This September, Olympia and Dimitri celebrated their wedding reception at The Cable Center. Beautiful greenery and crisp white florals graced the tables and centerpieces. A stage was set up below the video tower for the band to perform and the night was filled with such joy and energy. The couple was stunning and timeless, and every detail was thoughtfully planned. We loved working with you and wish you all the happiness in the world! Congratulations, O+D!
A festive holiday table starts with a beautiful floral centerpiece. Sheilan Mueller, owner and floral designer at Yarrow & Spruce recommends “mixing up tablescape colors from the traditional red and green. For something more moody, try dark fruit colors like raspberry, plum, burgundy and deep blue mixed with winter greens. And for something lighter, try incorporating shades of peach, blush, and white with pops of red – make a table you’re excited to take a seat at!”
Add layers to the tablescape with linens, chargers, and creative napkin folds and you have a table that feels special and elevated for holiday entertaining.
Scroll down to see how you can create the perfect setting for your seasonal gathering.
Dramatic Color Palette
Establish a mood and color palette by layering the hues and textures. Seasonal fresh elements like berries and branches bring rich color, texture, and dimension to your floral centerpiece. And the unexpected pop of greenery in the napkin is a great way to add layers too! Eucalyptus and juniper are fragrant and will ignite the holiday spirit for your guests.
Featured Products: Tuscan Antique Charger, Lucca Black Flatware, Heirloom Linen China, Panama Ivory Linen, & Lamour Ivory Napkin.
Florals: Rudbeckia, Purple Basil, & Matilda Rose.
Wintery Blues
Holiday inspiration doesn’t have to be red and green! Bringing in icy blues and accents of gold give an unexpected wintery vibe that. is classic and elevated. Pair this with some sparkling glassware, white florals, and neutral linens, and you have a winter wonderland!
Featured Products: Alpine Gold Charger, Aria Antique Brushed Gold Flatware, Timeless Glassware, Momenti China, Supernova White Linen, & Lamour Ivory Napkin.
Florals: Privet Berry, Eryngium Thistle, & Quicksand Rose
Natural Elements
Wood details and harvest colors create warmth at your table and the natural touch is inviting for your guests. The light pink florals amongst the earthy tones softens the scene.
Featured Products: Mocha Glass Charger, Regis Silver Flatware, Momenti China, Crushed Butter Linen & Panama Ivory Napkin.
Lighten the traditional red and green palette to pink, peach, and mint. It offers a softer interpretation that also compliments your personal design style. Lush textures, like velvet napkins, add a hint of winter warmth and elegance, while metallic accents and mixed metals create fancy sparkle. Candlelight brings coziness to any scene, so nestle candles among the tableware to bring warmth and cheer!
Featured Products: Venice Blush Charger, Lucca Rose Gold Flatware, Sienna Lace China, Panama Ivory Linen & Etched Velvet Rose Napkin.
It’s not too late to throw a seasonal soirée of your own! Interested in booking space at The Cable Center for your corporate holiday gathering, winter gala, or New Year’s party? Reach out to Cindy Shoemaker and let’s get started.
This October, Channing and Cullen tied the knot and celebrated their reception in our Great Hall. The happy couple was beaming with love and joy as you can see in their beautiful photographs. Congratulations, C+C!
This boho-chic B’not Mitzvah for twin sisters Aliza and Evelyn boasted trendy terracotta tones, rattan lanterns, and festive balloon installations. We love watching our space transform to fit the unique style and personality of our clients. The Great Hall popped with texture and creativity thanks to the incredibly talented vendors! Keep scrolling to check out these amazing photos from A + E’s special night.
Whether you are planning a social celebration or a corporate gathering, there are many factors to consider to ensure the success of your event. One of the most important (and memorable) aspects of an event are the catering logistics, which includes food preparation, service, and — of course — style. Serving and enjoying great food is crucial to your guests’ experience, and figuring out where to start can quickly become overwhelming.
From determining an ideal venue layout to selecting the perfect menu, here are 5 helpful planning tips to ensure an excellent catered event.
1. Hire a Dependable Caterer and Event Staff
This first one may seem obvious, but we can’t stress enough how important it is to hire a vetted, reputable catering service with experienced event staff that knows the ins and outs of your venue. At The Cable Center, we work with many Preferred Vendor Partners that are top-notch professionals in the industry. They execute exceptional catering and beverage services for a wide array of clientele and event types. Be sure to ask your venue and/or planner to offer their list of preferred vendors — their experience and relationship with your venue, as well as their familiarity with the space, will make all the difference.
2. Consider Venue Layout when Choosing a Catering Style
There are many catering and service stylesto choose from, including buffet style, grazing stations/heavy appetizers, plated service, family style, and even chef catered stations. When deciding which style fits your event’s needs, think about the venue’s space and what it lends itself to. For example, The Cable Center offers a large ballroom area that works expertly with a seated service because there is room for many tables and a large number of people. Guests can comfortably stay seated and have their meal brought directly to them. Or, there is also room for buffet stations, which offer guests the opportunity to serve themselves and file through various stations in an efficient manner. Additionally, think about how different areas at your venue can accommodate a cocktail reception and/or appetizer stations. Allowing guests to mingle and snack before flowing into another space for dinner service can be both elegant and fun!
3. Plan a Service Style that Fits Your Timeline
“Timing is everything.” This is especially true when determining the menu and meal service for a catered event. It’s important to choose the type of meal and menu options that best suit the allotted time your guests have for the meal or event. Catered buffet meals usually are completed in about 1 hour and allow guests to pick and choose the food items that they will enjoy. When planning a sit-down or plated meal during your event, allow at least 1 ½ to 2 hours for full meal service. Cocktail receptions require a minimum of 1 hour before dinner to allow guests to socialize and enjoy light fare and beverages. Corporate working breakfasts or lunches require food menu items that can hold up for longer periods of time without ruining the integrity of the food.
4. Ensure Your Catering Service can Accommodate Guest Count
After coordinating the appropriate room layout and planning out your catering timeline and service style, it is crucial that your vision accommodates your guest count. For smaller events, consider options where guests are given a plated service because it requires less staff to make their rounds. For larger events, buffet stations are a great option because several stations can be set up at once and guests can move through the buffet efficiently. Check out our blog post, Choosing the Best Service Style , for more ideas and inspiration. The sky’s the limit!
5. Be Creative, Think Seasonal, and Let Presentation Speak for Itself!
This is your opportunity to choose cuisine and foods that connect to your personal taste and style! Don’t be afraid to get creative, ask the chef for suggestions, and think outside the box. Take into consideration the food items that are available during the season at hand and plan menus and dishes using fresh, local ingredients. Finally, presentation is everything. When food is beautifully presented, your guests will be dying to try it! Crisp and clean linens, dazzling cutlery, glittering glassware, and show-stopping décor all come together to make your catered event delectable.
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