When we reported that funds for corporate holiday parties are back this season, we meant it. All over the city, across all industries, the festive spirit is back in the air (and in the budget). A few examples: A major financial company hosted a party with a medieval theme for more than 200 employees at Sky Studios. The Upper Crust brought in a covey of birds and served menu items like roast leg of beef. Servers were bedecked in lavish medieval costumes and entertainment included period singers, madrigals, and lutists. And Sharon Stevenson of Only Perfect Parties produced a high-tech-theme blowout for 2,000 at Pier Sixty for another major financial institution this past Thursday, with virtual reality games, casino tables, a robot, and aerial dancers. Big Wave International provided extensive decor and lighting, and projected live video from the party at screens throughout the venue.
Although not everyone is doing over-the-top bashes, vendors are reporting an increase in parties at all levels. "This year is eight to nine times better than the year before," Brian Heino of Bocca Cucina Italiana told us. He's seeing lots of companies doing small in-office gatherings of about 20 to 30, and his three catering and retail stores are working on about 90 holiday parties of various sizes this month.
Posted 12.15.04
Although not everyone is doing over-the-top bashes, vendors are reporting an increase in parties at all levels. "This year is eight to nine times better than the year before," Brian Heino of Bocca Cucina Italiana told us. He's seeing lots of companies doing small in-office gatherings of about 20 to 30, and his three catering and retail stores are working on about 90 holiday parties of various sizes this month.
Posted 12.15.04
