By Linda Shack

There are many reasons to plan a corporate event: perhaps your company is celebrating an important milestone, launching a new product or service, honoring important clients and employees, or hosting an annual holiday celebration.  Whatever the reason, as full service event planners, we always try to make every event fun and memorable.

The key to that experience lies in adding a twist. At Pepper’s, we try to infuse many corporate events with a unique element that makes each event unique to your company and your cause for celebration. We think creatively about all the key elements that make events special, from the menu to the design elements—linens, flowers and even the attire of our staff.                                                              

Last fall, we were asked to plan a Halloween party for 300 employees of a technology company. The theme was “old Hollywood horror films.” Our team of planners, chefs, and style and design experts immediately went to work thinking of creative ways to execute this theme. Our collaboration resulted in several very unique twists. These came through in the presentation of the food stations, which were inspired by a classic horror movie, the design of the guest tables, and even the staff’s costumes.

One of my favorite elements was our “Frankenstein Autopsy.” Playing off the classic movie Frankenstein, we presented his body on a gurney. In the center, we offered meatloaf with “terror” mashed potatoes that were infused into his body. The chef who was serving the delicious combination “performed” the autopsy. It was quite the conversation piece as well as a culinary delight!

The staff costumes were another favorite element. We encouraged everyone representing Pepper’s at the event – from the planners to the bartenders and wait staff – to dress as their favorite Hollywood horror character and offered prizes to the top three costumes. The staff enjoyed this, and so did all the event guests!

Each station and guest table was designed to evoke a different horror movie. We used black table linens and our artistic staff used chalk to write the titles and quotes from movies, and even drew a few scenes and characters from the classics. We purposely left the chalk on the tables so guests could add their own creative touch, which many did, while others opted to write messages thanking the company for a truly special evening, one like no other.

While events like this can be challenging to execute, with careful planning and the collaboration of a creative team working together, they are fun for all involved, but especially for the guests.

The Pepper’s team prides itself on always exceeding our clients’ expectations with memorable and unique events. Please feel free to Contact Us with your idea for an event with a twist. We look forward to collaborating with you and turning your vision into a reality.