How We Took Our Team to Paris for Our Holiday Party

Celebrations and gatherings are kind of a big deal here at The Venue Report. Beyond our daily mantra of “promote happiness,” we intentionally set time aside to gather with one another and our loved ones for special holidays (and even the not so special ones). It’s been a year of challenge, growth and “new” – within the sphere of our office and out in the world. With all that has happened in our personal and public lives, we were greatly inspired and encouraged by the notion of manifestation and the mentality of “the universe is never wrong.” We used this positive reinforcement to focus on the future and live in the present. Over the course of the year, we’ve traveled around the globe, welcomed new faces that became family and challenged ourselves more than ever before.



 

To end the year on the highest note yet and celebrate this journey we’ve embarked on together, we collaborated with some of our favorite local artists to make the evening come to life. As we finally took our seats, we collectively forgot we were in sunny San Diego but instead perhaps in Paris. We never saw the bottoms of our glasses, ate until we couldn’t eat another bite, laughed until we cried and maybe shed a tear in reflection of the year. 

 

All That's French & Whimsical 

After our Gypsy Jungle Disco Holiday Party last year that was all things raw and wild, we were inspired by the refined whimsy of the French Countryside for this year’s feté. Deep hues, rich textures (it was really a velveteen affair), black tapered candlesticks and punchy florals danced across our mood boards. As San Diego isn’t known for traditional winter weather, we were determined to transport the team to a colder yet also warmer place altogether. 

 

 

The Perfect Blue Hue

After conducting a city wide search, we stumbled across the french creperie and patisserie, Minou which means “little kitty.” Open for only ten days prior, this Parisian inspired gem already has hundreds of years of stories within its walls: housed in a historic San Diego building, original Parisian street lamps from another century were imported and hung from the ceiling, antique hardware was used and traditional style French moulding was installed throughout. Finish it with the most complex shade of blue and this is one space that will take your breath away. Consider us smitten.

 

 

Talented Connections 

We called on San Diego’s finest (and our close friends) to set the scene and capture it all. Floral designer extraordinaire, Jill of Layered Vintage knew precisely what to do after one look at our inspiration board and created the most stunning dark and moody yet vibrant and soft floral arrangements. Farra of Hostess Haven adorned the table with her finest flatware and serveware, finishing each setting with a velvet bow. Photographer Brogen Jessup beautifully captured the entire magical evening ensuring we would remember this for years to come. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Delectable Creations

Minou’s sister restaurant, Cafe Chloe, thoughtfully designed a simply elegant menu that our entire team savored and enjoyed:

Canapes included house cured salmon, roast tomato tartes and petite vol au vente with chicken.

Starters included spiced butternut squash soup and crisp citrus salad.

Main courses included vegan pasta, whole roast chicken and salmon with salsa verde.

Desserts ranged from house made crepes to lavender shortbread cookies to creme brûlée. 

 

 

 

Credits

Venue: Minou | Photography: Brogen Jessup | Floral Design: Layered Vintage | Tabletop: Hostess Haven | Food: Cafe Chloe | Table coverings: La Tavola Linens