Boston Venue Spotlight: Commander's Mansion
The Boston area and New England region are full of historic sites. From Lexington and Concord to Boston Harbor, our city is surrounded by wonder. All of these places have a story to tell.Located in nearby Watertown (about 10 miles from Boston), the Commander's Mansion is no exception. This large mansion was constructed in 1865 against a backdrop of controversy for its founder, Maj. Thomas J. Rodman. Questions about its cost and Rodman's actions during the American Civil War cast a shadow over construction. But after Rodman left Watertown, the estate was embraced and maintained by the community. Today, the Commander's Mansion stands as a popular event venue for weddings, corporate events and social gatherings.
We adore the Commander’s Mansion for all these reasons and more. Here’s why we encourage you to explore it as the site for your next event.
About the Space
The Commander's Mansion is a highlight of the Watertown Arsenal site and remains virtually unaltered from its original state. It is a beautiful, three-story brick bracketed-style mansion house. Its hipped roof is crested with a wooden balustrade and chimneys of paneled brickwork. A Victorian veranda surrounds part of the house. Delicate single and paired Corinthian cast-iron columns feature arches of lace-like ironwork.The main portion of the house is built around a central large hall with access to the other rooms. The interior is richly ornamented with heavy moldings, ceiling medallions, and marble fireplaces. The building materials (original from 1865) include large amounts of fine wood such as cedar, chestnut, black walnut, butternut and spruce.The Commander's Mansion was placed on the National Registry of Historic Places on January 30, 1976.Events Typically Hosted at Commander's Mansion
Weddings
As Boston wedding venues go, Commander's Mansion is sublime. The property allows for up to 200 guests and can be set up with indoor or outdoor seasonal tent space. This makes it perfect for wedding ceremonies or receptions. Its seven landscaped acres of open space, grape arbor and closeness to the Charles River create picturesque wedding photo backdrops. With such a strong aura of history, the mansion is absolutely ideal for rustic-themed weddings.Corporate Events
Corporate events are also frequent at the mansion. Both the Watertown and Boston commercial centers are well within reach, making the mansion easily accessible to community business leaders. The large, open interior is ideal for a company gala or networking dinner. There is also plenty of nearby on-site parking. The mansion is the kind of venue that will inspire employees, clients and shareholders alike.Private/Social Events
The Commander's Mansion can also comfortably accommodate any private or social event. The site is handicap accessible with central air conditioning and modern amenities. It includes two changing suites with full private baths on the second floor. For birthdays, graduations, anniversaries and more, the outdoor space is ideal for lawn games and children's activities. The large central hall area provides a welcoming space for guests to enjoy a great meal in the company of family and friends.We Love the Venue
Our expert planners love the Commander's Mansion because the possibilities here are endless. Even with so much original material and historic character, it blends the old with the new so seamlessly. The old wooden flooring and ornate brickwork inspire our designers to do some amazing things with color and texture. The Commander's Mansion is a playground for our event design team, and our imaginations run wild here.Customize Your Experience
Our expert event planners look forward to planning at the Commander's Mansion with great anticipation. We are ready to work with you personally in creating a memorable wedding, corporate function or private/social event that speaks to your occasion and embraces the historic atmosphere of this one-of-a-kind place. In planning your event from start to finish, we can customize your experience with features such as:- Custom menus with buffets, food stations or plated dinners
- Signature drinks, spirits and cocktails to accent your celebration
- Superb themes and coordination to execute
- Beautifully aesthetic décor, invitations, stationery and more
- Precise timelines to keep your event on track
- Helpful on-site waitstaff and planners to answer any questions
- Arts, music and entertainment
How to Find the Commander's Mansion
The Commander's Mansion is located at 440 Talcott Avenue in nearby Watertown. It rests right off the banks of the Charles River between US Route 20 (N. Beacon St.) and Arsenal St. It can be accessed off Talcott and Kingsbury Avenue and is a short drive from the Watertown Mall.
