By Andrew Stevens and Kim Swift, We Came in Peace
“The concept is a dark twist on the classic holiday fête, using elements of mystery, drama, and Old Hollywood glamour. A speakeasy meets an underground masquerade in a cinematic pleasure palace, and the mood is set with a minimal palette of black and white. Finding a perfect venue is key; architectural details and grand spaces with an oversize fireplace are ideal. Then pools of smoky light are interspersed with gobos casting slatted-blind texture on the walls and floors. A lush tableau of exotic hors d’oeuvres spans the space, illuminated by tiers of candelabras. Reinterpretations of classic seasonal themes are woven into the space, such as a forest of suspended Christmas tree chandeliers, composed of blackened branches and adorned with ornaments. Entertainment is a smorgasbord of vices, including gambling, hand-rolled cigars, on-site tattooing, and private shows by shadow dancers. The soundtrack for the evening is provided by a live jazz band that performs holiday classics.”
“The concept starts with a customized invite to the lounge. Upon entry, snow machines will have people making snowmen as an interactive activity. Inside, white fur-lined linens and fur-capped Chiavari chairs are set against antler candlesticks, votive holders, and fireplaces. Oversize silver frames with wood paneling, alternating with white sheer drapes and a variety of contemporary furniture, provide the groundwork for winter-inspired accessories like large lacquer deer and fur-and-antler-inspired pillows. The menu is cozy and festive, with items such as mixed berry and gingerbread trifles, roasted chestnut truffles, and specialty cocktails.”
“This distinctly visceral experience for holiday revelers challenges their ideas of a classic holiday party. The theme is nautical and fantastical and elegant without losing the warmth and nostalgia of the season. It surprises the guest’s palate and eye—traditional elements are alluded to, but made both contemporary and graceful. Suspended from the ceiling, an oversize octopus mobile with gold sequins will wrap her tentacles around the room to serve as a visual anchor for the space. Subtle hints of red and green are woven throughout this whimsical underwater world to retain the whisper of the season. People leave our aquatic Eden swimming with ideas about how they can update their own holiday traditions.”
"Scattered throughout the space are interactive stations that foster philanthropy. At the ‘Candy Cane Kitchen,’ candy chefs from Papabubble in New York will put a spin on the classic candy cane, swirling together flavors like pear and clove, or lemon and ginger. Guests can eat them warm, and also give back by purchasing pre-packaged candy canes in cello bags, which will be distributed to a charity after the event.”
"At the Christmas cookie-decorating station, guests can decorate homemade cookies with a selection of colored icings, sprinkles, and assorted trimmings. There will also be pre-packaged, professionally decorated cookies on hand to purchase or donate.” Holiday cookies from Eleni’s New York
"At the ornament workshops, guests can watch artisans put the finishing touches on one-of-a-kind hand-painted and paper-cut ornaments. Guests can donate an ornament in memory of a loved one, or purchase one for themselves. They can also create their own holiday ornament at a craft station.” Custom hand-painted ornaments by Patch of Shade Inc.
Paper-cut ornaments by Dave Rogers Studio of Fine Art
“At the ‘Stuffing Station’ by Noah’s Ark Animal Workshop, guests will have the chance to make their own stuffed animals that will be sent to a child in need.”
“A cast of elves will be on hand to give the donated and crafted ornaments and toys a place of honor on or underneath the grand Christmas tree. The elves will also hold on to guests’ purchases, to distribute at the end of the night.” Cast of elves from New Century Dance Company in Miami
“At the end of the night, snow machines and patterned gobos from SFL Productions fill the room as ballerinas from a local performing arts school, like Juilliard in New York or the Dreyfoos School in West Palm Beach, descend down the staircase to perform the ‘Waltz of the Snowflakes’ from The Nutcracker.”
“Rather than a traditional winter-themed holiday event, we’ve imagined that this company has decided to treat employees to a unique tropical retreat that creatively accommodates the company’s eco-conscious initiatives. Inspired by Bali, the decor has an airy, organic feel with a palette of earth tones, and the cuisine is Asian-inspired. A venue with wooden floors and bow truss ceilings is key for creating a lush, tropical environment with an outdoor feel. The theme also highlights decor that can be re-used. In lieu of gifts, the company will plant a tree for each person that attends the event through a local environmental nonprofit.”—David Judaken and April Luca of DNA Events
“Invitations are printed on plantable seed paper, and come with instructions on how to plant it so it can grow into beautiful flowers.” Invite from Botanical Paperworks
“During cocktail hour, a violinist plays in coordination with DJ Jasepi, who is spinning a mix of lounge-y, house music.”
“Tray-passed appetizers created by DNA’s executive chef are served in unique vessels, like fresh scallops with lemon grass sambal, wasabi, crème fraîche, and shiso dust displayed inside shells.”
“Specialty cocktails are health conscious, made from fresh, muddled herbs, fruits, and vegetables. The drinks are also available in non-alcoholic versions.”
