As we enter the thick of the corporate holiday party season, here are some ideas and resources to keep a group entertained, fed, and rewarded.
1. Floral designer Emily Thompson of Emily Thompson Flowers has given her signature elegant yet rustic arrangements a holiday twist. Her new collection includes candelabra, menorahs, wreaths, garlands, and fresh fruit topiaries. Items start at $50 and delivery is available throughout New York City or can be picked up at Thompson's studio on the weekends from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
2. Through December 31, Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees & Smoothies will serve hot beverages from an espresso bar for up to three hours for $500. Drinks include espressos, cappuccinos, lattes, mochas, and hot cocoa.
3. Amusitronix is offering holiday-themed virtual reality games that can be programmed to show corporate logos or images. Game options include "Catch That Candy Cane" where players catch candy canes before they hit the ground. You can choose a photo or logo for the game's background, or add logos to ornaments on a Christmas tree. Another option, "Save Frosty," asks players to throw virtual snowballs at the sun to prevent a snowman from melting. Logos or photos can be incorporated into the game's background. For a four-hour rental, games with a one-player projection-style setup are $1,750, and games with a two-player virtual reality pod setup are $2,250. One to two weeks' advance notice is required.
4. Yum Yum 2 Go, a new corporate catering offshoot of Yum Yum Chefs, is offering ready-to-serve holiday menus ideal for buffet-style lunches or dinners. Dishes, which serve six to eight people and come packaged in compostable containers, include Waldorf salad ($42), roasted carrot salad ($35), turkey breast with cranberry-orange relish ($65), and salmon with cucumber-tarragon sauce ($78). Beverages such as hot chocolate and mulled apple cider ($25 each) are available in containers that serve 10 people. Delivery ranges from $15 to $50.
5. Party Singers is offering two new acts for planners who want live holiday music without costumed performers. Absolute Noel, two women and two men in cocktail attire, sings contemporary jazz arrangements of traditional holiday songs. The group is ideal for greeting guests upon arrival or entertainment during a cocktail hour or dessert. Or, for something a bit less formal, the Mistletones are four "hipster carolers," dressed in casual winter attire. The group sings updated versions of holiday classics and can interact with guests, if desired. Pricing for both groups starts at $700 for the first hour; additional hours are half off. Pricing varies depending on the location and date.
6. Dish Food & Events has drop-off catering packages for holiday gatherings of 15 or more. Items include bite-sized hors d'ouevres for $25 per guest (sausage-stuffed mushrooms, crab cakes, meatball sliders), party platters starting at $65 (cheese boards, roasted and marinated vegetables), and desserts starting at $4 per guest (holiday cookies and brownies, mini cupcakes, 10-inch pies). All dishes are packaged in disposable containers, some require minimal assembly or warming. Delivery throughout Manhattan is $25.
