10 Ideas for Corporate Summer Entertaining in New York

Perfectly suited to a summer picnic, Les Chauds Lapins play French swing music from the 1920s through the 1940s rearranged for strings and banjo-ukeleles (a hybrid instrument popular in the 1930s). The Brooklyn-based group can be booked through Folklore Productions International (909.522.9494, [email protected]).

The Kelvin Natural Slush Company makes all-natural frozen slushies using filtered water, cane sugar, and fresh fruit purees—kind of like a grown-up Slurpee. After choosing a base flavor (Spicy Ginger, Tangy Citrus, or Green & Black Tea), guests can select several mix-ins, like chopped mint or pureed raspberry.  For corporate events, the company can serve slushies from its two-tone blue truck. Pricing for up to 250 people generally starts around $1,350 and includes tax, truck rental, cups, lids, straws, slushies, and service.

Take a group to see Ghost the Musical, which opens in late April at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre. Yes, "Unchained Melody" is belted out in this musical version of the 1990 film, but you can also expect a brand-new rock pop songbook from the Eurythmics’ Dave Stewart and songwriter Glen Ballard (of Jagged Little Pill fame). Group ticketing is available for all performances except Saturday evenings, and starts from $69 per person with a minimum group size of 15.

Brooklyn Oyster Party can set up raw oyster bars at in-office or off-site events. Staffers shuck a variety of locally harvested oysters, which are served alongside the requisite condiments like lemon slices and mignonette sauce. Custom party packages start from $350, and additional menu options like lobster rolls can also be included.

Soak up some sunshine and culture atop the Met’s Cantor Roof Garden this summer, where Argentinian artist Tomás Saraceno will install a constellation of room-size, interconnected modules constructed from transparent materials. From May 15 through November 4, visitors will be able to explore the stacked, habitat-like structures while surrounded by views of the city skyline.

For banquet-style meals this summer, Between the Bread Events & Celebrations recommends a starter course of mesclun greens topped with grilled peaches, toasted sunflower seeds, raspberries, and balsamic vinaigrette, followed by a main course of lemon-glazed chicken breast served with an artichoke filled with slow roasted smashed garlic potatoes. For dessert: limoncello-infused berry pie.

Here’s an easy way to put together a casual gathering for a small group:  Event planning company Bellafare will be launching Bundles by Bellafare later this summer, a customizable party-in-a-box service. After discussing your needs, they’ll create and hand-deliver a package of décor elements, table set-up sketches, and vendor recommendations. A luxe outdoor summer barbecue bundle could include mason jars for drinks, milk jugs for water, striped straws, linen napkins, melamine plates and flatware, a red-and-white check tablecloth, galvanized pails and buckets to hold fresh flowers and ice for beverages, custom paper invites, personalized cocktail napkins, caterer suggestions, and a summer cocktail recipe, starting at $550 plus tax and delivery. Basic bundles start from $300 with a minimum of ten guests, and a recommended maximum of 40 people.

Help summer associates navigate the subway by gifting them the New York Transit Museum Store’s Subway Map iPad Case, $28 each.

The Bee’s Knees Baking Company makes portable, single-serving cake cups presented in plastic cups or rentable eight-ounce glass cups. Custom screen-printed glassware is available (full color logos are an option), and gift bags are included so guests can take the glasses home as favors. Cake flavors include lemon raspberry, honey bourbon, and carrot. The company’s most popular package costs $10.50 per cup, and includes a custom flavor consultation, the rental glasses, delivery, set-up, and pick-up.

NoLIta-based  I Heart This makes colorful heart-shaped eating utensils. Part-knife, part-fork, the reusable Heart Parts are 100 percent biodegradable, and are made with 66 percent less plastic than standard disposable forks. Use them as a stylish alternative to toothpicks for hors d’oeuvres or as quirky cutlery for a summer picnic.  Wholesale pricing is $5 per box (each box contains 10 hearts) with a minimum order of 50 boxes; boxes of 100 hearts are also available.