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Spectacular Spaces

Portland Showcase at the Armory

June 9, 2017 Filed Under: Catering, Events, News, Spectacular Spaces, Uncategorized, Venues, Vibrant Vendors

Feel free to share but I appreciate you leave my logo, name or a link to the photo! LCA 2014 PDX #lcapdx2014 ©Evrim Icoz Photography

Vibrant Table showcased Portland’s bounty to the nation’s elite organization for American theaters, the Theater Communications Group, on Thursday, June 8, 2017.

Portland Center Stage hosted the annual TCG conference in early June, and invited their preferred Portland catering vendors to participate, offering prime exposure to impress upon the masses, Portland’s amazing culinary talent. The Armory’s space was transformed into a Portland Wonderland with entertainment lined up by the Ukeladies, break dancers, Oregon’s iconic Unipiper, and more.

Beverages were provided by Artslandia and Deschutes, and on the Mezzanine level, Vibrant Table was accompanied by fellow Portland based catering companies including Artemis, Art of Catering, Devil’s Food and Hunt & Gather.

Our Oregon-centric hors d’oeuvres were the crowd favorite Beet Napoleon with chevre, orange-honey and toasted hazelnuts, and our Spicy Port-Poached Figs wrapped in prosciutto.

Take a bow for a job well done, Portland Center Stage. Thank you for inviting us to participate.

©Evrim Icoz Photography

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As one of Oregon’s premier hospitality purveyors, VT Group provides casual to high-end, full-service catering, event production and facility management. VT Group’s flagship brands include Vibrant Table Catering & Events, Food in Bloom Catering, f&b cafe and catering, and Vibrant Flowers. VT Group also manages several of the city’s most beautiful and diverse spaces including five event venues and three cafe locations in the Portland Metro area.

Our mission is to foster exemplary relationships within our community, developing and maintaining quality connections with partners who share our same ambition, drive and values.

7 Reasons to Have Your Wedding (or Event) at Lan Su

March 5, 2014 Filed Under: Bridal Boutique, Spectacular Spaces

Lan Su Discount 2014

1---Natural-Beauty

Natural Beauty

Translated, Lan Su Chinese Garden means ‘Garden of Awakening Orchids’. Changing with the seasons, their lush gardens are simply breathtaking. Winding pathways, a graceful pond (and occasional fowl), pavilions and outdoor patios create a stunning backdrop for weddings and other special events. Another advantage: it’s impossible to take a bad picture in such paradise so you’ll have plenty of mementos of your celebration.

2_Unique-Experience

Unique Experience

Not only is Lan Su a city landmark, it truly is a one-of-a-kind venue. Lovingly constructed with traditional materials and practices by Chinese artisans, Lan Su is the most authentic Chinese garden outside of China. In comparison, ballrooms seem boring. So why not get hitched in a venue as unique as you are?

Portland Wedding Venue - Lan Su Chinese Garden

Heart of the City

Lan Su provides that delicate balance of urban and landscape. The Garden is located in the middle of downtown Portland. Towering modern buildings colored by the setting sun remind you that the bustling city is just beyond the protective walls. Lan Su is easily accessible from many of Portland’s top hotels, making it a convenient choice for out-of-town guests.

Tranquil Lan Su encourages peaceful reflection - a good luck blessing for newlyweds.

Reflective Oasis

Lan Su was built following a 2,000-year-old tradition melding art, philosophy and nature. It is a sanctuary that encourages both literal and figurative reflection. ‘Lake Zither’ reflects the garden’s bounty, the architecture and the city’s tall buildings. Couples can easily find a private moment in one of Lan Su’s many pavilions or peaceful nooks to meditate on their love, their past, and their future together — a spiritual blessing as they embark on one of life’s most rewarding and challenging journeys.

5_Effortless-Details

Effortless Details

The Garden’s innate beauty requires little extra adornment to ‘dress’ it for weddings and events. Rich details like the scrolling on a pavilion, moss-covered stones, peonies in bloom, and a cascading waterfall create all the mood you need. One essential extra, however, is lanterns for evening events in the courtyards and patios.  Lanterns are affordable lighting options that complement Lan Su’s ambiance and offer pops of color.