“In an effort to avoid disposable paper escort cards, small glass terrariums personalized with guests’ names each contain a succulent. The type of succulent indicates at which table the person will be seated, and they can be taken home at the end of the night.” Cube Aeriums, $22 to $29, from Flora Grubb Gardens in San Francisco
“Guests are offered a choice of one of three entrees prepared by DNA Events’ catering team: Bali-peppered tuna, five-spice organic free-range chicken, or lamb chops marinated in organic agave honey and Serrano chili.”
“Chairs with black cushions are made from sustainable dark-colored wood and produced by an FSC-certified furniture company, like Cisco Brothers.”
“Small glass candle holders hang in clusters from clear fishing wire over each table.” Whirly Hanging Candleholder, $5, from CB2
“One wall of the venue is designed as a branded living wall made from drought-resistant succulents, created by Nature’s Rentals. The company’s logo is written horizontally and vertically. The wall can be reinstalled in the company’s main office as a permanent installation with an irrigation system after the event.”
“Each table has a low arrangement comprised of one type of succulent. Using drought-resistant, living plants instead of cut flowers in the center- pieces means that they can be taken home later, not thrown away.” Arrangement by Britton Neubacher of Tend
“Bali is home to some of the most beautiful butterflies in the world, so another wall in the dining area has the company logo written in tropical-looking silk butterflies.”
“During dinner, live instrumentalists play on a circular stage in the middle of the room. Between musical performances, a female contortionist with a blonde python snake from Zen Arts takes the stage.”
“After dinner dancing is led by the DJ spinning overhead in a rig designed as a chandelier. Aerialists simultaneously perform while hanging from the rig.” Custom rig designed by Lexi Pearl and Philip Solomon of Way 2 Much Entertainment
“Undeck the halls of all scraps of the workday to make room for guests to have visions of sugarplums instead of paperwork. Transforming the boardroom with draping and custom cream carpeting repurposes the space from meetings to elegance. Dim lighting enhances a neutral palette with playful pops of red and gold. The plinking of piano keys carries over the hum of conversations never had around the water cooler. As everyone gets comfortable, Beverly, the quiet accountant who has had just enough peppermint white Russians, slinks on top of the piano to sing ‘What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?’ Post-party, the water-cooler talk is all about the night the office was anything but business as usual.”—Christopher Confero for David Beahm Design
“Letterpressed invitations have a classic look with tone-on-tone embossing.” Invitation from Ceci New York
“Hide office supplies with luxurious white draping.” King White Velour drapery fabric from Drape Kings
“A pianist plays jazz renditions of holiday classics.” One-day piano rental packages, from $825, available in New York from Piano Rental NY
“A lounge elevated on a raised platform at one end of the room creates the feel of a V.I.P. area, with white and gold sofas, chairs, and side tables.” Donatella Wing Chair, $325, and Wynn Collection side table, $125 for large, $115 for medium, available in Los Angeles, New York, and Miami from Luxe Event Rentals
“One wall holds multiple recycled-cardboard deer heads, with a single red one for fun.” Micro-Buck Deer Trophy, $13, from Cardboard Safari
“An all-white dessert table by New York sweet specialist Amy Atlas Events wows guests.”
“Guests dine on heavy hors d’oeuvres in one-bite, no-mess portions.” Salmon lollipops with dill cream cheese, nori, and garlic grass, by Wolfgang Puck Catering & Events
“Celsius is known to most New Yorkers for their winter fare—for this party we hire them to serve some of their signature drinks, like the Snowcap: Kahlua, Absolut vanilla, hot chocolate, and whipped cream.”
“Low lighting comes from gold floor lamps scattered around the space.” Ora floorlamp, $75, from Luxe Event Rentals
“Clear Louis Ghost chairs are dressed with white faux fur pillows.” Table design and decor by David Beahm Design; rentals from Party Rental Ltd.
“Several large-scale mirrors set up around the office reflect the interesting visual decor elements, offering double for your decorating money.” Rococo Mirror, $450, from Luxe Event Rentals
“A white round table holds a pyramid of meticulously stacked gifts wrapped in cream paper, topped with one large red bow spilling over the top.” Nami Silver on White gift wrap, $25, from Midori
“Guests are given a gift from the table as they leave. Inside are tumblers engraved with each employee’s initials.” Tumblers, $36 for four, from Gracious Bridal
“A fun photo booth with a gold tinsel backdrop feels glitzy, glamorous, and carefree, all at the same time.” Gold Tinsel Backdrop, $55 per square foot, from Confetti System
“Upon entering the Urban Chalet, guests are transported to a chic and sumptuous environment that mixes traditional European decor with more contemporary elements, creating an expected yet eclectic experience. Channeling the stylish Swiss ski village of Gstaad, antiques are juxtaposed with new pieces—old-world charm meets the best of modern design—all in a sleek, glass-walled loft space with dramatic city views. The concept provides the perfect setting for mountaintop-inspired holiday entertaining right in the middle of the big city.”—Ty Kuppig of Tyger Productions
“This New York venue [the Glass Houses] offers a sleek interior and dramatic city views—the perfect location for an Urban Chalet.”
“Faux fur pillows add a sense of comfort.” Luxe faux fur pillow covers in Coyote, $29 to $39, from Restoration Hardware
“Chesterfield sofas anchor the lounge space, providing guests a retreat from dancing.” Sofa, $550 for seven days, available in New York from GreenRoom
“Ladurée macarons are a French classic. Pass them on polished trays as an hors d’oeuvre.”