Our experienced catering team is excited to make your vision for this place a reality, so contact us online or give us a call at 617.581.1150.More articles you might enjoy:
8 Table Setting Ideas to Inspire Your Boston Event
Every corporate or social event needs a distinguishing factor. You can set your party apart by choosing one of Boston’s top venues, an unconventional theme or one of our innovative menus. But we also encourage you to consider something much simpler—a stylish table setting.Yes, we know, it’s probably not the first thing on your mind when planning a party. But think about it. Guests can spend up to an hour at the table eating dinner and even more time mingling and relaxing there. That’s why it’s important to make their dining ambiance memorable.
Inspiring Table Settings
We designed eight table settings that fit into four style categories. As you skim through, you might find a particular style that speaks to you. If not, you can mix and match details to get the exact table setting you want.Romantic, Hipster Table Settings
The Ultimate Vintage LookThis eclectic table setting pairs vintage china with brushed gold flatware, lace overlay and the pantone colors of blue and pink. Every piece in this set is different, yet it feels cohesive. It needs nothing more than a simple floral arrangement.
Caught in a DaydreamOne of our absolute favorite styles, this lovely pairing is whimsical and fabulous. The lush champagne satin accented with a deep, vivid blue is fit for a queen. Add a dash of gilded baroque flatware and a charming petal taffeta tablecloth to bring home the love affair.
Outdoorsy Table Settings
Garden LoveHere we see intricate tableware and a simple color palette. The romantic flower arrangement used as a runner-style centerpiece pairs with the green hammered glass charger plate. The ivory damask tablecloth is just perfect with textured blush napkins. Final details include the white china with embossed detail, vintage flatware and fluted stemware. What a fresh style for a summer party in your Boston backyard!
Cool Autumn AirThis table setting has linens with traditional deep red and yellow resembling fallen leaves. A bouquet of bold colored roses could pair well with this simple, modern look. Our favorite features include the leaf-shaped charger and the matte black flatware. You will be eating in style.
Chic Contemporary Table Settings
Glimmering GrayThis masculine, modern look has clean lines and contemporary styling. Soft textures hold the slightest glint on an otherwise flat gray. Bold, saturated blues and greens in combination with a leather charger and brushed metal accents emphasize a defined style without extra frills. However, you can add the perfect touch to this table setting with one of our custom lighting techniques.
Natural EleganceThe deep copper tones in this textured linen offer a cool look. But when paired with teal linen napkins, a mirrored charger and thin stemware, the look softens. We used a peacock feather in the floral arrangement to draw on the teal color palette. All of this alongside elegant hammered flatware makes this table setting just exquisite.
Regal Table settings
Bold Colors and PatternsThe clear charger and dinner plate allow the colors in the linen to stand out. The gold accents and ornate flatware are elegant and will make guests feel like royalty! This table setting display is best on a “blank canvas,” where the rest of the room is neutral, to allow the color and patterns to set the overall tone. Finally, we love the simple floral arrangements and the dessert holders that can hold a decadent item from our !ndulge menu. The salted caramel cupcake is to die for!
Metallic Trends Bring a regal and distinguished air to your event with vibrant purples and luxurious gold accents. Ornately sculpted glassware and intricate details finish the look.
The options for table settings at your next party in Boston are endless. We’d be honored to share more ideas with you to make your vision a reality.If you want a catering company who demonstrates flawless planning at an unequaled value, we may be the one for you! To have us customize your next event, contact us online or give us a call at (617) 581-1150. We can’t wait to hear from you!More Articles You May Like:
2 Holiday Party Themes We Absolutely Adore
The fall season only means one thing: the holidays will be here in a blink of an eye! If you are a Boston company with a budget to host a holiday party, you should already have a set date, venue and a premier catering company. If not, get on it! Or maybe you are so organized that you coordinated the major items, have finished picking your theme and associated decor. To you, kudos!For those who need some help in the creative department, we would like to introduce you to two of our favorite holiday party themes: “Winter Woodland” and “Make Merry.” Both are neutral, in that guests from any cultural or religious background can appreciate the wintry joy associated with each of the themes. Of course neutral doesn’t mean boring. We are always pushing the limits of possibility in catering, and holiday party features are limitless!If you choose one of these themes, your guests will be stepping out of the wintry mix on the streets of Boston and into a lively scene of a rich, glamorous celebration.