6_Timeless

timeless

Designed to change with the seasons, the Garden is beautiful year round. Although an outdoor venue, 70% is covered and further areas can be tented. Of course, party size and other event features will have to be considered when renting during cooler months, but Lan Su is available for weddings and special events any any time of the year.

7_Catering-&-Planning-Support

catering & planning support

Vibrant Table is honored to be an exclusive caterer at Lan Su Chinese Garden. Voted ‘Best Caterer’ seven times (Oregon Bride Magazine 2006-2010, 2012, 2013), we help you personalize your menu, create an event plan, manage vendors and rentals. Our services include tailored menus, event planning*, floral and decor. On the day-of, an onsite Event Manager is there from start to finish.  In short, you’ll have a team of event professionals to ensure your wedding runs seamlessly — allowing you to focus on what matters.

*Although Vibrant Table provides event planning, we do not offer wedding coordination. We work with many amazing local wedding coordinators and will gladly provide references upon request.

8_Things-to-Know

Things to Know

For good measure, we’ve added ‘Things to Know’ when renting Lan Su Chinese Garden for weddings and special events because eight is the luckiest number in China. Firstly, Lan Su is a popular tourist destination and can be rented for private events only after public operating hours. That means a modest start time of 7:00 p.m. during the summer months. Secondly, expect to rent all event equipment, including reception tables and chairs, and expect increased delivery charges as equipment needs to be hand carried over the delicate stone and tiled. Lastly, alcohol selections are limited to white wine, champagne, and sake cocktails — or saketinis — because red wine and liquor can cause irreparable damage to the Garden. Similarly, only acrylic or plastic serviceware can be used.

THE GOOD NEWS: Vibrant Table has catered hundreds of events at Lan Su and we will help you maneuver these conditions and realize your vision. For example, there are countless saketini recipes to provide festive options for the cocktail inclined. Likewise, there are so many elegant and creative alternatives to glassware you won’t even miss it.

To Learn More about Lan Su

  • Visit Lan Su’s website
  • Email their Site Manager for a tour
  • Download a map showing capacities by pavilion

Photo Shout Out

Vibrant Table is indebted to the photographers who share their work. A huge thank you to these Portland photographers whose images in this post show you just how beautiful Lan Su is: Evrim Icoz Photography (image 1, 4-right, 8-right), Jessica Hill Photography (header image,  2-left, 6-left, 8-left), Peter Noebels Photography (2-right), Benjamin DiCaprio (3-right), One Bloom Photography (4-left), Derrek Becker Designs (6-right), and Sara Gray (7).

Urban Picnics & Company Barbecues

May 16, 2013 Filed Under: Inspiring Ideas, Spectacular Spaces

Looking to mix things up at your company picnic or family barbecue this summer? Consider hosting your summer gathering at your favorite city space and adding creative twists to traditional summertime games.
We’ve compiled some of our favorite Portland picnic spots — both traditional and modern — along with resources and pro tips for making your summer gathering the talk of your friends and colleagues.

Download our Sample Picnic Flyer

*   *   *

Picnic venues with an urban view (clockwise from left):  Rooftop at the Treasury, E.H. Roberts Sculpture Mall at the Portland Art Museum, Director Park, and the DreamTent at the Jupiter Hotel

Picnic venues with an urban view (clockwise from left):
Rooftop at the Treasury, E.H. Roberts Sculpture Mall at the Portland Art Museum, Director Park, and the DreamTent at the Jupiter Hotel

fun URBAN “PICNIC” VENUES

  • Rooftop at the Treasury Ballroom
  • Portland Art Museum Sculpture Mall
  • Jupiter Hotel
  • Director Park
  • Sandbox Studios
  • Staver Locomotive

Traditional Picnic Spots

  • Leach Botanical Gardens
  • Crystal Springs Rhododendron Gardens
  • Oaks Park
  • Portland City Parks*
  • Bridal Veil Lakes
  • Historic Overlook House

*BEER & WINE allowed with a special event permit and event insurance. LIQUOR SERVICE allowed with special permission.

