Planning a Small Event at Home? Try These Turnkey Solutions for Decor, Catering, and More

New from Bluebird Productions, an event-planning firm based in Aspen, Colo., is "Bluebird in a Box." Officially launched on Aug. 4, the company offers a variety of seasonal "event kits" with various themes such as "Squeeze the Day" (pictured)—which features, you guessed it, lemonades. Virginia Frischkorn, founder and CEO of Bluebird Productions, aims to give guests clear how-to instructions alongside the boxes.

"For all of the various themes of the boxes we offer, we provide menus (recipes and shopping lists), paired cocktail ideas, customized playlists, style guides, timelines and checklists, decor and styling tips and suggestions, entertainment ideas, etiquette advice, and editable printables for invitations, menus, place cards, and more," she explains. "We take a holistic approach to the design and execution of an event, and offer ideas for every piece of the puzzle in a digital format."

Hosts can tailor the boxes by choosing from a wide variety of products, plans, and concepts. "We have been in the luxury event space for the past 12 years. When the novel coronavirus pandemic completely disrupted the event industry, we missed our friends, connection, and the meaningful conversation that arises at an event," says Frischkorn. "We aim to bring back the art of entertaining at home. We feel this is a lost art and one worthy of bringing back to the masses, and we are excited to teach people how to do this effortlessly."

In late June, Chicago-based HMR Designs introduced “Pop-Up for Joy,” a new service that brings the company’s decor services to private homes. During the summer months, the company is focused on offering alfresco scenes and tablescapes for backyard parties. HMR designers can coordinate color palettes, floral design, furniture rentals, table accents, linen selection, and more.

"Floral and gifting is something we've always done, just never marketed it properly," explains CEO Rishi Patel. "We saw a big uptick and request from our clients who were wanting to bring a little touch of happiness and color into their homes. Plus, we love shopping for beautiful things, so it was the perfect fit!"

For birthdays, graduations, and other drive-by events, HMR Designs can create a cheerful “Front Yard Fete” display with custom balloons, themed accents, and more.

HMR is also offering a “Hollywood at Home” setup with a comfortable seating arrangement and a screen. The team handles all tech and audiovisual needs, as well as furniture rentals and ambiance accents.

"Just because celebrations are smaller right now and in more familiar places than we are accustomed to, that doesn't mean they have to be scaled down," says Patel. "A unique experience in the confines of your own home or property is always a wonderful way to celebrate just about anything."

Launched two months ago, Hestia Harlow calls itself the "Rent the Runway of events." The Washington, D.C.-based company creates stylish, ready-to-go tablescapes for micro-events. Customers pick a theme, add a centerpiece, and select a station, and then items are shipped directly to doorsteps along with how-to-host instructions and a return shipping label.

Hestia Harlow offers settings for four or more people, and shipments come complete with table runners, chargers, plates, flatware, glassware, linens, and candles. The settings can also be customized with custom place cards, cocktail kits, gifts for attendees, and more.

The new company is the brainchild of event producers Marielle and Andrew Shortell, as well as entrepreneur Dave Myers. "As seasoned industry professionals, we are discernibly partial to entertaining—however, we recognize that throwing a party, even simply hosting at home, is not easy," say the Shortells in a joint statement. "These days, who has time to shop for place settings, plan menus, arrange flowers, and not to mention serve fancy cocktails? ... We've given everyone access to designer tables, bespoke decorations, and hyper-curated experiences to effortlessly entertain at home."

Alchemy Event Studio in Atlanta has launched a new division called Hosted. The company's goal is to provide all the ingredients for a turnkey, touch-less dinner party right to customers' doorsteps—including a four-course gourmet meal, cocktail ingredients and instructions, and customizable decor. Offerings are available for groups of six to eight people, and pricing starts at $1,600.

