Forecast: 8 New Ideas for Summer Events

Chic disposable partyware from San Francisco-based Harlow & Grey, which was founded by event designer Gloria Wong and lifestyle blogger Jeanne Chan, is an upgrade from standard paper plates. The collections include the blush pink Goddess and the Art Deco-esque Noir, both of which include items such as plates, garlands, and cake toppers. The duo also recently launched a new watercolor-inspired collection called Daydream. Items range in price from $5.50 to $18.

Miami-based Ronen Rental recently released a new fabric pattern for its ottomans. The bold graphic stripes look is an option for three sizes: the big square, $195; the rectangle, $175; and the cube, $60, which are all available for rent in South Florida.

Unarthodox, located in the Chelsea neighborhood of New York, is a high-tech studio space that offers creative teambuilding activities, including a blindfolded sculpture class, a paint-and-sip party, virtual-reality storytelling, and more. The venue has worked with clients such as ABC and Spotify and is available for pop-up events and private parties. Pricing is available upon request.

Liz Leadbetter and Danielle Couick of Magnolia Bluebird Design & Events recently founded the Event Coordination Company in Washington, providing month-of event management services for social events. The company offers consulting and planning services, vendor management, and event-day logistics services.

For an upgraded take on barbecues, Parts & Labour Catering & Events in Toronto offers a branded asado station designed by Castor Design. The customizable menu includes a variety of meats and five sides. Pricing starts at $80 a person for groups with a 50-person minimum.

The "Perfect Pint Experience" at the newly redesigned Guinness Store inside the Shoppes at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas combines teambuilding with Irish imbibing. During the activity, groups learn the six steps to pouring a perfect Guinness pint before tasting. It’s the first experience of its kind outside of the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin. Packages are available for groups; pricing is available upon request.

Grace Connor launched Boston-based Little G Ice Cream Company at the age of 16. Now 17, the young entrepreneur provides handmade flavors like Chocolate Milk and Cookies and Marshmallow Crispy Treat in both gallon containers and individual portion cups. The company recently debuted its spring flavor lineup, which includes Carrot Cake, Easter Egg Hunt with malted milk ice cream and chocolate candy bars, and Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake. The ice cream ships nationwide via Goldbely in six- and 10-pint packs for $109 and $149, respectively. It’s also sold in specialty grocery stores in the greater Boston area.

Located in Jersey City, New Jersey, banana pudding haven #Baonanas—yes, the hashtag is part of the name, and “bao” comes from the Chinese character that means baby—has reimagined the classic treat by making it lighter and fluffier with a variety of flavors like s’mores, strawberry, French toast, and more. The company offers several catering choices as well, including the #Baomobile, $899; a scooping station, $699; and packaged scoops, $599. All options serve 100 guests for one hour and include four flavors.