Winter Woodland Holiday Party Theme
Rustic chic — that trendy design phrase you’ve heard all year. Well, it has been popular because it’s, well, gorgeous! When paired with elements of wood, organic linens, industrial pieces and even small animals as décor, your Winter Woodland will come alive. We have matched simple, elegant décor with our suggested signature drinks and activities to give you examples of how to personalize your holiday party.Glowing Walk in the Woods
Imagine welcoming guests to your party by way of a snowy walk through an evergreen forest. We can help you decorate as you envision, but we would suggest the following additions that have made an appearance in the latest holiday couture:- Scatter small woodland creatures about the entrance – in trees and behind rocks. These charming little guys will light up the faces of your guests of all ages as they begin to feel like they are in a holiday storybook!
- Hang soft white branches over the copper-colored runway that flows between your woodland setup, completely immersing your guests into your theme.
Rustic Signature Drinks
As guests wander to the bar, we will be waiting there to help them get their party started. Adorn rustic evergreen, pinecones and tousles of baby’s breath to brighten up strings of beautiful LED lights so that your bar will be a fun place to stop over and over. Our specialty is our customizable signature drink menu but here are a few suggestions to go along with your Winter Woodland theme:- Mulled wine with cranberries and rosemary
- Maple-bourbon Chai tea toddy
’Tis the Season for Giving:
If you have asked guests to bring a charitable donation in the form of money or gifts, may we suggest having a gift-wrapping station! Of course, the wrapping will be burlap and the bows made of colorful soft twine. Guests could drop their rustic chic package in our life-size woodland sleigh and admire the pile of gifts that will continue to grow as the night progresses.Memories to Take Home:
If your guest list is large enough, it might be fun to set up a backdrop of a cozy cabin scene where guests can pose for pictures! Our event planning team can help you choose a photographer who can help guests pose in their new rustic home in the woods. It might be fun to have props on hand as well. Small woodland animals like a fox, squirrels and owls could be a great feature to some entertaining photos!Make Merry Holiday Party Theme
The chic look of this holiday party includes warm shades of white, a variety of metallic accents, snowy or frosted décor and beautiful lights. They are not only traditional holiday decorations, but also happen to be a current design trend, as LED lights are so simple to hang from ceilings, beneath bar tables, around DJ stands or wherever you can imagine. So, we’ll go along with that and create a space so inviting that guests will not want to leave at the end of the night!All-White Holiday Party
As guests enter your party, we imagine they will smile as Bing Crosby’s booming voice sings his classic carols. If you plan for an intimate party with a small guest list, we think it would be cool to have a record player adorned with small pea-sized LED lights! It is a true meeting of vintage and contemporary style. As always, playing music that makes your guests sing-along will put everyone in the holiday spirit.Industrial Look, Warm Feelings
The theme will have décor that looks handmade, using aged metals, metallic accents and various shades of white linens and other natural materials. We will write our place settings and cuisine descriptions in flowing cursive print as well as life-size copper letters glowing with antique light bulbs, possibly spelling “Make Merry” or whatever else you would like!White Signature Drinks
Elegant and soft, our Make Merry theme would only be complete with a delicious signature drink made especially by our catering team. We suggest the following choices:- Bubbly Champagne with a toss of fresh berries at the bottom of the glass
- White Cranberry Martini
A Snowy Lounge
Guests can share a drink and some hors d’oeuvres with old or new friends at our snowy lounge! Our furniture rental partners can bring in soft white couches embellished with rustic linen pillows and plush white blankets. To make it a more intimate area, we envision beaded lamps set on the side table near the couches and, of course, a handcrafted wood table on which to set your drinks.This blog offers only a small peak into the possibilities for these two holiday party themes. Most likely, we have stirred your interest enough that you may want to speak with one of our event planning professionals. Please call or email us, as we are happy to help you with all the steps to make your holiday party unforgettable!More Articles You Might Like:
Lounge Furniture Ideas and Designs for Party Seating
Party furniture can add so much to an event.Why incorporate lounge and other furniture into your event design?
