Getting into the Holiday Spirit at Highland Springs

Dallas, Texas--The holidays are an exciting time of year at Highland Springs, a senior living community developed and managed by Erickson Living, where entertainment opportunities abound and residents gather with family and friends.

"Our calendar is full throughout the holiday season," says Resident Services Coordinator Barbara Blachly.  "This year, we're looking forward to December performances by the Cast of Bronze handbell ensemble, the McKinney Community Band and our very own Highland Springs Chorus."

Convenient Resources at Highland Springs

For residents, it's easy to savor the season, as the beautifully decorated campus sets the stage for gatherings of all sizes.  Catering services located exclusively at Highland Springs make it easy to host family and friends without the chores of planning, shopping, cooking and cleaning-up.

"We're a full-service catering department, so you're able to enjoy the time with your guests," stated Catering Director Robert Miles.  "For those who've spent years entertaining in their houses, it's easy to continue those traditions without all the accompanying work."

Highland Springs offers a variety of venues to accommodate parties of all sizes.  In addition to their apartment homes, residents have the option to host special events in versatile, thoughtfully designed spaces like the on-site private dining rooms, music rooms, Community Room, Arbor Room and other restaurants and venues on campus.

"Residents typically book their events anywhere from several months to two weeks out," described Mr. Miles.  "We work together to plan the menu and identify special requests.  We can order wine through our vendors, and we order cakes from a local bakery.  We can also handle special touches like balloons as well."

He said the scope of menu choices and style of party is limited only by a resident's imagination.

"We've done everything from charcuterie boards to hor d'oeuvres and wine to elegant sit-down dinners with fine china and stemware," he noted.  "We have menus to use as guidelines, but we can mix and match food selections according to preference.  We want the party to be everything the resident wants it to be."

"It's a Great Way to Entertain"

For David Smith and his wife Nancy, who moved to Highland Springs in April 2017, catering services proved to be the solution to their holiday hosting needs.

"Every year, our Sunday School class has a Christmas party," said David.  "We've grown in number over the years, so we've had to find creative ways to host the event.  We tried a progressive dinner, with several couples hosting groups at their houses, and we even had the party at a restaurant.  Last year, Nancy and I suggested we host the party at Highland Springs."

The couple's idea proved to be the perfect solution.

"We held the party in the Magnolia Place clubhouse on campus," described David.  "We began in the living room with cocktails and hor d'oeuvres, then moved into the Arbor Room for a sit-down meal and entertainment."

Catering services handled all the details, even setting up audio visual equipment and a keyboard so the group could watch a slideshow and sing Christmas carols.

"It was the most well-attended party we've ever had," noted David. "Everything was excellent, right from the beginning when the staff served the hor d'oeuvres.  It really added to the holiday atmosphere."

When it came time to plan this year's event, David said the choice was clear.

"Everyone wanted to have it at Highland Springs again," he stated.  "It makes it easy.  We're not asking people to cook and host in their homes, and we have a wonderful meal at a reasonable cost.  It's a great way to entertain."

Something for Everyone

"One of the benefits of the community is having attractive spaces that will accommodate just about any size event," said Kimberly Reed, Senior Manager for the Resident Life Department. "The lifestyle people enjoy at Highland Springs is full of exciting opportunities to engage in fun-filled activities and enjoy quality entertainment."

A week after this year's Christmas party, David noted he'll get another dose of holiday spirit when he attends the December performance of the McKinney Community Band.

"They put on a great show," stated David.  "It's something I look forward to every year."

About Highland Springs: Highland Springs, one of 20 continuing care retirement communities developed and managed by Erickson Living®, is situated on a scenic 89-acre campus in North Dallas, Texas.  The not-for-profit community of more than 1,100 residents and 520 employees is governed by its own board of directors, affiliated with National Senior Campuses, who provide independent financial and operational oversight of Highland Springs.  Additional information can be found at http://highlandspringscommunity.com.