Vibrant Table
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Catering to the Senses

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One Year In…

Filed Under: Uncategorized

2020 brought many changes to us all; some welcome, some more challenging.  We are grateful to have spent this past year refocusing on our Vibrant Table Community and how we can best serve you now and in the future.  We are really excited about the new year and the ways we have both expanded and refined our offerings.

VT menus are now seasonally focused using local purveyors.  As such, our seasonal menus are crafted and published 9 – 12 months prior to each season.

f&b catering is now officially a part of Vibrant Table!  VT was always the parent company, however with the current times and refining and refocusing our efforts, f&b catering is now a part of VT Delivery Services.  Same great food, same great chefs and service, simply a new name:  VT Business Delivery.

Our delivery services expanded in 2020, as well.  Wherever your guests may be, we can bring the food (and the party)!  We now offer meal delivery to help support your virtual event AND a variety of amazing celebration and gift boxes perfect for sharing with your team, whether that be colleagues or loved ones.  We can also deliver to your home a selection of catered, heat and serve meals to help support your personal weekly meal planning.

Again, thank you for hanging in there with us. Your support truly means the world.

“May we always return in plenty to a community that has given us so much.” – Vibrant Table Catering & Events Toast

Vibrant Table Catering & Events Supports Local Non-Profits, Tribal Nations & Food Insecure Community

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Vibrant Table has created a new line of business that provides Virtual Event meals for non-profit organization guests. The NPO organizes their virtual event, and VT will deliver the three course meal to patron’s homes with simple re-heat and plating instructions. The goal is to recreate the live shared meal experience that coincides with the live virtual gala. Several organizations have met or exceeded their goal, which is phenomenal given the climate.

NPO’s Vibrant Table has partnered with during COVID for virtual events: Cascade AIDS Project, Portland Center Stage, NAYA, Planned Parenthood, Youth Rights & Justice, Meals on Wheels, Maybelle Center for Community, Raphael House and more, creating and delivering over 3000 meals. Additional information on Vibrant Table Virtual Events, the process, and roster of past organizations can be found here: https://www.vibranttablevirtualevents.com/

Additionally, VT has also had the privilege to partner with The Wave Foundation Food Program who receives federal and private philanthropic funding, along with donated food product to provide meals for the food insecure. VT receives those raw ingredients and develops them into prepared meals that require simple re-heating once delivered. Most of the deliveries are for Native American communities around the state, primarily Umatilla and Warm Springs Reservations.  VT has created about 2000 meals for this effort so far.

Lastly, via funding from Project Access Now, VT has been able to provide warm meals to communities in need such as Blanchet House, New Avenues for Youth and Adelante Mujeres, over 1200 meals. Vibrant Table is also partnering with Oregon Food Bank on ways they can assist their efforts, as well. VT has also had success in providing services to Portland corporate organizations during the pandemic; converting their holiday party budget to holiday gift baskets or delivered dinners to their employees instead.

 

7 Ways to Enhance Guest Experience at Your Next Event

Filed Under: Catering, Events, Factual FAQs, Holiday Parties, Inspiring Ideas, Setting the Stage

 

We get it – there’s a lot that goes into planning an event.  Whether it be your wedding, corporate function or anniversary celebration, there are many details to consider.

As you plan, it can be easy to overlook a very important aspect of your event – YOUR GUESTS!

You want your guests talking about what a great time they had, the engaging people they met, how they loved the food and entertainment rather than discussing a negative (and avoidable) detail like the temperature of the room.

Here are 7 things to enhance your guest experience:

  1. Ambiance and Feel of an event

Have you ever eaten at a restaurant and the lighting was too bright or the room was too cold? It distracts from the fabulous meal you are about to enjoy.

You want your guests to feel comfortable in the space. Something as simple as the lights being too bright can be distracting to your guests and detract from the ambiance you are trying to achieve. Consider the room temperature, lighting and the use of your space.

Lighting can make spaces feel dynamic and comfortable for your guests.

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Exchange Ballroom Wedding//Photo: Jorge Romero

  1. Choose an Outstanding Detail

Choose one detail that you want to splurge on or do differently. An unexpected cocktail, unique performance or activity can work well and your guests can’t help but love it. For example, we’ve had guests gush over this incredible PDX Ice bar!

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PDX Ice Bar at The Loft at 8th Avenue//Photo: Ambient Sky Photography

  1. Room Transitions

Guests can tire of being in the same spot for long periods of time. It doesn’t mean you need an array of spaces but it does mean including transitions throughout your event.

Transitions from cocktail hours to dinners to after-party are aided by changes in lighting, music, room set-ups and more. Transforming your spaces can make an event feel like it’s ever-evolving and guests anticipate excitement for ‘What’s next’.

Cocktail Hour on the Cascade Rooftop//Photo: Bryan Rupp Photography

  1. Logistics

Logistics can prove to be an issue if not handled thoughtfully. For example, if your cocktail hours ends at 5:30, it is not realistic that dinner can be served at 5:40. It typically takes guests 15-20 minutes to transition from one area to another and settle before the next activity can commence.  Allowing plenty of time for this will help you stay on track with your timeline all night.