- Give guests a place to sit and relax
- Offer a place for guests to talk semi-privately
- Provide the opportunity to socialize
- Fill larger venue space
- Build up the theme
- Suggest where to (and where not to) stand, sit, gather, socialize or avoid
Event furniture serves many purposes. The obvious are giving people a place to sit, a place to socialize, and a place to be somewhat private. Event furniture, however, also benefits the timeline of an event or protects the boundaries of an event venue by “suggesting” what guests do and where to do it. For example, if there is a bunch of electrical equipment around outlets in one corner of the room, cover it up with some themed lounge furniture.Lounge furniture also can add a stylistic element to an event. Go with furniture that fits your event design, look and tone—in other words, go with themed furniture.
Furniture Ideas for Your Next Event
Outdoor Party Seating
Outdoor party seating and outdoor lounge furniture can be arranged on an open lawn, a patio or veranda space, or underneath special tenting depending on your event venue and your event goals.Here are some of our favorite outdoor party furniture ideas:- Chunky lounge furniture in all white. This is a sleek, chic party look that goes with so many different event themes and designs whether the furniture is arranged out in the open or in a small section of your event space.
- Long sectionals with color blocking. With the base in one color and the cushions in another, a long sectional outdoor seating area creates a special section of private seating.
- Multiple seating areas in themed colors and in a single style. Many event spaces—especially in Boston—offer several private areas to enjoy an event, away from the main entertainment area. Use small outdoor verandas, patios, porches, fire pits or other areas to create a series of private or semiprivate seating areas to give guests the opportunity for more intimate conversations. Be sure to utilize the same style or color palate to pull through the design throughout the space.
- Special tenting. Rent a tent that serves as a canopy for a seating area separate from the main dining or entertaining area, such as a cabana or series of cabanas.
- Lighting above the lounge furniture. Hang strings of lights directly above the lounge furniture as an added feature of the amazing seating area.
Party Seating Ideas for Small Spaces
Not all venues are as spacious as we’d like. Use these tactics to get all of the benefits of lounge seating at an event without using quite as much space:- Lighted cubes. Especially when paired with a lighted Lucite bar, lighted cubed seating (colored!) is a modern, sleek and festive way to provide extra seating at a cocktail party or event.
- Cushions, Moroccan style! Arrange cushions throughout your lounge area as extra seating for less formal events and gatherings.
- Sectionals . . . separated. Separate the sectional pieces to allow for walking space between seating.
Party Seating Floor Plans
Here are some of our favorite party seating floor plans that can be used in the most common of venue layouts to maximize your event style, design and space:
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10 Boston Party Themes for 2015
It’s almost 2015, and that means a new year filled with plenty of new, exciting, fun, eventful Boston parties and events. A new year means innumerable upcoming company parties, personal parties, corporate functions, fundraisers, special events and more, and these ten party theme ideas for 2015 should help steer you in the right party planning direction. Utilize these party theme ideas when planning your décor, entertainment, menu, drinks and more for your 2015 Boston events.
10 Boston Party Themes and Ideas for 2015:
- All One Color—you’ve seen winter wonderland events “en blanc” where everything—from linens and lights to menu items and guests’ outfits—is showcased in stark whites. For an updated 2015 twist on this event theme, choose any color at all for your event’s direction. Select a color, then utilize hues of that color throughout your event space and event menu to create an awesome all-red, all-green, all-whichever-color-you-choose event that guests will never forget.
