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MAKE THE MOMENT: How to Nail Your Holiday Party Theme

June 1, 2016 Filed Under: Catering, Festive Fare, Setting the Stage

winter wonderland

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The holidays are just around the corner.

Not really. But, for anyone who organizes their company holiday party, you are likely in full swing “PLANNER MODE”. If not, get on the horn and get that venue booked, hold a committee meeting, establish your budget, prepare the invite list, and let your imagination go wild when creating your theme.
Need ideas? That’s what we’re here for. Our sales team dreams up the craziest concepts and utilizes the industry’s top talent to execute that larger than life vision. Interesting and dynamic food stations? We can do that. Massive floral and décor installations? You betcha. Entertainment that will leave your guests in awe? We’re dialed in and we’ve got you covered.

The Classic.
A regal affair that incorporates a specific time period is always an inspiring direction. Think the 40’s and flapper dresses and zoot suits. Maybe go disco-decadent in the 70’s. Remember when the Gatsby trend was Titanic? (also, can I get a high five for the double Leo DiCaprio pun play on words?) Yeah, the Gatsby incorporated luxe gold hues, art deco inspired patterning and fonts that enhanced your invitations and menus, and a glorious amount of champagne fountains. Your guests love a reason to dress up for a theme party, and upping the quotient to a fancy feast that includes a bowtie or a pearl necklace is sure to be a hit. Pull the Rolls around, we’re headed to East Egg.

The Winter Wonderland.
It is a holiday party, afterall. And the easiest way to convey the season is to dive right into the snow. Create an ice bar, utilizing PDX Ice to create an ice luge or a gigantic ice sculpture with your company’s logo. Or, go bigger: install an igloo. Yes. We’ve created igloos before, and furthered the Cold theme with our servers donning puffy coats and faux fur jackets to add to the theme. Lighting is also fundamental to dramatically nailing the winter wonderland aesthetic. Uplights, bogos, and specialized a/v magic add depth, while strands of lights and sheer fabric panels, combined with large foliage or floral accents add elegance and help fill out your space. Want a WOW moment? Incorporate a snow machine and a unique entryway into your party, so as guests arrive, they walk into the moment with their senses fully alive.

Cabin Fever.
Plaid. Wood. Whisky. Go full on Portlandia for your event. It is modern, playful and a very casual approach to make your holiday party feel like you’re a lumberjack frolicking in the forest. Again, guests love a theme where they can dress the part, so suggest them to wear their favorite plaid or flannel, and points if they sport their Danner boots and Poler beanie. Triple points to those who pull off Carhartt. This theme is made for Oregonians: bring in pine trees for simple and sharp décor. Toss some Pendleton throws on leather tufted couches. Add drama above your main bar and install a faux animal head for ‘Grandpa’s Cabin Realness’. Incorporate playful approaches on food and drink that fit the bill, such as a dessert S’mores station or a simple and effective Old Fashioned. IMG_2183

Event Design Ideas: Playing With Opposites

February 18, 2014 Filed Under: Setting the Stage, Soiree Spotlights

Sophisticated and rustic? Shimmer and timber? How do you marry opposing design elements into an elegant event backdrop? Watch Vibrant Table’s Kurt Beadell describe his inspiration for this stunning holiday party at the Portland Art Museum.

More Eye Candy

Here are a few stunning shots from the talented Ambient Sky Studios, who also created the video above. Based in Portland, Oregon, we cannot say enough wonderful things about Ambient Sky!

Lighting played a crucial role. Hanging globes and stage backdrop conjure snow, while candles represent a warm hearth.

Lighting played a crucial role. Hanging globes and stage backdrop conjure snow, while candles represent a warm hearth.

These amazing linens from La Tavola create a rich, textural backdrop.

These amazing linens from La Tavola create a rich, textural backdrop.

Details of pine cones, winter greens, and raw-cut branches create a woodland feel.

Details of pine cones, winter greens, and raw-cut branches create a woodland feel.

Hanging snow globes with 'snow' and twinkling fairy lights add height.

Hanging snow globes with ‘snow’ and twinkling fairy lights add height.

Vibrant Table's menu incorporated earthy flavors to complement the rustic theme.

