It's all about the food......and how it's served.
I'm in a foodie town (BTW I am not a fan of that term), and it is all about the food. Where it comes from, the quality and how cool you can make it look is all the rage. But, the hipster side of Portland would tell you to make it look like you didn't try to hard. Thanks in part to TV programing, which I happen to watch almost religiously (thank you Food and Cooking Channel), food is no longer allowed to be run of the mill. We are finding more and more the majority of budgets are being dedicated to it. Custom menus, locally sourced and seasonal fare is where it's at. Stations, bars and unique displays are how to serve it. Small bites so people can try a little bit of everything are very trendy right now.
Make it comfortable.
To go along with the "mingling reception" feel with food stations, people want comfortable places to hang out. The standard round banquet table with hotel chairs has been done...and done. Seating areas with comfy couches and coffee tables mixed with tall boys lend to keeping people moving around the room.
Give them something to do.
Rather than spending thousands on an eight piece cover band, put your entertainment budget to activities. Caricature artists, tarot card readers, casino tables, for dessert do a cupcake decorating station and photo booths WITH props are all the rage!
Be flexible with your date and time.
There are only so many Friday and Saturday nights in December. Not only will you find yourself competing to find a location, you will be competing with other events to get your invitees to attend. Can you do it on a weekday evening or even better in November or January. You might even be able to save yourself a bit of money as a lot of places with offer off-season pricing.
Do a team building activity.
Instead of a party, invite your employees and even their guests to go do something. Scavenger hunts, cooking classes, pottery painting, or volunteering at a local charity are just a few ideas.
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