Old Tyme Event—take a trip down memory lane and utilize the days of old when planning your event. For company events, old flyers, photos of old products and more to remind your guests of your company’s roots will provide great enjoyment for event-goers. Not old enough as a company (or not planning a company event) for this to work? Head to the nearest antique store or flea market for anything from the past, or do your best to recreate décor that reminds you of the early 1900s. Guests dress in period attire, menus focus on dishes from the old days and everyone gets a chance to momentarily live in another time.
Inspirational—perfect for events that incorporate fundraising, giving back, moving forward or bringing in new changes (such as brand rollouts, new client partnerships, etc.), this theme should utilize the images, stories and quotes of inspirational people the world over. With plenty of businesspeople, peacemakers, athletes and more from which to select inspiration, your guests will be overwhelmed and positively influenced by the end of the gathering.- A Night Out in Hollywood—reserve the nicest space you can find, because this event theme is perfect for an upscale gala. The entire room should be decked out in dark colors, strands of lights, glitter and red carpets, with champagne toasts and hors d’ oeuvres galore—the perfect atmosphere for formal dress, dancing, dinner and celebrations. Don’t forget a photographer and plenty of “red carpet” photo opportunities.
- All Things Vegas—Las Vegas is a city filled with bright lights, neon, fun games, plenty of excitement and a lot of entertainment. Set your event up like a casino, incorporating fun games and plenty of bright lighting and glitter. Have wandering acts—magicians, jugglers, dancers, singers and other performers—entertain game players, and offer a variety of cocktails, menu items and desserts so that there is something for everyone. Have guests dress as if they were about to attend a Vegas show to really set the mood and bring the theme to life.
Literary Classics—everyone knows that classic literature has left its mark on society. Choose a well-known work of literary art, such as one of Shakespeare’s plays, and bring it to life through décor, music, menu items and more.- Outdoor Garden Party—nothing says “classy fun” quite like a garden party. Flower arrangements should adorn most surfaces, patterned china should be utilized for meals and plenty of café-style seating should be available for guests to sit on while enjoying their food items and drinks. Whether this party is held indoors or outdoors, bring the outdoor garden party theme to life with brunch-style menu items, plenty of teas and coffees, alcoholic beverages such as mint juleps and light orchestral music wafting through the event space.
Seasonal Florals—no matter the season, there are flowers to accompany it. Go all out with a flower-power sensational theme completely adorned from floor to ceiling with seasonal florals. Incorporate seasonal flowers into décor elements such as tablescapes, around entry and exit points, into party favors and more, creating an elegant space that all partygoers will love. Afraid that too many florals will aggravate allergies? There are plenty of silk flower options that might be perfect for your seasonal floral event.- Eco-friendly & Healthy—when it comes to parties, the best thing you could do for your group—and the world—is to throw an eco-friendly bash. Utilize only recycled or recyclable décor elements (colored wine bottles as vases, baskets filled with fruits and vegetables, etc.), bring in natural elements where possible (like potted plants), recycle whatever can be recycled (including paper, plastic, cardboard and more in marked easy-to-use bins) and encourage your guests to hop on the eco-friendly bandwagon when it comes to transportation (carpool, walk, take bikes…you name it). Utilize a locally-sourced menu to cut down on food transportation costs and gas, have your event outside to cut back on artificial lighting and consider bamboo chips in your grill instead of charcoal. It’s an earth-friendly event that everyone will love.
- Charity—in this event theme, every element gives back. Select a venue that has a partnership with a charity, ensuring that even your booking gives to someone in need. Have your caterer source from local artisans, bakers, chefs and more when planning your menu, supporting local businesses and increasing awareness about their capabilities. Utilize décor from worldwide fair trade businesses, offer take-home gifts that come from one-for-one companies and hold an auction that donates proceeds to charity. Your guests will love a classy event that gives to those who need it most.
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BG's Spring Party Trends 2014
As you look outside your window you finally see the flowers are blooming, the birds are chirping, and the people on the street are transitioning from heavy snow coats to light jackets. This can only mean one thing; spring has arrived. Now that a new season has emerged, a new type of party has as well. Here are BG’s four new trends for the 2014 spring party season!
