KINGSTON — With a variety of vendors, the option for a message and complimentary hors d'Å"uvres, the "Big Night Out" by Drinkwater Productions LLC made Mother's Day shopping easy and relaxing at the Pond View Restaurant in Kingston last Friday night.

Between 6 and 10 p.m., ladies arrived at the rustic but cozy Pond View Restaurant and were directed to a side room where warm hors d'Å"uvres, as well as a fruit platter, were served. Adding some pizzaz was a chocolate fountain and beside it a fountain of champagne and orange juice.

The women wandered between the food and upstairs where vendors had set up to display their products. Customers could choose from a variety of gifts offered by both self-started companies and local distributors of larger franchises.

The self-started companies included HoneySuckle Stitches, a custom embroidery shop from Plaistow, that offered personalized garments, and Amelia's Full Service Hair Salon from Merrimac, Mass. that offered salon packages. Jewelry designer of Wire and Ice, Lee-Anne Merenda and Nikki Sarcione of HandBags by Sarci were also there, having also attended the Valentine's Day Gift Party for Men that Drinkwater Productions LLC organized in February.

Lee Vose purchased a necklace and her friend bought a bracelet from Wire and Ice that she decided to wear home.

The local distributors included Brenda Silva who has been an Avon representative for five years, and was also a new representative for Mia Bella Gourmet Candles. She fell in love with their soot-free, triple-scented candles and decided she wanted to sell them. Customers could follow the refreshing scents to find their way to her table.

Sisters-in-law Donna Shurtleff and Gail Powell were also local distributors, but of the deliciously edible chocolate bouquets from Candy Bouquet. From Sandown, they partnered up as distributors for the nation-wide company Candy Bouquet two years ago. Shurtleff said she "came upon it by accident on the Internet" when looking to start a new business and called Powell who she claims is "very crafty." They design and distribute the chocolate bouquets from Powell's home for weddings, birthday parties, anniversaries etc.

"They are gorgeous. Good idea," said Sandy Estabrok about the edible arrangements. She was considering buying one as a graduation gift. "It's nice to see area artisans."

In a side room looking out at the pond behind the restaurant, Anne deLeon of Awenasa Now in Amesbury, Mass. offered free messages to the customers. A masseuse for nine years, deLeon had never attended an event like this, but was excited to be there.

"I don't know of any business like it around here," deLeon said.

"Big Night Out" is one of the many events organized this year by Drinkwater Productions LLC, a consulting company that works with local business to run various promotional activities.

Today, May 11, Drinkwater Productions LLC will be running the "2nd Annual Seacoast Girls Night Out" shopping event from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at The Portsmouth Pearl in Portsmouth. During the first hour, they will also be offering a free opportunity for men to come take care of their last-minute Mother's Day shopping. For more information on future events go to www.drinkwaterproductions.com.