"We decided to launch Hosted when we realized that people needed new ways to socialize with friends and family in light of the pandemic’s restrictions," explains co-owner Amy Saltzman. "Since the days of care-free dining out are on hold for now, we believe that the classic dinner party at home is the natural replacement.”

Hosted changes its offerings every few weeks; previous settings have included an upscale "Americana" theme for July 4, and a colorful Mexico-inspired gathering. This week, Hosted has a "Ciao Bella" offering inspired by Italy’s Tuscany region. Details include custom embroidered napkins, seasonal floral arrangements with matching vases, suggested wine pairings, paper goods, and even a curated Spotify playlist to set the mood. The company works with eight local Atlanta businesses, including Cocktail Commons, Perrine's Wine Shop, Dennis Dean Catering, pastry chef Dallas Kee, and Jenny's Paper Ink.

"Our number-one tip for hosting a small event at home is to create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere," says Saltzman. "A delicious beverage in hand, great music in the background, and flattering lighting will take you 85% of the way to a successful evening. People can forgive a multitude of food sins if the mood is set to simply laugh and enjoy the experience. That being said, our culinary partners have eliminated the potential for culinary failure as well. It’s impossible to not get it right!"

Los Angeles-based event producers Sterling Engagements recently launched SE Experiences, which can help plan elevated, intimate private events that comply with COVID-19 restrictions. The company works to help curate decor, menus, entertainment, and more. Through its SE Expressions division, clients can design or select from carefully crafted boxes including everything from catered bites and specialty beverages to picnic collections.

"We created SE Experiences in an effort to create a seamless yet personal experience for our clients looking for planning for their most intimate experiences both at home and in outdoor venues," explains founder Alexandra Rembac. "With so much uncertainty in the air, now is a time to hold on to our blessings, savor the day, and embrace the good. These intimate celebrations are the perfect acknowledgment of that philosophy, and are curated with the utmost care and efforts."

As an additional offering, Rembac has teamed up with longtime collaborator Luxe Linen and its founder, Dahlia Wexler, to create Luxe at Home by Alexandra Rembac, a new line of custom linens for at-home celebrations. The pair designed linens that fall into four genres: the colorful "Wild & Free" collection; the spring and summer-inspired "Al Fresco"; the sophisticated and neutral "Avant Luxe"; and "East Coast Chic," which Rembac describes as having a "modern farmhouse meets Cape Code aesthetic."

Each genre offers a combination of runners, napkins, and placemats; custom face masks can be paired for special occasions, too. The collection is currently being produced and will launch in late August on the Luxe Linen website.

Got the decor covered and just looking for some mouth-watering cuisine? Brad Metzger Restaurant Solutions (BMRS), a hospitality recruiting firm based in Los Angeles, has expanded its private chef division. In addition to placing full- or part-time private chefs in home, BMRS can also source, curate, and assemble a team for private bookings and exclusive dinner events. In a nutshell: High-end chefs who have worked for the likes of Suzanne Goin, Curtis Stone, and José Andrés are now available for private dinner parties and brand activations.

"There was a time when private chefs provided multicourse meals or private events for only the affluent class. Now, as we ragdoll between nationwide restaurant closures-openings-closures, the world of the private chef, its clientele, and the cuisine are changing. The idea of bringing a restaurant chef into your home for a special event is becoming more appealing and affordable," explains BMRS president and founder Brad Metzger. "It’s definitely manageable for the chef and the hosting client to be clear on expectations for safety while also making sure the experience is still unique."

Experiences can also include a sommelier, a mixologist, or a pastry chef. "Chefs love to use these small events at someone’s home as a forum to showcase rarefied ingredients and elusive purveyors that only they have access to because of their relationships. They turn on the charm and interact with guests, tell stories, share in the conviviality, and really co-create the atmosphere," adds Metzger. "It’s becoming more of a lifestyle than just hiring someone to recreate a restaurant in their home for the night, assembled behind some magic curtain. They’re really becoming a front-and-center part of the experience with guests directly."