Earlier this week, BizBash chatted with a few event professionals to find out how they would produce next week's presidential inauguration if given the opportunity. Though plans for large-scale post-swearing-in parties are off the table, many will still be gathering in smaller, socially distant settings to watch the welcoming of President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris into the White House.
From sophisticated patriotic decor to flavorful, DIY-friendly bites, here are nine ways you can elevate your virtual inauguration watch party experience with inspiration from past inauguration events. You bring the outdoor screen projector, we'll bring the drinks!
At the Washingtonian Inaugural Ball in 2017, held at the National Portrait Gallery, the magazine paid tribute to past presidents with framed portraits of the commanders in chief as the central decor for the four-sided main bar, created by Revolution Event Design and Production—an idea that could be scaled down for a smaller watch party. Talk about an Instagram-worthy photo backdrop!
Photo: Joy Asico
Following the the inauguration of President Donald Trump in 2017, Toulies En Fleur’s Jill Medawar used a mix of white, pink, coral, and red roses in the centerpieces for the tables at the post-swearing-in luncheon in the U.S. Capitol. A 20-foot arrangement adorned the head table where President Trump and First Lady Melania sat with members of Congress. See more: 16 Catering and Decor Ideas From Inauguration Parties
Photo: Geoff Chesman
When the Newseum hosted an inauguration-day watch party in 2017, Party Rental Ltd set up a mix of red, white and blue seating throughout five floors of the museum with views of the big screen in the lobby and the parade outside on Pennsylvania Avenue that afternoon. This year's watch-party hosts can scale it down for a smaller group by adding patriotic tablecloths to side tables placed throughout the indoor or outdoor space.
Photo: Maria Bryk-Newseum
A patriotic cocktail hour fit with the theme, NACE Salutes the 1940s: Heroes to Hollywood, at the 2011 Capital Style Gala, hosted by the National Association of Catering Executives, in Washington, D.C. Take a tip from this past event and mix up a batch of red, white and blue martinis for your viewing squad. Cheers!
Photo: Eli Turner
In 2013, The Atlantic and National Journal celebrated the inauguration with a dinner at owner David Bradley’s home Sunday. One room, shown here, featured archival photos of past inaugurations. Susan Gage Caterers handled the decor, but we're confident this can be repurposed for an at-home affair.
Photo: Kristoffer Tripplaar
Steal some watch-party invitation inspiration from Food & Wine's 2009 Best New Chefs event in New York, which featured propaganda-style red, white and blue graphic design with a culinary tweak—a nod to Shepard Fairey's poster for Obama's 2008 campaign. See more: Inauguration Party Ideas: Going Red, White, and Blue—But Not Hokey
Photo: BizBash
Among the dishes served at Liaison Capitol Hill at the 2017 Art and Soul's Chefs Ball were chicken and waffle skewers. Not only are these easy to make for smaller groups, but the combined flavor of sweet and savory always hits the spot!
Photo: Jeff Martin
In 2013, local artist Maggie O'Neill painted live next to the photo booth, creating Washington-themed paintings available for purchase. Take this event idea and turn it into the perfect viewing-party activity. Who's up for some friendly competition? See more: Inauguration Photos: Highlights From Washington's Biggest Events
Photo: Tony Brown/imijphoto.com for BizBash
Don't forget to send your guests off with a take-home gift! In 2017, Capitol File magazine hosted a reception where guests received a set of commemorative notecards with an American flag illustration by Cris Clapp Logan. See more: Inauguration 2017: Inside the Balls, Concerts, Watch Parties, and More
Photo: Daniel Swartz
