Holiday Parties Archives - Vibrant Table Catering & Events

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:

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

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!

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

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

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

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!”

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

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.

Passed Hors d’oeuvres//Photo: Kaitlin Green

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!

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

How many holiday work parties have you been to that feel obligatory? Do they feel obligatory because they’re just, well… boring? Yeah. We hear ya. So, we’ve got some great ideas to shake things up for the run of show, the menu, and the entertainment.

Switch Up the Line Up.
If you’re planning the event, and you’ve planned a lot of these, try shuffling the deck with your time frame. If you traditionally have a very conservative three course meal, add in a cocktail reception where your colleagues can have a glass of wine, mingle and loosen up a bit. Or, perhaps make dessert interactive by having an action station where the guests have to get up and include themselves in preparing the dessert to order. You can further this idea by having palette cleansing activities in between courses, like a scavenger hunt between the salad and entrée course. Instead of having a cocktail hour before your party, you can opt for a low key after dinner parlor party with cognac and digestifs.

Engage Your Audience.
The easiest way to keep people happy and entertained is to keep them engaged. Keep them busy, keep them laughing and having fun. Ping Pong, Karaoke, an Ice Luge with signature drink, or even a good old fashioned “Soul Train Dance Off” are fantastic ways to make the static holiday party a bit more electric. If you’re going all out with live entertainment, make sure to do your research. Nothing makes a party more awkward than a comedian who doesn’t know their audience, a singer who can’t banter with the crowd, or a drag queen who makes mean spirited jokes. You want this to be an amazing time for all!

Surprise the Tastebuds.
Classic green salad. Choice of chicken or salmon. Wow. Mouthwatering. Surprise your guests with an innovative menu. If you are a traditionalist and really want to abide by the three course, then start off with an invigorating salad that is more than just Romaine. Radicchio, arugula, fennel, endive, butter lettuce, frisee or kale are all great bases, and don’t be afraid to add zing with herbs like mint or basil, even citrus notes like grapefruit. As for your main entrees, chicken and salmon are always a safe bet, but you can take it up a notch and impress the table with a simple seasonal vegetable option, an appropriately suited beef or pork entrée, or go rogue with lamb or buffalo. Desserts are the final hurdle, and mini desserts are always playful and offer variety. Pick three different types, a fruity, a chocolatey and a creamy, keeping textures in mind, and you’ll nail the lasting impression.

If you want to steer away from the three course approach, incorporate passed hors d’oeuvres or action stations during your cocktail reception, create a mesmerizing buffet for your main meal period, or keep the party lively and tables engaged with family style service.