties at Valencia Laser Blast are adult-only! Mega-corps and Mom and Pops both have used the fabulous facility for employee rewards and bonding events. Bachelor and bachelorette parties have taken the multi-level arena by storm, and more than one "over the hill" birthday party has been held at the exciting spot. Why? Well, the easiest answer is this: Laser tag is a blast for all ages! Treat your friends to an afternoon or evening of shoot-'em-up freedom from life's distractions or make it a big event with all-inclusive catering (This is the good stuff - gourmet pizza, salads and pasta!). Valencia Laser Blast is conveniently located on Cinema Drive. 255-1600

Valley Produce Market
You probably already know that Valley Produce Market is the place to go for exceptionally-priced produce, specialty cheeses, wine, international items and more. Now there's one more reason to drop into the store in the Bridgeport Marketplace: its refined selection of pre-made foods, made in-house daily using ingredients sourced from local growers.

What's on the menu? Delicious pre-packed sandwiches, salads and spreads; a self-serve salad bar with seafood salads, salsas and guacamole; a soup station; a hot-food section with rotating pre-packed meals, rotisserie chicken, side orders and more; a salad, tapanade and dip bar with 12 or more selections; and so much more. Valley Produce Market has developed a coveted reputation for creating affordable, convenient catering packages to business and private clients - sometimes with very short notice! 254-3900

THE SWEET STUFF

Nothing Bundt Cakes
Nothing Bundt Cakes uses quality ingredients like fresh eggs, real butter and cream cheese frosting to ensure that every bite is full of delectable homemade goodness. With a wide variety of flavors and sizes available, they're sure to satisfy anyone's sweet tooth! Order online for your convenience or drop into the bakery in Valencia, near Starbucks in the Kohl's shopping center. 291-2424

Lady Di's Cookies
& Sweets
Those who've already dedicated their lives to monitoring the ever-changing seasonal menu at Lady Di's Cookies & Sweets (Um, like us...) will be excited to note that the pinnacle of dessert perfection now offers mouth-watering shortbread just like Grandma used to make. Choose from Brown Butter, Lemon or Almond and pair it with a Lady Di Nespresso Cappuccino or Latte for maximum enjoyment. And, speaking of enjoyment, you should also note that Lady Di now offers the most happy of birthday party services. They'll bring cookies, cupcakes, frosting and sprinkles to your venue so that guests can playfully frost their own Lady Di's delectable. Then they'll gift wrap each guest's "party favor" so they leave with a sweet memory! Learn more in their new Valencia Town Center location, opening in November. 222-9102

Why we're Grateful for the Acura RDX
An Interior Way more Accommodating than our Significant Others
The comfort doesn't stop at standard perforated leather seating. Nope - the RDX dials it up a notch with a 10-way adjustable power lumbar support in the driver's seat and massive amounts of legroom in the back - plenty for even three tall adults. Not on the carpool list? Drop that second row down for 76.9 cubic feet of flat, fillable cargo space.

A Best-in-class EPA Fuel Economy Rating
Class-leading fuel efficiency comes thanks to i-VTEC technology. Long story short: The RDX only needs a 3.5 liter engine to produced 273 horsepower. Exhilaration stays; gas-pump sticker shock does not.

A Starting Price that makes Luxury Affordable
Starting at only $39,095, the all-new Acura RDX offers everything you'd expect from a luxury model - except the price.Take yours for a test drive today at Valencia Acura. 255-3000

CULTURE & EVENTS

Courtesy of Shutterstock

The Master's College
The Master's College Theatre Arts, located in Santa Clarita, produces clean, entertaining drama productions each year. From shows that were on Broadway to lesser-known plays, TMC Theatre Arts continually delivers top-quality plays filled with intriguing plot lines and captivating characters that you are sure to enjoy. Don't miss the upcoming production of "Tish" for a night of heart-warming laughter. "Tish" is the story of an energetic, middle-aged woman who just can't seem to help but fall head-long into mayhem, dragging her reluctant friends, Aggie and Lizzie, with her. Set in a small hotel in southern Texas, this "I Love Lucy"-esque comedy will bring tears of laughter to the eyes of its audience and promises an evening of entertainment that you will not soon forget. A bandit, a despondent writer, an airplane and perhaps a bit of romance all collide in this tale that encourages us to take life one adventure at a time. Running October 24, 25, 31 and November 1 at The Master's College Music Recital Hall, tickets are $10 to $15 (plus fees) and are on sale now. Buy them online at www.masters.edu/theatre or call the box office. 362-2255

