Get ready for autumn galas, meetings, cocktail parties, and more: Here’s a preview of the latest ideas for catering, rentals, cocktails, entertainment, teambuilding activities, and decor in Los Angeles.
Patina Catering is offering an array of new dishes this fall, including a starter that feels just right for the season: roasted red kuri squash, burrata cheese, baby green mustard, and Hon Shimeji mushrooms in a white balsamic emulsion.
Photo: Courtesy of Patina Catering
The choice is no longer simply "sparkling or still?" at Ray's & Stark Bar at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, which has just rolled out what it bills as the most extensive water menu in the city, with more than 20 options and a menu offering tasting notes breaking down each option's flavor profile. On the program's heels, will posh water bars be the next big thing at events?
Photo: Dustin Downing
The Orlando Hotel recently launched the "Bow Wow Program" for guests with pets. It includes doggie turndown service, pet daycare, and even spa treatments for animals. Bringing dogs to events and conferences in Southern California is an idea that's gaining popularity: We saw pampered pooches all over La Quinta Resort & Club for the TED Active conference, which actively welcomed them.
Photo: Courtesy of The Orlando Hotel
Duff Goldman's Duff's Cakemix offers groups a chance to take part in the cake-decorating trend as seen all over television. For teambuliding events, each guest can decorate a small cake or work in groups on a larger one. For an on-brand option at a corporate bonding session, come up with a company-inspired decorating theme and host a contest, and award a prize to the team with the best results.
Photo: Courtesy of Cakemix
Town & Country Event Rentals' "Kaleidoscope" collection offers colorful pieces to punch up any event space. Look for hanging Moroccan-style lanterns and sumptuous furniture groupings.
Photo: Alesandra Dubin/BizBash
Sprinkles recently ran a promotion that put guests' faces atop the bakery's signature cupcakes. The on-the-spot treats were created by transferring images from a photo booth to a sugar printer. Sprinkles is planning to make the option available for event bookings in the future.
Photo: Courtesy of Sprinkles
The 63-acre Irwindale Event Center is under new management and offers 12 luxury skybox suites for off-site or V.I.P. entertaining options. The venue draws major events like the ESPN X Games, and it's the only Nascar stock car racing facility in Los Angeles County—just right for an action-oriented crowd.
Photo: Courtesy of Irwindale Event Center
For an organic look with a real Southern California feel, Nature's Rentals just launched a new line with living walls, tables, furniture, and hedging done with succulents and other plants.
Photo: Alesandra Dubin/BizBash
