| NEWS 12.11.07 4:52 PM |
PRINT | SEND TO A FRIEND |
|
| Corporate Christmas Parties Combine Cocktails, Comfort Food |
|
 |
Mini burgers and other comfort foods remain popular hors d'oeuvres for holiday parties, according to Kori Gorman of Catering by Davids'.
Photo: Courtesy of Catering by Davids' |
|
|
Christmas is making a comeback in 2007. Local businesses are splurging on their office gigs this year, offering interesting menu items and paying close attention to every detail, right down to the invitations and lighting. We asked event planners, designers, and caterers about the trends they've spotted during this bustling corporate party season. Here's what they had to say.
"They're coming back, Christmas parties, that's for sure. After SARS and 9/11, companies didn’t do Christmas parties anymore.... Christmas is coming back, and it’s being called Christmas again."
—Jeffry Roick, director, McNabb Roick Event Communications
"A huge trend is detailed and accent lighting, which elevates the look of an event. I think people are doing coordinated stationary so a theme is shown through an entire event, including the entertainment. Parties are taking on a more professional appearance instead of just being thrown together at the office."
—Tara O’Grady, executive director, Bliss Events
"Crystals are very hot right now, partially because of the opening of [the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal addition at] the ROM, and so are lots of lights and candlelit parties. Then there are Winter Wonderland-themed parties with a blue effect, a lot like the Sean Penn Into the Wild party we did at the film festival—people are going crazy for that."
—Craig Gruzd, creative director, Designing Trendz Inc.
"We're seeing a lot of cocktail parties. A lot of people are doing cocktail and food stations rather than plated meals. In terms of food style, we're seeing a lot of Asian influence in everything—there is a big focus on local produce, certainly, but people are adding some interesting international twists."
—Sebastien Centner, director, Eatertainment Special Events & Catering
"Food stations are not new, but they’re still popular. Food is such a hot thing with all the TV shows, and people want to watch the chef behind the station making things and working on the presentation. Comfort foods like mini burgers are still really popular. And desserts have become big again, with lots of little things, like mini cakes wrapped as presents."
—Kori Gorman, director of corporate, social, and event catering, Catering by Davids’
"People want to go more ethnic, and they’re not scared to go out on a limb. We’re doing a lot of Indian food, which seems to be a real trend. Also, braised foods like short ribs—it’s getting away from the traditional beef tenderloin. We’ve also noticed people are spending a lot of money this year, and we’re doing a lot of themed parties—for example, Cirque-themed. People want to get dressed up."
—David D’Aprile, owner, 10tation Event Catering
—Erin Letson and Susan O'Neill
RELATED TOPICS
Corporate Holiday Parties
MORE NEWS STORIES
Obama's First State Dinner Calls on Marcus Samuelsson, Jennifer Hudson
Art Basel Preview: New Convention Center Layout, Giant Beach Structure for Audi
ISES Toronto Honours McCulloch, Cuthbertson, Nienhuis, Luscombe
Poll Results: Readers Judge Invitations on Case-by-Case Basis
Toronto Wins 2015 Pan Am Games
MORE STORIES ABOUT CORPORATE HOLIDAY PARTIES
5 New Toronto Venues for Holiday Parties
50 Budget-Friendly Ideas for Holiday Parties: Food, Gifts, Decor, and More
Poll Results: Fewer Scrooges for 2009 Holiday Party Season
| More Suppliers/Venues to Consider |
ADVERTISEMENT |
|
|
|
Riviera Parque
As Canada’s premier host for cutting-edge innovation and personal-service expertise, Riviera Parque proudly presents more than 100,000 square feet of uniquely flexible space specifically tailored to satisfy the most demanding of business client needs. With a track record of satisfying more than 150,000 guests and 700 to 800 events each year—as well as hundreds of nonbusiness celebrations (including more than 150 weddings)—they ensure a level of expertise and quality few can hope to equal. More >>
EMAIL THIS RESOURCE |
|
Snapshot Photobooth, powered by Flow Photo
Instantly capture the fun of your event and unleash your creativity with the Snapshot Photobooth—a fully automated, unique, interactive photobooth experience your guests will love! Guests fill the frame, pose, click, and leave with a branded print available in 4 x 6 , 5 x 7 or vintage-style 2 x 6 strips with four poses in either colour or black-and-white. More >>
EMAIL THIS RESOURCE |
|
Woodbine Entertainment Group
Four unique venues, countless event possibilities, and good times you can bet on—all in one Web site—visit hostyourevent.com and let Woodbine Entertainment host your event. More >>
EMAIL THIS RESOURCE |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