“Crystal hurricanes on tabletops add contemporary flair and soft illumination.” 15-inch Crystal Hurricane, $44, from Jamali Garden
“Snowflake tables create a playful graphic element.” Claesson Koivisto Rune Snowflakes tables from Offecct
“Custom-made floor coverings are made from salvaged Oriental rugs transformed into clever bear-shaped pieces.” Bärenjäger rug, from $2,468, from Lise Lefebvre
“Hors d’oeuvres like mini gruyere fondue are served on leather trays.” Potato cups with truffled comté fondue by Great Performances in New York
“French Ginger Snaps—made with Domaine de Canton liqueur, citrus vodka, triple sec and fresh lemon juice—would be served in tinted glassware.” Ruby Braid glass, available nationwide from Classic Party Rentals
“Modern crystal chandeliers mimic frozen formations of winter branches, adding the perfect mix of sparkle and illumination overhead.” Tord Boontje "Ice Branch" chandelier
“Paneled bars constructed of aged wood bring warmth and antique charm to the space.” Pele bar, available nationwide from Blueprint Collection
“Cabaret diva Meow Meow [IMG Artists] will stir up the crowd with a sultry performance.”
“Polished metal highboy tables, dispersed throughout the room, offer a surface for guests to place their cocktails.” Bengali Highboy, available nationwide from Blueprint Collection
“Nemo chairs are a true conversation starter—a pair of these fun chairs offers the perfect opportunity for an impromptu photo op after a few cocktails.” Nemo Chair, $175, available on the East Coast from Taylor Creative Inc.
“For this intimate dinner party ice is the star of the show, but what happens in and around the ice is ever-changing—I like to give guests something to talk about by planting creative surprises as conversation-starters. Everyone arrives at the ice rink expecting a standard winter party but are surprised to find something totally different. In the center of the rink is a sculptural dinner table made of ice that guests skate around. All of the decor is clear, and the colors—cobalt blue, royal purple, and wine—come from the lighting. For the first 90 minutes, guests are partnered with instructors to help them learn the basics while a DJ plays edgy, winter mash-ups. Food and beverage stations are set up at the four corners of the rink. After an elaborate brunch-inspired tasting menu, guests are treated to a surprise performance on the ice.”—Matthew David Hopkins of 360 Design Events Ltd.
“I would rent out the Rink at Rockefeller Center.”* Another option: Artificial Ice Events rents portable ice rink setups as small as 20 by 40 feet throughout the U.S.
*Editor's Note: The Rink at Rockefeller Center has exclusive contracts for catering, lighting, and rentals with the Patina Restaurant Group, Bentley Meeker Lighting & Staging, and Party Rental Ltd., respectively.
“Hosting a dinner on an ice rink presents some challenges. Placing white carpet or rubberized flooring on part of the rink guards against slipping.” Rosco tiles from Rosco Dance Floors
"Everyone can change out of skates and into fuzzy slippers for dinner.” Beaded fur trim slippers, $57, from Manitobah Mukluks
“Use outdoor-friendly lounge furniture on the ice.” Bubble Club sofa, chair, and table, $45 to $275, available throughout South Florida from Lavish Event Rentals
“Levy Lighting projects a fun, color-saturated pop-art program on the ice during cocktail hour for guests to skate on the top of—think blocks of color and Lichtenstein landscapes.”
“During cocktail hour, the food stations serve fresh seafood from the Sea Grill at Rockefeller Center and healthy, raw vegan fare from Pure Food and Wine.”
“The centerpiece is a Frank Gehry-inspired table made of ice, created by Okamoto Studio, and topped with a frosted recycled Plexiglas tabletop. Locally grown white amaryllis are frozen inside the crystal clear ice.”
"The only decor on the table is simple, white candles." Three- by four-inch wax LED candles, six for $42, from Jamali Garden
“All of the glassware and serving pieces are clear.” Glass canoe tray, $15.75, available in New York from Something Different Party Rental
"Guests sit on clear Philippe Starck-designed barstools." Charles Ghost barstool, $18, available throughout South Florida from Lavish Event Rentals
"Once seated, guests are served a brunch-for-dinner-inspired tasting menu." Seared sirloin and truffle poached quail egg served with root vegetable hash browns by Union Square Events
Also on the tasting menu by Union Square Events: a winter fruit-and-vegetable tart with caramel agro dolce, crème fraîche and pomegranate (pictured) and venison loin and housemade sausage and egg, served with a sage English muffin and huckleberry hollandaise.
“One of the bars offers custom-blended, chocolate elixirs from MarieBelle, spiked and served in demitasse cups, so guests can try multiple flavors.” Holiday Cacaotelle gift set, $45, from MarieBelle
“For dessert, the buffets transform into crepe and gelato stations.” Party pack, from $69, available in New York from L'Arte del Gelato
“After the meal, the rink opens back up for skating, with guests joined by kids from a local after-school program, like Figure Skating in Harlem. The guests—now competent skaters—can help the kids have fun on the ice.”