Insider tip: If there is a transition from cocktail hour to the reception, we recommend that the reception bar stay closed until dinner is served.  If the bar is open it can be more difficult to get guests to find their seat and settle in before dinner is served. As part of Vibrant Table’s planning service, we offered detailed service timelines.

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Dinner at The Loft at 8th Avenue//Photo: Kaitlin Green

  1. Overall Length of Event

If an event is too long, guests can tire of celebrating. For example, if your reception time is too long guests will lose steam, the party will dwindle or will provide time for guests to overindulge. The key is to move your event at a good pace with progressive transitions that feel natural.  A good party will end with guests saying, “I wish it wasn’t over!”

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Dancing the Night Away at in The Loft at 8th Avenue Annex

  1. Feed Your Guests!

May seem simple but letting your guests go hungry is not fun for anyone. Adjust timelines and transitions if needed to ensure that food is being served at various stages of your event. And be sure to serve food as soon as alcoholic drinks are being served.

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Passed Hors d’oeuvres//Photo: Kaitlin Green

  1. Your Attitude

As a host, one of the most important things you can do is have a great attitude. Guest attitudes are directly affected by the vibe of the host. Leave the stress of planning your event to us. We’re professionals and will take care of all the details. You just sit back, and enjoy all of your hard work and efforts coming to fruition.

When you are having a great time at your event, your guests will follow suit!

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Portland Garden Party//Photo: David Papazian

At Vibrant Table & Events, we thoughtfully consider guest experience when planning events. If you are interested in us helping you plan your upcoming wedding, social or corporate event, please call us at: 503.297.9635 or email at: inquiry@vibranttable.com

6 Essential Wedding Party Gifts

Filed Under: Bridal Boutique, Events, Festive Fare, Inspiring Ideas, Venues, Weddings

From visiting venues, tasting cakes, dress shopping, all the way to picking out thank you cards, your wedding party has been a lucrative part of your special day. Here are six practical, yet fun wedding party gift ideas to say thank you!

For the Whole Gang

  • Sunglasses: Taking the time of year and the type of venue into account, gifting cute quality sunglasses is a great option! They’re a great addition to your wedding party photos, and a helpful item to have on hand throughout your big day. Whether it’s an outdoor ceremony, or perhaps a venue like The Exchange Ballroom & Cascade Rooftop that is equipped with a rooftop option, providing your bridesmaids and groomsmen with stylish shades is a thoughtful and practical gift. Plus, your group will look uniformly chic during the day’s festivities and in photos. There is even a bulk ordering option that makes ordering frames easy. They’ll thank you as you are moving from location to location taking pictures and chasing the golden hour!
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Warby Parker Sunglasses

 

  • Novelty Glassware: The greatest gift to give is one that can be used again and again. This doesn’t mean gifting something boring, it just means thinking originally and thoughtfully. Consider special ordering your bridesmaids customized wine glasses and your groomsmen personalized liquor glasses to use at the reception. These gifts are not only an eclectic addition to your table settings, but they can also add a modern touch of class to your wedding theme. Unique, yet useful gifts are always the way to go!
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Bridal Party Getting Ready / Portland, Oregon / Photo: Sweet Life Photography

For the bridesmaids

  • Delicate Jewelry: There is something special about a gift that can be worn daily. Giving your girls a piece of jewelry that matches their bridesmaids’ dresses, but can also match a pair of jeans is something for which they will truly thank you. Love knot bracelets are a popular gift choice for their simplicity and meaning. You’ve asked your favorite friends to help you “tie the knot,” and this bracelet is the perfect symbol of the bond they’ve helped you solidify. Giving your bridesmaids a subtle gift like this may be understated, but it’s definitely a detail your guests are sure to notice as they’re walking down the aisle. It can also easily become a piece they incorporate into their everyday look.

 

  • Tote Bags: What is better than a practical present? What about one that can be personalized and still be used daily?! A monogrammed tote bag is a great gift to give your gals. Not only can you fill it with wedding day essentials like tissues and toiletries, but it is a gift they can use long after your wedding day is over. Whether it be used as a gym bag, a grocery bag or an overnight bag, it will surely get a lot of compliments and serve as a reminder of your special day.

For the groomsmen

  • Cufflinks: Gifting a sentimental token of thanks is easy. Gifting an item that’s practical can be a bit more challenging. Win the day and gift your groomsmen cufflinks, tie clip and a money clip. All in one convenient case, your guys can use these accessories on the day of your wedding, and on many important days to come. It’s remarkable how much the small details like cufflinks or a tie clip can pull an entire look together.

 

  • Dopp Kit: Practicality wins the day. Gifting your guys a personalized leather Dopp kit is a great investment. It is packed with wedding day essentials to make sure everyone’s grooming is up to par. And, conveniently, this tote can be used for travel or even just to store your products in your bathroom.

 

There you have it! A list of practical and essential gifts to give your wedding party! Have any other suggestions? Be sure to share!

 

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Wedding Reception on the Cascade Rooftop at The Exchange Ballroom / Photo: JOS studios