company picnics & family reunions

Planning a summer picnic for you business, organization, or family is easy with Vibrant Table.  From hunting for the perfect picnic spot to hanging the decorations, from selecting menu options to hiring the entertainment, no task is too small for our team of knowledgeable event professionals. Here are some picnic tips from the Vibrant Table event team:

Oilcloth Tablecloth via Living With Punks Blog

Oilcloth Tablecloth via Living With Punks Blog

  • Are you a small company that doesn’t quite have the budget to treat your employees the way you want? Collaborate with some of your friends and neighbors to offer one large party. Combining resources saves money, makes a more exciting event, and promotes community building.
  • Bring out the child in your guests with fun, familiar games sized for the outdoors, like giant garden dominoes or tall Jenga-like tumble towers.
  • Implement a bug-proof plan before the pests arrive. Depending on the problem bugs in your area, set out your fans, zappers or bait during set up.
  • Spruce up picnic tables with an oilcloth tablecloth in a fun pattern. The pattern options are limitless and oilcloth is easy to clean yet inexpensive. Cut with pinking shears for added detail.
  • Picnicking under trees or not sure about the weather? Clearspan tenting provides protection from rain or falling leaves without obstructing the outdoor ambiance.

what are your picnic tips?

Do you have a favorite spot? What tricks do you have to throw a fun picnic party? We love to hear from our readers!

*   *   *

You May also like

  • To learn about  Portland garden venues.
  • To prepare Vibrant-Table approved recipes, including chimi-churri steak and almond strawberry shortcake.
  • To find more summer hosting tips for our amazing staff.

Event Feature: Lan Su Open House

July 19, 2012 Filed Under: Catering Chronicles, Soiree Spotlights, Spectacular Spaces

If you’ve never seen Lan Su Chinese Gardens, you sure are missing out. Lan Su follows a 2,000-year-old tradition of Chinese gardening that melds art, architechture, design and nature – creating a window into the unique values and philosophies of ancient China.

Vibrant Table was delighted to be a part of Lan Su’s open house planning team. Here are some of the event’s highlights. We hope to see you there next year!

*   *   *

*   *   *

IN YOUR WORDS

Did you attend the Lan Su open house? What was your favorite element of the party? Have you been to Lan Su Chinese Garden? What do you think makes this garden so special? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Contributing Vendors

Not all vendors are represented in the images above. A grand thank you to everyone who participated (and attended!).

  • Ambient Sky Couture Image
  • Blush Furniture
  • Food in Bloom Catering 
  • f&b cafe catering 
  • Hurqalya
  • Jessica Hill Photography
  • La Joconde
  • Lan Su Chinese Garden
  • Portland Lee’s Association
  • Portland Party Place
  • Tao of Tea
  • Vibrant Flowers
  • Vibrant Table Catering & Events
  • West Coast Drape

You Might Also Like

  • To learn more about event possibilities at Lan Su Chinese Garden.
  • To see images from a REAL WEDDING at Lan Su. Includes bride’s feedback.
  • To discover more Vibrant Table events on our Soiree Spotlights. 

 

Real Wedding: Evan & Devin at the Library

February 22, 2012 Filed Under: Bridal Boutique, Soiree Spotlights, Spectacular Spaces

Beside being the absolutely sweetest couple, Evan and Devin have quite the creative streak. Their Alice in Wonderland themed nuptials were filled with little details that brought the devilish mad-hatter out in all involved!  Their reception was held in the Portland Art Museum’s Crumpacker Library, with the ceremony taking place in the foyer.  The beautiful arches and Juliet balconies were uplit to complement the Library’s striking features. Rows of book cases and carefully selected hors d’oeuvres and mini desserts enhanced the tea party feel.

Thank you Evan and Devin for inviting us to be a part of your oh-so special celebration. And a huge thank you to the fabulous Emily G Photography for sharing these images!

*   *   *

Photos by Emily G Photography

 

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    Vibrant Table is a proud entity of VT Group: Oregon’s premier hospitality purveyor.

     

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    Lan Su Chinese Garden
    VT Group provides casual to high-end, full-service catering, event production and facility management. Our mission is to foster exemplary relationships within our community, developing and maintaining quality connections with partners who share our same ambition, drive and values.
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