A splash of color
Who says color trends only apply to fashion? Color is a vital part of party planning as everyone loves aesthetically pleasing décor! Color Solutions International has given the trendiest colors for the spring 2014 season. The warm tones you can use to decorate are magenta, classic reds, yellow, and bittersweet oranges. Cool tones consist of lime greens, emeralds, and true blues. Lastly, a huge new spring trend are pastel colors of baby blues, light pinks, or lilac. Use these colors for table décor, wall art, hanging décor, and even implement them through your bowls and utensils.
Buy me flowers
When someone says spring, we say flowers because flowers embody what this season is all about. Flowers work as excellent décor and have various designs, shapes, and colors you can hand pick and customize! You can go from a simple flower arrangement to a fancy one, but always make sure to add a bit of color for the new season.
The ultimate spring menu
Craving for something other than hot soups and stews? For your party, be a little more creative and cater towards the opportunities the spring food market has brought for you. This season is the time for fresh and bold flavors and more produce so here are a few of the trendiest spring ingredients to use in your recipes. For vegetables, we say go for everything. As vegetable produce is prominent during this time, try to incorporate them into you meal, especially new spring ingredients like asparagus, fennel, artichoke, and radish. Food Network rates the meat of this spring 2014 season as baby lamb. Incorporate this juicy and tender meat into your entrées and you will sure be the talk of the town!
Don’t forget the drinks
A party is never complete without drinks! As spring emerges, so has the time for different types of fruits and other flavors like mint. These flavors leave you refreshed, satisfied, and wanting more! For this spring season, make sure your drinks are colorful, playful and fruity! Whether it’s a pink lemonade cocktail, fruity mojitos, margaritas, or sangrias, or custom drinks like tall tale, mint julep, and income tax. Each one of these names has a link for the recipe so try these and more out! A cute interactive play on spring could also be a fruit bar where you could add any fruits to your drink like mimosas or sangria.
As you try out any one of these trends, hashtag #bgspringtrends with a picture of how you used these trends in any one of your spring parties on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or just by commenting on this post!
2014 Event and Wedding Trends
This year is already shaping up to be a wonderful, exciting and truly stylish year for events and weddings.Some of the events BG has put together thus far—and even more of the events on the horizon—are following similar trends and patterns thanks to some influence in the media and pop culture.Additionally, some of the trends from decades past are coming back into style, and we couldn’t be more excited.
What’s Trending for Weddings in 2014?
Wedding Trends: The Great Gatsby-effect is still going strong! Brides and grooms are loving the lavishly overdone roaring 20’s-style weddings and receptions. Other popular wedding themes and colors feature ultra-deluxe styles, neutral-muted palates and pops of a vibrant color such as radiant orchid or red poppy. It’s a beautiful contrast.Additional wedding trends include family-style service mixed with a “woodland glam.” Rustic and elegant are two words we hear often and have enjoyed incorporating into reception atmospheres. Most weddings once again feature artfully designed wedding cakes—a trend that disappeared for a while but is making a very strong comeback.One final trend is drama. Drama is a big wedding component this year—in the look that is! Brides are adorning themselves with oversized and extravagant veils and dresses, and they expect similar details in the wedding décor.What’s Trending for Events in 2014?
Event Trends: More popular than ever are oversized, dramatic and spectacular food presentations. The industrial look has been popular for a while now, and that trend will continue into this year—think scaffolding, trusses and commercial shelving. Also, events are incorporating a sophisticated, appointed look with thoughtful touches of elegance.One HUGE trend that we will only see becoming more popular this year are events being totally plugged into social media—Instagram, Twitter and Facebook being the three biggest.What Styles Are Most Popular for 2014?
2014 Styles: We are seeing a lot of combinations in style, for example, an event that mixes rustic and vintage with mirrored farm table tops and crystal centerpieces. This juxtaposition of contemporary elements and retro 50’s, 60’s or even 20’s styles is gorgeous.On the contrary, many events are still taking on the modern, clean, “museum” type style. Where the former is more popular with event design-focused clients, the latter is by far more popular for the food-centric events where the menu items and cuisine are the main focus.
