"The only real stumbling block is fear of failure. In cooking you've got to have a what-the-hell attitude."

-Julia Child

HELP!---WHERE SHOULD WE HOLD OUR HOLIDAY PARTY?

Don't feel pinned down to just December, when so much is going on and everyone's calendars are booked up with conflicts. Many companies throw parties early, in November, or later, in January to spread out the celebration season.

HOT HOLIDAY VENUES:

Holiday events come in all shapes and sizes, and Culinary Concepts can offer advice for any client or budget. The climate of holiday parties has changed drastically over the past decade, and we know some planners are left scratching their heads looking for original ideas. Let us help you to do the brainstorming!

The Air & Space Museum, with wide-open spaces and lots of natural light, this venue can host up to 1,500 guests, and has realistic motion simulators and an amazing Star Trek exhibit! The exhibit contains the most comprehensive collection of authentic ships, sets, costumes and props from all 5 series and 10 films over the last 40 years (We've seen it—it's amazing and you don't have to be a "Trekkie" to enjoy it). Hurry up; this exhibit will only be in San Diego until January 4th, 2009! This is also a great kid-friendly venue.
USS Midway, no matter your group's size or what type of holiday event they have attended in the past, your guests are guaranteed to be "Wowed" by a holiday party aboard the Midway. It is like nothing else! Historic and picturesque, entertaining and awe-inspiring, and central to downtown, the holiday event held on the Midway will be unforgettable. The beautiful Parade of Lights is coming up; watch it from the Flight Deck of the ship on Sunday, December 14th, at 5:15 pm! Tickets are $30.00 each for members, and include a delicious Italian dinner (catered by US!), and festive strolling carolers.
Your Place!: Can't or don't want to fork out extra money to rent a venue? Let us come to you! We'll help you to transform your office space or private home into a party atmosphere, and we'll bring the food to you!

Helpful Hints and Ideas:

Change it up! Make sure you change the look, feel, or theme of the event from year to year. Even if last's year's event was a big hit, guests may find it boring if you do the exact same thing again.
Invite the family! If you allow your staff to bring their families rather than just a date, people's expectations and behaviors will change, too. Alcohol consumption will decrease and more people will be able to attend since they don't have to find babysitters.
Plan a Luncheon! We tend to think of parties as evening affairs, but they don't have to be. Venue rental rates are often less during the day.
Rent a Photo Booth or set up a fun photo op with props! People love to ham it up for the cameras, and the results provide plenty to talk about Monday morning back at the office.
Go Beyond Casino Night! Try the latest trend in games-- a Wii Tournament! Add on Air Hockey, Pinball, and our personal favorite 'Dance Dance Revolution,' for a complete arcade.