Courtesy of Shutterstock

Santa Clarita Ballet Company
"The Nutcracker" ballet is performed throughout the world the month of December. Community and national ballet companies cast their most prominent dancers for the treasured roles portrayed in this holiday story. This December 20 and 21, the Santa Clarita Ballet will proudly bring to the stage at the Performing Arts Center a cast of highly-accomplished dancers. SC Ballet Academy students will perform alongside the Company's upper-level dancers, all of whom call Santa Clarita their home.

These dancers represent every school district in Santa Clarita and represent nearly every elementary, junior high and high school in the community and from the homeschool programs present in SCV. Academy dancers are invited into the Company productions for the unique experience of dancing in a full-fledge grand production. Santa Clarita Ballet is also proud to feature an internationally-known list of esteemed professional artists in "The Nutcracker."

"The Nutcracker" will be performed at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons on Saturday, December 20 at 2pm and 7:30pm and Sunday, December 21 at 2pm and 7pm. Do purchase your tickets in advance, as shows sell out quickly. For tickets, call the Santa Clarita Ballet Company.
251-0366

Courtesy of Shutterstock

SCV Junction
Dia De Los Muertos, also known as Day of the Dead, is a holiday celebrated by families in Mexico and other Latin American countries to honor and remember friends and family members who have passed away. SCV Junction will be celebrating this fun, colorful holiday during the November marketplace through costume, live performances, face painting, DIY arts and crafts, decorations and more!

SCV Junction is a monthly outdoor marketplace, held on the first weekend of the month, featuring an ever-changing mix of attractions, local artisans, crafters and small businesses set against the natural, historical backdrop of Heritage Junction at William S. Hart Park in Old Town Newhall.

Amongst the variety of items, people will find handmade arts and crafts, fashion, art, home decor, furniture, soaps, candles, vintage items, jewelry, plant art and succulents, children and baby items, food|beer|wine related items, cool and classy things for gents, local specialty retail store items like pieces from Ma Maison and more. This show is curated for quality and uniqueness.

Heritage Junction, located on the east end of Hart Park, is the headquarters of the SCV Historical Society and home to several historic structures built in Santa Clarita during the 1800s, including the Saugus Train Station. Inside the train station is a quaint museum with photos and artifacts of the early days of Santa Clarita. Event hours are from 10am to 4pm. The beer garden will be open from 12pm to 4pm. Admission and parking are free. See you on November 1 and 2! www.scvjunction.com

Photo by Michael Anthony

Bridal Faire Extraordinaire
Start your year off right! On Sunday, January 4, over 60 local wedding pros will come together at the Hyatt Regency Valencia to share an upscale experience of tips and trends for you and your guests at Bridal Faire Extraordinaire. Have fun at the show with door prizes, grab great giveaways like free bridal magazines, sample cakes, chat with planners, interview officiants and view the work of celebrated florists, DJs, photographers, limo companies and more. You could win one of the show's grand prizes, like a Kindle Fire or a weekend getaway to Las Vegas. Get to know specialists from companies like Masters of Ceremony, Charmaine's Bouquet Canyon Florist, SOS Entertainment, Acton Creative Flowers, Jill's Cakes and David's Bridal. Best of all: Admission is free when you pick up complimentary tickets from participating wedding vendors. Find a list online at
www.bridalfaireextraordinaire.com. 255-1244

{SCORE} with 25Score
Since 1989, 25Score has served as the SCV's most exciting discount membership card. The local company, which started with about 40 businesses and now includes more than 650 merchants, is your key to saving big at your favorite restaurants, retailers, service providers and more. Plus, you'll score discounted tickets to theme parks, movie tickets and have a chance to win prizes when you check in using the 25Score mobile app. 25Score also partners with local nonprofit organizations, sports teams and schools, helping them earn 40 percent of the proceeds when they sell the highly-popular membership cards. Get yours and learn more online at www.25score.com.

Over 650 businesses offer discounts to 25Score members.
Here are just a few!