Vibrant Table’s menu incorporated earthy flavors to complement the rustic theme.

Salmon Tartar with creme fraiche and caviar on a cucumber round.

Salmon Tartar with creme fraiche and caviar on a cucumber round.

A majestic dessert display offers home-style treats.

A majestic dessert display offers home-style treats.

Self-Serve-Smore-Bar

Reminiscent of nights around the campfire, a self-serve Smores Bar is a popular hit.

What a Winter Wonderland!

What a Winter Wonderland!

 *   *   *

You Might Also Like To

  • Explore other events by Vibrant Table
  • Watch more videos on our YouTube Channel
  • Learn more about Kurt Beadell

Portland Holiday Catering by Vibrant Table

September 17, 2013 Filed Under: Biz Buzz, Catering Chronicles

WHO WE ARE

Vibrant Table Catering & Events is an event company based in Portland, Oregon and serving the extended Portland-Salem-Hood River area. We offer an extensive range of event related services including catering, planning, production, design and management.

WHAT WE DO

Weaving artistry, panache and experience, we elevate holiday (and any other) celebration to something spectacular.  Whether you are looking to host a grand holiday party with full event production or an intimate office gathering with a few delivered treats, our services are tailored to your unique event and needs.

ACCOLADES

Best Oregon Caterer (3x)
Northwest Meeting & Events Magazine
2011-2013
Best Oregon Event Florist (2x)
Northwest Meeting & Events Magazine
2012-2013
Best Portland Caterer (7x)
Oregon Bride Magazine
2006-2010, 2012-2013

 YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE TO

  • Peruse our special holiday menus for ideas
  • Learn more about us and our services
  • See images of our food, design, venus and more
  • Connect on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or Linked In

 

 

Holiday Party Decor Ideas

December 3, 2010 Filed Under: Inspiring Ideas, Setting the Stage

Holiday Ideas from Vibrant Table

Holiday Ideas from Vibrant Table

Looking to get that holiday party ‘just right’? Let Vibrant Table help you plan both menu and décor with some useful tips.

  1. Incorporate a simple color palette to develop a cohesive look.
  2. Lighting, lighting, lighting — use candles, lamps, and fireplaces to create that warm, inviting glow.
  3. Lots of kids? LED candles are worry-free alternatives to traditional votives.
  4. Ornaments aren’t just for the tree. They can be hung from the ceiling, scattered on a table, or stacked in a glass vase for an inexpensive yet highly effective centerpiece.
  5. To make a buffet more attractive, serve items at different levels. Stack platters and bowls on stands or pretty boxes. You can even throw a table cloth over some sturdy, but unsightly, cardboard boxes.
  6. Shot glasses are multi-functional and can usually be found en masse at local thrift stores. Use them as votive holders, miniature flower vases, or single-serving containers for appetizers or desserts.
  7. Vases and jars convert foods to centerpieces when filled with pretty edibles. Add your favorite holiday candies, punch or snacks. Provide tongs or ladles for service.
  8. Fruits and vegetables in flower arrangements provide bright infusions of color, appealing textures and are inexpensive alternatives to blooms.
  9. Nothing’s worse than running  out of food, but neither do you want to eat leftovers for a week afterward. We recommend at least 10 appetizers per person for an early evening gathering, where your guests are likely to arrive hungry. For later festivities, 4 to 6 bites will usually do.
  10. Signature cocktails are fun and can coordinate to your evening’s theme. They can be timely to make in the heat of the moment, so don’t go too complicated, do some prep work ahead of time, or leave a nicely framed recipe for guests to make themselves. Here are our top picks:

BARFLY WITH A TWIST
Try Integrity Absinthe garnished with a sugar cube.

MORE THE CASABLANCA TYPE?
How about a Poinsetta, a premium sparkling wine such as Argyle with pomegranate juice?

FOR THE SWINGER
A martini is a must. We recommend a Winter White Cosmo with Crater Lake Vodka, white cranberry juice, Cointreau and lime.

Credits

All images in our inspiration board are of Vibrant Table events. A special gratitude to Evrim Icoz Photography for donating these images:

  1. Christmas trees at The Portland Art Museum
  2. Scrolled vase and candles
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