What Are the Trends for Florals in 2014?
Floral Trends: One of our favorite florals continues to be the tree peony. It’s elegance is very diverse and beautiful. Bringing “glamping” elements to events has become somewhat of a trend this year as well, so in addition to the diversely elegant florals, natural elements infused with crystals and sparkles are extremely popular.Flowers that blend vintage fashion and art-deco style—black, gold and white—with some softer hues—think peach, blush and mint—combine for unique and elegant décor options.
What Are the Food Trends in 2014?
2014 Event Food Trends: This year, we are seeing a lot of wonderful food trends. For example, two popular items are chef action tables and pod presentations where guests are given a menu and can order from the service team preparing items at the chef’s bar.In addition to pods and tables, what is old is now new again. What we mean is that for every “vintage-meets-contemporary” design trend, there is an equal menu. Trending are the renovated classics prepared with amazing technique, approachable look and beautiful delicacy. Chicken is one of the most amazing of these 2014 food trends. Poultry is back, but it’s not your mother’s chicken. Think much more modern in uses and preparations! Ancient grains like faro and quinoa have also been big over the last couple of years, and they’re not going anywhere this year either.
What are the Drink Trends in 2014?
2014 Drink Trends: Nouveau! We love it—and so do our brides, event planners and event guests. One final 2014 trend in which our Dr!nk team is fully participating is infused ice cubes. We are using this technique to add flavor to and enhance cocktails of all sorts. They are fun, fruity and an impressive yet simple way to take a cocktail reception up a level.
7 Corporate Holiday Party Trends
We love November in Boston. At BG Events & Catering, we know that this time of year is special.Though many companies in our client base are winding down their holiday planning process, there is still plenty of time to put together a really fabulous holiday event for your company or organization.As so many of our holiday parties this year have already been carefully thought out and planned, we have had the opportunity to notice several trends, some of which are a continuation from last year’s holiday party season.We’d like to share with you seven of the corporate holiday party trends we’ve gathered so far this year.
1. Charity is big, and parties that give back are even bigger.
Many companies have always incorporated charity into their holiday parties. Some of the most popular include donations to toy drives, food drives and winter clothing drives. This year, many hosts and hostesses are into doubling their give back efforts, opting to give holiday gifts, holiday party favors and holiday party prizes purchased through gift companies that give back as well.
2. Main acts are out—smaller entertainment and social activities are in.
Gone are the days of the “main event,” unless, of course, the main event is a speech by the President or CEO of the company (those days are still very much alive). Instead of a headliner at the event, a lot of organizations are choosing to book multiple smaller, more social activities and games. Where there used to be one big performance, there are now five smaller, wandering “acts,” or interactive games and events for guests to enjoy.
3. Food stations are hot...and cold.
Much like interaction is crucially important to the party’s entertainment factor, it is important in the food and catering factor as well. Participation is really the name of the game, and food stations continue to top the Holiday Parties Most Wanted list. Hot and cold food stations, chef-carving stations, and design-your-own stations are always a hit. We live in the age of customization, after all, and this concept really fits that want!
4. Around the world cuisine remains a go-to for many corporate events
Global cuisine is extremely popular, and the holidays are no different. Of course, many organizations prefer to go the traditional route, serving ham or turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetables, etc. Some push to incorporate international twists on the classic holiday foods. Still, others opt to go as far as their imaginations will let them, utilizing Moroccan, Mediterranean, Brazilian or Japanese-inspired themes and their accompanying dishes. It’s a fantastic way to make a holiday party stand out from the numerous other holiday parties that folks must attend during this season of merriment.
5. Company-wide or department-wide holiday party? It’s a split decision.
Some companies are celebrating as a whole while others are letting each department celebrate on its own. The smaller celebrations open up the ability to host more “tailored” holiday events, such as venues of particular interest to a marketing team or games more suited for the IT department.Larger, company-wide events allow members of each department the opportunity to meet and mingle with other company employees that they would otherwise never get to see.
