Around here we’re big on simple, classy entertaining, with fresh flowers, good music, and a relaxed but elegant table. But there’s a time and place for another kind of party, one with loads of streamers and umbrella drinks and mylar table skirts. And when you’re throwing that kind of party in the Bay Area, Fantastico is the place to go for supplies…
Fantastico: One-Stop Shop for Kitschy Party Décor
If you’ve never been down to Angray Fantastico (known simply as “Fantastico” by devotees), a warehouse party and floral supply store behind the flower market, we suggest you try and fit in a trip before Halloween. Fantastico is our favorite spot for kitschy party décor; for a friend’s recent birthday taco party, we scored a cardboard mariachi with dancing legs, a sombrero centerpiece and miniature donkey piñata, all for less than $20.
The place is gloriously disorganized, with shelves upon shelves of tulle-and-pearl-laden wedding gear, plastic trinket party favors, a dizzying array of paper garlands, and the like. You’ll find supplies for dozens of different party themes; if you’re looking to throw a pirate luau for a bunch of cowboys, Fantastico is your one-stop shop. Oh, and of course, there are piñatas galore, from your basic multi-colored burro to a nice little white wedding cake.
It’s worth noting, too, that Fantastico also stocks floral and decorative supplies like silk flowers, candles in every color, basic glass vases and ceramic pottery, and a selection of kitschy garden statuary like you wouldn’t believe. For the holidays, it’s a great place to find basic, inexpensive ornaments (pretty glass balls, for example) and hard-to-find decorations like battery-operated Christmas lights.
(Images: Susie Nadler for Apartment Therapy)
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love Fantastico who have been in biz since 1961... they sell no-scent long lasting votives for the best prices in SF. It's always a fun trip... triggering memories of past parties and inspiring for future ones. Allow time to hunt around because every square foot of this store is packed with goodies. Big plus is there parking just out front! A true rarity in SF!!!
view Lucy Love's profile
i would ransack this place for my new years eve party. however, as a new yorker i tend to head over to pearl river for my kitch party needs.
view thekrecs's profile
Wow- looks identical to Display & Costume in Seattle. It's a madhouse at this time of year, but it's an incredible resource for party supplies. And wigs or fake tattoos, if you're into that sort of thing!
view shockthebourgeois's profile
where is it located? i can't find an address on the site. is it open to the public?
view lulu103's profile
@lulu103
http://www.yelp.com/biz/fantastico-san-francisco
559 6th St
(between Brannan St & Bryant St)
Yep it's open to the public. I used to work around the corner. We would buy Secret Santa gag gifts here like fake cakes.
view district5's profile
@shockthebourgeois -- is Display and Costume the place in the Pike Place Market? If so, what memories I have... back in the glam-rock days *cough*datingmyselfhere*cough* it was a one-stop shop for feather boas, glitter...
view rosenatti's profile
Rosenatti- (If by any chance you are still monitoring this post!)
Display & Costume is actually in Northgate... am I missing out on something great at Pike Place?
view shockthebourgeois's profile