We are delighted to contribute to an editorial article on Washington Family magazine. In this article titled, “Celebrating Thanksgiving in a Pandemic: What can you do to ensure a safe and festive holiday?” along with other Washington, DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia party planners and mental health experts, we offer some tips and advice on what to consider when planning Thanksgiving in 2020 with Covid/Coronavirus still having an impact. These ideas apply to any celebrations and gatherings in 2020 or even into 2021, including Christmas, Hanukkah, New Years Eve, birthdays, anniversaries. Check it out! For more celebration event planning tips, check out our blog archive.
Geek Chic 50th Birthday Party at Hay Adams Hotel
Our client is quite a renaissance man. He considers himself a maker, quite handy with all kinds of projects. While he works in IT, he loves abstract art. Even though he has lived in California for quite a while and is influenced by its sensibilities, he wanted something refined in Washington, DC where he grew up, to celebrate his milestone 50th birthday party. He also wanted an activity that was as inclusive as possible for his guests to participate. We planned a delicious brunch at the Top of the Hay at the Hay Adams Hotel in Washington, DC, followed by a fun mosaic tiling activity. Guests got to make coasters and photo frames with an assortment of mosaic tiles as a keepsake, but also contribute to a large piece of mosaic art that our client got to keep. All photos by Kurstin Roe, unless where indicated.
I loved the Sahara Chartreuse Tablecloth from DC Rental with its abstract vibe. Because the hotel’s in-house chairs had a strong yellowish green tone, it was not easy finding a tablecloth that coordinated well with it.
Fluffy Thoughts designed a birthday cake in an abstract style, with computer motherboards peeking out from underneath the fondant.Photo: Vicky ChoyPetals Edge designed a centerpiece that was more masculine but still artistically interesting.
Jenlene from Mizz Mozaic displayed an array of colored tiles in various shapes for guests to choose from.
This was the group project where guests could select a tile to contribute to the piece and then signed their name as a keepsake to the birthday boy. He will later add twinkling lights where the wood pegs are located and display it in his yard.
Jazz trio from Lucy Black Entertainment created a classy atmosphere.
Event Team
Event Planner: Vicky Choy, Event Accomplished
Venue: Top of the Hay at the Hay Adams Hotel, Washington, DC
Jazz Trio: Lucy Black Entertainment
Birthday Cake: Fluffy Thoughts
Floral Design: Petals Edge
Linen Rental: DC Rental
Mosaic Activity: Mizz Mozaic
Cocktail Napkins: ForYourParty
For our clients, a milestone birthday such as a 50th birthday party is an opportunity to gather loved ones from near and far. Check out our other 50th birthday parties.
A Sophisticated Dinner Celebration for Foodies
From the very beginning, our client told us that this dinner party was all about fine dining and fine wine. It was also the first time our clients have hosted about 40 guests in their classic Georgetown Washington, DC row house. How do we combine fine dining with a cocktail-style reception, balancing the casual feel of an at-home party with the classic, formal decor style of the home and of a celebratory dinner? The key was to finding the right partners. We worked with Augie Bove of Design Cuisine on serving composed small plates for the entrees, which allowed the presentation to be elegant and interesting which was important to our client. Guests could eat all the food with just a fork. Philippa Tarrant helped design floral arrangements in green, white and grays that complemented the neutral tones of the home. Enjoy the photos. All photos by Deb Lindsey except where noted.
Philippa Tarrant helped us create a welcoming scene of candles inside lanterns accented with white blooms along the black iron staircase. Left photo by Deb Lindsey. Right photo by Vicky Choy.
We started the evening off with passed hors d’oeuvres including a lump crab savory cones and a salmon sashimi spoon. Photos by Vicky Choy
On the kitchen island, Design Cuisine prepared a cheese and charcuterie station.
Anchoring the kitchen island was a tall and loose arrangement of white roses, stock, snapdragons and Queen Anne’s lace with foliage
The main courses featured composed small plates (clockwise starting at top left): charcoal grilled grass fed beef tenderloin; dungeness crab and avocado salad; Alaskan Halibut; char grilled vegetables with millet and cilantro walnut pesto.
A coffee table arrangement of soft green foliage, dusty miller, white roses, stock and snapdragons, and snow on the mountain. Photo by Vicky Choy
For the dining room table, a low arrangement using the soft gray green foliage with dusty miller, white roses, Queen Anne’s lace, astrantia, and snapdragons. Photo by Vicky Choy.
The roaring fireplace drew guests out into the courtyard despite the chilly temperatures.
Event Partners
Event Planner: Vicky Choy, Event Accomplished
Venue: Private Residence in Georgetown, Washington, DC
Catering: Design Cuisine, Arlington, VA
Wine, Beer and Spirits: Ace Beverage, Washington, DC
Photographer: Deb Lindsey
Floral Design: Philippa Tarrant
Linen Rentals: DC Rental and BBJ Linen
Invitations: Minted
Cocktail Napkins: ForYourParty.com
Finding the right event suppliers is half the battle and this is where working with an event planner can give you access to these Washington, DC area professionals.