6. Holiday parties get intimate when the boss plays host.
Some organizations’ CEOs or Presidents have been opening up their homes for the annual holiday party. It’s a more intimate, familiar and friendly experience for employees—which means more bonding opportunity for all departments—plus it saves significant funding that would have been spent on venue expenses.
7. It’s an employee-client affair.
Some companies are choosing to open their holiday party guest list to more than just employees and spouses; they’re inviting some of their clients to celebrate as well. This is an opportunity for the sales people and key staff members to network with clients, building an even greater rapport with the included clients. Additionally, inviting clients make those individuals aware of how important they are to the business, making them feel like a part of the organization’s family by including them in company activities.
If it's holiday crunch time, and you're in charge, make sure that in all your hard work and preparation you've though of everything! Use our Company Holiday Party Checklist to ease your worries and give your co-workers the ultimate holiday party.The holidays might be the biggest focus, but winter is a long season. Stay warm until spring with six of the hottest winter-themed cocktails.
Newest Trend for Boston Weddings and Wedding Registries
BG Events and Catering has created a one-of-a-kind wedding opportunity for Boston couples. It’s a completely unique take on a wedding registry, and we’re so excited to announce its launch!BG’s Brand New Wedding Registry: http://static1.squarespace.com/static/6140b4dd4dbc473a0148e51c/61450ce345cef54e6a7e23ce/61450e5145cef54e6a7ee548/1631915601667/?format=original">What Is It?Planning the perfect wedding can be overwhelming and costly, and sometimes, couples are forced to choose between items they originally envisioned in their dream wedding.Other times, couples feel it unnecessary to register for items that they already have, leaving their store registries bare and boring.We saw an opportunity to give Boston couples their dream weddings while addressing both of those concerns.After months of planning and preparation, we’re excited to announce a brand new opportunity for BG wedding clients. We now offer couples the chance to register for elements of their actual wedding celebration!This concept is very unique to the Boston market, and it’s one that we can’t wait for clients to experience.
- The perfect wedding cake is just one of many BG wedding registry items.
- Choose a special signature cocktail to represent your reception!
- Guests can enjoy delicious gazpacho before dinner.
- Delicious desserts are the perfect ending to your catered reception.
- Personal flowers for a truly personalized wedding.
- Upgraded lighting sets the mood.
- Premium bar service enhances any reception!
- Incorporate chic lounge furniture into your wedding atmosphere.
Boston’s Newest Event and Beverage Trend
BG Events and Catering’s Dr!nk Wall
You’ve heard “dinner and a show.” You’ve heard “dinner is the show.” But what’s all this talk about dinner when drinks can be entertaining, too?!Our team here at BG Events and Catering recently competed in the Movers and Shakers April Cocktail Competition against Boston’s best restaurant mixologists. We entered with a Boston original: our BG Dr!nk Wall.
We premiered our Dr!nk Wall at the Boston Center for the Arts, and couldn’t believe the crowd’s reactions to the innovative extension of our beverage brand. They couldn’t stop smiling!
A Dr!nk Wall isn’t for the everyday party planner. It’s new, unique and one-of-a-kind here in Boston, and here’s why you’ll want to check it out:
Our Dr!nk Wall…
- Is completely customizable to a guest of honor’s—or a bride’s—favorite cocktails
- Allows hosts and guests to “build their own experience”
- Has a show-stopping design and sleek look that can match any color scheme and décor
- Is a completely unique way to serve beverages in Boston
- Comes with endless possibilities
- Will be the talk of the event!
In the photos below, you’ll find the first three beverages ever served in a Dr!nk Wall, concocted by our own Beverage Developer and served to eager guests: cucumber, lemon ginger tea and blackberry thyme. We paired these beverages with Chef Tony’s Cured Tuna on a Kaffir Lime Rice Cake with Ponzu Custard and Hibiscus Caviar.
Can you imagine what your guests will say when they show up to your next event and see a Dr!nk Wall?